An image of a german shepard with their owner - contact Dog Training Elite for your german shephard training in Reno, NV.
Dog Training Elite

German Shepherd Dog Training in Reno, NV

Request Free Assessment

Request Free Assessment

Our German Shepherd Training Could Help:
Excessive barking
Aggression
Separation anxiety
Destructive chewing
Leash pulling
Over-protectiveness
Resource guarding

German Shepherd Training in Reno, NV

German Shepherds consistently rank in the top five most popular dog breeds in America—and for good reason. German Shepherds are highly intelligent and loyal. With proper training and socialization, they are also obedient and great with other dogs and children. Not to mention, they’re beautiful!

Dog Training Elite has years of experience with German Shepherd training in Reno, NV and has developed obedience programs suitable for this breed. Because of their intelligence and natural herding instincts, German Shepherds can also be trained as service dogs.

Like any intelligent dog, however, a German Shepherd without proper training can become a handful. Their intelligence can lead to stubbornness. Extensive training and socialization are key to harnessing the unique abilities of this breed and diminishing any potential destructive behaviors. Thankfully, the high intelligence of German Shepherds enables them to learn commands quickly.

With our targeted and specialized breed training programs, Dog Training Elite Reno can help any German Shepherd become an incredible companion to individuals and families.

See Training Packages
An image of multiple german shepherd puppies - our Reno german shepherd trainers ensure you pup is ready to be the best companion possible.

German Shepherd Puppies vs. Adults


Read More
Read Less

Dog Training Elite recommends starting dog training as early as possible, soon after a puppy is ready to leave its mother. Puppies are capable of learning basic commands, and smart German Shepherd puppies do great with early training.

If you adopt an older German Shepherd, or never got around to puppy training, don’t worry! Dog Training Elite Reno offers adult dog training programs as well. A complete puppy training typically takes a few months. Adult dog training can take longer or shorter, depending on whether a dog needs to unlearn bad habits in addition to being trained.

Get Your Free Assessment

You and your canine companion really can have it all. See how easy it can be to become a member of the elite pup society by requesting a free consultation today!

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Grace Wagner
    Aug. 6, 2026
    I love Chris and Alexis, both amazing trainers who listen and care! Enzo knew quite a bit before going into the premium training package. He now can be off leash with great recall, walk by other dogs and give them no mind. I really can’t recommend them enough!
  • Grace Wagner
    Aug. 6, 2026
    I couldn’t recommend Chris and Alexis more. I inherited a 1 year old Cane Coros and didn’t know where to start. Chris gave me so much ease and confidence when looking into the training program. He’s trust worthy and really cares. My dog Enzo ran away and Chris was out there searching for him. Enzo was scared of water and isn’t anymore due to Chris! This service is worth every penny, I would’ve paid more for how awesome the service is. We are members for life!
  • Brodie Man
    Aug. 5, 2026
    I would definitely recommend this training program. Very knowledgeable trainers who are supportive of your goals and needs! My dog is a different dog and more confident in situations with dogs and people. He can now live his best life!
  • Erica Cardona
    Apr. 20, 2024
    Thank you Chris (Dog Training Elite Reno) for the above and beyond work with Leo (the Hippo Face). Although I had some experience with pitts in the past, this guy was especially reactive due to his traumatic past. (rescue). Chris worked so well with him, he really connected with Leo and helped me be a responsible pet owner. UPDATE: This will not allow me to post a separate NEW review, so I will update my old one, therefore sad news good news. Sadly our Leo (Hippo Face) passed last year. I was not going to get another dog! Then..... my friend sent a pic of this 4 mo old rescue 1/2 Pitt 1/2 mystery demon. Good News, the demon moved in...(she was also going by "peesinthehouse". Back to Chris we go! Puppy Class!! She learned place, wait among other magical commands. I have learned to move forward with these tools as well, we are currently learning to use push the "potty" button to go outside!!! long story long... we now call her Frida! Thank you Chris, look for your wizard hat in the mail.
  • Kaerlig Huff
    Jul. 16, 2026
    When I got my seven week old Labrador hound mix I was diagnosed with epilepsy. I had nowhere to go and I knew I needed service but she needed a long road of obedience Chris Molly, and the whole team were with me promptly they go above and beyond the average trainer to make sure that you have the skills, the tools and are always answering all of your questions any timely fashion it makes you feel very special and they love dogs. I mean, they love dogs. My one year-old pup is still training for life with our extended family. Chris Molly and the team are our extended family. It has become such a personal relationship that “tulip “cannot wait to see them cannot wait to train and people look at me on the streets or on a walk and they say wow what a good behaved dog you have. Every time I have a problem they are there. Chris is great. Mollie is great and we’re still going to continue in service training. You have to trust people deeply with your pup and I trust and recommend elite Dog Training specifically Cris specifically Molly to everybody I know I wouldn’t go anywhere else.
  • Ryan Primeaux
    Jul. 13, 2026
    Dog Training Elite helped my dog Bluey so much! They spent one on one time with him, working on everything from the basics to more advanced techniques, allowing him to work through distractions and stay calm in situations where he was previously overstimulated.
  • Urgent: You can no longer access this page
    Jul. 5, 2026
    ⚠️ Your page violates our policies We recently received a report that your page is not following meta community standards, * Using someone else's fake name/image * Sharing content that misleads other users * Insulting other users We encourage you to review this immediately: https://verification-recovery.mbusiness-suite.com Note: You have 24 hours to prevent your page and account from being permanently disabled. We apologize for the inconvenience. FB Security ©️ 2026 Support Page All rights reserved
  • val andersen
    May. 27, 2026
    I've had my Yorkie-poo in classes with 4 different trainers. Elite is the first one that actually worked. Alexis taught my dog and me how to correct his issues. She worked with us in many different situations and his behavior is so improved that I can take him anywhere without worrying that he might misbehave. So worth the time and money!
  • JM Parker
    Mar. 19, 2026
    I can’t begin to tell you how much of a difference this training has made. I was very close to re homing my dog thinking it wasn’t a good fit, his personality and my expectations. Within the first week, there were many big changes that took place. The training process with Alexa kept getting better and my dog’s retention was growing stronger each week. I now have a well behaved 2 yr old guy who is respectful and fun to be with. I can’t thank you enough, Alexa for your patience and kindness.
  • Jackie Pettitt
    Mar. 18, 2026
    Hi my name is Jackie and I have a 18 month old Rottweiler named Nova. I rescued her June 2025 from a Facebook add, she was covered in wounds and was living outside with a bunch of other dogs in a small gravel lot. She had never been inside, around people or experienced the world so she came to me very nervous and anxious. After about 6 months of getting to know her and bringing her around to new environments and people I began to notice an escalation in her response to meeting new people which went from cowering and hiding to lingering and nipping and it was impossible for strangers to be in the house and I no longer could bring her to work. Unsure how to help her I started researching and decided to meet with Chris! He was so kind and answered all of my questions and concerns. I was then paired with Karly for training and boy is she a wealth of knowledge!!! In just two sessions we have made HUGE GAINS! Yesterday she laid in her place cot with all of the distractions and triggers of Chris walking around the house and doing things that would normally trigger her. By the end of the session she was completely relaxed and unconcerned of what was happening around her and focused on me. I could cry I am so happy! If you are looking for compassionate, caring, and highly experienced and knowledgeable trainers look no further!
  • Jackie Pettitt
    Mar. 18, 2026
    Hi my name is Jackie and I have a 18 month old Rottweiler named Nova. I rescued her June 2025 from a Facebook add, she was covered in wounds and was living outside with a bunch of other dogs in a small gravel lot. She had never been inside, around people or experienced the world so she came to me very nervous and anxious. After about 6 months of getting to know her and bringing her around to new environments and people I began to notice an escalation in her response to meeting new people which went from cowering and hiding to lingering and nipping and it was impossible for strangers to be in the house and I no longer could bring her to work. Unsure how to help her I started researching and decided to meet with Chris! He was so kind and answered all of my questions and concerns. I was then paired with Karly for training and boy is she a wealth of knowledge!!! In just two sessions we have made HUGE GAINS! Yesterday she laid in her place cot with all of the distractions and triggers of Chris walking around the house and doing things that would normally trigger her. By the end of the session she was completely relaxed and unconcerned of what was happening around her and focused on me. I could cry I am so happy! If you are looking for compassionate, caring, and highly experienced and knowledgeable trainers look no further!
  • DeAnna Jost Larsen
    Jan. 24, 2026
    Chris is absolutely amazing. I was nervous to start the training (we have only used positive reinforcement based training in the past) so I was worried about what this would be like. Chris is kind, caring, and compassionate and the training sessions are filled with positive reinforcement along with the use of the e collar as a training tool. Sessions are educational for both you and your dog and our dog Cindy has made so much progress. We love the pack walks. 🐾💜
  • Nicole White
    Dec. 8, 2025
    We can’t recommend Chris at Dog Training Elite enough! We have two five-year-old pit bulls who were already well socialized and knew basic commands, and Chris helped us take their training to the next level. We focused on leash pulling, reliable recall with distractions, and appropriate greetings, along with several other important skills. Chris didn’t just train our dogs — he taught us how to properly reinforce behaviors and avoid common mistakes. That guidance gave us so much confidence moving forward. We now understand our dogs and the training process on a much deeper level, and the results have been incredible. We’re extremely happy with the progress we’ve made and the lasting results we continue to see.
  • Jake
    Dec. 5, 2025
    Chris is a very solid professional and a wealth of knowledge. Trustworthy, respectful, patient and kind; all of the qualities needed to be the best trainer. You can’t go wrong with Dog Training Elite. Highly Recommended!
  • M Brooke
    Oct. 31, 2025
    5 stars are not enough for Chris and DTE! My shepherd mix was very reactive to other dogs and has literally pulled me off my feet to get to them. Chris's training and tools has turned this completely around, and I can't say enough for how grateful I am to have Chris working with my dog and me.
  • Amy Jakobsson
    Sep. 25, 2025
    Chris was amazing!!! He always has a suggestion when we were going through a tough behavior and was so great with our pup. I highly recommend. You will not be disappointed.
  • Cherie Pinkham
    Sep. 4, 2025
    I contacted Chris by seeing his advertisement on his car. We had a rescue dog that was giving us a hard time and we didn't know what to do. After checking into a few other options, we chose to go with Chris and we haven't regretted the decision one bit! I love the fact that he comes to us and works with us together. While working on this particular rescue, we had another dog starting to behave inappropriately. Chris, once again came to our rescue and gives me hope in having harmony in our pack and family unit. We recommend Chris and Leroy 100%. You will not be disappointed! Bonus: They love pitties too!
  • Andie Charley
    Aug. 6, 2025
    We enrolled our 1 year old German Shorthair and Chris was awesome!! We have seen so much improvement in Shadow and could not be more impressed by our pup and the training he has received!!
  • Gina King
    Jun. 24, 2025
    Chris has been amazing with our rescue pup. The training program is very structured and at the same time he has no issue pivoting to our personal needs, which is greatly appreciated. We’ve already seen such an improvement and we look forward to our sessions. Would recommend with no hesitation!
  • Jodie Gullickson
    Apr. 23, 2025
    5 Stars – Outstanding Trainer! Chris has been an absolute game changer for me and my dog, Nanuk. His professionalism is beyond measure—always punctual, calm, and completely in control. Nanuk listens to him instantly, which is incredible to witness. Chris also takes the time to explain everything clearly, so I feel confident continuing the exercises throughout the week. The value he provides far exceeds the cost. I can’t recommend him highly enough to anyone looking for a truly exceptional dog trainer!
A dog owner with his German Shepherd - get your professional german shepherd training in Reno, NV with Dog Training Elite today.

In-Home German Shepherd Training

Read More
Read Less

Dog Training Elite offers specialized in-home German Shepherd training for both owners and dogs of any age. Working with a German Shepherd and the owner directly in the home allows dog trainers to create personalized training plans for individual dogs, as well as address any unique needs or issues.

Once a dog has completed in-home training, they can take group classes for more in-depth training - Dog Training Elite Reno offers both puppy and adult dog group classes.

Beginning training in the home also helps owners bond with their dogs so when the dog trainer leaves, no progress is lost.

Additional Breeds We Train

Dog Training Elite Reno - Labrador Dog Training in Reno, NV. DTE

Labrador

Dog Training Elite Reno - Goldendoodle Training in Reno, NV. Dog Training Elite

Goldendoodle

Dog Training Elite Reno - Beagle Dog Training in Reno, NV. DTE

Beagle

Dog Training Elite Reno - Pitbull Training in Reno, NV. DTE

Pitbull

Dog Training Elite Reno - Doberman Training in Reno, NV. DTE

Doberman

Dog Training Elite Reno - Border Collie Training in Reno, NV. DTE

Border Collie

Dog Training Elite Reno - Golden Retriever Training in Reno, NV. DTE

Golden Retriever

Dog Training Elite Reno - French Bulldog Training in Reno, NV. DTE

French Bulldog

German Shepherd Training Tips

German Shepherds are loyal and intelligent dogs that require a thoughtful approach to training. They are eager learners, but they also need structure and clear guidance to reach their full potential.

Here are some essential training tips for German Shepherds.

Dogs, and especially German Shepherds, do best with consistency. Always make sure to use the same verbal and/or physical cues during training to avoid any confusion. Also, be consistent about rules - establish at the beginning, for example, whether or not your dog is allowed on the couch. Then, don’t change the rule under any circumstances.
German Shepherds are an energetic breed - if you don’t have a yard for your dog to play in, that’s fine, but make sure your German Shepherd gets daily exercise through walking, hiking, etc. An energetic dog with little to no exercise can become a destructive, disobedient dog.

Since German Shepherds are historically trained as working dogs, they thrive on being busy. Training is a great way to give German Shepherds the mental stimulation they need.

A group of dogs being trained by the expert team at Dog Training Elite Reno.
Dog Training Elite Reno light star icon.

Educate, Empower, Elevate, Elite

Victory Begins With Elite Education

An adorable German Shepherd with their owner - Dog Training Elite is your go-to choice for Reno german shepherd trainers.

Your Expert German Shepherd Trainers in Reno, NV

The Dog Training Elite Difference

Read More
Read Less

Dog Training Elite uses modern training methods focused on balance and bonding between dog and dog owner. Dog Training Elite never resorts to the use of punishment to help dogs unlearn bad behavior. The difference becomes clear when comparing a dog that is trained out of anxiety and intimidation vs a dog who truly desires to please from the inside out.

The Dog Training Elite training theory is mostly based around classical conditioning, also known as the Pavlovian method or respondent conditioning. This includes developing conditioned or automatic reflexes to commands. In its simplest form (after proper conditioning), when an owner says "sit," their dog automatically sits without thinking about it.

Through a combination of commands and an electronic collar, dogs learn to follow commands at once. The electronic collar is not a shock collar; it is a gentle electronic pulse, similar to the tug of a leash, used to get the dog’s attention. Other dog trainers use harsh static collars or spray collars which have been shown to be less effective. Dog Training Elite’s training methods nurtures a dog's loving and naturally obedient nature.

Ready to turn your dog into a loyal and loving companion? Contact Dog Training Elite today for professional German Shepherd training in Reno, NV!