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

German Shepherd Dog Training in St. Louis, MO

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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 St. Louis, MO

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 St. Louis, MO 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 St. Louis 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 St. Louis 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 St. Louis 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

  • Beth Collier
    Oct. 21, 2026
    Highly recommend Matt, Alaina, Becky and Alex. What a great team. We completed puppy training and then Therapy Dog training. I also have to give credit to Alicia for keeping everything and everyone organized. What a great and truly caring dog loving team.
  • Lexi Ruzicka
    Oct. 15, 2026
    Hands down, Dog Training Elite is worth every penny! I was initially nervous about the higher price tag, but the transformation in my hunting-breed dog, Link, has been incredible. Because of his high energy and drive, training him on my own was tough. The in-home sessions (which we did this past August through September) were game-changing. Not only did our trainer teach Link basic commands, but he also taught me how to handle and meet his needs effectively. Thanks to what I learned, we've had continuous, lasting results. Link can now free-roam the house comfortably, and his barking at trash trucks and other dogs has drastically decreased. We are so grateful and can't wait to start group classes!
  • Paul Rottler
    Oct. 8, 2026
    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Life-changing for our two puppies! We had an absolutely amazing experience with Dog Training Elite for our two puppies, Gracie (our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel) and Mia (our Mini Aussiedoodle). Matt, the owner, was extremely helpful in providing a personalized plan and accommodating us around our schedule. Our trainer, Becky, was incredible from the start. She initially came right to our house to help us get everything set up and moving in the right direction, which was so helpful for managing two pups at once. She then continued to work closely with them during their on-site training sessions. The progress Gracie and Mia have made is night and day. The program is structured, highly effective, and Becky made the entire process seamless and positive for our girls. We are so grateful for the guidance and highly recommend them to any puppy parents!
  • T W
    Oct. 4, 2026
    Dog Training Elite did a fantastic job with the puppy training. Our puppy did really well. We also did the In Home Obedience training and the trainer Becky was exceptional. She explained everything so we understood the commands and was very patient with us. I would recommend DTE and Becky. Thank you so much!
  • sunira jain
    Sep. 20, 2026
    DT has been instrumental in helping us be better owners for our reactive rescue dog Atlas . He had gone for training with a different trainer and they helped us, but we felt he needed more. Thanks to DTE and their amazing team our dog is better behaved at home and meeting new people . He still has issues with other dogs but the trainers at DTE have given us confidence that we are on the right path . I cannot thank them enough for the changes their training has done for our dog . Thank you !
  • Cindy Decormier
    Sep. 13, 2026
    If you need a professional who truly understands canine behavior, this is the trainer to call." Especially for protection work! Willow loved it!
  • Ann Schwein
    Sep. 8, 2026
    DTE is amazing! They are fabulous !!!! Something that you will notice right away about them and the owner, Matt, is that they are ALL involved in the process of training!!! They are super professional and the team's patience and kindness is off the charts!! They make both dogs and owners feel supported throughout the process with personalized attention given and where the trainers are matched with dogs perfectly. They want everyone to succeed!!!!!
  • Kristin Shantz
    Aug. 31, 2026
    We adopted a black mouth cur hound about a year ago when he was not quite 2 years of age and had been in a foster home. After having him in our home for a few weeks, although he was a great fit with our kids there wasn't a ton of consistency in his past training. He has a strong prey drive and can be reactive at the fence. He is very loyal to his people but has days he can be selective. About 6-8 weeks after adopting him, we were able to get started with DTE. I have never been a huge fan of e-collars (also didn't understand how to use them) and though we've had dogs all our lives, never had such a strong pup. He pulled both of my older sons down to the ground on a leash when walking to chase animals. The team at DTE was very clear about the 2 week training program and expectations (from both dog and owner). We kept up with homework and we continue to take him to occasional day trains and group classes. My older kids can walk him alone now, he has learned recall even with distractions , and even my 4 year old can handle him on a leash with supervision and give him certain commands with ease. We were skeptical of the cost, but it has been the best training to build both skills for our dog and confidence for our family in handling him. We are always getting compliments on how well he listens and how calm he is out in public. We also know how to read him and give him a break when needed. Some of this is personality, but we built a trust between us and I'm glad we did it early on in his start with our family.
  • David West
    Aug. 24, 2026
    I highly recommend DTE Matt and his staff are very professional and personal. I have a reactive German Shepard they have helped me with and the results are amazing. It is so much more fun to take her on walks and be around other dogs. Alex is awesome he helped us so much on the one on one training to get her ready for the group classes. The group classes are fun and great for owners as well as their dogs. Looking forward to more success with my dog.
  • Sheila West
    Aug. 24, 2026
    Matt and his staff are amazing. They are highly knowledgeable with all breeds and issues dog owners occur. We are very pleased with the training for our German Shepard. She is now going to group sessions and able to be around other dogs without barking and acting out. Not only do they train dogs, they help the owners understand why the dog is acting out and what to do to correct the problem. 100% recommend this business.
  • Isaac Pollack
    Aug. 22, 2026
    The whole team at Dog Training Elite is incredible. This is our first dog, and Matt has saved our sanity multiple times- from providing some quick, free guidance on the phone to get us through the first few nights, to basic puppy training, to advanced dog training to stop unwanted jumping and nipping, and to the weekly training classes that are included with the training, our whole experience has been “elite!” We can’t recommend Dog Training Elite enough. We found the cost to be very reasonable given all the extras that are included. We continue to use their services and will definitely do so again in the future.
  • Dave
    Aug. 12, 2026
    I couldn’t be more impressed with Dog Training Elite! From the moment Apollo and I walked in, Matt and his staff have been incredibly kind, welcoming, and knowledgeable. Apollo and I have been working on advanced obedience and protection work, and since starting the program, I can see a huge difference in him. When we first started, Apollo would do what he wanted; now, he listens and performs his commands when told. The difference has truly been night and day. For the protection work, Kalvin has been incredible to work with. You can tell he genuinely enjoys teaching both you and your dog, and he gives 110% in every class. He’s extremely knowledgeable, patient, and makes the training a lot of fun. It’s been such a great experience training with Dog Training Elite. Apollo and I genuinely look forward to every class. If you’re looking for top-tier dog training, I highly recommend checking out Dog Training Elite. You won’t be disappointed!
  • Daisy Manning
    Aug. 10, 2026
    I was initially hesitant to use DTE because my dogs don’t have any behavioral issues, I just wanted some basic obedience training to make it easier to handle two large dogs at once, and I was uncertain about training with an e-collar. I’m so glad that Matt took the time to convince me DTE was well worth the money, and that e-collars are safe, humane, and effective, because he was absolutely correct! I will definitely be bringing all my future pups to DTE.
  • Samantha Stasiak
    Jul. 17, 2026
    We cannot thank Dog Training Elite enough for everything they have done for Willow and our family. Willow has always been a wonderful dog, but she struggled with anxiety and resource guarding from the time we got her at 8 weeks. Although guarding her food improved over time, her anxiety and guarding of other items gradually became worse. Eventually, she began nipping at anyone who tried to take something away from her. Dog training Elite helped Willow build confidence in herself, and the difference has been incredible. Her resource guarding has improved tremendously. We can now give her a treat, tell her to drop it, and she will. Her overall obedience has also greatly improved, and her recall off-leash continues to get better. Willow completed the three-week boot camp, and we are so happy we chose Dog Training Elite. The training has made such a positive difference for Willow and has given our family the confidence and tools to continue helping her succeed. We highly recommend Dog Training Elite!
  • Missy Moody
    Jul. 10, 2026
    Amazing experience! Alicia was simply the best! All the trainers were awesome to work with. Highly recommend for Service Dog training. They took my 6 month old pup and in just under 6 months She was Certified ADA Service dog. Appreciate them immencely
  • Brandie Cantrell
    Jun. 24, 2026
    We can't say enough good things about Teddy's training experience here. Before training, Teddy struggled with high reactivity and walks, public outings were often impossible. Matt, Dom, Alaina were incredible and supportive throughout the entire process. They took the time to understand Teddy's needs and gave us the tools and confidence to continue his progress at home. The transformation has been a complete 180. Teddy is calmer, focused, and walks are now enjoyable instead of challenging. The team genuinely cares about every pup they work with and are passionate about helping them succeed. We're so grateful for everything they've done for us!!!
  • Erika Varel
    Jun. 7, 2026
    We cannot say enough good things about Dog Training Elite! We started with individual training for our dog, Bino, and the results have been truly life-changing. Before training, managing her reactivity was challenging and stressful. Thanks to the knowledge, patience, and support of the trainers, her reactivity is now manageable, and we have so much more confidence when working with her. We continue to attend the group classes, which have been an incredible resource for reinforcing training and helping Bino continue to grow. Every trainer we’ve worked with has been knowledgeable, encouraging, and genuinely invested in our success. The training has improved not only Bino’s behavior but also our quality of life. We are so grateful for everything Dog Training Elite has done for our family and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for professional, effective dog training.
  • Ruth Racher
    May. 15, 2026
    My experience was excellent and I am so grateful for the help from the trainers. I brought my puppy here for obedience training at 6 months and then brought my 8 year old mature dog two weeks after. Before I came my dogs were unmanageable and now I can handle them both with confidence. The only thing I would change is if I had brought them both sooner. I knew I wanted to pursue service dog training for my puppy however i delayed for 3 months in making a decision. I could see a difference in two weeks and they are still maintaining their obedience. I was struggling and now I can enjoy my dogs again without the struggle.
  • Paria Abbassian
    May. 10, 2026
    My husband and I wanted a well-trained, well-behaved dog from the start, and choosing this training facility has been one of the best decisions we’ve made for our puppy. The results have been amazing, and he absolutely loves going there. A huge thank you to Matt, Emma, Alex, Alecia, and everyone at the facility for all of their hard work, care, and loving Bear! It’s clear how much they truly care about the dogs and their progress. The training has absolutely been worth the investment, and we plan to continue with more classes in the future. We can’t recommend them enough to anyone looking for an amazing training experience for their dog!
  • D Coombs
    May. 9, 2026
    Awesome place. Great Training. Very friendly staff.
A dog owner with his German Shepherd - get your professional german shepherd training in St. Louis, MO 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 St. Louis 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 St. Louis.
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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 St. Louis german shepherd trainers.

Your Expert German Shepherd Trainers in St. Louis, MO

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 St. Louis, MO!