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Professional Training For

German Shepherds

Dog Training Elite

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

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 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 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 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 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

  • Daxton Tarantino
    Oct. 5, 2025
    Our meeting with Rich was great. He was very knowledgeable. Took his time and explained everything we need to know. Thank you!
  • 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!
  • Grant Harris
    Oct. 5, 2025
    Dog Training Elite has been monumental in training our young rat terrier Wally and our chocolate lab puppy Ralphy. Graham and Shelly have put together and incredible staff to train up any breed of dog. The dogs love the facility and the group training held at 1 of 2 parks in the PSL area. We will keep bringing Wally to group classes and look forward to Ralphys further training as he learns not only basic obedience but eventually training to be my father’s service dog. We recommend DTE for anyone, any dog, any time.
  • Kathy Nelson
    Oct. 4, 2025
    Meggie was very informed and very nice. I look forward to working with her and the rest of the team.
  • Anika Allred
    Sep. 6, 2025
    We LOVE Deidre! We honestly can’t sing her praises enough. We have one more session with her, and we wish we could have a lifetime! She’s incredible, knowledgeable, kind, patient, and just an all-around amazing trainer. 1000/10 would recommend her and this business!
  • 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!!
  • Selena Despins
    Oct. 4, 2025
    We are so happy we went with Elite after reaching out to multiple trainers in the area. We were given different options for how to go about training; in public, at their facility, or in our own home. It made it very convenient and helpful to train in different environments with our dog. Ramiro was a great trainer, not just for our skeptical dog, but also as worrisome owners. He explained each step and helped us and our dog work together to help us be more confident in public and having visitors over. Being a rescue, our dog has a tendency to be on high alert but training has helped him trust us and relax.
  • Kevin Tyson
    Jul. 15, 2025
    Dog Training Elite Lancaster: I can't overstate the dramatic change in my dog since Jaime and Betsy engaged in training with her. Prior to Elite, we had our puppy in private training, with mediocre results. I was skeptical that Elite would be able to get her to the level we wanted. Literally after one lesson, we began to see results. By week 3 it was DRAMATIC! Jaime and Betsy provide the tools and coaching. You need to do the work also. But if you do, the results will overwhelm you!! Almost as important as training your dog, Dog Training Elite trains the handler and gives them the skills to understand successful methods. We are so grateful that we found Betsy and Jaime. Remarkable trainers!!
  • Diana Robles
    Oct. 4, 2025
    When we lost Luca, we weren’t sure what we would do. He was not only my service dog, but my partner and heart. I honestly didn’t know how I could move forward without him. At the time, our sweet Yara didn’t qualify as a service dog due to her past trauma, prior to us adopting her, and it felt like such an uncertain road ahead. Then life surprised us — Yara had a litter of seven beautiful, healthy standard poodle pups. We decided to keep two of the boys, and they have just completed their service dog training camp. They’re well on their way to following in Luca’s pawprints, and watching their progress has filled our hearts with so much hope. Yara herself has blossomed in ways I never imagined. From obedience training to slowly building her confidence, she’s now qualified as a service dog too. She’s done a complete 180, and it brings me to tears thinking of how far she’s come. Thank you, DTE, for everything. Your dedication, patience, and love have shaped not only our pups but our lives. We will always miss Luca deeply, but we’re forever grateful to Dog Training Elite for helping our young pups step into their new roles and for helping our beautiful princess Yara grow into the amazing dog she was meant to be. 🐩❤️
  • Desiree LaPeer
    Oct. 4, 2025
    Dog Training Elite has been wonderful in working with my service dog in training. We started working with Tom and Abby when Charlie was a puppy. Now at one years old, Charlie has grown so much in her obedience. We’ve trusted their process in training, and it is absolutely paying off. Being able to attend bi-weekly group classes has been very helpful in maintaining her obedience and to learn new skills. Tom and Abby have always been willing to do individual sessions to help target specific tasks Charlie needs to learn. I absolutely love working with Dog Training Elite!!
  • Franklin Smith
    Oct. 4, 2025
    Trainers I worked with like Patrick and Matt are the best!!
  • John McEachern
    Sep. 11, 2025
    Richard is very easy going , stays on point and is working on our training as well as Phins ! I think we’re behind 🤣
  • Zachary Potter
    Oct. 4, 2025
    Awesome experience with Ramiro! Completely transformed our dogs. Had issues with them being aggressive towards each other and with a baby on the way, we had to find a fix. Ramiro solved all of our issues. Highly recommend
  • Nate Gornitzky
    Oct. 4, 2025
    Fantastic Jupiter group class today!!
  • Larry Falivena
    Oct. 4, 2025
    The team at DTE is great! Cindy and Kyle helped us take our wild puppy and turn her into my mobility service dog. People are amazed at how well trained she is. I highly recommend them whether you need a service dog to help improve your quality of life, or just a well behaved companion.
  • Qwaig
    Oct. 3, 2025
    Dog training elite goes above and beyond the competition. They don’t just make sure your dog is trained, they make sure YOU are trained on what you need to do to keep your dog learning and growing. The staff is all extremely friendly and personable, I highly recommend them for any type of training you are looking for for your dog.
  • Lynne H
    Oct. 3, 2025
    Our dogs love their training sessions and practice sessions. We are very pleased with the progress they've made.
  • Lori Ostiguy
    Oct. 3, 2025
    We had our initial visit and I am so happy, Patrick is a great trainer and I can’t wait to do more training.
  • Garret Schumer
    Oct. 3, 2025
    Such an amazing experience so far. Colin is great with our girl Gilly. Over the past 5 weeks she has responded incredibly well to her commands, and is excited every week when Colin comes to the door. Even when there’s distractions Colin is awesome at getting her on task and imprinting the lesson. The whole process has made it super easy for us and Gilly to keep working and making the lesson stick. Grateful to have found this program. Below are pics of Gilly, “placing” (and her birthday get up..just because 😂)
  • Alexander Voris
    Oct. 3, 2025
    We do not even know where to begin when it comes to how grateful we are for Dog Training Elite. Before attending the two week day camp, Hoosier, our year and a half golden retriever mix, struggled significantly with meeting new people. He would bark and lunge at them in an aggressive manner. The two week camp provided Hoosier (and us) with the tools for interacting with new people. This is just the beginning of his training as he will continue to attend weekly group sessions that come with the two week day camp package (which is amazing). We cannot say enough good things about all the trainers here. They have done such an incredible job with Hoosier, and we are so thankful for them.
A dog owner with his German Shepherd - get your professional german shepherd training 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 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.
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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 german shepherd trainers.

Your Expert German Shepherd Trainers

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!