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

Professional Training For

German Shepherds

Dog Training Elite Midlands SC

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 Columbia, 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 Columbia, 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 Midlands SC can help any German Shepherd become an incredible companion to individuals and families.

See Training Packages
An image of multiple german shepherd puppies - our Columbia 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 Midlands SC 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

  • Matt Hancock
    May. 9, 2025
    Very friendly, seemed knowledgeable about training dogs. Looking forward to the experience.
  • Jeri England
    Apr. 15, 2025
    Crystal is wonderful and knows just how to relate to Archie. She's training us both to be better and much happier. We are enjoying our sessions.
  • Katherine Anderson
    Apr. 24, 2025
    Crystal is marvelous with my dog, Earle. She gives him very clear commands, that he usually obeys. She explains what she’s doing to me very clearly. I would highly recommend Crystal and Justin. In fact, I have recommended them.
  • Dottie Reynolds
    Apr. 25, 2025
    Crystal is amazing. Each time she tells us what she plans to have our dog Ocho do in each session, I think to myself— yeah, good luck with that. But, she is in full command but in a very positive and supportive way. The Elite process is well organized and systematic. In just 3 weeks, we have seen a remarkable difference. Thank you, Crystal!
  • Peyton Cross
    Apr. 29, 2025
    Justin and his team were amazing throughout the entire process. They explained in depth the reasons and processes of training my dog. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a trainer for their pup.
  • Sprint Data Solutions
    Mar. 28, 2025
    Elite did a good job with the lesson and training as always
  • John Ogle
    Apr. 23, 2025
    Dog Training Elite has done an exceptional job with our puppy. The transformation after five sessions is amazing. It is worth the investment!
  • Shawn Covington
    Mar. 14, 2025
    I feel as if we made the right decision using Dog Training Elite. They are very knowledgeable and friendly.
  • Betty Pearson
    Jan. 14, 2025
    Take his time and shows a LOT of patience with my CoCo and me. Highly recommend!
  • Cathy Blanks
    Mar. 28, 2025
    Instructors are extremely knowledgeable and my dog responded immediately. Already seeing behavior improvement after 2 sessions.
  • Rhonda VanMeter
    Apr. 17, 2025
    Crystal is outstanding. The program is well designed and has been very effective so far.
  • Janet Dennis
    Feb. 24, 2025
    Justin is very patient with our fur baby and with us. We are more than pleased with our experience.
  • Alec Pettigrew
    Apr. 11, 2025
    Our initial assessment with Crystal went well. Packages and expectations for results were made clear. Crystal was accommodating and respectful.
  • Brian Pioreck
    Jan. 28, 2025
    Professional, polite, straight forward, and honestly. Crystal explained the whole process as well as expectation that would be set. She provided a skills demonstration in a practice environment and made it clear that success relied on my investment.
  • Bonita Dominique
    Apr. 11, 2025
    Excellent Dog Traing
  • Amanda Boozer
    Apr. 7, 2025
    Crystal came to our house for an initial evaluation. She was patient, kind, and seemed confident and knowledgeable.
  • Leah Thomas
    Mar. 26, 2025
    In a short 3 weeks, we have already seen great improvement with our puppy, Ruby. Justin is 100%! Knowledgeable, kind, patient, wonderful with Ruby. Highly recommend
  • Mary Raunikar
    Mar. 25, 2025
    I cannot recommend Justin and Crystal enough! When I rescued a 30 lb 3 month old Great Pyrenees for my first time owning a dog solo, I didn’t realize what I was in for. If you know anything about Pyrs, you know it’s a miracle my dog listens to me at all and possesses any sense of urgency whatsoever. I attempted training him on my own for about a month before I reached my limit. When I had my consultation with Justin, I finally saw the light at the end of the land shark puppy phase. Justin and Crystal helped Bug go from an unmotivated, reactive, fluffy escape artist with an attitude to an extremely well-behaved therapy dog with consistent recall, great manners, and top notch off leash obedience that will last the rest of his life. I can say with 100% confidence that working with Justin and Crystal has been the best choice I have made as a dog owner! If you are the kind of person that loves to get compliments from family, friends, and strangers about how well behaved and well trained your dog is, Justin and Crystal are the dog trainers for you!
  • Stacey Rostek
    Mar. 19, 2025
    He was great! He knew how to handle our aggressive dog in difficult situations when training him!
  • jerri strother
    Mar. 8, 2025
    My dog Keebo has been going through in house training for the past 5 weeks and it has been great. My friend also has her dogs Tucker and Sadie in training. I never thought it would be possible to have visitors walk through the door and it could be calm in the house. Prior to training our three 100 lb dogs would go crazy and bombard the visitor. It was very chaotic. Now we can place our dogs in their spot and they will stay there as the visitor enters the house. Quietly. It’s wonderful. They have also learned how to heal, sit, down ect. Our dogs all knew basic commands but the difference is now the commands mean sit and stay. Down and stay until you give the command to release them. I even texted Justin one day and said how amazing it was that the HVAC guy could come into the house and our dogs didn’t go crazy. It’s one thing to go through training and feel like it’s working but when you can actually try it for the first time with a visitor it’s wonderful. We are so thankful to Justin and his team. They are patient and have a very calming demeanor. It’s been a great experience and we are looking forward to group sessions at the park soon. If you live in Lexington, Chapin or the Lake Murray area please give them a try. You won’t be disappointed.
  • Matt Hancock
    May. 9, 2025
    Very friendly, seemed knowledgeable about training dogs. Looking forward to the experience.
  • Jeri England
    Apr. 15, 2025
    Crystal is wonderful and knows just how to relate to Archie. She's training us both to be better and much happier. We are enjoying our sessions.
  • Katherine Anderson
    Apr. 24, 2025
    Crystal is marvelous with my dog, Earle. She gives him very clear commands, that he usually obeys. She explains what she’s doing to me very clearly. I would highly recommend Crystal and Justin. In fact, I have recommended them.
  • Dottie Reynolds
    Apr. 25, 2025
    Crystal is amazing. Each time she tells us what she plans to have our dog Ocho do in each session, I think to myself— yeah, good luck with that. But, she is in full command but in a very positive and supportive way. The Elite process is well organized and systematic. In just 3 weeks, we have seen a remarkable difference. Thank you, Crystal!
  • Peyton Cross
    Apr. 29, 2025
    Justin and his team were amazing throughout the entire process. They explained in depth the reasons and processes of training my dog. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a trainer for their pup.
  • Sprint Data Solutions
    Mar. 28, 2025
    Elite did a good job with the lesson and training as always
  • John Ogle
    Apr. 23, 2025
    Dog Training Elite has done an exceptional job with our puppy. The transformation after five sessions is amazing. It is worth the investment!
  • Shawn Covington
    Mar. 14, 2025
    I feel as if we made the right decision using Dog Training Elite. They are very knowledgeable and friendly.
  • Betty Pearson
    Jan. 14, 2025
    Take his time and shows a LOT of patience with my CoCo and me. Highly recommend!
  • Cathy Blanks
    Mar. 28, 2025
    Instructors are extremely knowledgeable and my dog responded immediately. Already seeing behavior improvement after 2 sessions.
  • Rhonda VanMeter
    Apr. 17, 2025
    Crystal is outstanding. The program is well designed and has been very effective so far.
  • Janet Dennis
    Feb. 24, 2025
    Justin is very patient with our fur baby and with us. We are more than pleased with our experience.
  • Alec Pettigrew
    Apr. 11, 2025
    Our initial assessment with Crystal went well. Packages and expectations for results were made clear. Crystal was accommodating and respectful.
  • Brian Pioreck
    Jan. 28, 2025
    Professional, polite, straight forward, and honestly. Crystal explained the whole process as well as expectation that would be set. She provided a skills demonstration in a practice environment and made it clear that success relied on my investment.
  • Bonita Dominique
    Apr. 11, 2025
    Excellent Dog Traing
  • Amanda Boozer
    Apr. 7, 2025
    Crystal came to our house for an initial evaluation. She was patient, kind, and seemed confident and knowledgeable.
  • Leah Thomas
    Mar. 26, 2025
    In a short 3 weeks, we have already seen great improvement with our puppy, Ruby. Justin is 100%! Knowledgeable, kind, patient, wonderful with Ruby. Highly recommend
  • Mary Raunikar
    Mar. 25, 2025
    I cannot recommend Justin and Crystal enough! When I rescued a 30 lb 3 month old Great Pyrenees for my first time owning a dog solo, I didn’t realize what I was in for. If you know anything about Pyrs, you know it’s a miracle my dog listens to me at all and possesses any sense of urgency whatsoever. I attempted training him on my own for about a month before I reached my limit. When I had my consultation with Justin, I finally saw the light at the end of the land shark puppy phase. Justin and Crystal helped Bug go from an unmotivated, reactive, fluffy escape artist with an attitude to an extremely well-behaved therapy dog with consistent recall, great manners, and top notch off leash obedience that will last the rest of his life. I can say with 100% confidence that working with Justin and Crystal has been the best choice I have made as a dog owner! If you are the kind of person that loves to get compliments from family, friends, and strangers about how well behaved and well trained your dog is, Justin and Crystal are the dog trainers for you!
  • Stacey Rostek
    Mar. 19, 2025
    He was great! He knew how to handle our aggressive dog in difficult situations when training him!
  • jerri strother
    Mar. 8, 2025
    My dog Keebo has been going through in house training for the past 5 weeks and it has been great. My friend also has her dogs Tucker and Sadie in training. I never thought it would be possible to have visitors walk through the door and it could be calm in the house. Prior to training our three 100 lb dogs would go crazy and bombard the visitor. It was very chaotic. Now we can place our dogs in their spot and they will stay there as the visitor enters the house. Quietly. It’s wonderful. They have also learned how to heal, sit, down ect. Our dogs all knew basic commands but the difference is now the commands mean sit and stay. Down and stay until you give the command to release them. I even texted Justin one day and said how amazing it was that the HVAC guy could come into the house and our dogs didn’t go crazy. It’s one thing to go through training and feel like it’s working but when you can actually try it for the first time with a visitor it’s wonderful. We are so thankful to Justin and his team. They are patient and have a very calming demeanor. It’s been a great experience and we are looking forward to group sessions at the park soon. If you live in Lexington, Chapin or the Lake Murray area please give them a try. You won’t be disappointed.
A dog owner with his German Shepherd - get your professional german shepherd training in Columbia, SC 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 Midlands SC 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 Midlands SC.
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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 Columbia german shepherd trainers.

Your Expert German Shepherd Trainers in Columbia, SC

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 Columbia, SC!