General
One of our trainers will come to your home to meet you and your dog. During this visit, we’ll discuss any challenges you’re facing, gain an understanding of how you envision your life with your dog, and explain our training methods and how we can bring calm to chaos. We’ll also go over the different programs we offer to find the best fit for you and your dog’s needs.
The answer to this is in how the technology of "shock" collars (as they were called in the past) has changed a lot since they originated several years ago. The stimulation in the electronic collars we use is much like a TENS unit and provides a tapping sensation that is used to get the dog's attention on a very low level. We use a brand called Dogtra. We do not use "shock" collars, but electronic collars employed by the top obedience trainers around the world and in Annapolis / Anne Arundel County.
No. We use electronic collars to get the dogs attention only. When you work around distractions (which is one of our main focuses), keeping your dog's attention is paramount. The collar, combined with positive reinforcement (we like to use praise), help create a positive learning environment in Annapolis / Anne Arundel County for your dog.
Remote collars are included in most of our training programs.
No, your dog won’t need to wear the electronic collar all the time. They will need to wear it frequently at first, particularly during the first 6-8 months of training.
Our programs provide complete, results-driven obedience training for both on- and off-leash control. Unlike other services that require multiple packages to achieve a fully trained dog, our all-inclusive programs cover everything you need. We conduct training in your home environment, focusing on real-life situations like managing jumping on guests or counter-surfing, ensuring solutions fit seamlessly into your day-to-day life.
We proudly work with all breeds, all ages, and behavioral challenges, setting us apart from trainers who may turn certain dogs away. Beyond training your dog, we empower you with the skills needed to reinforce and maintain results long-term. We also do work with your dogs ourselves, then we teach you what we have done, and then have you practice while we are there. With packages that include lifetime support, you can rely on us as your training partner for life—no need to look elsewhere!
Yes. You (and anyone in your family who wants to be involved) are integral to your dog getting trained. We need you to practice 5-6 days a week, about 15-20 minutes a day for optimal results.
Training sessions occur no more than once a week. We offer flexible scheduling, starting with either weekly or biweekly private sessions at your location. While we recommend at least a week between sessions, longer intervals are perfectly acceptable. Once your in-home sessions are complete, you can come when you want to our weekly park sessions held in Howard County, at your convenience.
To effectively resolve specific issues, we need to start with a solid foundation in obedience. This approach helps you become a confident leader for your dog, which is key to addressing and preventing behavioral problems.
Nope. Those are dangerous grounds to tread upon. We'd much rather train a vicious dog!
We train dogs of all breeds, sizes, and temperaments. Whether your dog is a tiny Chihuahua or a large Mastiff, we have the experience and expertise to work with them.
Yes. Working with and controlling aggression is one of our specialties in Annapolis / Anne Arundel County.
We provide training in obedience, service dog, and therapy dog skills. For obedience training, we work with dogs of all ages, from the time a puppy comes home or with older dogs. Our goal is to help dogs become well-behaved family members, and we can address specific concerns such as timidity or reactivity.
Our specialty is training service dogs for veterans and individuals with PTSD and other mental health conditions. We also train service dogs for people with autism, mobility challenges, and diabetic alert needs. Our therapy dogs are prepared to bring comfort and support in assisted living homes, schools, therapy offices, hospitals, and treatment centers.
To be a service dog, your dog needs to have an even temperament. Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Standard Poodles, Goldendoodles, etc. typically have a great temperament for service work. For some types of service work, your dog will need to have AKC certifications (such as Canine Good Citizen or Community Canine) which we are able to certify. As always, we would be happy to assess your dog's aptitude for service work for free!
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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!
About Dog Training Elite Annapolis
Meet the Team
Get to know the dedicated professionals behind Dog Training Elite Annapolis. Our team of experienced trainers is passionate about helping dogs and their owners build strong, lasting bonds. Learn about their backgrounds, expertise, and what drives them to deliver the highest level of training in the industry.
Reviews
Our testimonials showcase the success stories of dogs and their owners who have benefited from our training programs. From basic obedience to advanced service dog training, see how Dog Training Elite Annapolis has transformed the lives of countless dogs and their families!
Careers
Join the Dog Training Elite Annapolis family! If you’re passionate about dogs and interested in making a difference, explore career opportunities with us. We are always looking for dedicated individuals who share our commitment to excellence in dog training and customer service. Discover how you can grow with us and become a part of a team that truly cares about dogs and their owners.
Gallery
Our gallery features photos and videos of dogs in training, successful graduates, and highlights from community events. See what Dog Training Elite Annapolis can offer your dog and get a glimpse of the work we’re passionate about.
In the Community
At Dog Training Elite Annapolis, we’re proud to be an active part of the community we serve. Check out recent events in our area where we’ve had the privilege to participate in local events, support fellow small businesses, and promote responsible dog ownership.
Christy Dugan
Owner
A Maryland native, Christy has had dogs her entire life. After high school, her job as a Veterinary Technician was a perfect fit. Since then, she’s had many aspects to her career, most recently owning a business teaching sports and fitness to young children for 16 years. Some of her most cherished moments of that business include teaching children with special needs. When that business closed due to the COVID pandemic, she searched for something that would be just as fulfilling. When she discovered Dog Training Elite, she knew that it was the opportunity to bring all of her careers together. Dog Training Elite Central Maryland not only helps families who want to ensure that their pup is a well-behaved member of their pack, but also can provide in home Service Dog and Therapy Dog training. She believes there are so many families whose lives could be positively impacted with the help of a Service Dog, and Therapy Dogs do such wonderful work in our communities.
Christy lives in Elkridge, MD with her husband and co-owner, Sean, her two children, and three dogs, Kira, a Siberian Husky, and her Golden Retrievers, Murphy and Maui. In her spare time, Christy enjoys spending time with her family, dogs, and everything water-related. She can often be found boating on the Chesapeake Bay, and paddle boarding with Murphy.
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