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

German Shepherd Dog Training in Cleveland, OH

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

German Shepherd Training in Cleveland, OH

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 Cleveland, OH 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 in Cleveland Metro can help any German Shepherd become an incredible companion to individuals and families.

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

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 in Cleveland Metro 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!

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Barbara Barresi
    Sep. 22, 2025
    Kevin and Andrea at Dog Training Elite, plus their team, helped us reach our goal to have Tucker become a therapy dog!
  • Heather Cappy
    Sep. 17, 2025
    We LOVED everything! We have a lab that is going to be very big, and wanted to nip training in the butt! We could tell a difference in just two days! Everyone did an amazing job training our dog Bruno! Bruno was excited to go to training and would start waging his tail as soon as we pulled in, which showed the love and care they gave him while training! I highly recommend!!!!!
  • TJ
    Sep. 17, 2025
    I can’t say enough good things about my experience with Dog Training Elite Greater Cleveland. From the very first session, the trainers brought a calm, confident energy that helped both me and my dog feel at ease. Their collective knowledge and professionalism really stood out, and their consistency across sessions made it easy to build momentum and trust the process. What impressed me most was how patient, understanding, and encouraging each trainer was—especially when my dog had those high-energy, impulsive moments. The basic obedience lessons were clear, effective, and adaptable to real-life situations. The whole experience felt structured but never rigid, and always supportive. If you’re serious about results and want trainers who truly care about both you and your dog, this is the team to work with. Easily the best dog training experience I’ve had in the Cleveland area.
  • Jill Petras
    Sep. 11, 2025
    Kevin was excellent with our dog. His directions for her and us were very clear. Our dog really learned a lot during these lessons. I would highly recommend his service.
  • Kay Rose
    Sep. 4, 2025
    DTE is fantastic! Our pup was resource guarding and bit my wife and I. We have grandchildren and this behavior was unacceptable. We were devastated as we thought we would have to rehome her. I began searching for resources and contacted DTE. Hailey came and did an in home evaluation. She was knowledgeable and honest. Despite the cost, it has been worth every penny! We now have a well trained dog that no longer resource guards. DTE is knowledgeable, patient and kind as they want what is best for your dog and you. All of the trainers that worked with our Holly were exceptional. Hailey was Holly’s primary trainer and we can’t thank her enough for saving us and our pup. No matter how many times we asked the same question or needed a review of a command she was 100% engaged and helpful. We highly recommend Dog Training Elite Greater Cleveland to anyone looking for friendly, effective dog training. Thank you for all of your dedication and hard work!!
  • Giovanna Ciaravino
    Aug. 30, 2025
    The team at Dog Training Elite Greater Cleveland demonstrated remarkable kindness, patience, professionalism, and sense of humor, making the dog training experience both enjoyable and informative expertly guiding our dog through Basic obedience lessons. As a dog owner, it was comforting to have a patient and knowledgeable Dog behavior expert working with my aggressive dog towards achieving necessary skills to take him out in public. Josh was extremely knowledgeable in answering many of my questions and patient with my dog’s progression and my family members while learning how to train my dog. Truly if it wasn’t for Dog Training Elite my dog would be in a very tough spot. With this organization I felt confident in my dog and am very proud of the progress we have made! I highly recommend this dog training especially for aggressive dogs that are deemed intolerable.
  • Jack Johnston
    Aug. 29, 2025
    The Dog Trainer at Dog Training Elite Greater Cleveland was extremely professional, knowledgeable, and patient, fostering a supportive environment that helped my dog thrive during basic obedience lessons and in-home training. Her kind approach and expert guidance earned her a reputation as a reliable Dog behavior expert and top-notch Service Dog Trainer in the Cleveland area.
  • Laura Stephens
    Aug. 29, 2025
    Dog Training Elite Greater Cleveland's trainers exude patience, kindnes, and expertise, all of which transformed my unsocialized, wild animal of a 13 wk old mini schnauzer that I couldn't even get a leash or collar on when we got him, into a "walking through the park" on a loose leash dream. The transformation is nothing short of a miracle. I highly recommend Elite. Everyone on their staff is absolutely amazing!
  • Margaret Sohnlein
    Aug. 21, 2025
    Our puppy Charlie had an amazing experience at Dog Training Elite! We can’t believe how much he learned in his two week training camp. Thank you to all of his wonderful trainers!!
  • Laycee Wojo
    Aug. 15, 2025
    Loved this experience and getting to learn more about my dog and train her the correct way, working with Dog training elite has brought me closer to my dog and understanding the correct methods on how to train them without hurting them. Thank you Dog training elite for a wonderful experience!
  • Cali Fleming
    Aug. 15, 2025
    Karly taught us that excited praise motivates our food driven pup better than any treats!
  • Fahmi Adam
    Aug. 15, 2025
    Kevin specializes in service dog training and helped us understand our golden retriever's amazing potential.
  • Ulfatul Hamidah
    Aug. 14, 2025
    (Translated by Google) The dog is so cute, I really want to keep a dog but I'm Muslim 😭😭 pretending to be cute 😘😘 (Original) Anjing nya lucu bgtt,saya pengen bgt memelihara anjing tapi saya islamm😭😭sok cuteee 😘😘
  • Dina Shasi
    Aug. 14, 2025
    Josh quickly changed separation anxiety using techniques that address root causes.
  • Hayes Browning
    Aug. 14, 2025
    Hayley taught us excited praise motivates better than any food treats 🦴
  • Reed Benson
    Aug. 13, 2025
    Hayley quickly changed jumping behavior, taught us effective prevention techniques completely.
  • Nabilla Naser
    Aug. 12, 2025
    Hayley taught us patience works, consistency is key to training success.
  • Siti Rohmah Nurhasanah
    Aug. 12, 2025
    Hayley and team are incredible, service dog training expertise is unmatched!
  • Lance Matthews
    Jan. 31, 2025
    The team at Dog Training Elite are very effective and knowledgeable. They go the extra mile to make certain you understand and possess the skills needed to maintain the trained tasks for your family member. The patience, encouragement, kindness, cleanliness, and effectiveness of Dog Training Elite Greater Cleveland is truly exceptional, making it easy to follow along with all of their tasks & obedience lessons as well as their tailored instructions for my pet. My pet was additionally trained for specific tasks needed for my home care as well as care in public as a Working Service Dog; which is needed for myself. As a result, I've seen significant improvement in my dog's behavior under the guidance of a Master Dog Trainer whom specializes in Service Dog Training and is knowledgeable in In-home training methods. I would like to personally thank Josh Lopez and Team for their professionalism and genuine care/concern for the effectiveness and skills we’ve learned thru the process!!!!
  • Deborah M
    Aug. 5, 2025
    I was impressed with the patience, knowledge, consistency, and compassion exhibited by the dog trainers at Dog Training Elite Greater Cleveland throughout my dog's basic obedience lessons, remarking on the expert guidance provided by their certified Dog trainer. Thanks to their helpful communication and tailored In-home dog training, I witnessed significant improvements in my dog's behavior, as well as her brother. He is a very nervous dog, but everytime Hayley came in to work with my girl, my other dog just started doing all the commands playing copy cat. He does not like people outside his family, but became good buddies with her. Elite Dog training is a trustworthy resource for dog owners seeking top-notch Service Dog Training.
A dog owner with his German Shepherd - get your professional german shepherd training in Cleveland, OH with Dog Training Elite today.

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 in Cleveland Metro 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

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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 in Cleveland Metro.
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Victory Begins With Elite Education

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

Your Expert German Shepherd Trainers in Cleveland, OH

The Dog Training Elite Difference

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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 Cleveland, OH!