In-House Payment Plans & Financing Available to Help Finance your Dog's Education
An image of a german shepard with their owner - contact Dog Training Elite for your german shephard training in Charleston / Summerville, SC.

Professional Training For

German Shepherds

Dog Training Elite Lowcountry

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 Charleston / Summerville, SC

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 Charleston / Summerville, SC 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 Lowcountry can help any German Shepherd become an incredible companion to individuals and families.

See Training Packages
An image of multiple german shepherd puppies - our Charleston / Summerville 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 Lowcountry 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

  • SuperTrucker82
    May. 7, 2025
    I most definitely recommend DOG TRAINING ELITE. I HAVE A 5 month cane corso MAXIMUS. BAELEIGH HAS BEEN AWESOME AND EXTREMELY HELPFUL. THERES A NIGHT AND DAY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HIS BEHAVIOR.
  • Allison Benning
    May. 2, 2025
    Y’all. If you need a dog trainer, you need Baeleigh. She is AMAZING. She just has a way about her and my dog loves her. He was super reactive to other dogs and after just a few sessions he is a completely different dog. I cannot believe it. He’s also stopped call barking in the back yard and doesn’t try to steal food off the table anymore. YAY! We do our homework and “trust the process”. HUGE RESULTS. I’m mad I waited so long to get help so don’t make that mistake!! Baeleigh will help you turn your dog into the good boy or girl they are meant to be ❤️
  • Caitlyn Zoeller
    Apr. 17, 2025
    We have had a great experience. Expectations are clearly set. Training barriers are understood and worked within our abilities and goals to deal with any barriers are broken down to manageable steps. I always get positive feedback back each session, even when the dogs have been stubborn with not wanting to cooperate. We have 2 little kids in the home and natural chaos is welcomed to our training sessions as it is just part of life. Scheduling is easy to coordinate.
  • Sophie Robles (StrengthByFaith)
    Apr. 15, 2025
    My husband and I have been working with Baeleigh for almost a month now and the progress we’ve seen with our dog Winston has been incredible! As a rescue, he struggles with anxiety and aggression but outside of that he is the absolute sweetest dog. With just a few solid weeks of training and structure he is much more calm, well-behaved and gets so proud of himself when he learns new skills and commands! The photos attached are from this week when he finally started to understand the “place” command. While we were hesitant to get a dog trainer at first since it’s such a big investment, it has been 100% worth it for us so far. We still have lots of work to do but I honestly can’t believe the progress he’s made in just a few short weeks!
  • Louis M.
    Mar. 18, 2025
    Baeleigh is dynamite. She not only trains but teaches you the whys what’s n therefore’s. Really couldn’t ask for more.
  • Nathan Oh
    Mar. 15, 2025
    Baeleigh, Denham is by far the best trainer, she is understanding, easy to work with, straight forward, competent, and with her optimistic addittude it's impossible to not like her. We have a 8 month old bernese who is now perfect because of the guidance and training we have received from her and we couldn't ask for more. If you are EVEN considering getting a dog trainer by a professional, please use Dog Training Elite Low country and ask for Baeleigh, Denham, you won't regret it!
  • Jay Blitch
    Mar. 8, 2025
    DTE is doing a great job helping Pickle become a service dog.
  • Robin Dewar
    Feb. 26, 2025
    I started back in August with a very crazy Pug wasn’t sure how he was going to do. It’s been 6 months and I can’t believe the difference and he also became a Service Dog. The training we received was awesome the trainers are great and I highly recommend there programs. BayLeigh has been doing task training and it has been so helpful.
  • Peter Beck
    Jan. 17, 2025
    We started with two four-month-old labs. Colby and Baeleigh have both gone and above to help train our pups. The “boys” look forward to working with them every time.
  • Jody Smith
    Dec. 19, 2024
    We have a great pyrenees who we thought would be a good therapy dog. During our first training session, we realized how helpful the training would be for us. He was a good dog but had some bothersome behaviors. A few lessons in and our home life has changed. Baeleigh has literally walked with us through his journey in becoming a therapy dog. He is extremely well-behaved. We highly recommend Baeleigh. She is creative, positive and committed to helping us achieve our goals.
  • Michael- Lauren Berry
    Nov. 19, 2024
    Baleigh at Dog Training Elite is an amazing trainer. She has helped us train our sweet golden girl Maggie as a therapy dog. We have been working with her since Maggie was around nine weeks old and she’s now nine months old and she has transformed so much in such a short time. We are so thrilled with the progress she has made and all the support from dog training elite. She still has some work to go, but she is on her way to being a wonderful therapy dog. I know she’ll be able to help so many people with her sweet and kind demeanor and using all her skills she has learned in training. I cannot thank the team enough for what this process has done for our family already. It’s amazing just to see how my kids interact with her and people in our neighborhood. And how she brings so many smiles to peoples faces.
  • Ron Meserve
    Nov. 6, 2024
    Excelled beyond expectations. The scheduling was handled efficiently. The coach, Baeleigh Denham, was a joy to work with. Very professional. Attentive. Patient but firm. I highly recommend Elite for anyone wanting a highly effective dog training (actually, owner training) resource.
  • Ciara Wood
    Oct. 29, 2024
    Baeleigh is the best! She is so knowledgeable about animal behavior and explains everything so it makes sense. She helped me be more confident when I’m training my dog.I noticed major progress within the first month of working with her. Ranger used to pull me down the side walk and try to wiggle out of his collar if he didn’t want to comply, but now he will walk by my side, I can take him in Public without him being crazy, and so much more. The group classes are also great for exposure around other dogs. I would recommend Baeleigh and dog training elite over and over again!
  • Nicole
    Oct. 26, 2024
    COLBY is the GOAT. We choose Dog Training Elite because of Colby. From our first sign up meeting through our sessions, Colby has been professional and so incredibly supportive and instructive. Her patience with us and ability to not only train our dog, Diesel, but our family so we are all on the same page has been outstanding. I highly recommend DTE and Colby.
  • Shanel Pierce
    Oct. 23, 2024
    Our bernedoodle learned very quickly in the service dog program. The trainers are very knowledgeable and professional. We are very pleased with his progress and behavior.
  • Emily Gibbons
    Oct. 11, 2024
    Colby and Baeleigh have done an excellent job Training both my dog and me! I’m very pleased!!
  • tyler sciarrino
    Oct. 11, 2024
    I got a puppy earlier this year and immediately searched for a trainer. I made an appointment and a week later met Colby for a consultation. She was knowledgeable, kind, and professional. Almost 6 months later my puppy is exceptionally well trained and on her way to being a service dog. I’m so thankful for this company and their support. Highly recommend!
  • Delirious Davies
    Oct. 5, 2024
    This company has helped us turn our Airdale around from a terrified, aggressive canine to a well-behaved pooch. Colby and Bayleigh have been fantastic to us! Bayleigh often leads the group sessions and our individual sessions are mostly with Colby. They spend most of their time teaching us how to build our dog's confidence and obedience so she can live a happier life.
  • P HAHN
    Sep. 11, 2024
    We appreciate the instructors from Dog Training Elite Lowcountry.. Both trainers Baeliegh and Colby were very knowledgeable and helpful to us. Each lesson built on previous ones & helped our puppy improve. Even more than thst they provided helpful information on care & ideas to improve our pet’s daily life. Thanks! 🐶
  • Megan Sanders
    Sep. 9, 2024
    We’ve had the best experience with training for our puppy. Bayleigh is amazing & we love working with her & this company!
  • SuperTrucker82
    May. 7, 2025
    I most definitely recommend DOG TRAINING ELITE. I HAVE A 5 month cane corso MAXIMUS. BAELEIGH HAS BEEN AWESOME AND EXTREMELY HELPFUL. THERES A NIGHT AND DAY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HIS BEHAVIOR.
  • Allison Benning
    May. 2, 2025
    Y’all. If you need a dog trainer, you need Baeleigh. She is AMAZING. She just has a way about her and my dog loves her. He was super reactive to other dogs and after just a few sessions he is a completely different dog. I cannot believe it. He’s also stopped call barking in the back yard and doesn’t try to steal food off the table anymore. YAY! We do our homework and “trust the process”. HUGE RESULTS. I’m mad I waited so long to get help so don’t make that mistake!! Baeleigh will help you turn your dog into the good boy or girl they are meant to be ❤️
  • Caitlyn Zoeller
    Apr. 17, 2025
    We have had a great experience. Expectations are clearly set. Training barriers are understood and worked within our abilities and goals to deal with any barriers are broken down to manageable steps. I always get positive feedback back each session, even when the dogs have been stubborn with not wanting to cooperate. We have 2 little kids in the home and natural chaos is welcomed to our training sessions as it is just part of life. Scheduling is easy to coordinate.
  • Sophie Robles (StrengthByFaith)
    Apr. 15, 2025
    My husband and I have been working with Baeleigh for almost a month now and the progress we’ve seen with our dog Winston has been incredible! As a rescue, he struggles with anxiety and aggression but outside of that he is the absolute sweetest dog. With just a few solid weeks of training and structure he is much more calm, well-behaved and gets so proud of himself when he learns new skills and commands! The photos attached are from this week when he finally started to understand the “place” command. While we were hesitant to get a dog trainer at first since it’s such a big investment, it has been 100% worth it for us so far. We still have lots of work to do but I honestly can’t believe the progress he’s made in just a few short weeks!
  • Louis M.
    Mar. 18, 2025
    Baeleigh is dynamite. She not only trains but teaches you the whys what’s n therefore’s. Really couldn’t ask for more.
  • Nathan Oh
    Mar. 15, 2025
    Baeleigh, Denham is by far the best trainer, she is understanding, easy to work with, straight forward, competent, and with her optimistic addittude it's impossible to not like her. We have a 8 month old bernese who is now perfect because of the guidance and training we have received from her and we couldn't ask for more. If you are EVEN considering getting a dog trainer by a professional, please use Dog Training Elite Low country and ask for Baeleigh, Denham, you won't regret it!
  • Jay Blitch
    Mar. 8, 2025
    DTE is doing a great job helping Pickle become a service dog.
  • Robin Dewar
    Feb. 26, 2025
    I started back in August with a very crazy Pug wasn’t sure how he was going to do. It’s been 6 months and I can’t believe the difference and he also became a Service Dog. The training we received was awesome the trainers are great and I highly recommend there programs. BayLeigh has been doing task training and it has been so helpful.
  • Peter Beck
    Jan. 17, 2025
    We started with two four-month-old labs. Colby and Baeleigh have both gone and above to help train our pups. The “boys” look forward to working with them every time.
  • Jody Smith
    Dec. 19, 2024
    We have a great pyrenees who we thought would be a good therapy dog. During our first training session, we realized how helpful the training would be for us. He was a good dog but had some bothersome behaviors. A few lessons in and our home life has changed. Baeleigh has literally walked with us through his journey in becoming a therapy dog. He is extremely well-behaved. We highly recommend Baeleigh. She is creative, positive and committed to helping us achieve our goals.
  • Michael- Lauren Berry
    Nov. 19, 2024
    Baleigh at Dog Training Elite is an amazing trainer. She has helped us train our sweet golden girl Maggie as a therapy dog. We have been working with her since Maggie was around nine weeks old and she’s now nine months old and she has transformed so much in such a short time. We are so thrilled with the progress she has made and all the support from dog training elite. She still has some work to go, but she is on her way to being a wonderful therapy dog. I know she’ll be able to help so many people with her sweet and kind demeanor and using all her skills she has learned in training. I cannot thank the team enough for what this process has done for our family already. It’s amazing just to see how my kids interact with her and people in our neighborhood. And how she brings so many smiles to peoples faces.
  • Ron Meserve
    Nov. 6, 2024
    Excelled beyond expectations. The scheduling was handled efficiently. The coach, Baeleigh Denham, was a joy to work with. Very professional. Attentive. Patient but firm. I highly recommend Elite for anyone wanting a highly effective dog training (actually, owner training) resource.
  • Ciara Wood
    Oct. 29, 2024
    Baeleigh is the best! She is so knowledgeable about animal behavior and explains everything so it makes sense. She helped me be more confident when I’m training my dog.I noticed major progress within the first month of working with her. Ranger used to pull me down the side walk and try to wiggle out of his collar if he didn’t want to comply, but now he will walk by my side, I can take him in Public without him being crazy, and so much more. The group classes are also great for exposure around other dogs. I would recommend Baeleigh and dog training elite over and over again!
  • Nicole
    Oct. 26, 2024
    COLBY is the GOAT. We choose Dog Training Elite because of Colby. From our first sign up meeting through our sessions, Colby has been professional and so incredibly supportive and instructive. Her patience with us and ability to not only train our dog, Diesel, but our family so we are all on the same page has been outstanding. I highly recommend DTE and Colby.
  • Shanel Pierce
    Oct. 23, 2024
    Our bernedoodle learned very quickly in the service dog program. The trainers are very knowledgeable and professional. We are very pleased with his progress and behavior.
  • Emily Gibbons
    Oct. 11, 2024
    Colby and Baeleigh have done an excellent job Training both my dog and me! I’m very pleased!!
  • tyler sciarrino
    Oct. 11, 2024
    I got a puppy earlier this year and immediately searched for a trainer. I made an appointment and a week later met Colby for a consultation. She was knowledgeable, kind, and professional. Almost 6 months later my puppy is exceptionally well trained and on her way to being a service dog. I’m so thankful for this company and their support. Highly recommend!
  • Delirious Davies
    Oct. 5, 2024
    This company has helped us turn our Airdale around from a terrified, aggressive canine to a well-behaved pooch. Colby and Bayleigh have been fantastic to us! Bayleigh often leads the group sessions and our individual sessions are mostly with Colby. They spend most of their time teaching us how to build our dog's confidence and obedience so she can live a happier life.
  • P HAHN
    Sep. 11, 2024
    We appreciate the instructors from Dog Training Elite Lowcountry.. Both trainers Baeliegh and Colby were very knowledgeable and helpful to us. Each lesson built on previous ones & helped our puppy improve. Even more than thst they provided helpful information on care & ideas to improve our pet’s daily life. Thanks! 🐶
  • Megan Sanders
    Sep. 9, 2024
    We’ve had the best experience with training for our puppy. Bayleigh is amazing & we love working with her & this company!
A dog owner with his German Shepherd - get your professional german shepherd training in Charleston / Summerville, SC 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 Lowcountry 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 Lowcountry - Labrador Training in Charleston / Summerville, SC. Dog Training Elite
Labrador
Dog Training Elite Lowcountry - Goldendoodle Training in Charleston / Summerville, SC. Dog Training Elite
Goldendoodle
Dog Training Elite Lowcountry - Beagle Dog Training in Charleston / Summerville, SC. Dog Training Elite
Beagle
Dog Training Elite Lowcountry - Pitbull Training in Charleston / Summerville, SC. DTE
Pitbull
Dog Training Elite Lowcountry - Doberman Training in Charleston / Summerville, SC. DTE
Doberman
Dog Training Elite Lowcountry - Border Collie Training in Charleston / Summerville, SC. DTE
Border Collie
Dog Training Elite Lowcountry - Golden Retriever Training in Charleston / Summerville, SC. DTE
Golden Retriever
Dog Training Elite Lowcountry - French Bulldog Training in Charleston / Summerville, SC. 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 Lowcountry.
Dog Training Elite Lowcountry 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 Charleston / Summerville german shepherd trainers.

Your Expert German Shepherd Trainers in Charleston / Summerville, SC

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 Charleston / Summerville, SC!