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Excessive barking
Aggression
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Destructive chewing
Leash pulling
Over-protectiveness
Resource guarding
German Shepherd Training in Traverse City, MI
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 Traverse City, MI 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 of Northern Michigan can help any German Shepherd become an incredible companion to individuals and families.
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German Shepherd Puppies vs. Adults
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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 of Northern Michigan 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.
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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!
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E Collar. Dog Training Elite
Dog Training Elite is a professional, family-owned dog training company with over 40 years of experience that specializes in strengthening the bond between your dog and your family, with a strong emphasis on teaching your dog the highest level of obedience, despite even the toughest level of distractions.
Group Focus Exercise. Dog Training Elite
In a safe, controlled environment, we guide your dog through essential socialization skills, teaching them to remain calm, focused, and well-mannered, even in the midst of distractions.
FAQs
One of our trainers will visit your home to meet you and your dog and discuss any issues you're facing. We will then demonstrate one of our model dogs so you can see what you can expect after hiring our trainers. From there, we will discuss the various packages we offer and which we feel best suit your (and your dog's) needs.
We provide full obedience training that covers all basic commands, both on and off-leash. Our in-home visits target specific issues like counter-surfing, digging, and more. Unlike some trainers, we work with all breeds, including those often considered challenging.
Yes. You (and anyone in your family who wants to be involved) are integral to your dog getting trained. We need you to practice 5-6 days a week, about 15-20 minutes a day for optimal results.
Once a week. We come to you (with the silver, gold and platinum packages) once a week to start your dog off, then you come to park sessions which are held once a week in Traverse City.
We train dogs of all breeds, sizes, and temperaments. Whether your dog is a tiny Chihuahua or a large Mastiff, we have the experience and expertise to work with them.
In-Home German Shepherd Training
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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 of Northern Michigan 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
Labrador
Goldendoodle
Beagle
Pitbull
Boxer
Doberman
Border Collie
Golden Retriever
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 and physical stimulation they need.
Dog Training Elite has developed training programs for puppies and adult dogs based on positive reinforcement. Our Traverse City German Shepherd trainers are dedicated to protecting your pets mental and physical health while ensuring the best possible results.
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Your Expert German Shepherd Trainers in Traverse City, MI
The Dog Training Elite Difference
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Dog Training Elite uses modern training methods focused on positive reinforcement 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 method of focusing on positive behavior reinforcement 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 Traverse City, MI!