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

Professional Training For

German Shepherds

Dog Training Elite Central Nashville

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 Nashville, 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 Nashville, 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 Central Nashville 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 Nashville 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 Central Nashville 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

  • Camryn Cannon
    May. 10, 2025
    We used Dog Training Elite for our little guy Lucky in Nashville and are soooo happy with the results. lucky went from being disobedient and snappy to very friendly, kind respectful and loving. He no longer steals food from the counter and nips or bites at strangers. Parker was such a pleasure to work with and 100% worth the cost. It was an investment that has paid off 10x over! Highly highly recommend.
  • Julie Gillespie
    May. 8, 2025
    Reina, Montana, and Parker were all easy to work with. Knowledgeable, helped us make strides with Finch quickly and feel confident in working with him. I love how they work together as a team, similar in training concepts and all a little different with their tips and things to try - great support all the way around. Jen was great too, very helpful with scheduling and questions. Thanks everyone, we wouldn't hesitate to recommend DTE!
  • Grammy
    May. 7, 2025
    My dog Lucy is now so well-behaved. She walks so nicely on a leash and greets others politely. She's gotten to the point that I can let her out in the front yard, and even under high amounts of distraction, she comes back when called. Parker has been such a great trainer to work with. He understands my dog and was able to help us accomplish all our goals. Dog Training Elite, with their in-home training, is the best you will find in Franklin, TN.
  • Sheryl Edgeworth
    May. 7, 2025
    Dog Training Elite has truly changed my dog. My dogs used to jump on guests and bolt out the door. Now, they sit politely while getting a pet, and stay inside the house when the door opens. Parker is the best dog trainer in Brentwood. I have been so happy with the process and results.
  • Peter Holmstead
    May. 7, 2025
    Parker did an amazing job helping our dog moose be well behaved indoors. We live near Nashville, where we see a lot of people and he doesn’t bark uncontrollably at people coming to the door now and neighbors walking by. He has a very friendly demeanor and people love him now! Would highly recommend Dog Training Elite for their premium work.
  • Kaitlyn Doser
    Apr. 21, 2025
    I have been working with Montana for the one-on-one basic training portion of the program. She has been incredibly kind and helpful through the process. We are super excited to start the group training portion! Also a special shout out for Parker who came out for our last session, he was awesome! For anyone on the fence about going through with it, I recommend Dog Training Elite 10/10 as long as you’re willing to put in the work outside of training sessions (as is the case for pretty much any kind of training). I have been able to see results in my puppy’s behavior pretty much immediately under their guidance.
  • Shane White
    Apr. 20, 2025
    We had the absolute best experience with Dog Training Elite! I've had a lot of dogs in my life, but never took training seriously and knew with our new puppy, I wanted to do it right. The team was professional, loving, and supportive every step of the way. They instruct in a calm and cool manner, and made sure we were comfortable with the process along the way. Do not HESITATE to use these folks if you want to be successful in your dog training journey. It's a relief to bring our dog out in public and know she'll be happy and also obedient; we often chuckle to ourselves when we see a dog out of control...it's not that hard folks-- just get with Dog Training Elite!
  • mandi Beuerlein
    Apr. 19, 2025
    I thought my dog would never be able to be trained. He is a completely different dog now. When we go out everyone compliments how well behaved he is. Couldn’t ask for better trainers.
  • Carrie DuRard
    Apr. 17, 2025
    From devil to delight!! My frenchie, Cool Whip, went from a stubborn knucklehead to the most obedient dog. We are totally blown away!!! Our dog learned so much and we did too. Parker was kind, gentle and effective - a total pro. I would highly recommend any trainer with. dog Training Elite!!!!
  • nick matteucci
    Apr. 17, 2025
    Great in home service… transformed our monster into an angel!
  • Black Widow
    Apr. 11, 2025
    Jen in the office was so kind, helpful, and professional!
  • Adam Seger
    Apr. 5, 2025
    Parker and his team are excellent! We have a full-go high-energy brittany, and after the training he is a completely different dog. Still energetic, but much more respectful, responsive, and easy. Highly recommended!
  • Pat Murphy
    Apr. 3, 2025
    Parker was an amazing trainer for our 1yo Labrador. She used to pull on the leash and had poor recall, not to mention a myriad of other behavior issues. Now, she is very obedient and recalls 100% of the time without issue. I run with her off the leash through neighborhoods and trails without issue, and we’re both much happier that way! A great investment!
  • Karly Kramer
    Nov. 27, 2024
    I absolutely love our trainer Reina! She is doing beautifully helping me out with my boy, Bolt. She is a very sweet individual that has an amazing vibe to her! I wouldn’t trade Reina for anything! Before we started with DTE, my boy was very reactive towards any noise, person, or dog. We have only had 4 sessions so far, and Bolt seems more comfortable with himself and our older dog, Lucas, which was a problem before we started training. Today after his session, he KISSED LUCAS!!! I have never seen them so comfortable with eachother before, and I think the confidence raise that the training is doing is helping him tremendously!! He has a long way to go, but so far, Bolt is doing very good with his emotions!! I highly recommend Dog Training Elite if you have a reactive/aggressive dog! They treat their clients amazingly, and they understand when the dog is struggling with a command and will help the best they can!! Don’t ever think your aggressive or reactive dog is untrainable, because Dog Training Elite shows otherwise!!! Additional: Reina really understands Bolt’s emotions and it makes me so thankful I was able to get a trainer like her. Bolt is weaning off of his Prozac now which is amazing! He is a happier dog now even if he has his days, but everyone does! The group sessions have helped him tremendously with his anxiety and his aggression. I see him one day being an off-leash dog that is desensitized by humans and animals! Thank you Reina and Dog Training Elite! I wouldn’t trade this professionalism for anything!
  • Brittney Berger
    Mar. 24, 2025
    Signing up for dog training with Dog Training Elite was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made! Cosima, Parker and Reina are so knowledgeable and kind. Our Newfoundland pup Ginny is now responsive to commands, and gentle on the leash thanks to what we have learned from our sessions. It has been so nice to have the confidence that our dog won’t jump on other people, or pull hard on walks! Thank you Dog Training Elite Nashville!😊
  • Miguel Herrera
    Mar. 18, 2025
    I am not overstating when I say the training has changed our lives. We have 2 mini Australian Shepards that were on high alert 24/7. They are so much calmer and happier now. They can relax and they understand what we are telling them to do. The trainers were all great. We worked with 4 different ones and they were all professional, patient, and very helpful. I would recommend this company to anyone needing help with their dog.
  • Martin Vukel
    Mar. 11, 2025
    This place really helped with my German Shepherd Great Pyrenees mix. He was very stubborn but quickly picked up on the training with Parker, Cosima and Reina!
  • Hobey Jiranek
    Mar. 11, 2025
    We’ve had a great experience working with Dog Training Elite. Their entire team is kind, passionate, and knowledgeable and I definitely recommend checking them out for dog training needs.
  • Scotty C
    Mar. 8, 2025
    Very professional and personable, prompt to the evaluation. Parker did a great job walking us through the process!
  • Rebecca King
    Mar. 7, 2025
    Parker has completely changed my dog! Toby has only had 4 sessions and it’s already like night and day. Toby is 10 years old and this past month is the first time he has been relaxed and calm when I answer the door and let someone in. He’s way less agitated and territorial. Allowing my brother to even give me a hug in the past has been a trigger for aggression, but now it’s like he doesn’t care. He’s not worried. I am in shock at how well this is going and I’m excited for the future. Toby’s life has completely changed because of Parker and his trainers. Thank you guys!!
  • Camryn Cannon
    May. 10, 2025
    We used Dog Training Elite for our little guy Lucky in Nashville and are soooo happy with the results. lucky went from being disobedient and snappy to very friendly, kind respectful and loving. He no longer steals food from the counter and nips or bites at strangers. Parker was such a pleasure to work with and 100% worth the cost. It was an investment that has paid off 10x over! Highly highly recommend.
  • Julie Gillespie
    May. 8, 2025
    Reina, Montana, and Parker were all easy to work with. Knowledgeable, helped us make strides with Finch quickly and feel confident in working with him. I love how they work together as a team, similar in training concepts and all a little different with their tips and things to try - great support all the way around. Jen was great too, very helpful with scheduling and questions. Thanks everyone, we wouldn't hesitate to recommend DTE!
  • Grammy
    May. 7, 2025
    My dog Lucy is now so well-behaved. She walks so nicely on a leash and greets others politely. She's gotten to the point that I can let her out in the front yard, and even under high amounts of distraction, she comes back when called. Parker has been such a great trainer to work with. He understands my dog and was able to help us accomplish all our goals. Dog Training Elite, with their in-home training, is the best you will find in Franklin, TN.
  • Sheryl Edgeworth
    May. 7, 2025
    Dog Training Elite has truly changed my dog. My dogs used to jump on guests and bolt out the door. Now, they sit politely while getting a pet, and stay inside the house when the door opens. Parker is the best dog trainer in Brentwood. I have been so happy with the process and results.
  • Peter Holmstead
    May. 7, 2025
    Parker did an amazing job helping our dog moose be well behaved indoors. We live near Nashville, where we see a lot of people and he doesn’t bark uncontrollably at people coming to the door now and neighbors walking by. He has a very friendly demeanor and people love him now! Would highly recommend Dog Training Elite for their premium work.
  • Kaitlyn Doser
    Apr. 21, 2025
    I have been working with Montana for the one-on-one basic training portion of the program. She has been incredibly kind and helpful through the process. We are super excited to start the group training portion! Also a special shout out for Parker who came out for our last session, he was awesome! For anyone on the fence about going through with it, I recommend Dog Training Elite 10/10 as long as you’re willing to put in the work outside of training sessions (as is the case for pretty much any kind of training). I have been able to see results in my puppy’s behavior pretty much immediately under their guidance.
  • Shane White
    Apr. 20, 2025
    We had the absolute best experience with Dog Training Elite! I've had a lot of dogs in my life, but never took training seriously and knew with our new puppy, I wanted to do it right. The team was professional, loving, and supportive every step of the way. They instruct in a calm and cool manner, and made sure we were comfortable with the process along the way. Do not HESITATE to use these folks if you want to be successful in your dog training journey. It's a relief to bring our dog out in public and know she'll be happy and also obedient; we often chuckle to ourselves when we see a dog out of control...it's not that hard folks-- just get with Dog Training Elite!
  • mandi Beuerlein
    Apr. 19, 2025
    I thought my dog would never be able to be trained. He is a completely different dog now. When we go out everyone compliments how well behaved he is. Couldn’t ask for better trainers.
  • Carrie DuRard
    Apr. 17, 2025
    From devil to delight!! My frenchie, Cool Whip, went from a stubborn knucklehead to the most obedient dog. We are totally blown away!!! Our dog learned so much and we did too. Parker was kind, gentle and effective - a total pro. I would highly recommend any trainer with. dog Training Elite!!!!
  • nick matteucci
    Apr. 17, 2025
    Great in home service… transformed our monster into an angel!
  • Black Widow
    Apr. 11, 2025
    Jen in the office was so kind, helpful, and professional!
  • Adam Seger
    Apr. 5, 2025
    Parker and his team are excellent! We have a full-go high-energy brittany, and after the training he is a completely different dog. Still energetic, but much more respectful, responsive, and easy. Highly recommended!
  • Pat Murphy
    Apr. 3, 2025
    Parker was an amazing trainer for our 1yo Labrador. She used to pull on the leash and had poor recall, not to mention a myriad of other behavior issues. Now, she is very obedient and recalls 100% of the time without issue. I run with her off the leash through neighborhoods and trails without issue, and we’re both much happier that way! A great investment!
  • Karly Kramer
    Nov. 27, 2024
    I absolutely love our trainer Reina! She is doing beautifully helping me out with my boy, Bolt. She is a very sweet individual that has an amazing vibe to her! I wouldn’t trade Reina for anything! Before we started with DTE, my boy was very reactive towards any noise, person, or dog. We have only had 4 sessions so far, and Bolt seems more comfortable with himself and our older dog, Lucas, which was a problem before we started training. Today after his session, he KISSED LUCAS!!! I have never seen them so comfortable with eachother before, and I think the confidence raise that the training is doing is helping him tremendously!! He has a long way to go, but so far, Bolt is doing very good with his emotions!! I highly recommend Dog Training Elite if you have a reactive/aggressive dog! They treat their clients amazingly, and they understand when the dog is struggling with a command and will help the best they can!! Don’t ever think your aggressive or reactive dog is untrainable, because Dog Training Elite shows otherwise!!! Additional: Reina really understands Bolt’s emotions and it makes me so thankful I was able to get a trainer like her. Bolt is weaning off of his Prozac now which is amazing! He is a happier dog now even if he has his days, but everyone does! The group sessions have helped him tremendously with his anxiety and his aggression. I see him one day being an off-leash dog that is desensitized by humans and animals! Thank you Reina and Dog Training Elite! I wouldn’t trade this professionalism for anything!
  • Brittney Berger
    Mar. 24, 2025
    Signing up for dog training with Dog Training Elite was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made! Cosima, Parker and Reina are so knowledgeable and kind. Our Newfoundland pup Ginny is now responsive to commands, and gentle on the leash thanks to what we have learned from our sessions. It has been so nice to have the confidence that our dog won’t jump on other people, or pull hard on walks! Thank you Dog Training Elite Nashville!😊
  • Miguel Herrera
    Mar. 18, 2025
    I am not overstating when I say the training has changed our lives. We have 2 mini Australian Shepards that were on high alert 24/7. They are so much calmer and happier now. They can relax and they understand what we are telling them to do. The trainers were all great. We worked with 4 different ones and they were all professional, patient, and very helpful. I would recommend this company to anyone needing help with their dog.
  • Martin Vukel
    Mar. 11, 2025
    This place really helped with my German Shepherd Great Pyrenees mix. He was very stubborn but quickly picked up on the training with Parker, Cosima and Reina!
  • Hobey Jiranek
    Mar. 11, 2025
    We’ve had a great experience working with Dog Training Elite. Their entire team is kind, passionate, and knowledgeable and I definitely recommend checking them out for dog training needs.
  • Scotty C
    Mar. 8, 2025
    Very professional and personable, prompt to the evaluation. Parker did a great job walking us through the process!
  • Rebecca King
    Mar. 7, 2025
    Parker has completely changed my dog! Toby has only had 4 sessions and it’s already like night and day. Toby is 10 years old and this past month is the first time he has been relaxed and calm when I answer the door and let someone in. He’s way less agitated and territorial. Allowing my brother to even give me a hug in the past has been a trigger for aggression, but now it’s like he doesn’t care. He’s not worried. I am in shock at how well this is going and I’m excited for the future. Toby’s life has completely changed because of Parker and his trainers. Thank you guys!!
A dog owner with his German Shepherd - get your professional german shepherd training in Nashville, 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 Central Nashville 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 stimulation they need.

A group of dogs being trained by the expert team at Dog Training Elite Central Nashville.
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An adorable German Shepherd with their owner - Dog Training Elite is your go-to choice for Nashville german shepherd trainers.

Your Expert German Shepherd Trainers in Nashville, 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 Nashville, TN!