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

German Shepherd Dog Training in Connecticut

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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 Connecticut

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 Connecticut 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 of Southern CT 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 Connecticut 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 of Southern CT 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

  • Jennifer Moylan
    Jun. 8, 2025
    A positive experience from the first point of contact - responsive, courteous, professional. I rescued a NYC dog who had a lot of baggage, none of which is her fault, but I needed a very experienced trainer and my research found Jason and Dog Training Elite. Thankfully, they could come to me across the state. Pearl's training has been specific to her needs and our needs as owners. Jason teaches you how to set your dog up for success while adapting to your home and your lifestyle. It is not a one size fits all solution. In my case, Jason has taught me how to train Pearl, it is not just him working with Pearl - so I have become a more confident handler and a better leader for Pearl. We are BOTH happier thanks to our sessions. For Pearl, it is a marathon, not a sprint, and I'm grateful that I have Dog Training Elite on our side - I feel comfortable reaching out for guidance and advice outside of our sessions. I recommend them to anyone who wants to help their dog be the best they can be. Thank you, Jason & Team! Jennifer, Granby CT
  • Rachel Kanevsky
    Jun. 7, 2025
    When I adopted Milo, he had severe separation anxiety, leash issues, and would bite when upset. I couldn’t leave the house for over a month. Iliana was patient, kind, and professional. In just a few sessions, Milo is now great on walks, less reactive, and I can finally leave the house stress-free. I’m so grateful—highly recommend her!
  • Amanda Carder
    Jun. 6, 2025
    I would like to commend Jason for his exceptional assistance. When my dog Bo began exhibiting signs of reactivity towards other dogs, I reached out to Dog Training of Elite Southern CT. Jason provided me with valuable strategies and guidance to help Bo feel more at ease and reduce his reactivity. I am eager to begin my group class sessions!
  • T Mez
    Jun. 2, 2025
    Outstanding Dog Training Experience! Dog Training Elite of Southern CT has completely exceeded our expectations! From the very first consultation, his professionalism, knowledge, and passion for dog training were clear. Jason is not only highly skilled, but also incredibly kind, patient, and dedicated to helping both dogs and their owners succeed. Our dog showed remarkable progress within just a few sessions—behaviors we thought were unchangeable quickly improved thanks to their personalized approach. What makes them stand out is how much they focus on building a strong bond between you and your dog through trust, structure, and positive reinforcement. They were always on time, communicative, and went above and beyond to ensure we felt confident every step of the way. The in-home training option was a game-changer for us, and their follow-up support has been phenomenal. If you're looking for results-driven, compassionate, and professional dog trainers, look no further than Dog Training Elite of Southern CT. Highly, highly recommend!
  • Francesca DeMaio
    Jun. 1, 2025
    Illiana at Dog Training Elite has been an absolute pleasure to work with. She has come to my house in East Haven CT for several one-on-one trainings. Illiana is extremely knowledgable, and is always in an enthusiastic mood that really proves her passion for what she does. Before training with Illiana, I reached a point where I was unable to safely walk my overly excited STRONG and stubborn dog, Baker. Illiana provided the tools, directions, and patience to correct this behavior. I have also attended a group training with Jason, and could not recommend them both enough. Having the opportunity to train Baker with other dogs in a safe (and still personal) setting, taught myself and Baker skills I didn't even know he needed! I strongly recommend Dog Training Elite of Southern CT.
  • danny perez
    May. 15, 2025
    The staff at Dog Training Elite of Southern CT impressed me with their patience, kindness, understanding, experience, and authority, making them a standout in professional dog training, particularly in Puppy training classes, where attentive trainers helped us overcome challenges with gentle guidance.
  • Fatima Randolph
    May. 14, 2025
    The team at Dog Training Elite of Southern CT was supportive, with excellent communication and helpful in figuring out what kind of program I needed. Trainer Jason listened to my expectations and successfully guided me in achieving good obedience training with my 8 month old puppy. We had 5 private sessions, both at my house and outside, and now I’m looking forward to joining the group sessions. I’m very happy with the results that provided me with a new bonding experience with my puppy. Thank you Jason and Dog training Elite of Southern CT !
  • Christine Midola
    May. 9, 2025
    The professional team at Dog Training Elite of Southern CT provided exceptional care and instruction, offering patient and kind puppy training classes that truly made a significant impact on my pet's behavior and overall well-being. As an expert in their field, they expertly guided me through even the toughest dog obedience training techniques and helped me address my pup's anxiety issues, making them undoubtedly the best dog trainer for me.
  • Ivan Vega
    Apr. 18, 2025
    Dog Training Elite of Southern CT's professional dog trainer has a remarkable grasp on pet training and obedience, effortlessly addressing my concerns while helping my dog to grasp new behaviors during the puppy training classes. Their extensive knowledge and warm demeanor made me feel at ease, and I'm thrilled with the results of our anxiety training for dogs sessions.
  • curtis ferree
    Apr. 14, 2025
    We've had a great experience with Dog Training Elite of Southern CT. We have a rescue dog that has a lot of anxiety, and Jason provided us with guidance about how to give him more confidence. Jason was great about answering our questions, and provided a good mix of behavioral analysis and hands on training.
  • Mary DaSilva
    Apr. 12, 2025
    I have had only three private lessons, at my home and cannot express how Elite’s techniques has helped me train my rough collie. Jason and his team knowledge of the different breeds of dogs and the use of that knowledge to help me with techniques of owning a herding dog. They taught me techniques you can not learn on your own by getting to know my dogs living environment and my desire for Finnegan’s obedience training. All in my home within the distractions Finnegan deals with and I needed to understand to achieve obedience. I cannot praise their knowledge, care and thoughtfulness and it is proven in a short time. My fellow dog walkers, neighbors, expressed how much Finnegan has learned with this one on one in home training approach. I am thankful and highly recommend dog elite training. They even traveled to Woodbury CT for my one on one lessons. Thank You Jason, Loren and your team.
  • Arkadiy Stepanskiy
    Apr. 11, 2025
    We were almost at the point of looking for a new home for our dog..until we found Dog Training Elite services of Southern CT. In the past, we've worked with a number of well-regarded local dog specialists, sadly without much progress. After an in-home evaluation and a full session with the Dog Training Elite team, we quickly determined a plan for managing our dog's high anxiety and addressing his aggressive behavior. The trainers at Dog Training Elite of Southern CT helped us expand our training options, that yielded amazing results. They were prepared with many ideas to consider, to try and helped us 'see' and 'mark' our dog's positive behavior. We jointly figured out what works better, and made both a short and longer term plans to work on. We are looking forward to continuing group sessions and expanding our dog's social circles in Fairfield and beyond. This has truly become a life-changing process for our dog and us! Thank You!!
  • Gabriel Atkinson
    Mar. 28, 2025
    The staff at Dog Training Elite of Southern CT consistently demonstrated a supportive and knowledgeable approach to pet training and obedience, providing expert guidance throughout Marco’s behavior modification journey. Jason's patience and understanding allowed me to build a strong bond with my dog and confidently apply the techniques I learned during in-home dog training sessions in Norwalk, ultimately transforming our lives with anxiety-free walks with our calm and well-behaved Pup.
  • Bridget Cassidy
    Mar. 28, 2025
    We contacted Dog Training Elite just a few days after adopting our very sweet but very large one year old dog, Rusty, and are so glad we did. We’ve worked with both Jason and Illiana and can’t say enough good things about our experience with them. Rusty came to us with little to no structure in his world and some agent-of-chaos energy but we could tell he was ready to learn, and we were eager to start his training right away. Having Jason and Illiana in our home to help get us on the right track with training has made a world of difference for all of us and has helped us bond quickly with our lovable but energetic boy. Each session they’ve been able to directly address and help problem solve anything that’s come up as we’ve gotten to know Rusty’s personality and quirks a little more. Their instruction has been clear, simple, and easy for us to follow on our own. If anything isn’t working for Rusty or for us, they help us incorporate different techniques until we find what clicks. We have and will continue to recommend them to anyone looking for a dog trainer in southern Connecticut!
  • Cate Steczkowski
    Mar. 25, 2025
    I can’t recommend Dog Training Elite of Southern CT enough! From the moment they arrived at my home in Trumbull, CT, I felt confident that both Althea and I were in great hands . The trainer we have been working with is beyond patient and has given me great tips to set me up for success for taking the therapy certification test we are working towards passing. It is clear that she is passionate about working with dogs and their owners towards building a trusting & loving bond! I saw massive improvements after only two visits and always look forward to what we will work on next. The company has always made scheduling easy and made me feel supported the entire time! I can honestly say we will maintain an ongoing relationship with Dog Training Elite of Southern CT and continue to work towards new training goals in our future!
  • Bobby Franz
    Mar. 19, 2025
    The trainers at Dog Training Elite of Southern CT went above and beyond to ensure our dog received top-notch pet training and obedience. We have two golden retrievers that are wonderful dogs but lacked any structure. After a few sessions with Jason they are incredibly well behaved but just as fun loving as ever (and they seem genuinely happier). The training was very well thought out and we could practice during the week. We now feel comfortable bringing the dogs on walks in the mall and all around New Canaan. We could not be happier. thank you !!!
  • Zoe Odlum
    Mar. 14, 2025
    Jason came to my home in Guilford to help train my 10 month old puppy who had developed anxiety about going for walks. He gave me the tools to help her overcome her fears and we also worked on general obedience training, recall, and heel which have been amazing. I told him I was only interested in using a positive reinforcement approach and he encouraged it and helped me understand the benefits and scenarios of both methods, which was really helpful. Thank you Jason and Loren!
  • Noa Eisenberg
    Feb. 24, 2025
    Jason at Dog Training Elite of Southern CT was incredibly patient, friendly, knowledgeable, and calm, making it a joy to work with him and see our pup thrive during the service dog training classes. Jasons keen energy and professional approach helped get our once bossy Bernedoodle to tip top shape and a certified Psychatric Service Animal.
  • Nicole Dessin
    Feb. 22, 2025
    Jason at Dog Training Elite of Southern CT conducted pet training and obedience sessions with our dog River at our home in Middletown. He demonstrated exceptional patience, professionalism, experience, kindness, and clarity in his instruction. The professional and specialized in-home obedience and anxiety training was impressive, clearly tailored to our dog's unique needs.
  • Savta Cakes
    Feb. 21, 2025
    The staff at Dog Training Elite of Southern CT possesses a remarkable level of patience, kindness, empathy, experience, and praise that instilled a sense of confidence in our dog's behavior, making the pet training and obedience process a truly effective and satisfactory experience especially during puppy training classes.
A dog owner with his German Shepherd - get your professional german shepherd training in Connecticut 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 of Southern CT 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 of Southern CT - Labrador Dog Training in Connecticut. DTE

Labrador

Dog Training Elite of Southern CT - Goldendoodle Training in Connecticut. Dog Training Elite

Goldendoodle

Dog Training Elite of Southern CT - Beagle Dog Training in Connecticut. DTE

Beagle

Dog Training Elite of Southern CT - Pitbull Training in Connecticut. DTE

Pitbull

Dog Training Elite of Southern CT - Doberman Training in Connecticut. DTE

Doberman

Dog Training Elite of Southern CT - Border Collie Training in Connecticut. DTE

Border Collie

Dog Training Elite of Southern CT - Golden Retriever Training in Connecticut. DTE

Golden Retriever

Dog Training Elite of Southern CT - French Bulldog Training in Connecticut. 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 of Southern CT.
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An adorable German Shepherd with their owner - Dog Training Elite is your go-to choice for Connecticut german shepherd trainers.

Your Expert German Shepherd Trainers in Connecticut

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 Connecticut!