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

German Shepherd Dog Training in Indianapolis, IN

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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 Indianapolis, IN

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 Indianapolis, IN 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 Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis 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

  • Jean Fox
    Apr. 9, 2025
    We can’t thank Doug, Josh and all the trainers at DTE enough for the incredible work they do with our new family member, Remy. She struggles with reactive and aggressive behaviors, but their calm, patient approach and deep understanding of dog behavior has made all the difference. They gave us practical, easy to follow training techniques that have helped her make incredible progress. Especially grateful for the coaching and encouragement we receive as her handlers. We couldn’t be happier with the team’s expertise, kindness and dedication - it was made all the difference. Highly recommended the DTE Team!
  • Elizabeth Todd
    Apr. 14, 2025
    Our Bernedoodle was much more to handle than the yellow labs we had in the past. Dog Training Elite was a godsend. Very professional. They gave us all the tools to work with our dog. Elijah, our trainer, did a great job demonstrating and explaining. Very knowledgeable. Our in-home puppy and then obedience classes followed a strong logical progression that was easy to follow and practice. It was well worth the cost. I’m looking forward to attending some group classes. Just finished a doggy daycare training day to polish up on some of the basic skills. Have a bad knee and Normie was just enough out ahead of me on walks that it was causing strain on my knee I showed the instructors where i wanted him to heal and when i picked him up for the day and took him for a walk it was amazed at the improvement he showed. It was a pain free walk
  • Terri Gomez
    Aug. 17, 2025
    We have been very impressed with the training that our Stella has received. We get a good recap at the end of each session and as much time as we need to ask questions. Anika has been great to work with. She seems to really enjoy her work and making sure Stella succeeds. We look forward to more sessions with Anika and the rest of the staff at Dog Training Elite.
  • Julie Anne
    Aug. 16, 2025
    Greatly appreciate the information and patience Elijah provides.
  • Ruth Robertson
    Aug. 16, 2025
    Josh changed our lives. Not only he helped with my two reactive dogs, but helped me as well. Fantastic experience!
  • Cat Rash
    Aug. 16, 2025
    Wonderful place! Elijah is very patient and helpful. The courses are highly informative and seeing my dog grow and learn is amazing. Highly recommend.
  • Paula Koester
    Aug. 1, 2025
    They do a great job with the dogs and training us owners in addition to the dogs. Josh is extremely helpful trainor
  • Trevor Hill
    Aug. 8, 2025
    Dog Training Elite is worth every penny! We have 2 dogs, a 1 year old and 3 year old. Both were having issues with reactivity to people and other dogs, as well as struggling with basic obedience during walks. My fiancé and I were always stressed about how they might react on walks, and we honestly felt hopeless that it would get better. Thankfully we decided to go with Dog Training Elite and it feels like it’s gotten 100x better! What ultimately made us settle on DTE were the reviews. There were so many amazing success stories, and now we’re very happy to be one of them. So if you need a push, this is your sign!! We decided to go with the 2 week boot camp, because we wanted quick results but we also didn’t want to miss our pups for 2 weeks at an overnight camp. DTE’s the perfect solution of an intensive training period, while also not missing your best friend. My fiancé and I were always so excited and proud when we got videos of our dogs during each day of camp. It was amazing how quickly we noticed results during and after the 2 weeks! It was comforting to see how our dogs grew to love the trainers, and were excited arriving each day. Even our older boy, who used to have very bad anxiety with new people warmed up to them which was a big concern for us initially. Although, the training has given him (and us) much more confidence, and the way he responds to his anxiety has improved so much when meeting people. The staff at DTE are wonderful and truly care about your dog, we are so grateful to Sonya, Elijah, Josh, Doug, and everyone else on the team! It’s now been 2 months since they’ve graduated, and our dogs are still getting better with time as we continue to reinforce what was learned in boot camp. Today we did our first follow-up session with Josh. Our dogs were so excited to see him, and remembered him instantly. The follow-up at home sessions are very helpful to make sure that the training transitions to everyday life effectively - or if it’s been a while and you and your dog could use a refresher. We highly recommend DTE!! If you think you have an untrainable dog, you have no idea what these pros are capable of! p.s. The graduation photos are the cherry on top! 10⭐️
  • Jill Pugh
    Aug. 8, 2025
    Just finished training sessions with Elijah, and he was fabulous! Patient, knowledgeable, and truly understands a dog’s needs/behavior. Eli's style is calm, kind and confident, and he's soo likeable. Highly recommend Elijah, Doug and DTE to anyone wanting the best!
  • Patricia SICA
    Jul. 15, 2025
    Super job of explaining showing then directing me in doing. Donato now knows name-walked in cage. Prior he did not want to walk in room with cage. One lesson with Elijah!!! Now we are on the third lesson-every lesson is re-enforced. Elijah is the best....
  • Jeffrey Schillinger
    Aug. 6, 2025
    Doug came by our home for an initial visit. He was very professional and explained the available sevices in a low pressure way. We start training in two weeks! Also, our dog really liked Doug.
  • Alisa Grady
    Jul. 1, 2025
    Doug did a wonderful job with my in-home consultation! Elijah, Josh, Sonia, & Anika are all wonderful trainers. They did a great job with my pup, Molly, and do a superb job explaining everything to me as well. Josh completed my first post-class in-home session and that was a great experience as well. We have already gone to multiple weekend classes and will continue to do so. I will be signing up another pup in the near future!
  • Scot Allen
    Jul. 28, 2025
    Josh at DTE Indy is great. Working to build some strong basics with our rescue that shares a house with a young child.
  • James Witte
    May. 6, 2025
    I could not be happier with the whole team at Dog Training Elite
  • Jordyn Strong
    May. 23, 2025
    Josh has been absolutely incredible with our Duke. We started working with Josh when Duke was just under 3 months old and was mouthing us like crazy. Josh came in and gave us the skills necessary to manage and limit the mouthing as well as teaching us various key skills. He explained each skill in detail, providing demonstrations, and having us demonstrate as well. He always took the time to answer our questions, even beyond basic obedience skills and was extremely responsive via messaging as needed. Josh made us feel more confident and comfortable to take Duke into public spaces. We are incredibly grateful for all Josh has taught us and can’t wait to watch Duke thrive!
  • Grace B
    Jul. 18, 2025
    I am SO impressed with ALL the staff at Dog Training Elite! My bassett hound has been in their obedience camp for one week and already its a drastic difference. Im so excited to see how much better he gets. It's definitely worth every penny!
  • Lisa Berfiend
    Jul. 17, 2025
    We are having a wonderful experience. Doug and his trainers are all outstanding. Our puppy is doing great and has learned so much. The weekly group classes are very helpful to us as well. This group and their program is top notch!!
  • Josie Axness Hunckler
    Jul. 12, 2025
    I had a very helpful experience to have a pro trainer come out and evaluate my dog Jake and me, to know if we’re a good fit for training and service dog training soon too. All of my questions were answered promptly and thoroughly. My dog Jake, my partner Yuniel, and I felt respected and well cared for as we embark (no pun intended) on this journey of professional training! Doug clearly cares for his clients, the dogs, and their success, providing honest and detailed answers to all my questions along the way. We are feeling confident with a clear understanding of how training will be going forward. This is an investment which I can tell will be worthwhile.
  • Larry Bowmer
    Jul. 11, 2025
    Doug came to our home to evaluate our dog, We rescued her in march and have been having some issues with her having accidents in the house, after her evaluation he gave us some great ideas to help her, he offered some in home training as well as a doggie day camp, we will be using his services in the very near future. If your looking for a professional dog training service, these guys are it
  • Julie Clark
    Jun. 22, 2025
    Elijah did a great job introducing our golden retriever to the training program. He was patient and answered all questions.
  • Jean Fox
    Apr. 9, 2025
    We can’t thank Doug, Josh and all the trainers at DTE enough for the incredible work they do with our new family member, Remy. She struggles with reactive and aggressive behaviors, but their calm, patient approach and deep understanding of dog behavior has made all the difference. They gave us practical, easy to follow training techniques that have helped her make incredible progress. Especially grateful for the coaching and encouragement we receive as her handlers. We couldn’t be happier with the team’s expertise, kindness and dedication - it was made all the difference. Highly recommended the DTE Team!
  • Elizabeth Todd
    Apr. 14, 2025
    Our Bernedoodle was much more to handle than the yellow labs we had in the past. Dog Training Elite was a godsend. Very professional. They gave us all the tools to work with our dog. Elijah, our trainer, did a great job demonstrating and explaining. Very knowledgeable. Our in-home puppy and then obedience classes followed a strong logical progression that was easy to follow and practice. It was well worth the cost. I’m looking forward to attending some group classes. Just finished a doggy daycare training day to polish up on some of the basic skills. Have a bad knee and Normie was just enough out ahead of me on walks that it was causing strain on my knee I showed the instructors where i wanted him to heal and when i picked him up for the day and took him for a walk it was amazed at the improvement he showed. It was a pain free walk
  • Terri Gomez
    Aug. 17, 2025
    We have been very impressed with the training that our Stella has received. We get a good recap at the end of each session and as much time as we need to ask questions. Anika has been great to work with. She seems to really enjoy her work and making sure Stella succeeds. We look forward to more sessions with Anika and the rest of the staff at Dog Training Elite.
  • Julie Anne
    Aug. 16, 2025
    Greatly appreciate the information and patience Elijah provides.
  • Ruth Robertson
    Aug. 16, 2025
    Josh changed our lives. Not only he helped with my two reactive dogs, but helped me as well. Fantastic experience!
  • Cat Rash
    Aug. 16, 2025
    Wonderful place! Elijah is very patient and helpful. The courses are highly informative and seeing my dog grow and learn is amazing. Highly recommend.
  • Paula Koester
    Aug. 1, 2025
    They do a great job with the dogs and training us owners in addition to the dogs. Josh is extremely helpful trainor
  • Trevor Hill
    Aug. 8, 2025
    Dog Training Elite is worth every penny! We have 2 dogs, a 1 year old and 3 year old. Both were having issues with reactivity to people and other dogs, as well as struggling with basic obedience during walks. My fiancé and I were always stressed about how they might react on walks, and we honestly felt hopeless that it would get better. Thankfully we decided to go with Dog Training Elite and it feels like it’s gotten 100x better! What ultimately made us settle on DTE were the reviews. There were so many amazing success stories, and now we’re very happy to be one of them. So if you need a push, this is your sign!! We decided to go with the 2 week boot camp, because we wanted quick results but we also didn’t want to miss our pups for 2 weeks at an overnight camp. DTE’s the perfect solution of an intensive training period, while also not missing your best friend. My fiancé and I were always so excited and proud when we got videos of our dogs during each day of camp. It was amazing how quickly we noticed results during and after the 2 weeks! It was comforting to see how our dogs grew to love the trainers, and were excited arriving each day. Even our older boy, who used to have very bad anxiety with new people warmed up to them which was a big concern for us initially. Although, the training has given him (and us) much more confidence, and the way he responds to his anxiety has improved so much when meeting people. The staff at DTE are wonderful and truly care about your dog, we are so grateful to Sonya, Elijah, Josh, Doug, and everyone else on the team! It’s now been 2 months since they’ve graduated, and our dogs are still getting better with time as we continue to reinforce what was learned in boot camp. Today we did our first follow-up session with Josh. Our dogs were so excited to see him, and remembered him instantly. The follow-up at home sessions are very helpful to make sure that the training transitions to everyday life effectively - or if it’s been a while and you and your dog could use a refresher. We highly recommend DTE!! If you think you have an untrainable dog, you have no idea what these pros are capable of! p.s. The graduation photos are the cherry on top! 10⭐️
  • Jill Pugh
    Aug. 8, 2025
    Just finished training sessions with Elijah, and he was fabulous! Patient, knowledgeable, and truly understands a dog’s needs/behavior. Eli's style is calm, kind and confident, and he's soo likeable. Highly recommend Elijah, Doug and DTE to anyone wanting the best!
  • Patricia SICA
    Jul. 15, 2025
    Super job of explaining showing then directing me in doing. Donato now knows name-walked in cage. Prior he did not want to walk in room with cage. One lesson with Elijah!!! Now we are on the third lesson-every lesson is re-enforced. Elijah is the best....
  • Jeffrey Schillinger
    Aug. 6, 2025
    Doug came by our home for an initial visit. He was very professional and explained the available sevices in a low pressure way. We start training in two weeks! Also, our dog really liked Doug.
  • Alisa Grady
    Jul. 1, 2025
    Doug did a wonderful job with my in-home consultation! Elijah, Josh, Sonia, & Anika are all wonderful trainers. They did a great job with my pup, Molly, and do a superb job explaining everything to me as well. Josh completed my first post-class in-home session and that was a great experience as well. We have already gone to multiple weekend classes and will continue to do so. I will be signing up another pup in the near future!
  • Scot Allen
    Jul. 28, 2025
    Josh at DTE Indy is great. Working to build some strong basics with our rescue that shares a house with a young child.
  • James Witte
    May. 6, 2025
    I could not be happier with the whole team at Dog Training Elite
  • Jordyn Strong
    May. 23, 2025
    Josh has been absolutely incredible with our Duke. We started working with Josh when Duke was just under 3 months old and was mouthing us like crazy. Josh came in and gave us the skills necessary to manage and limit the mouthing as well as teaching us various key skills. He explained each skill in detail, providing demonstrations, and having us demonstrate as well. He always took the time to answer our questions, even beyond basic obedience skills and was extremely responsive via messaging as needed. Josh made us feel more confident and comfortable to take Duke into public spaces. We are incredibly grateful for all Josh has taught us and can’t wait to watch Duke thrive!
  • Grace B
    Jul. 18, 2025
    I am SO impressed with ALL the staff at Dog Training Elite! My bassett hound has been in their obedience camp for one week and already its a drastic difference. Im so excited to see how much better he gets. It's definitely worth every penny!
  • Lisa Berfiend
    Jul. 17, 2025
    We are having a wonderful experience. Doug and his trainers are all outstanding. Our puppy is doing great and has learned so much. The weekly group classes are very helpful to us as well. This group and their program is top notch!!
  • Josie Axness Hunckler
    Jul. 12, 2025
    I had a very helpful experience to have a pro trainer come out and evaluate my dog Jake and me, to know if we’re a good fit for training and service dog training soon too. All of my questions were answered promptly and thoroughly. My dog Jake, my partner Yuniel, and I felt respected and well cared for as we embark (no pun intended) on this journey of professional training! Doug clearly cares for his clients, the dogs, and their success, providing honest and detailed answers to all my questions along the way. We are feeling confident with a clear understanding of how training will be going forward. This is an investment which I can tell will be worthwhile.
  • Larry Bowmer
    Jul. 11, 2025
    Doug came to our home to evaluate our dog, We rescued her in march and have been having some issues with her having accidents in the house, after her evaluation he gave us some great ideas to help her, he offered some in home training as well as a doggie day camp, we will be using his services in the very near future. If your looking for a professional dog training service, these guys are it
  • Julie Clark
    Jun. 22, 2025
    Elijah did a great job introducing our golden retriever to the training program. He was patient and answered all questions.
A dog owner with his German Shepherd - get your professional german shepherd training in Indianapolis, IN 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 Indianapolis 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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Goldendoodle

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Beagle

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Pitbull

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Doberman

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Border Collie

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Golden Retriever

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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 Indianapolis.
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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 Indianapolis german shepherd trainers.

Your Expert German Shepherd Trainers in Indianapolis, IN

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 Indianapolis, IN!