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

German Shepherd Dog Training in Columbia, SC

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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.

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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

  • Ava Roxanne Stritt
    Oct. 3, 2025
    Amazing class! I enjoyed all of the knowledge and tips. I feel so much more confident with my dog.
  • Carla Roland
    Sep. 30, 2025
    Justin is personable and knowledgable.
  • LG BENAUER
    Aug. 22, 2025
    Laird is an amazing trainer. Lotty and I are learning so much! She seems to know how my puppy is going to respond and instructs me how to handle her response. Laird is very professional and kind a rare combination.
  • Marvin Carraway
    Aug. 21, 2025
    Trainer was very energetic, competent and an excellent communicator. The training session was very lively and informative
  • burtonable
    Jul. 15, 2025
    Justin was promptly on time. He explained everything thoroughly, very professional had handouts so you could visually see what you were getting along with the pricing list. His two dogs were fantastic and hopefully we’ll have a similar result by putting in the work.
  • Justin Monroe
    Sep. 15, 2025
    Working with Dog Training Elite and Laird has truly been a delightful experience for us. We couldn't be happier with how she has been so kind, knowledgeable, and loving towards our Akita. With her extensive experience, Laird has shared invaluable advice and guidance that has truly helped us in raising our dog. If you ever get the chance to work with Dog Training Elite or Laird, we're confident you'll have a wonderful experience too!
  • Sharon Hyde
    Aug. 11, 2025
    Justin was awesome. I was doubtful that Roxie was trainable With Justins explanation and our training she did great. We are so proud of her. Thank You Justin 😊
  • Phillip Walls
    Sep. 9, 2025
    When we started we were afraid that It was going to be a “Dance Mom” case. Yet it wasn’t. The assessment was awesome, their schedule for training was spot on & most of all they care enough to give us the best dog training experience we could enjoy
  • Vikki Meadows
    Sep. 5, 2025
    Justin is very professional and patient with me with training and very knowledgeable in his field. Bear loves him too!!!
  • Kelly Gandolfo
    Sep. 4, 2025
    Very informative and great demonstration from Louie!
  • Ned Timmerman
    Aug. 29, 2025
    Everybody here is absolutely amazing! I can’t speak highly enough of their knowledge and professionalism!
  • Carol DuBose
    Aug. 26, 2025
    Good job! My dog was happy and wanted to participate!
  • Jaclyn Willis
    Jun. 4, 2025
    After being n vacation for 10 days I was pleasantly surprised by how well our boys are doing. We were in FL and the boys were very stimulated by the crowds and noises at Universal Studios. We had compliments as to how well behaved they were. Today they learned a new skill (closing draws and doors). They were very proud of themselves!
  • Tim Dorton
    Jan. 28, 2025
    Justin was professional, polite, and an effective dog trainer. He exhibited patience and consistency. Our dog is showing progress with each session.
  • Stanton Green
    Aug. 12, 2025
    Justin was enthusiastic, friendly and clear in explaining the various programs. And very patient. Louie was spectacular!
  • Laurie Miller
    Aug. 11, 2025
    Wonderful first assessment! We look forward to starting Therapy School next week!!!!!
  • Owen Hart
    Jul. 31, 2025
    Justin is great!
  • Beverley Leeper
    Jul. 20, 2025
    Great as always
  • Gene Watchey
    Jul. 11, 2025
    Justin is a very professional young man who I have 100% confidence in his ability to help us create lovable obedient canine members of our family. ✅. Our first session has been extremely successful and rewarding.
  • Sprint Data Solutions
    Mar. 28, 2025
    Elite Dog Training – A Real Game-Changer After trying two other dog training companies that delivered zero results, I finally found the solution with Elite Dog Training—and what a difference. My dog, now 14 months old, has transformed into a focused, highly trained companion well on his way to becoming a legitimate service animal. The previous services turned out to be little more than slick websites outsourcing to inconsistent trainers, and none of them made meaningful progress. Elite was different from the start. They provided direct, hands-on training with real professionals who clearly understand canine behavior and training science. I saw improvements within weeks—obedience, responsiveness, and calm behavior that I couldn’t achieve elsewhere. Unlike the “middleman” services I encountered before, Elite doesn’t just promise results—they deliver them with consistency and care. If you're frustrated with ineffective training programs, I cannot recommend Elite Dog Training enough. They’re the real deal and they changed everything for us.
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.

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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!