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

German Shepherd Dog Training in Knoxville, TN

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Our German Shepherd Training Could Help:
Excessive barking
Aggression
Separation anxiety
Destructive chewing
Leash pulling
Over-protectiveness
Resource guarding

German Shepherd Training in Knoxville, TN

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 Knoxville, TN 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 Knoxville 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 Knoxville 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 Knoxville 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

  • Wendy Etheridge
    Oct. 4, 2025
    Montana is a lovely young lady and Lydia took to her right away! This is in Nashville, by the way. She explained everything about the training program very well. She listened to the things I would like to do with Lydia and what I would like Lydia to be able to do. I appreciated her spending the amount of time she did and I felt well informed about the program. Thank you Montana, for throwing that BALL!!
  • George Weber
    Aug. 13, 2025
    Met with Parker for assessment of our dog. He was professional and helpful. Had 2nd lesson with Kenna made great strides in our dog's training Thank you Montana trained today. Great job explained all the steps and reasons for them Thank you Kenna has been training us and we couldn't be happier. Our dog has made huge improvement in obedience and makes life much more enjoyable Thank you
  • Cathy Austin
    Oct. 3, 2025
    Gracie was sweet and very personable. She explained the program in detail ans provided a estimate for the service.
  • Julia Lewis
    Oct. 1, 2025
    Effective , friendly all good
  • Lyndsay Nelson
    Sep. 24, 2025
    I genuinely love the work that Dog Training Elite does. From each in home training, to public outings, the knowledge is just incredible. I learn more each session and my dog and I are genuinely comfortable in each scenario.
  • Dottie Hagood
    Aug. 28, 2025
    T first session was very educational and instructive. I have a very stubborn Doberman female that I now feel certain can be trained so that I can enjoy her. Thank you Reina, so much!!!!
  • Jeanneth Sangurima-Quiles
    Sep. 19, 2025
    Very understanding and thorough. No rush and answered all our questions.
  • Christopher Soukup
    Aug. 6, 2025
    First day of training was exceptionally informative. Julia was extremely professional and knowledgeable instilling confidence moving forward. I definitely know I made the right choice for my service dog needs. 18 Sept 2025: Fast forward into a few sessions later and still absolutely impressed with the level of professionalism and results
  • Sierra Lowder
    Sep. 13, 2025
    I’ve been training with Dog Training Elite for a few months now and it has been such a great experience. I’ve trained mostly with Graci. She has a calm, sweet & gentle personality that works great for my pup and I who are more laid back individuals. If you are looking for a place that is affordable, kind, & truly military friendly this is the place for you.
  • Beth Mouse
    Sep. 13, 2025
    Julia was very knowledgeable and gave us good information about how she would be addressing our problems with Oliver. Looking forward to learning how to improve our dog’s behavior.
  • Patricia Harris
    Aug. 5, 2025
    Carol was very warm & personable. My dog seemed to like her, & I did too. 2nd visit—great job!
  • Fred Stilling
    Aug. 19, 2025
    Reina was very attentive to my dog's needs. Very knowledgeable. A plus trainer. Guided me towards better training practices
  • kim rouse
    Sep. 11, 2025
    Carol was completely loved by our dog. That's a HUGE part in our decision making about a trainer. She was very nice, personable, kind and professional. We are hoping to be able to have her as our trainer.
  • Cynthia Green
    Sep. 10, 2025
    This place is the best! Our cute little puppy learned so much, but we learned even more! Their program is just amazing and I would highly recommend them!
  • Tamesha Peterson
    Sep. 10, 2025
    Reina was amazing and answered all my questions.
  • Rick Martin
    Jul. 9, 2025
    Let me tell youe Gracie she was a wonderful teacher. She even taught me a lot and I was pleased with her very much. She seems like she's dedicated to the animals and she wants to make them do right, and I am so proud that I am part of Gracie's team. I'm so glad We were chosen to enter this program.
  • Sam Rapp
    Sep. 8, 2025
    Montana is an excellent trainer whose care and understanding make her the best in her field.
  • Francis LoGiudice
    Sep. 3, 2025
    Kenna was very informative and explained the process very well. I beleive that we made great progress in our first session.
  • Kevin Obrien
    Jul. 2, 2025
    Great service as always our is progressing very well
  • Cameron Simmons
    Apr. 2, 2025
    My dog loved working with Montana and so did I! We are super happy she just passed her Public Access Exam thanks to the team at Elite.
A dog owner with his German Shepherd - get your professional german shepherd training in Knoxville, TN 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 Knoxville 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 Knoxville.
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Victory Begins With Elite Education

An adorable German Shepherd with their owner - Dog Training Elite is your go-to choice for Knoxville german shepherd trainers.

Your Expert German Shepherd Trainers in Knoxville, TN

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 Knoxville, TN!