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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 Central Nashville 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 Central Nashville 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 Central Nashville location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
German Shepherd Puppies vs. Adults
Dog Training Elite Central Nashville 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 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 Central Nashville 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.
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 Central Nashville 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 Central Nashville training method.
The Dog Training Elite
Difference
Dog Training Elite Central Nashville uses modern training methods focused on positive reinforcement and bonding between dog and dog owner. Dog Training Elite Central Nashville 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 Central Nashville 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 Central Nashville’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!
He was fantastic with Pebbles and with helping Kris understand how to control her— Pam Collins
Posted October 19th 2024
Jen explains everything and answers any questions i have without leving me with more questions then answers— Jessica A.M. Sherbourne
Posted October 18th 2024
I love working with the Dog Training Elite Central Nashville Team! They have provided me with a source of confidence when it comes to training my dog. If I ever have any questions they are always polite and reply in a timely manner. They truly are rooting for their clients to succeed!! Parker has been great in One on One sessions and always has great advice for working with Briar at home!— Breanna Rose
Posted October 17th 2024
Im permanently disabled and in a wheelchair. I had just bought a Burnese Mountain Dog pup and was curious about service training for her. I found DTE through web searching and took a leap with their service. I cannot express the amount of care and professionalism their team provides to each individual dog and their owner's needs. The classes/sessions occur both privately and in group settings. The locations chosen for the classes range from large stores like Lowe's, small parks, and your own home. All the training I received was expertly communicated to me as a dog owner and all training objectives are made clear throughout each individual process. I cannot recommend Dog Training Elite more to anyone looking to obedience or service training a dog.— John
Posted October 14th 2024
Great initial meeting. I think this company has the right program from my Biewer Terrier. Looking forward to seeing results!— David Doucette
Posted October 11th 2024
After just four sessions with DTE, my very anxious rescue is already showing so much progress! He’s building his confidence every day with the methods the DTE team has used, and my confidence in my own ability to simultaneously be in charge and put him at ease is growing too. I used to barely be able to keep my pup outside long enough for him to do his business before some noise would scare him so badly he’d almost pull me over trying to run inside. A month into training, we’re going on real walks around the neighborhood! The DTE team is so kind, professional, helpful and responsive, and the training has improved both my and my dog’s quality of life. Couldn’t be happier with the progress we’ve made so far, and excited to continue!— Sarah Arnold
Posted October 8th 2024
Was well Renia is a good trainer well informed me and I learned a lot.— Robert Horton
Posted October 1st 2024
Luna and I had our initial meeting with Parker today. He was very professional and well spoken. I can, from his demonstration tell that Luna will be exceptionally well prepared to be my service dog, once she’s gone through the training.— Jamie Cleaton
Posted October 3rd 2024
Reina was great and explained the process for training our dog very well. Franklin grew more confident and we have seen great improvement. He loved working with Reina!— A Wamble
Posted October 3rd 2024
Best experience ever. I already had a good dog. And Parker came in and in a few sessions and conversations my dog is so much easier. Walking and not dragging me along, coming when called have changed my life. Parker has the best service I’ve experienced in the dog training arena, always available patient and willing to work around me to see that my dog gets the best possible training. 10/10 would recommend.— Abrielle Davies
Posted November 11th 2022
We currently have two lab puppies training with Elite and we couldn’t be more pleased. Izabel and Parker are extremely knowledgeable, firm and kind and have supported us through a most challenging puppy stage. We are so happy to have two beautiful dogs who are responding very well to the Elite methods of training!— Family Sills
Posted October 1st 2024
We love Izabel and the Elite team. Our daughter and pup are thriving and we couldn’t be happier.— Kami Harold
Posted December 8th 2023
We have had a great experience with Elite! Izabel and Parker have done a wonderful job with our boys, and we are very grateful!— Tyler Sills
Posted October 1st 2024
Dog Training Elite has been amazing! My dog, Lola, and I have made great strides as we have worked with the group, and Reina has been great! She trains ME how to train and work consistently with my pup. We are working towards therapy certification, and I’m so glad we found Dog Training Elite. Highly recommend!— Holly Horncastle
Posted September 30th 2024
Parker and the team at Dog Training Elite Central Nashville have been so helpful with our GSD puppy. My husband and I are first time dog owners and quickly realized we needed guidance with our high energy pup. The training team is so knowledgeable and professional, and really take the time to explain the process to us. We have seen drastic improvements in our boy after every session. We are so thankful we found Dog Training Elite Central Nashville!— Jennifer Hoffman
Posted September 30th 2024
Our two Great Pyrenees mix pups were getting too difficult to train on our own. When the trainer (Reina) arrived for the assessment she knew what we needed- and we have learned so much! She loves dogs, is easy to work with, and responds quickly when there are any questions, issues, or schedule changes. Highly recommend!— Mollie Woltmann
Posted September 25th 2024
Our Dog Is Now The Star of Home Depot! We only wish we'd found you sooner! Zeppelin is our rescued & when triggered, berserk dog. He goes berserk at the sight of another dog. Pulling the leash, attack mode, very loud & ferocious. We feared for ourselves as well. He was an at-risk animal from a shelter before we even knew what at-risk means. It means: at-risk of not getting adopted & staying adopted. Sounds familiar? You're at the absolute right place to make effective changes in your dog, and in your lives. Even if your dog isn't at-risk of going back to a shelter, or you're often wishing you could give it away. Don't! Especially if you're in love with your dog + they are now a member of your family. Because after Elite's expert trainers: Now he's a behavioral star! Side note: My father was a psychotherapist & professor. I can guarantee you this review is what my father would have written about Elite and our behaviorally transformed dog! Prior to Elite's incredible trainers, Izabel & Parker, we had gone through 3 trainers & medications. Many hours with $1,000 trainers and many hours on own own + without a change from his being triggered & going berserk. We as a family always watchful & afraid. Including respectfully, the department for canine behavioral-change at University of Tennessee Knoxville. The same happened with the best private Williamson County rescue trainer, no change at all. Calming medications didn't work either. No one was a match for him. Sad! Methods that failed: Prong collar walking, walking with string cheese rewards, and group dog desensitization sessions with spray bottles. All of them gave up. There was no going outside the house for us & Zeppelin. Home Depot absolutely out of the question. Previous trainers tried, and we all left the store totally defeated. NOW! For us & for the dog himself, the behavioral reconditioning and reprogramming from Elite is easily worth many times over what we paid previous trainers! The transformation is priceless. I'm so glad that I get to see it now, daily. He now knows that we are in control of his mood & that greatly calms him down. No shock collars. No training with treats. No negative or positive vocal prompts. No forced grouping training with punishments. No water-spray bottles, no leash & prong collar jerking. No stern language or mood is needed. No punishments at all, actually. Very specific vibration collar and transmitter are provided. The best & most professional equipment & expertise using them. Very professional, simply the best. Guided group training with a muzzle is coming up. Very much like Zen, less-is-more technique. 30 minute sessions. All in your own backyard, they come to you. What could be better for so vast the change? Literally, Home Depot with a triggered rescue dog is a mammoth exercise. An impossibility after all other top trainers. He simply went berserk, forcing quick exits. He's especially triggered by much smaller dogs. We do not know why. Now, we don't have to know why. Now after only 6-8 training sessions with Elite, inside Home Depot he calmly performed Heal, Sit, and Down in the store! Unbelievable! He now has no distraction nor triggers! Another dog walked inside the aisle we're in, right behind him. He just sat there, maintaining calm eye contact with us! Elite's trainers Izabel & Parker have totally cured him. They are the wisest dog psychologists you could ever dream of working with your dog! Inside Home Depot, calmly walked him, working his commands. Then the sweetest, eldest cashier came to us "May I meet your pretty dog?" He calmly sat while she gave him a doggy bacon strip! Parking lot leaving the store, a man called out "That's a beautiful dog you have there!". Before the Elite transformation there wasn't any chance for any such compliments. Now there is & yes, now he is pretty, with even more possibilities with Elite to come! One last thing: You deserve this too. Help your dog and the enjoyments will be endless.— Bob Schmerda
Posted September 23rd 2024
Reina did great with Max! He absolutely loved his time with her ❤️— Rachel Baudendistel
Posted September 19th 2024
Reina did excellent with training my dog Ghost. Reina is very punctual and patient with Ghost.— Jessica Coleman
Posted September 17th 2024