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.

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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

  • Lesley Coggiola
    Dec. 19, 2024
    Crystal did an excellent job of training my goldendoodle puppy (and the owner) to be an obedient dog while keeping her a happy loving puppy. The program is professional and well run. I would recommend them to anyone.
  • Mike Alexander
    Dec. 16, 2024
    Crystal is amazing! She is so patient and knowledgeable when it comes to training our Harley and showing us exactly what to do in between sessions. We are so glad we found her and can’t wait to see our “final product”. The difference we already see after only two sessions is UNBELIEVABLE! We are very impressed!!
  • Brooke Nardi
    Dec. 4, 2024
    It was so much fun getting to work with this team and they did a phenomenal job working with my doggo. Hands down the easiest money I’ve ever spent and was worth every penny. I’ve looked for trainers that would really get the job done and I’ve come up short for the past two years. Elite Midlands is the best I’ve seen yet. The entire team was super friendly, knowledgeable, and knows how to handle any type of dog out there. I foolishly thought that only certain dogs had capacity to do what they train dogs to do. However, I quickly learned that with the technique elite midlands uses, no matter your pet’s behavior, past, or struggles they can learn and love what they do with this team. Thank you guys so much for the experience! Shylah and I will be forever grateful!
  • Brooke D
    Dec. 3, 2024
    It was so much fun getting to work with this team and they did a phenomenal job working with my doggo. Hands down the easiest money I’ve ever spent and was worth every penny. I’ve looked for trainers that would really get the job done and I’ve come up short for the past two years. Elite Midlands is the best I’ve seen yet. The entire team was super friendly, knowledgeable, and knows how to handle any type of dog out there. I foolishly thought that only certain dogs had capacity to do what they train dogs to do. However, I quickly learned that with the technique elite midlands uses, no matter your pet’s behavior, past, or struggles they can learn and love what they do with this team. Thank you guys so much for the experience! Shylah and I will be forever grateful!
  • Erica Reyna
    Oct. 21, 2024
    We have had the best experience with Dog Training Elite Midlands! Everyone is so professional and friendly. Justin has been our main trainer and he is patient, knowledgeable and very caring! If you are looking for a dog trainer, I cannot recommend them highly enough!
  • BrennanOMalley
    Oct. 16, 2024
    Justin and Crystal did a wonderful job training my dad’s dog! I am leaving this review for him because he couldn’t figure out how to but, said he had a great time! We can definitely tell there is a lot more peace in the home already and a lot less barking in the background on our phone calls!
  • Nick Smith
    Oct. 16, 2024
    Justin was an absolutely amazing dog trainer. He trained my dog Kaden. I had so many issues with Kaden. He peed in the house, lunged at other dogs, didn’t come when called, pulled on the leash, jumped all over guest in my house, and many more issues. Justin solved every single issue I had with Kaden. His training method was fair to my dog. You can tell when someone truly cares about your dog and Justin 100% did. I highly recommend him.
  • Timothy Kinney
    Sep. 19, 2024
    We can’t say enough good things about Justin! From the moment we met, we knew our dogs were in great hands. Not only does he have a wealth of knowledge about dog behavior, but he also has a unique ability to connect with dogs on a personal level. My dogs, who used to be anxious and reactive around other dogs, and people, has completely transformed under Justin’s guidance. Each session was tailored to our specific needs, and I really appreciated the positive reinforcement techniques used, which made the training both effective and enjoyable for my dog. What impressed me most was the patience and encouragement Justin showed both to our dogs and us as pet owners. Thanks to Justin, our dogs are more confident, better behaved, and we all enjoy our time together so much more. We even are able to have one of our dogs working through the process of becoming a therapy dog. If you’re looking for a professional, compassionate, and skilled dog trainer, I highly recommend Dog Training Elite Midlands SC—you won’t be disappointed!
  • Dana Lindsey
    Sep. 18, 2024
    We were referred to Justin and his team by a close friend for our Poppy, who 100% lives up to her name. She is smart but we needed training on how to outsmart her and get her to listen. Justin and Crystal have been so patient and supportive, their explanations thorough, instructions clear, and they make training FUN. Poppy adores both of them, and has learned so much. I would recommend this company to anyone looking to train and be trained. They know their stuff, and are just a delight to work with. 10/10 recommend.
  • Anne Brooks
    Sep. 18, 2024
    Justin and his team did an excellent job helping us train our dog, Coco. She is a 5lb feisty Morkie and we couldn’t get control of her “manners”. Justin patiently worked with her (and us) and she is literally a different dog now. We can take her in public without holding our breath and she is really doing well with the commands and understanding her place in our family. We recommend Justin for your dog training needs!!
  • Kat Pare
    Sep. 9, 2024
    Our pup and us absolutely love Justin and his team at Dog Training Elite! They have made training easy and fun! I definitely recommend them to anyone thinking about getting training for their dogs.
  • Paul Mishoe
    Sep. 6, 2024
    Extremely professional and effective service. I could not be happier with the process and results of the Gold training program
  • Pete
    Sep. 5, 2024
    Justin and the Dog Training Elite crew have been too-notch and have really helped me get my big guy trained and socialized! I would recommend him to anyone who needs training help with their dog.
  • Vera Timmons
    Sep. 5, 2024
    I just love this company - Justin, Crystal, Darlene and office staff! They are wonderful at what they do, are responsive and so thoughtful! I have used other dog trainers that come to my home and have not gotten the results I have gotten from Justin and Dog Training Elite. Justin is wonderful at what he does. My dog Dixie is a different dog after the training with Justin. He offers group classes on the weekends that solidify training, that I highly recommend. We also went to Lowes to work on training in new environments! I truly know that I can bring Dixie anywhere now! Besides being a great trainer, Justin is just a wonderful person who loves what he does and loves animals. We highly recommend Dog Training Elite for dog training!
  • Joe Edens III
    Sep. 5, 2024
    Wishing Justin the greatest of Birthdays (30)!! Justin and his team have trained 2 Golden Retrievers ( Gunner and Murray ) for me and I good not be more pleased !! Highly professional and accommodating in many ways. Thank you for all you have done and doing and best to you and your family! Joe
  • Sonya Kennedy
    Sep. 4, 2024
    Honestly, I don't know where to begin. Day 1 was something like a consultation. My Jetti and I met Justin and Louie for the first time. I knew that day that Justin was the one to train my Jetti and me. We started back in February or March. Justin had a demeanor about himself that made it easy to talk to and listen to him. I am still in amazement of what Jetti and I have accomplished and learned in such a short period of time. Just recently my Jetti, my 2 other furbabies, and I went to petsmart. It was Jetti's first visit there. I was nervous about how it would go with Jetti, but she was the perfect furbaby. A number of people came up to me and shared how she was so well behaved. I felt like the perfect mom. All of this is a result of Justin's ability to train. Jetti now has a play date with a German Shepard during the week days. This is because of the Saturday training with other furbabies. Oh, did I forgot to mention, Jetti is now a 9 months Giant Schnauzer! I promise you, you cannot and will not go wrong with training your furbaby with Justin of Dog Elite Training. Justin is the GOAT!!!
  • Dale Donahue
    Aug. 28, 2024
    What a Wonderful team! Justin and Krystal are great trainers! Our Lucy is so polite now! We not only trained at our house, the last session we went to Lowes and walked off leash! We will go to the next session and meet other dogs that have been trained by Elite. Just can't say enough positive words about Justin and Krystal...Thank you both so much!😃😃
  • Rachael Mitchell
    Aug. 14, 2024
    They have been so great with my boy Rex. Always very helpful and there to explain and answer questions. Oh and they also put my shelf together for me because I'm having some physical issues at the moment! They definitely go above and beyond for their customers!!
  • Crystal Byler
    Jul. 2, 2024
    Dog Training Elite has quite literally changed my life! Before working with Justin, my dog was a reactive basket case. Kids, dogs, squirrels, cats - you name it, she was chasing it. Justin gave me all the tools needed to be confident and fully in control, even when Raya is off leash. I get so many comments from family about the before and after difference. We can now have family gatherings without jumping, barking, begging, or reactivity to kids. In turn, Raya gets to live a full and happy life, and she is loving every bit of it! If you've been looking for a team who truly cares about you and your dog- look no further!
  • Marshall Carpenter
    May. 29, 2024
    Justin is so knowledgeable about his craft. I was amazed at how quickly Honey responded to his training. He is a great communicator with the dogs and their owners. It’s very easy to continue the training we both learned. I recommend Dog training Elite whole heartedly.
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 and physical stimulation they need.

Dog Training Elite has developed training programs for puppies and adult dogs based on positive reinforcement. Our Columbia German Shepherd trainers are dedicated to protecting your pets mental and physical health while ensuring the best possible results.

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 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 Columbia, SC!