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There is so much to love about puppies. They’re adorable, snuggly, loving and playful. But puppies also come with some destructive behaviors — accidents inside the house, chewing on things they aren’t supposed to, and perhaps worst of all, biting.
Biting, or “mouthing,” is part of how a puppy learns about the world. It’s often meant to be a playful behavior, but those sharp little teeth can hurt! Here are a few tips on how to stop puppy biting in Atlanta, even in a playful way.
Looking for more comprehensive puppy training? Check out our Puppy Essentials Webinar or schedule a free in-home assessment with one of our professional trainers.
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite in Atlanta location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
Silver
$950
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 5 Sessions
- Come
- Place(go to bed)
- Heel(walk with you without pulling)
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Off(furniture if desired)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Down(next to you & off leash at a distance)
Gold
$1,595
Our most popular package!
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 5 Sessions
- Group Park Training Sessions 26 Sessions (6 Months)
- Come
- Place(go to bed)
- Heel(walk with you without pulling)
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Off(furniture if desired)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Down(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Listening & Manners
- Housebreaking / Potty Training
- Calm Anxiety
- Build Confidence
- Off-leash Obedience
- STOP Running Away
- STOP Jumping on People
- STOP Chewing & Puppy Biting
- STOP Chasing Animals
- STOP Digging
- Socialization
- Distraction Training
Platinum
$2,195
Platinum offers advanced obedience/behavioral modification with a goal of off-leash control. Includes additional training options and offers more one-on-one and group sessions than Gold.
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 7 Sessions
- Group Park Training Sessions 35 Sessions (8 Months)
- Come
- Place(go to bed)
- Heel(walk with you without pulling)
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Off(furniture if desired)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Down(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Listening & Manners
- Housebreaking / Potty Training
- Calm Anxiety
- Build Confidence
- Off-leash Obedience
- STOP Running Away
- STOP Jumping on People
- STOP Chewing & Puppy Biting
- STOP Chasing Animals
- STOP Digging
- Socialization
- Distraction Training
- Get into Car or Kennel
- Choose to Address Advanced Concerns: - Control Aggression (dog & human) - Public Access (behavior in public places)
- Or Choose One Tailored Skill Below: *Specialized training options based upon your dog's abilities. - Therapy dog training See Details - Emotional Support Dog Training
- Ride on a Golf Cart, Skateboard, or Wagon
- Stay with You on Jog, Hike, or Bike Ride
- Other Custom Command Approved by Trainer
Silver
$2,275
Training Equipment Included: E-Collar
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 3 Sessions
- Group Park Training Sessions 6 Sessions
- Come
- Loose Leash Walking
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Off(furniture when desired)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Place(go to bed)
Gold
$3,375
Training Equipment Included: E-Collar
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 5 Sessions
- Group Park Training Sessions 12 Sessions
- Come
- Loose Leash Walking
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Off(furniture when desired)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Place(go to bed)
- Heel(walk with you, no more pulling)
- Down(lay next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Load Up (go into kennel, car, or dog house)
- Calm Anxiety & Build Confidence
- Housebreaking / Potty Training
- Manners, Safety & Boundaries
- STOP Jumping on People
- STOP Biting & Nipping
- STOP Bolting Through Doors, Running Away & Chasing Animals
- STOP Begging & Stealing Food
- STOP Chewing & Digging
Platinum
$4,375
Platinum offers advanced obedience/behavioral modification with a goal of off-leash control. Includes additional training options and offers more one-on-one and group sessions than Gold.
Training Equipment Included: E-Collar
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 8 Sessions & Lifetime Trainings (Max 2 per year)
- Group Park Training Sessions Lifetime Group Sessions
- Come
- Loose Leash Walking
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Off(furniture when desired)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Place(go to bed)
- Heel(walk with you, no more pulling)
- Down(lay next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Load Up (go into kennel, car, or dog house)
- Calm Anxiety & Build Confidence
- Housebreaking / Potty Training
- Manners, Safety & Boundaries
- STOP Jumping on People
- STOP Biting & Nipping
- STOP Bolting Through Doors, Running Away & Chasing Animals
- STOP Begging & Stealing Food
- STOP Chewing & Digging
- *STOP Aggression(dog & human)
- *Stay With You on a Job, Hike, or Bike Ride
- *Therapy Dog Training
- *Emotional Support Dog Training(ESA)
- *Other Custom Command Approved by Trainer
Silver Program
$1,345
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 3 Sessions
- Group Park Training Sessions 8 Sessions
- Come
- Heel (walk with you, loose leash no pulling)
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Place(go to bed)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Off(furniture when desired)
Gold Program
$1,945
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 6 Sessions
- Group Park Training Sessions 12 Sessions
- Come
- Heel (walk with you, loose leash no pulling)
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Place(go to bed)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Off(furniture when desired)
- Down(lay next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Load Up (go into kennel, car, or dog house)
- Manners, Safety & Boundaries
- Calm Anxiety & Build Confidence
- Housebreaking / Potty Training
- STOP Jumping on People
- STOP Mouthing & Nipping
- STOP Chewing & Digging
- STOP Begging & Stealing Food
- STOP Bolting Through Doors & Running Away
- STOP Chasing Animals, Cars & Bikes
- STOP Reactivity (dog & human)
Platinum Program
$2,645
Our most popular program offers advanced obedience and behavioral modification with a goal of off-leash control. It also provides Lifetime Support and Unlimited Group Classes so that you can have a well-mannered companion for life!
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 9+ Sessions
- Group Park Training Sessions Unlimited
- Come
- Heel (walk with you, loose leash no pulling)
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Place(go to bed)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Off(furniture when desired)
- Down(lay next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Load Up (go into kennel, car, or dog house)
- Manners, Safety & Boundaries
- Calm Anxiety & Build Confidence
- Housebreaking / Potty Training
- STOP Jumping on People
- STOP Mouthing & Nipping
- STOP Chewing & Digging
- STOP Begging & Stealing Food
- STOP Bolting Through Doors & Running Away
- STOP Chasing Animals, Cars & Bikes
- STOP Reactivity (dog & human)
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.
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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).
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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.
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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.
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!
DTE NE Atlanta is great! Mike really helped us get better control of our wild guy! Murphy is a stubborn little dude so we do have some more practice/training to do, but I am so thankful for the trick and tips I learned from Mike. Thanks!— Katie Deriso
Posted November 16th 2023
Absolutely thrilled with the incredible work of Mike and Dog Training Elite NE Atlanta! My dog underwent a remarkable transformation, thanks to Mike’s expertise and dedication. Mike not only provided effective training but also instilled a newfound sense of confidence and comfort in my dog. I am genuinely impressed with the results and grateful for the positive impact on my sweet girl. We started to see a difference in her behavior after just a few lessons. Family members who haven't seen her since her training began are shocked at the difference in her behavior - we have gotten several comments about how she acts like a brand new dog! We are now approaching our final in home lesson and we couldn’t be happier with her progress. She is 6 years old and a rescue, so we chose to go with the Platinum package. I can 100% say that it was worth every penny! The entire team is so kind. I am a student in grad school and they have always been so helpful and gracious when it comes to working with my ever changing schedule. I highly recommend Mike’s program for anyone seeking a skilled professional who truly understands and connects with dogs. Thank you Mike for making such a positive difference in our lives!!!— Mirali P
Posted November 14th 2023
Dog Training Elite was such a pleasure to work with. Always on time, super accommodating. They have so much patience with my puppy who is so stubborn. I can t recommend them more.— Orit Plotkin-Evans
Posted November 8th 2023
We absolutely loved working with Mike and Gocia! They are both so knowledgeable, kind and understanding. After our initial evaluation, we decided it was best for us to do the platinum package, mostly due to our dogs reactivity and behavioral issues and we are so glad we did. In addition to the basic obedience commands we worked on throughout the nine sessions, we were able to share any other things that came up throughout the week and work on them as needed. After a few weeks, they were able to bring their dog as a neutral dog and although ours has not been comfortable around other dogs, I was SO surprised to see her able to walk side by side in a heel! We frequently talked about the research behind training methods and other ways we can work on connection with our pup. Mike was so attentive and helpful with our situation, and I’m so grateful we chose to train with them. We haven’t found perfection yet, but we will continue to work on her reactivity in group classes. After trying to do training on our own for so long, having a program to follow has been so beneficial.— Kori Silva
Posted October 10th 2023
I’ve been training my dog Luka with them for maybe a little over 3 months now and it has been the best experience I could’ve asked for. Mike who I did my training with was extremely flexible with scheduling but more importantly they are great with training dogs. I couldn’t recommend them enough.— Dallas Cowboys 1-0 Draft
Posted October 4th 2023
We are very pleased with Dog Elite Training. Gosia is amazing and was very thorough about training our baby Leia. We seriously recommended their services. Training goes a long way when it comes to everyday circumstances and we are glad that we decided to get Leia on board with their Gold program. Can’t wait to try their Therapy Dog program. We are so grateful about having all the support from Dog Elite to get Leia where she is now. Jessica was also very quick to communicate throughout the whole program and to accommodate schedule changes when needed. Kudos to their excellent customer service!— Karen S
Posted September 7th 2023
We are very pleased with Dog Elite Training. Gosia is amazing and was very thorough about training our baby Leia. We seriously recommended their services. Training goes a long way when it comes to ordinary circumstances and we are glad that we decided to get Leia on board with their Gold program. Can’t wait to try their Therapy Dog program. We are so grateful about having all the support from Dog Elite to get Leia where she is now. Jessica was also very quick to communicate throughout the whole program. Kudos to their excellent customer service.— Karen S
Posted September 5th 2023
I'd highly recommend Gosia Billedo, her passion for dogs and upbeat nature makes class engaging and enjoyable. She has a tremendous depth of knowledge with extensive experience in a wide range of training and behavioral situations. She teaches so much more than just sit and stay and educates owners about dogs and proper dog ownership.— Emely Gonzalez
Posted August 9th 2023
They really took the time to understand how to help my dog. Every trainer paid attention and listened to what he needed. They really helped us form a strong bond. The classes are so wonderful for controlled socialization as well! Hugo's week isn't right if we don't go to class!— Natalie cleveland
Posted August 12th 2023
Gosia and her husband Michael are SO amazing. They really care about your dog but also your family. When Gosia would come to our home for the training sessions I never felt like my dog was going to be harmed. I never felt uncomfortable with her and even my toddler warmed up to her. She makes sure your dog understands the command(s) being asked before she leaves and is always readily available to answer any questions about anything you may need help with. If I ever get another puppy I will for sure be having Dog Training Elite come back. They’re amazing. The group sessions are great for both the dog and the handler as it helps pick up on your weak spots and the dogs. 10000/10 recommend— Mackenzie Edwards
Posted August 8th 2023
Gosia has been wonderful with my little Stetson. She knows exactly what we need to work on and how to do it. We are doing the service dog training and would highly recommend them if you are in need of service dog training. It takes commitment and hard work but they will give you all the direction you need.—
Posted August 6th 2023
We checked into multiple dog trainers before contacting Dog Training Elite... the choice was obvious from the moment Gosia interacted with our miniature Poodle puppy, Chrissy. I could not be more pleased with the results from the five in-home sessions, and look forward to attending a group training session and socializing our very curious, energetic puppy!—
Posted July 24th 2023
Mike was so patient and great with our dog Smokey. I am a night shift healthcare worker and they were incredibly helpful and flexible fitting in to my schedule. He is a much better behaved dog ever since then.— Chris Orf
Posted July 19th 2023
This was absolutely worth the investment. The trainer was kind and patient but firm and has set us up for success with our pup. The group classes offer continued practice and support. I am grateful to have come across DTE.— Maritza Makemson
Posted July 9th 2023
Cadey was having some major issues with reactivity and jumping on people. She's a big dog. She's a Lab/Pit mix and 65 pounds--so I couldn't allow this to continue. She's very smart but has always been stubborn. It took a while, but the reactivity is almost completely gone. She still gets excited to see people but has stopped jumping almost completely. These folks love animals and are very honest about YOUR role in the training. If you do the work and help your dog, the process works flawlessly. So far, I'm very pleased. 5 paws up!—
Posted July 5th 2023
I cannot recommend Dog Elite Training enough! My experience with them has been absolutely fantastic and life-changing for both me and my furry companion. From day one, Sable showed unparalleled expertise and genuine passion for what she does. She took the time to understand my needs and my dog's unique needs and tailor a training program that addressed specific behavioral challenges. Throughout the training sessions, Sables positive reinforcement techniques and patient guidance transformed my dog's behavior in ways I never thought possible. From leash pulling to obedience commands, my pup has made remarkable progress, thanks to her professional approach. What truly sets Dog Elite Training apart is their emphasis on building a strong bond between the owner and the dog. Sable not only trained my dog but also empowered me with the tools and knowledge to continue reinforcing the training at home. The trainers were always available to answer my questions and provide ongoing support. The results speak for themselves - my dog's confidence has soared, and our relationship has deepened. Sable at Dog Elite Training not only trained my dog, but she also helped create a harmonious and joyful environment at home. If you're looking for top-notch dog training, Dog Elite Training is the place to go. Sables expertise, professionalism, and genuine care for her clients and their dogs make Dog Elite Training truly outstanding. Thank you for transforming our lives and bringing out the best in my furry friend!— Samantha Bailey Crews
Posted June 30th 2023
We really enjoyed our experience with Dog Training Elite North Atlanta. I first met them at a home show and they set up a free evaluation. There's no obligation but it gives you an opportunity to have them see how your dog behaves. First, they come to your home for training and work with you based on your schedule. That is so helpful. They were always on time and many times stayed after the hour session while we finished the lesson. Our plan had 6 in home sessions with 13 group sessions at a local park. We are in the middle of the group sessions and have seen great improvements in areas that had been issues. They have all been very patient and super loving towards our dog. We had the same trainer throughout which helps them see the progress and continue to work on areas that need work. The photo in the review is the trainer, Mike, teaching ours how to walk nicely on leash. The trainer starts the lesson, showing you what to do. Then they have you try, offering help as needed.— Marc Gibbons
Posted June 16th 2023
Witt is phenomenal at this job, his training of my dog has gone incredibly well. I am satisfied with the progress and results.— Maien Osman
Posted May 30th 2023
Wow, I feel so lucky that of all the dog trainers in my area I hit the jackpot with DOG TRAINING ELITE ! I admit I was a bit out of my league trying to train my Pug puppy on my own. The trainers at Dog Training Elite come to YOUR home , it makes so much sense because issues can be addressed related to your needs and schedule. Gosia was my trainer for the Puppy Prep Classes, but they offer several options . They cover socializing, manners, leash walking and well you name it ! Gosia was very encouraging, patient , sweet and so knowledgeable. I highly recommend DOG TRAINING ELITE, success beyond my expectations.— Emily Gilgan
Posted May 26th 2023
Wow, I feel so lucky that of all the dog trainers in my area I hit the jackpot with DOG TRAINING ELITE ! I admit I was a bit out of my league trying to train my Pug puppy on my own. The trainers at Dog Training Elite come to YOUR home , it makes so much sense because issues can be addressed related to your needs and schedule. Gosia was my trainer for the Puppy Prep Classes, but they offer several options . They cover socializing, manners, leash walking and well you name it ! Gosia was very encouraging, patient , sweet and so knowledgeable. I highly recommend DOG TRAINING ELITE, success beyond my expectations .— Emily Gilgan
Posted May 23rd 2023
How to Get a Puppy to Stop Biting? Teach them that Biting Hurts
Getting a puppy to quit mouthing is actually very simple. You just have to teach your puppy that biting hurts.
How do you teach this? By helping your puppy learn “bite inhibition.” Bite inhibition is a puppy or a dog’s ability to control how hard they bite. Typically puppies learn bite inhibition from playing with other puppies. Biting or mouthing is a common play tactic between puppies and dogs, but occasionally a puppy will bite too hard. This causes their playmate to yelp with pain and stop playing.
The reaction of the bitten puppy helps the puppy who did the biting realize their mistake and learn not to bite so hard. Just like puppies learn how to be gentle with each other, they can learn the same lesson from humans. Even if your puppy has learned bite inhibition while playing with other puppies or dogs, they still need to be taught how sensitive human skin is.
Follow the example of your puppy’s playmates. Let your puppy mouth your hands during play. When they bite you too hard, yelp like a puppy and let your hand go limp to indicate that you have been hurt. This should stop your puppy from continuing to bite you or continuing to play. When they stop, or if they attempt to make you feel better by licking your hand, praise your puppy and resume play. You can also try “time-outs” for your puppy, where you stop playing for 20 seconds after being bitten.
The goal is to teach your puppy that if they bite, playing stops. If they are gentle, play continues. Make sure to reward your puppy with praise and possibly treats when they do a good job. At Dog Training Elite, we know positive reinforcement is the best and most effective way to train puppies and dogs.
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Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation
At Dog Training Elite in Atlanta, we believe that Service Dogs save lives. It is our mission to make these life-saving companions available to our Veterans, First Responders, Women Survivors, and Children with Medical Needs. Whether it be for PTSD, Mobility Support, or Special Needs, Dog Training Elite in Atlanta works with the Malinois Foundation to heal and empower these individuals with a specialized service animal, a partner in life, and a new best friend.
Take it to the Next Level
Once your puppy understands that they shouldn’t bite human skin hard, start working on teaching them not to bite human skin at all. Use the same techniques of yelping and stopping play. Over time, gradually reduce the amount of biting you allow until your puppy eventually learns not to bite at all.
Some other techniques for to stop mouthing include the distraction method. If your puppy tends to want to bite you when you pet him, distract him with treats so he’ll get used to being touched without mouthing your hands or arms. Keep your puppy’s favorite toy with you, and if she starts mouthing your hands, give her the toy to bite instead.
What to Avoid
There are some behaviors we humans tend to engage in when we want to play with puppies that actually encourage them to bite. If you’re at a loss for how to stop a puppy from biting, make sure to avoid these habits:
- Avoid wiggling your fingers or toes in your puppy’s face to entice them to play. This encourages your puppy to bite your hands and feet.
- Don’t jerk your hands away from your puppy if they bite you. They might lunge forward to grab you with their mouth.
- Never slap or hit a puppy for biting. This ineffective and cruel and can backfire as a training method. Your puppy might start to play more aggressively, with more biting, or they can become afraid of you.
At Dog Training Elite, we never use physical punishment to train puppies and dogs. We focus on rewarding desired behaviors. This method of training helps build a strong, loving bond between puppies and their owners.
Start Puppy Training Now
Teaching your pup not to bite is a huge accomplishment. But puppies have so much more to learn, and even the thought of having to train a puppy can be overwhelming. If you’re struggling with your puppy’s destructive behavior or looking for help with general training, call Dog Training Elite. We have a tried and true training method that really works for dogs of any age, including puppies. Dog Training Elite offers both individual in–home training and obedience classes for puppies.
In–home training is the perfect way to help you and your puppy bond while working with one of our professional trainers. Our trainers will adapt training to your environment and needs and empower you to continue training on your own. Obedience classes are also a great way to help your puppy learn by exposing them to other dogs and people and new sights and sounds. Combining in–home training with obedience classes ensures a well–behaved puppy who learns quickly.
What are you waiting for? Contact Dog Training Elite today for a free in–home assessment or schedule a free training demo to see what your puppy can become.