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

Professional Training For

German Shepherds

Dog Training Elite Louisville

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 Louisville, KY

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 Louisville, KY 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 Louisville can help any German Shepherd become an incredible companion to individuals and families.

See Training Packages
An image of multiple german shepherd puppies - our Louisville 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 Louisville 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

  • dorene burke
    May. 4, 2025
    We are thankful to have found Tom, with Dog Training Elite. We were beginning to feel overwhelmed with our Bernedoodle puppy. Tom is so calm and patient. Our Tilly warmed up to him immediately. Working together we have a much better behaved puppy. We will continue to work with Tom in group classes to learn more from his expertise. We highly recommend Dog Training Elite.
  • Lee Anne Ater
    Mar. 22, 2025
    “I have had a great experience with Dog Training Elite Louisville! The trainers are professional, knowledgeable, and patient with me, my husband, and my dog. The in-home training sessions were especially helpful, allowing Cole to learn in a familiar environment. Within just a few sessions, I saw a noticeable improvement in obedience and leash manners. If you’re considering professional training, I’d definitely recommend Dog Training Elite Louisville“
  • Rhonda Clyde
    Mar. 9, 2025
    Tom has been amazing with my crazy pup, displaying incredible patience and compassion. He truly listens to me and my dog. She has made more progress than I could’ve imagined. Tom is very supportive and knowledgeable.
  • Chuck Karasinski
    Mar. 8, 2025
    Tom has been great. Our dog was a drop off rescue that showed that social interaction with other people and dogs had been minimal. The training method appears to suit her well. The at home instruction has been really convenient. The group sessions have been really helpful for her fear and anxiety issues. Today was her second group session and I could sense a noticeable difference. Highly recommend.
  • Joella Mosley
    Feb. 24, 2025
    The patience, kindness, and clear guidance of the trainers at Dog Training Elite Louisville was outstanding, especially during our Service dog training experience, which instantly boosted our dog's confidence and obedience! Highly recommend
  • Krista Johnson
    Feb. 23, 2025
    The staff at Dog Training Elite Louisville demonstrated exceptional patience, kindness, understanding, and provided clear instructions that put us at ease throughout the training process, and we're delighted with the progress our dogs are making. Their encouraging approach made the experience enjoyable and left us feeling confident in our newfound skills as we pursued service dog training for one of our dogs and therapy dog training for the other. The group lessons are an effective way to gain confidence using the training skills we learn in individual sessions. Safety is a main priority in group classes with the leaders demonstrating patience and understanding for any dogs and owners who may be struggling with anxiety around other dogs. We are very happy with DTE training and am glad we chose it for our two dogs.
  • jason kayla
    Feb. 20, 2025
    Our experience with Dog Training Elite Louisville was exceptional, with trainers who demonstrated kindness, patience, clarity, and professionalism as they guided our dogs at all levels of obedience training, and even provided valuable insight into Service dog training making a noticeable difference in their behavior.
  • Edward Delk
    Feb. 20, 2025
    My trainer at Dog Training Elite helped make me feel empowered to train my service dog. I constantly get compliments from people saying that they've never seen a dog behave so well, and it's all thanks to Tom! Even though I'm done with the program, he's still there for me, which means the world! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!
  • Vick N
    Feb. 19, 2025
    Tom is amazing! We started obedience lessons with my Doberman puppy when she was 4 months old, and she has truly turned into the best dog I could’ve ever ask for. She so well behaved thanks to her training, and I feel so confident teaching her new things and taking her out in public thanks to Tom! (She absolutely ADORES Tom too, you should see her wiggle when she sees his Truck pull in for her lessons.) 10/10 recommend Dog Training Elite and Tom!
  • Megan W.
    Feb. 11, 2025
    When I got my puppy, Henry, I was hoping to turn him into a service dog, but had no clue where to even start. Tom has been there every step of the way to help us get to that point. Henry will now alert to me on his own, and I know that wouldn’t have been possible without Tom’s expertise. And I have been so impressed with how well thought out the group classes are! It’s been amazing to watch Henry’s improvement with each outing. Would 1000% recommend this program to anyone!
  • LINDA SEAY
    Feb. 5, 2025
    Odie a mini Sheepadoodle has become a favorite with everyone he meets after finding Tom at DTI. Tom is always patient with Odie and me!! You may think “no way” when he tells you what is possible with your dog, but believe him!! We love the group classes and look forward to them. There are many dog trainers to choose from but I highly recommend Tom and this organization!! Life with your dog will go from ok to fabulous!!
  • Elizabeth Lloyd
    Jan. 25, 2025
    When I adopted my dog from the animal shelter I wasn't sure if she'd ever get along with other dogs or be able to be in a group of dogs without reacting poorly. These classes really helped her learn to be in a group of other dogs without freaking out. Its also helped her learn to listen to me and follow my lead in a situation. She's so much happier and so much more social now!
  • Zoe Hallam
    Jan. 2, 2025
    We work with Tom at Dog Training Elite Louisville and so far he has been amazing! He is very kind, understanding, and knowledgeable. We have a Standard Poodle puppy named Sonny and we have a long road ahead of us, from puppy training to obedience training to hopefully service or therapy dog training. Tom helped me from the very beginning before we even had Sonny, he informed me on what dog breeds would be best for service dogs and what to look for in a puppy, I am very thankful because of him we were able to find our boy Sonny who we absolutely adore (especially our son who we got Sonny for)! I was nervous as this is the most extensive training I have ever done and I have also never worked with an e-collar, Tom has made this experience very smooth and easy. He makes sure to inform me on everything which makes me feel more comfortable with the whole process. We have only been training for a few months as Sonny is only 18weeks old but we have already seen wonderful results from starting training right away! We have enjoyed working with Tom, and look forward to continue working with him. We are a forever client and highly recommend working with Tom for all your dog training needs!
  • Michelle Johnson
    Dec. 26, 2024
    Tom has done an amazing job with our 1 1/2 year old mini golden doodle. She and we have learned so much in just a few sessions! Tom is so patient and consistent with her. Our JoJo is now able to loose leash walk, heel and sit on walks only and come on command only after a few sessions. She is so much calmer and more attentive to us. So very impressed and couldn’t be happier!
  • Robert Dobson
    Nov. 23, 2024
    Tom and Abby have been great working with us and Hank. They’ve walked us through the early steps of our training and kept in touch to make sure everything was going good. We’re now joining the Saturday classes and enjoying learning more from them.
  • Anita Blount
    Nov. 23, 2024
    I began training my dog, Mushu, with Tom several months ago and it has been an excellent experience. My dog is not treat motivated and has been tricky to train as a result. I signed up with Tom for the Therapy Dog Training, which is a multi-step process beginning with basic obedience and progressing from there. Tom has been patient and great with my dog. Mushu has learned so much and come so far in a short time.
  • Lee Anne DePaola Ater
    Aug. 17, 2024
    When Joe and I started on this adventure of getting a puppy to train to be a mobility support dog for Joe due to his MS, I was a bit unsure of if we could make it happen. As Cole, an English Labrador, began growing into a LARGE puppy who didn’t know his strength I was concerned he would end up knocking Joe or others off their feet! With the wonderful guidance from Tom at Dog Training Elite, Cole (Joe and I) have learned to obey commands, listen to each other, act more appropriate around other people and dogs, and greet others without jumping on them. Joe, Cole, and I look forward to continuing our journey with Tom and appreciate all that he has done!
  • Lauren Brown
    Jul. 13, 2024
    I was recommended Dog Training Elite by my sister, and from the very beginning Tom has done a wonderful job helping my dog through reactivity and anxiety. We started with some pretty explosive reactivity, lunging, barking, etc. and in less than two months she is able to calmly participate in group class alongside other dogs. I cant recommend Dog Training Elite and Tom enough!
  • Khara Aud
    Mar. 30, 2024
    We got our family's first dog, a Cavapoo puppy named Poppy. We decided we would benefit from some puppy training as much as the puppy, so we searched the internet and found Dog Training Elite in Louisville. Tom is amazing. He taught Poppy to come in her very first session. In the second session, she learned sit, down, and up. Also, we were struggling to find treats she would like so he showed up with a pocket full of them to help us determine the best treat to get the job done. Tom has an amazing temperament, with both animals and people. He is very helpful and answers any questions we have. I recommend not only training your puppy, but using Dog Training Elite to do it. If we decide to go beyond puppy training into further obedience, we will definitely go with Tom.
  • Danielle wilson
    Mar. 28, 2024
    Tom has been great with my anxious rescue dog. He’s patient and kind; she responds well to his quiet nature. Definitely a good investment!
  • dorene burke
    May. 4, 2025
    We are thankful to have found Tom, with Dog Training Elite. We were beginning to feel overwhelmed with our Bernedoodle puppy. Tom is so calm and patient. Our Tilly warmed up to him immediately. Working together we have a much better behaved puppy. We will continue to work with Tom in group classes to learn more from his expertise. We highly recommend Dog Training Elite.
  • Lee Anne Ater
    Mar. 22, 2025
    “I have had a great experience with Dog Training Elite Louisville! The trainers are professional, knowledgeable, and patient with me, my husband, and my dog. The in-home training sessions were especially helpful, allowing Cole to learn in a familiar environment. Within just a few sessions, I saw a noticeable improvement in obedience and leash manners. If you’re considering professional training, I’d definitely recommend Dog Training Elite Louisville“
  • Rhonda Clyde
    Mar. 9, 2025
    Tom has been amazing with my crazy pup, displaying incredible patience and compassion. He truly listens to me and my dog. She has made more progress than I could’ve imagined. Tom is very supportive and knowledgeable.
  • Chuck Karasinski
    Mar. 8, 2025
    Tom has been great. Our dog was a drop off rescue that showed that social interaction with other people and dogs had been minimal. The training method appears to suit her well. The at home instruction has been really convenient. The group sessions have been really helpful for her fear and anxiety issues. Today was her second group session and I could sense a noticeable difference. Highly recommend.
  • Joella Mosley
    Feb. 24, 2025
    The patience, kindness, and clear guidance of the trainers at Dog Training Elite Louisville was outstanding, especially during our Service dog training experience, which instantly boosted our dog's confidence and obedience! Highly recommend
  • Krista Johnson
    Feb. 23, 2025
    The staff at Dog Training Elite Louisville demonstrated exceptional patience, kindness, understanding, and provided clear instructions that put us at ease throughout the training process, and we're delighted with the progress our dogs are making. Their encouraging approach made the experience enjoyable and left us feeling confident in our newfound skills as we pursued service dog training for one of our dogs and therapy dog training for the other. The group lessons are an effective way to gain confidence using the training skills we learn in individual sessions. Safety is a main priority in group classes with the leaders demonstrating patience and understanding for any dogs and owners who may be struggling with anxiety around other dogs. We are very happy with DTE training and am glad we chose it for our two dogs.
  • jason kayla
    Feb. 20, 2025
    Our experience with Dog Training Elite Louisville was exceptional, with trainers who demonstrated kindness, patience, clarity, and professionalism as they guided our dogs at all levels of obedience training, and even provided valuable insight into Service dog training making a noticeable difference in their behavior.
  • Edward Delk
    Feb. 20, 2025
    My trainer at Dog Training Elite helped make me feel empowered to train my service dog. I constantly get compliments from people saying that they've never seen a dog behave so well, and it's all thanks to Tom! Even though I'm done with the program, he's still there for me, which means the world! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!
  • Vick N
    Feb. 19, 2025
    Tom is amazing! We started obedience lessons with my Doberman puppy when she was 4 months old, and she has truly turned into the best dog I could’ve ever ask for. She so well behaved thanks to her training, and I feel so confident teaching her new things and taking her out in public thanks to Tom! (She absolutely ADORES Tom too, you should see her wiggle when she sees his Truck pull in for her lessons.) 10/10 recommend Dog Training Elite and Tom!
  • Megan W.
    Feb. 11, 2025
    When I got my puppy, Henry, I was hoping to turn him into a service dog, but had no clue where to even start. Tom has been there every step of the way to help us get to that point. Henry will now alert to me on his own, and I know that wouldn’t have been possible without Tom’s expertise. And I have been so impressed with how well thought out the group classes are! It’s been amazing to watch Henry’s improvement with each outing. Would 1000% recommend this program to anyone!
  • LINDA SEAY
    Feb. 5, 2025
    Odie a mini Sheepadoodle has become a favorite with everyone he meets after finding Tom at DTI. Tom is always patient with Odie and me!! You may think “no way” when he tells you what is possible with your dog, but believe him!! We love the group classes and look forward to them. There are many dog trainers to choose from but I highly recommend Tom and this organization!! Life with your dog will go from ok to fabulous!!
  • Elizabeth Lloyd
    Jan. 25, 2025
    When I adopted my dog from the animal shelter I wasn't sure if she'd ever get along with other dogs or be able to be in a group of dogs without reacting poorly. These classes really helped her learn to be in a group of other dogs without freaking out. Its also helped her learn to listen to me and follow my lead in a situation. She's so much happier and so much more social now!
  • Zoe Hallam
    Jan. 2, 2025
    We work with Tom at Dog Training Elite Louisville and so far he has been amazing! He is very kind, understanding, and knowledgeable. We have a Standard Poodle puppy named Sonny and we have a long road ahead of us, from puppy training to obedience training to hopefully service or therapy dog training. Tom helped me from the very beginning before we even had Sonny, he informed me on what dog breeds would be best for service dogs and what to look for in a puppy, I am very thankful because of him we were able to find our boy Sonny who we absolutely adore (especially our son who we got Sonny for)! I was nervous as this is the most extensive training I have ever done and I have also never worked with an e-collar, Tom has made this experience very smooth and easy. He makes sure to inform me on everything which makes me feel more comfortable with the whole process. We have only been training for a few months as Sonny is only 18weeks old but we have already seen wonderful results from starting training right away! We have enjoyed working with Tom, and look forward to continue working with him. We are a forever client and highly recommend working with Tom for all your dog training needs!
  • Michelle Johnson
    Dec. 26, 2024
    Tom has done an amazing job with our 1 1/2 year old mini golden doodle. She and we have learned so much in just a few sessions! Tom is so patient and consistent with her. Our JoJo is now able to loose leash walk, heel and sit on walks only and come on command only after a few sessions. She is so much calmer and more attentive to us. So very impressed and couldn’t be happier!
  • Robert Dobson
    Nov. 23, 2024
    Tom and Abby have been great working with us and Hank. They’ve walked us through the early steps of our training and kept in touch to make sure everything was going good. We’re now joining the Saturday classes and enjoying learning more from them.
  • Anita Blount
    Nov. 23, 2024
    I began training my dog, Mushu, with Tom several months ago and it has been an excellent experience. My dog is not treat motivated and has been tricky to train as a result. I signed up with Tom for the Therapy Dog Training, which is a multi-step process beginning with basic obedience and progressing from there. Tom has been patient and great with my dog. Mushu has learned so much and come so far in a short time.
  • Lee Anne DePaola Ater
    Aug. 17, 2024
    When Joe and I started on this adventure of getting a puppy to train to be a mobility support dog for Joe due to his MS, I was a bit unsure of if we could make it happen. As Cole, an English Labrador, began growing into a LARGE puppy who didn’t know his strength I was concerned he would end up knocking Joe or others off their feet! With the wonderful guidance from Tom at Dog Training Elite, Cole (Joe and I) have learned to obey commands, listen to each other, act more appropriate around other people and dogs, and greet others without jumping on them. Joe, Cole, and I look forward to continuing our journey with Tom and appreciate all that he has done!
  • Lauren Brown
    Jul. 13, 2024
    I was recommended Dog Training Elite by my sister, and from the very beginning Tom has done a wonderful job helping my dog through reactivity and anxiety. We started with some pretty explosive reactivity, lunging, barking, etc. and in less than two months she is able to calmly participate in group class alongside other dogs. I cant recommend Dog Training Elite and Tom enough!
  • Khara Aud
    Mar. 30, 2024
    We got our family's first dog, a Cavapoo puppy named Poppy. We decided we would benefit from some puppy training as much as the puppy, so we searched the internet and found Dog Training Elite in Louisville. Tom is amazing. He taught Poppy to come in her very first session. In the second session, she learned sit, down, and up. Also, we were struggling to find treats she would like so he showed up with a pocket full of them to help us determine the best treat to get the job done. Tom has an amazing temperament, with both animals and people. He is very helpful and answers any questions we have. I recommend not only training your puppy, but using Dog Training Elite to do it. If we decide to go beyond puppy training into further obedience, we will definitely go with Tom.
  • Danielle wilson
    Mar. 28, 2024
    Tom has been great with my anxious rescue dog. He’s patient and kind; she responds well to his quiet nature. Definitely a good investment!
A dog owner with his German Shepherd - get your professional german shepherd training in Louisville, KY 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 Louisville 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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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 Louisville.
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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 Louisville german shepherd trainers.

Your Expert German Shepherd Trainers in Louisville, KY

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 Louisville, KY!