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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 Savannah has years of experience with German Shepherd training and has developed obedience and personal protection training 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. The professional training of Dog Training Elite Savannah will help any German Shepherd become an incredible companion to individuals and families.
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Savannah location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
German Shepherd Puppies vs. Adults
Dog Training Elite Savannah 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 Savannah has 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.
In-Home German Shepherd Training
Dog Training Elite Savannah 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 Savannah 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.
Our Balanced Theory
We base our training around the "Classical Conditioning" model (a.k.a. "Pavlovian" or "respondent conditioning"). This includes developing conditioned or automatic reflexes to commands. In its simplest form (after proper conditioning), when the owner says "sit," the dog automatically sits without thinking about it. Our unique techniques ensure our program is a success no matter what behavior we encounter.
Empowering Owners
We empower owners to train so their dog knows who to obey at all times.
Personalized
We deal with problem behaviors on a personal basis.
Environment Specific
We train wherever issues tend to arise (i.e. jogging, park, home).
Supportive
We support owners in the off-hours (when training is "not in session").
Involved
We work with all members of the household.
Simplified & Customized
We plan training around the owner's schedule and require only 20 min/day follow-up practice.
Continued Training
Additional programs / group sessions offered after in-home training.
Lifetime Investment
We follow up & are invested in the owner's success long-term.
Satisfaction Ratings
Our high client satisfaction rating sets us apart from competitors.
clas·si·cal con·di·tion·ing PSYCHOLOGY noun A learning process that occurs when two stimuli are repeatedly paired; a response that is at first elicited by the second stimulus and is eventually elicited by the first stimulus alone.
German Shepherd Specific Tips Be Consistent
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 Shepherd Specific Tips Get Plenty of Exercise
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.
German Shepherd Specific Tips Positive Reinforcement
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 and physical stimulation they need.
Dog Training Elite Savannah has developed training programs for puppies and adult dogs alike based on positive reinforcement. German Shepherd training with our in-home option is entirely possible. Read on to learn more about the Dog Training Elite Savannah training method.
The Dog Training Elite
Difference
Dog Training Elite Savannah uses modern training methods focused on positive reinforcement and bonding between dog and dog owner. Dog Training Elite Savannah 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 Savannah 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 Savannah’s method of focusing on positive behavior reinforcement nurtures a dog's loving and naturally obedient nature.
Ready to turn your dog into a loyal and loving companion? Find a German Shepherd trainer near you today!
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We help your dog become a valued companion and beloved member of the family. Read what our customers have to say and then give us a call!
Jackson is an awesome trainer. My dog is doing outstanding in training.— Robert Benca
Posted September 21st 2024
Abby and I are 8 lessons in plus one group session and I am amazed at how fast this 5 month old golden retriever puppy is learning. She is about to enter “dog adolescence” and our trainer, Jackson, is a genius in getting her to focus and in correcting my training technique errors. I recommend Dog Training Elite and Jackson without reservation. Not only is their method effective, Abby and I are having a great time learning together. RamonM.— Ramon Meguiar
Posted September 17th 2024
Excellent folks! Jackson is a fabulous trainer and really takes time to work with you and your dog. He *understands* dogs, and he's great at troubleshooting, as well as a consummate professional. He got our 7-8 year old GSP learn how to be a service dog - I wasn't sure it could be done! Great communication from everyone, highly recommend.— Erin McCoy
Posted September 3rd 2024
My boy Nick was a menace! Then I called Dog Training Elite because I needed help with training. Jackson came in figured out what the problem was (Nick thought he was the boss) and created a plan. Every time Jackson came around for training Nick would go into work mode. Jackson was so helpful in teaching me how to train Nick and keep up with it. He also gives helpful advice when it comes to certain behaviors. Separation anxiety, storms, and anything else that comes up. Nick is a completely different dog from when I adopted him in March. I have already recommended Dog Training Elite to my neighbors. They are 100% worth the cost.— Trish Dillon
Posted September 1st 2024
Jackson has done very well with helping me understand how to correct and doesn’t get irritated with me when I don’t understand something.— Brooklyn Wilkins
Posted August 30th 2024
Elite training has been very patient and helpful training my 2 dogs. Jackson has provided great instruction for training both me and the dogs!— Patty Burke
Posted August 15th 2024
Jackson is so great with Winnie! I would definitely recommend him to train your fur pup!— Janice Whitsell
Posted June 8th 2024
From my initial experience meeting Steve and Valerie at a home show, to interactions with them even before I adopted my dog (to be trained as a service dog), to the training sessions with Jackson, every experience has given me confidence to handle and train my puppy with consistency. It is so great having them in my corner, coaching and training me every step of the process. They respond quickly and are always so supportive of me as well as my dog. I highly recommend them to everyone I can.— Shelley Hendrix
Posted June 8th 2024
Our sweet puppy Chief is 4 months old and we’ve been having issues with getting him to listen to commands, one visit with DTE and I’ve already seen a huge impact on his behavior, their technique is very effective and Chief is such a happy boy!! I can’t wait to see the amazing dog he becomes working with Steve at DTE!! If you’re looking for training for your dog, no matter the age, no matter the attention span, this is the dog trainer for you!! You will see a big difference in your pup!— savana thompson
Posted July 17th 2023