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Dog Training Elite

German Shepherd Dog Training in Tampa, FL

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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 Tampa, FL

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 Tampa, FL 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 in Tampa 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 Tampa 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 in Tampa 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

  • Katelynn Chase
    Sep. 19, 2025
    Wonderful to work with! Helped us get our big boy certified as a therapy dog!
  • Denise Bocker
    Sep. 19, 2025
    Tonya and Zach have been great. They are so easy to work with and have been amazing with my puppy. Oakley has come so far at only 6.5 months old.
  • Laura Keller
    Sep. 19, 2025
    Amp is a success story! She started off scared of everything, we couldn’t even walk her past the neighbors house, and now she is a certified therapy dog! Tonya is amazing!! 10/10 would recommend!!
  • Red Hatter
    Sep. 10, 2025
    Tanya was great! Patient and so knowledgeable and was a great help in training my wild twin puppies. Now almost 6 months old. Always great suggestions and brought me small tools that assisted greatly in the training.
  • Lanette Strong
    Sep. 8, 2025
    When my son was diagnosed with diabetes in February, I did some research on training a dog to becoming service Dog and found DTE. Tonya came and assessed our two year-old goldendoodle and we discovered she was the perfect candidate to be a service dog. The tools she gave us helped build the foundation and with our at-home work, she took off running and loves to work! Tonya really knows her stuff! She took my mostly well-behaved goldendoodle and shaped her into the most vital member of our family. Now our girl is very consistent with her alerts and we are forever thankful to Tonya and DTE. 10/10 forever recommend!!!
  • ashley simpson
    Sep. 5, 2025
    Tonya and Zach taught me how to get my aggressively biting, barking, out of control chihuahua into a sweet friendly obedient boy! And soooo fast! He can come to work, go in public, have visitors in the house, and I don’t have to worry about people being in danger. I can even get him to stop barking with his pack at the door or fence! I didn’t think this was at all possible and am so very grateful for their patience and knowledge! Strongly recommend!
  • Nicole DiBlasi
    Aug. 13, 2025
    My 1 year old Lagotto Romagnolo pup just completed his three-week obedience and service dog training camp. When he was about 4 months, I had met with Dog Training Elite, amongst many other training facilities in order to do my due diligence and make sure it was the right fit. My biggest mistake in having my dog trained was not immediately signing up with Dog Training Elite after their first meeting with me! Luckily, I circled back with them a few months later to set up training, and it was the best investment I have made in my pup! Team: The team is absolutely wonderful, and I can tell they really value and care about my goals with my pup. They are not only there to train him, but to help him build his confidence in and out of public settings. Something that stood out to me about DTE is that having met with several other facilities, the DTE team treated my pup the way I like him to be treated. Some facilities told me that the cutesy talk with your dog is wrong, and cuddling and playing with the dog too much will make him think the owner is soft and not in control. At DTE, they were SO loving with my pup, and even have one of their employees as a "Chief Enrichment Officer" to play with the pups throughout the school day. I LOVED this about the team, and this is a lot of the reason I believe my pup would always wag his tail when we would pull up to training at the facility :) Oh, not to mention, they bought him toys during some of their public access days. Training: My dog is completely different after 3 weeks, and I mean that in the best way possible. One of my hesitations and worries in having my dog service dog trained was that he would be trined so well, that he would not act like the happy-go-lucky dog he is, and instead always be "on" and working and stoic. Not the case at all! He is just super obedient and respectful of boundaries, and when it is time to heel, and sit and place, he knows exactly what to do. He has more respect for me as his owner, and this training has actually STRENGTHENED our relationship, and so I could not be more grateful. After just 3 weeks of training, we walked around Home Depot together for about 25 minutes with him being off-leash. I would never have thought he would be doing that this soon after training! Facility: I was 90% sure after DTE came to my house for a consultation for the first time that I would want to sign up with them. I asked for a tour of their facility, and literally, I took a few steps inside, and knew that 90% would now be 100%. The first thing I noticed was the silence (no craziness of tons of dogs barking, which was common at other facilities). Next, there were about 6 dogs in the front room, all separated and back-tied on a leash to the wall and on their beds. They all looked at me like perfect little obedient students, and were not distracted by me or my dog at all. Everything is very clean and organized, and it is just a very bright and open facility. I felt very good about having my pup there for training. Cost: Worth every penny. I highly recommend the Dog Training Elite Suncoast team if you are thinking about getting your pup trained!
  • Christopher Glanzer
    Aug. 12, 2025
    We started working with Tonya at Dog Training Elite (Platinum Package) right from day one when we brought home our Doodle puppy named Theodore. Training a puppy (especially with 2 kids in the house) is not an easy task. Tonya was there every step of the way, reassuring and guiding us. She was always available if we had questions or concerns. At the beginning there were times when we felt overwhelmed and frustrated by the puppy energy and behaviors but with Tonya's guidance we stayed consistent and trusted in her process. After the first few puppy sessions we started to see a transformation unfold. Fast forward to today, at 6 months old Theo is a great canine companion. He is happy, obedient, engaged, well mannered. When we go for walks people often comment on how well behaved he is, and are even more surprised when I say he is only 6 months old! There are still some areas that need work, but overall we have seen a big change and are astonished at how far he has come under her close guidance. We continue to work with Tonya to build on the strong foundation. I would highly recommend Dog Training Elite as soon as possible to start the journey with your dog!
  • Jean Sheridan
    Aug. 8, 2025
    Our dog Toby has come so far in his training with Tonya in just 5 short weeks. We highly recommend Dog Training Elite!!
  • Kara Hosking
    Aug. 2, 2025
    Tonya and team are simply the best!! She gave me confidence to train our Dalmatian puppy into becoming a young controlled highly active dog. I have no fear with Elite team as my trainer. We love so much and are becoming platinum members. Home training for the family and group classes are the perfect combination!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️ her training also helped Hampton be amazing with our cats!!!
  • Steve Harris
    Jul. 30, 2025
    Very impressed with Dog Training Elite… they sent Aaron to work with me and my 7 month old Doberman puppy. The strides Prince has made in his obedience is incredible… he quickly was able to pick up skills like recall, down, heel, place to name a few. We start group classes this weekend to continue his growth but I would highly recommend their services if you’re serious about advanced dog training.
  • Mohammad Harake
    Jun. 12, 2025
    Tonya and her Team at Dog Training Elite has been fantastic in her service task tracing with my dog. At first I was a little hesitant just because it’s a big investment into the unknown, but quickly realized how I could not have asked for a better trainer, I think very reasonably priced and helped me bond with my dog even stronger and be a better handler/servucs dog duo/team. Thank you!
  • Alisha Rand
    Jun. 11, 2025
    Aaron and Kim worked closely with my boxer puppy, Rocky. They helped me teach him important skills so that Rocky is obedient. I have seen amazing results through following their program, in home sessions, and group sessions. They are very firm and consistent and train you so that you can support your dog daily. Rocky learned the sit, down, and place commands within his first few months of training. I am most grateful for their support with teaching Rocky to heel, especially off leash. Rocky walks next to me consistently, even when off leash, when given the command. They are very skilled and knowledgeable about dog training and behavior. I am grateful to have chosen them to support me with his training!
  • Lana Heinen
    Jun. 11, 2025
    Changed our life!!!! Daisy is finally becoming the dog she was meant to be because of the amazing training and support we received from Tonya!
  • Brandi
    May. 13, 2025
    The owner Tonya and her crew are awesome! They are knowledgeable, patient, and fun to work with. Our Doberman (Ronin) loves working with them. Further, we are constantly improving along with Ronin. We strongly endorse Dog Training Elite Greater Tampa.
  • Olivia Meitzner
    May. 10, 2025
    Dog Training Elite Greater Tampa has completely exceeded my expectations! The one-on-one training sessions are outstanding-personalized, effective, and tailored to both you and your dog’s needs. I saw progress quickly, and the trainers are not only incredibly knowledgeable but also genuinely invested in your success. The group training classes are equally amazing. They provide a great opportunity for socialization and reinforcing skills in a more distracting environment, which really helps solidify the training. What truly sets them apart, though, is their ongoing support. Even outside of scheduled sessions, the team is always willing to answer questions and offer guidance. It’s clear that they care about you and your dog’s journey every step of the way. I have a very loving but very stubborn Corgi who I am now so so proud of thanks to this team! Highly recommend to anyone looking for lasting results and a team that truly stands behind their work!
  • Bhavna Kumar
    May. 4, 2025
    Highly recommend Elite Dog Training! They worked wonders with my dog. Teaching obedience skills, they were patient knowledgeable and compassionate - their approach is truly effective. My dog is now well-behaved and happy service dog. Thanks to their expertise. Five stars isn't enough - I'd give them ten stars if I could!
  • David David
    Mar. 29, 2025
    When i brought home my first Doberman I was working all the time and didn’t really do the training required to unlock all the potential of this breed. Jetta was a great family dog but this time I wanted to do things different. I contacted Dog Training Elite, talked to Tonya and purchased the Puppy Platinum Package. I knew if i was going to start using an E Collar I wanted it done professionally. Honestly, I was a little apprehensive about using the E Collar and it really takes some getting used to. I started training Kara as early as possible and Tonya ensured me that it would make our bond stronger and it did. Kara is a calm, confident girl and she goes everywhere with me and I mean everywhere. She knows when the collar comes out she is in for some off leash fun by the lake, beach, or going for a hike in the woods. We do a 5k and she is by my side (on leash). When we go to restaurants she is by my side. She is currently enrolled in Agility classes and the obedience classes made starting agility so much easier. With the Platinum Package i have unlimited training in the park every other Saturday and i always try to make it. We always learn something new, reinforce the basics, and I get to spend Saturday mornings with some really nice people.
  • Arthur Bochner
    Mar. 21, 2025
    Great team of dog trainers. Incorporate video illustrations to enhance training regiments. Very conscientious and good teachers. They have helped our precious little Dali become a better and more confident dog.
  • lucienne richard
    Mar. 17, 2025
    I needed help with my toy poodle he was always barking and trying to bite people. Now he loves people. Couldn't take him anywhere .now he loves to go to the park and every time we go to a class. We're always learning more if I have any questions.They always answer my question .I'm so glad I found them.I can't say enough about them. They are great.
A dog owner with his German Shepherd - get your professional german shepherd training in Tampa, FL 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 in Tampa 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 in Tampa.
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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 Tampa german shepherd trainers.

Your Expert German Shepherd Trainers in Tampa, FL

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 Tampa, FL!