A well-trained dog with training from an expert Dog Training Elite dog behaviorist in Austin, TX.
Dog Training Elite

Dog Behaviorist in Austin, TX

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Request Free Assessment

A happy leash trained dog walking with their owner - if you are in need of Austin dog behavior training, contact Dog Training Elite today!

Austin Dog Behavior Training

Does your dog chew on things, pee indoors, or bark excessively? If so, your dog may benefit from a dog behaviorist in Austin, TX, and DTE is here to help. Our experienced trainers specialize in correcting unwanted behaviors and can address various issues your dog may face at home.

Behavior-focused training differs from basic obedience training and requires knowledgeable, experienced trainers. DTE trainers can identify and address the root causes of problematic behaviors, such as separation anxiety or excessive barking, and teach your dog to respond more appropriately to those triggers.

Through consistent training and balance, your dog can learn new, desirable behaviors that last.

See Training Packages

Our Behavioral Solution Programs

Dog Training Elite in Austin Metro - Dog Socialization Classes in Austin, TX

Socialization

Our Austin dog socialization classes teach dogs to maintain control and obedience around other dogs, people, and various distractions, reducing fear and aggression while promoting calm, confident behavior.

Dog Training Elite in Austin Metro - Dog Training Elite. How to Stop Puppy Biting Austin

Biting

Through targeted puppy biting training in Austin, TX, we address aggressive tendencies and teach dogs to inhibit biting, helping them develop better self-control.

Dog Training Elite in Austin Metro - Reactive Dog Training in Austin, TX. DTE

Fear & Reactiveness

Our reactive dog training in Austin, TX, focuses on managing and reducing fear-based reactions to common triggers, helping dogs be more relaxed and well-adjusted.

Dog Training Elite in Austin Metro - Destructive Chewing & Digging Training in Austin, TX

Destructive Chewing & Digging

Our destructive chewing and digging training in Austin, TX addresses your dog’s destructive chewing and digging by redirecting these behaviors toward more appropriate and constructive outlets.

Dog Training Elite in Austin Metro - Separation Anxiety Training for Dogs in Austin, TX

Separation Anxiety

Our separation anxiety training in Austin, TX helps dogs overcome the stress of being alone, which curbs destructive behaviors and makes departures easier for everyone.

Dog Training Elite in Austin Metro - Excessive Barking Training in Austin, TX. DTE

Excessive Barking

We address the root causes of barking with our excessive barking training in Austin, TX, teaching your dog to communicate appropriately and reduce unnecessary noise.

Dog Training Elite in Austin Metro - Staying and Coming Training in Austin, TX. DTE

Staying & Coming

Our staying and coming training in Austin, TX focuses on improving your dog’s reliability in following essential commands like down and come, ensuring they respond promptly in any situation.

Dog Training Elite in Austin Metro -

Stealing Food, Clothing, or Other Objects

Our trainers work with your dog to curb the habit of stealing items, teaching them to respect boundaries and avoid problematic behaviors.

Dog Training Elite in Austin Metro -

Resource Guarding

We tackle resource guarding behaviors by addressing the underlying causes of your dog's insecurity. Our training helps your dog feel more secure, which reduces aggression over food, toys, or personal spaces.

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Food Guarding & Begging

Through consistent and focused training, we teach dogs to eat politely and reduce persistent begging behaviors. This approach creates a more peaceful and enjoyable mealtime experience for everyone involved.

Dog Training Elite in Austin Metro -

Mouthing, Nipping & Rough Play

Our program teaches dogs to play gently, reducing the risk of injury and making playtime safe and enjoyable.

Dog Training Elite in Austin Metro -

Anxiety & Submissive Urination

We work with anxious dogs to build their confidence. This program will help to reduce incidents of submissive urination and make your dog feel more secure.

Dog Training Elite in Austin Metro -

Jumping Up & Hyperactivity

This program helps dogs learn to greet people calmly and manage their energy levels, reducing hyperactivity and inappropriate jumping.

Dog Training Elite in Austin Metro -

Excessive Licking

We address compulsive licking behaviors, helping dogs find more appropriate ways to express themselves and reducing skin issues.

Dog Training Elite in Austin Metro -

Leashing

Our leashing program teaches dogs to walk politely on a leash, making walks more enjoyable and less stressful for you and your dog.

Dog Training Elite in Austin Metro -

Abnormal Repetitive Behaviors

We help your dog break free from compulsive actions like spinning or tail chasing, focusing their energy on healthier habits.

Dog Training Elite in Austin Metro -

Escaping

We train your dog to respect boundaries, significantly reducing the risk of escape and keeping them safe at home.

Dog Training Elite in Austin Metro -

Heeling

Our training improves your dog’s ability to heel, keeping them close by your side during walks and improving their overall leash manners.

Dog Training Elite in Austin Metro - Dog & Puppy Potty Training in Austin, TX. DTE

Potty Training

We help dogs learn to relieve themselves outdoors with our Austin dog potty training, reducing accidents in your home and fostering good habits that last a lifetime.

Get Your Free Assessment

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!

A dog with expert behaviorial training from Dog Training Elite in Austin Metro.

What is Behavioral Training?


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Behavioral and regular obedience training serve different but equally important roles in shaping a well-behaved dog.

Obedience training teaches your dog basic commands like sit, heel, and come. This training helps your dog follow instructions in different situations and builds clear communication between you and your pet.

Behavioral training, however, goes deeper by addressing the root causes of problematic behaviors like aggression, anxiety, or excessive barking. While obedience training tells a dog what to do, behavioral training focuses on changing undesirable habits and reactions.

Combining obedience training with targeted behavioral solutions helps dogs overcome specific issues, resulting in a more balanced and adjusted pet.

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • D Tucker
    Sep. 23, 2026
    We were very happy with the training results with our corgi, Winston. Garrison was patient, kind and knowledgeable. We are planning to continue learning through our group classes. Highly recommend Dog Training Elite Hill Country.
  • M J
    Sep. 16, 2026
    I would select our trainer again because our dog has made progress after every session!! We are given tasks to work with her on and she is now an amazingly obedient dog! Her German Shepherd side blossomed with the guidance and tools we were given. Thank you M!
  • Xavier C.
    Sep. 10, 2026
    Dear Michael, Thank you for such an impactful experience. You’ve dramatically improved my relationship with Zena and my understanding of what it truly means to lead a pack with patience, consistency, love, and confidence. Our time during the one-on-one sessions has been incredibly memorable, and I truly appreciate the care and dedication you bring to your work. The lessons have gone beyond simple obedience — they’ve helped strengthen the relationship, communication, and trust between Zena and me. I would highly recommend your training & expertise to anyone looking to change the lives of their family as a whole. Thank you again for everything. We’re excited for the group training sessions next!
  • Heather Severson
    Sep. 6, 2026
    We had an amazing experience with our trainer Mike while working with our German Shepherd, Luna, from about 3–6 months old. He was incredibly patient, knowledgeable, and consistent throughout the entire process. And took the time to answer any random questions. Mike taught basic obedience while also helping us understand how to communicate with our girl and reinforce good behaviors at home. dialing in on focus, manners, and overall behavior. Training was also focused on building a strong foundation with our puppy. He understood the breed and knew how to work with a young, energetic German Shepherd. We were so grateful to get to partner with Mike and would absolutely recommend him to anyone looking for someone who is knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely passionate about dogs.
  • jane haley
    Sep. 4, 2026
    Garrison was utterly incredible! Gray began the process and Garrison, followed, arriving weekly to train my crazy pup, who was quite headstrong, a very experienced doordasher, and would practically maul anyone visiting out of sheer joy that he had a bit of a problem containing! Garrison was compassionate yet firm, with emphasis on positivity, affirming Boyd when he followed commands. He was also very knowledgeable, clear with his tone of voice and patient. Because of my hip replacement and Boyd being a very strong and large dog, I could not take Boyd for walks for fear he would pull me to the ground. I'm now able to take him on leisurely walks and even out in public now and then. One of the best benefits of the training is Boyd listens to me now and in fact , demonstrates how eager he is to please me. I am so very grateful to Garrison and Gray and the entire Dog Training Elite group for the clear communication throughout training, the positivity and the professionalism, in addition to all the support!
  • Alba Nieves
    Aug. 26, 2026
    This team is willing to work with you on your dog training needs. Adjust the training approaches and pivot when needed. Very virtuous and personable and willing to address any issues as they arise. They really care for their customers. Money well invested for your self and your K9 companion.
  • Nathan Culver
    Aug. 25, 2026
    Not to start too depressing. I lost my service partner of years and my lifestyle was drastically affected. Being somewhat lost in the woods I contacted Dog Training Elite. Talk about literal life savers. Jenny listened to my situation and service animal needs. She assisted me through this whole journey from recommended breed, acquiring my new partner, and training program. Michael, the trainer assigned for us was absolutely a rock star. He had no issue at all working with my disability and getting Sailor and me trained, up to speed, and back to living in a much shorter amount of time than I expected. His understanding of, and interaction with my dog was beyond impressive. Whatever training needs you may have this is by and far the best service to use. Definitely a 5 star operation.
  • Sel Unite
    Aug. 21, 2026
    We’ve had experience with dog trainers before, but Michael at Dog Training Elite is truly the best. Experienced and patient (with us parents, not just our pup!), he knew exactly how to teach us how to get our 18-month old girl to respond. She absolutely loves him too! If/when we have new pups join our household, Michael will be one of the first people they’ll meet.
  • Chloe Leeson
    Jul. 28, 2026
    I'd highly recommend Mike as a trainer. My dog instantly loved and quickly listened to him. As a first time dog parent, each session was very helpful and he kept it fun. It's clear he really cares about what he does, and wants both dogs and their humans to do well.
  • Christopher Robison
    Jul. 21, 2026
    We've been training with Mike K for the past two months, and the progress has been incredible. Our rescue dog came to us extremely timid and unsure of the world because of his difficult past. Mike has patiently worked at our dog's own pace, helping him build confidence and showing him that the world can be a safe and enjoyable place. When we first started, we were worried about introducing new commands and activities, but Mike knew exactly how to approach each step in a way that encouraged learning without overwhelming our dog. His positive training methods have made a remarkable difference, and we're so grateful for the care, patience, and expertise he's shown throughout the process. Thank you Mike for helping and teaching us every step of this journey so far!
  • Emily Bodish
    Jul. 20, 2026
    Michael was the BEST!!! He was so encouraging for our dog and us along the way! We are more confident in our ability to guide our dog through reactions and unwanted behaviors - huge improvements!! Can't wait to start group training now!
  • Jovany Navas
    Jul. 20, 2026
    I was hesitant at first since I’ve never used this service before but they were kind and explained what they can offer. Mike my trainer has been so great. Wishing two weeks i saw a difference in my dog’s obedience l and leash training. Each week my dog just gets better and
  • Maria Montelongo
    Jun. 20, 2026
    We cannot say enough good things about Michael and the incredible work he has done with our reactive dog, Tito. From day one, Michael was patient, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in helping both Tito and us succeed. What we appreciated most was that he didn’t just train our dog—he trained us as owners as well. He took the time to explain every step of the process, answered every question we had (and we had many!), and was always available when we needed guidance or reassurance. Working with a reactive dog can be overwhelming and emotional at times, but Michael never made us feel rushed or discouraged. He showed tremendous patience with both Tito and us throughout the entire journey. His support, encouragement, and expertise gave us the confidence to stay consistent and trust the process. The results we have seen so far have been truly amazing. Tito has made significant progress, and the positive changes in his behavior have exceeded our expectations. Seeing him become calmer, more confident, and easier to manage has made a huge difference in our daily lives. We are genuinely happier because of the progress we’ve achieved together. We are incredibly grateful that we found this company and had the opportunity to work with Michael. His dedication, professionalism, and genuine care for both dogs and their owners make him exceptional at what he does. Thank you, Michael, for everything you’ve done for Tito and for us. We highly recommend him to anyone looking for a trainer who truly cares and delivers real results.
  • Lee Hagler
    Jun. 20, 2026
    We have two 2yo male bullies (100 & 125lbs) that were having some hierarchy/reactivity issues together. We knew they were both amazing dogs and wanted to invest in their training so that, through discipline, we could help them learn our expectations, earn our trust, and earn additional freedoms as they progress. Our trainer (Payton) has been amazing. She took the time to understand our dogs’ challenges and we saw a significant improvement immediately. This service has been exactly what we needed, and my wife and I are very glad we made the decision to move forward as our peace of mind is worth infinitely more than the price paid for some outside assistance.
  • Kelly Pastori
    Jun. 18, 2026
    Michael has changed my relationship with my dog! I have so much more compassion and understanding on my dogs communication and behaviors after working with Michael-I’m shocked how my dog has responded in such a short amount of time and I feel super empowered to keep moving our relationship forward with what I’ve learned.
  • Jessica Caprio
    Jun. 16, 2026
    Payton has been amazing to work with! We’ve completed 11 of our 12 one-on-one training sessions, and within just two months, our 5.5-month-old Goldendoodle, Cooper, became service dog certified. What I appreciated most was how much confidence she built in both Cooper and me throughout the process. From training in busy downtown environments to feeling comfortable dropping his leash in high-traffic public areas, Payton was there every step of the way with guidance, encouragement, and expertise. She doesn’t just train your dog…she teaches you how to be a confident handler too! I love that she gave me the tools and knowledge to continue reinforcing Cooper’s training at home, even when she wasn’t there. Thank you so much Payton!
  • jacob mamantov
    Jun. 4, 2026
    Michael Kwan and the team at Dog Training Elite in Austin are fantastic, and I would recommend them to anyone. It started with a free in-home consultation, where Michael explained the process, our options, and what we could expect from training. He did it in an approachable way that made clear he has a deep understanding of dogs. We had some questions about our shelter pup, and he was very honest and direct about her breed and how that might impact the way she learns. I could ramble for days about how great it was, but I will keep it quick! In home sessions were amazing, and we could see our sweet girl learning in real time. He also equipped us really well to do our “homework” to reinforce the skills he taught our dog. 10/10, 5 stars, whatever the highest marks are is what DTE and Michael deserve.
  • Parin Kashyap
    May. 22, 2026
    I had a great experience having my dog trained by Michael. He was extremely friendly and my dog Jax loved every single second with him. Michael was able to take all of my concerns with Jax and create a curated plan to help Jax with those concerns. His leash manners are significantly better, he has gotten much better at recall, and he finally faced his fear of the elevator in my building. Michael really understands dog behavior and taught me so much about how to communicate with Jax. I would highly recommend Dog Training Elite and Michael for anyone looking for their dog to be trained.
  • Ian Cunningham
    May. 21, 2026
    We did a lot of research regarding dog trainers in our area and from our first meeting with our DTE trainer, we knew we were in good hands. Our trainer has been nothing short of fantastic. She is incredibly knowledgeable, prompt, thorough, friendly, aware, confident, tough, flexible, and helpful. The cost of our training package is high but worth every penny. You get a lot for your money in terms of one-on-one training sessions, but also with the followup and open group sessions. A+ from us.
  • Michelle Pierce
    May. 19, 2026
    Payton is the best! Our little guy, Monty, was a handful. He was treating us like a litter mate. She helped us gain confidence and control. We are all happier and Monty is able to have a lot more fun with us!! Would highly recommend!!

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See An Elite Dog in Action

Behavior Training Techniques

At DTE, we use proven techniques to encourage lasting behavior changes in dogs.

Here’s how we do it.

We use a clicker to mark the exact moment your dog performs the correct behavior. The click signals a coming reward and helps your dog learn which actions are worth repeating.
Similar to clicker training, this method uses a specific word or phrase like "yes" or "good" to mark the behavior. This verbal cue reinforces positive behavior and strengthens the communication between you and your dog.
By demonstrating correct behaviors with a "model" dog, other dogs in the group learn through observation. This method taps into dogs' natural tendency to imitate, making it easier for them to adopt behaviors.
Building a strong bond between dog and owner is key. We build trust and understand your dog's needs to create a cooperative training environment where your dog is more likely to respond positively.
A stick or specific spot is used to guide your dog to the desired behavior, encouraging them to touch or follow the target. Once they succeed, we reinforce the action with a reward. This technique is ideal for teaching complex behaviors and improving focus.
An owner and their happy, healthy dog with expert training from Dog Training Elite in Austin Metro.

Classical Conditioning, or the Pavlovian Model

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Classical conditioning, pioneered by Russian physiologist Ivan Pavlov's work, is a fundamental principle in dog training. Pavlov’s study showed dogs could learn to associate a neutral stimulus, like a bell, with food, prompting them to respond to the bell alone.

At Dog Training Elite, we apply this principle in our behavioral training programs. We pair a command with two stimuli: a clicker (or marker word) and a reward like a treat or praise. The clicker signals the correct behavior, and the reward reinforces it. This method helps dogs quickly understand what’s expected and encourages them to repeat desired behaviors.

Unlike punishment-based methods, classical conditioning shapes behavior effectively and creates a well-adjusted, happy dog.

A dog with classical conditioning training from Dog Training Elite in Austin Metro.

Your Expert Dog Behaviorist in Austin, TX

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Our certified, experienced trainers are experts in solving various behavior problems, from aggression and anxiety to excessive barking and destructive habits.

We focus on understanding your dog’s personality, environment, and behavior triggers to develop customized training plans. Our trainers will work to resolve these issues and their root causes to prevent them from returning.

What Makes Our Trainers Stand Out?
  • Certified and Experienced: Our trainers are certified professionals with years of experience handling behavioral challenges. With a proven track record of success, they’re equipped to deliver the best results for your pet.
  • Breed-Specific Knowledge: We understand the unique traits of different breeds and customize our training methods to match your dog’s natural behaviors, making the training more effective.
  • Friendly and Understanding: Our trainers are approachable and empathetic, working closely with you to build trust and create a supportive training environment for your dog.
A group of dogs being trained by the expert team at Dog Training Elite in Austin Metro.
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Educate, Empower, Elevate, Elite

Victory Begins With Elite Education

Why Choose Dog Training Elite?

Proven Methods for Successful Dog Training


If you're looking for a top dog behaviorist in Austin, TX, Dog Training Elite is the top choice.

Our experienced trainers handle various issues, including aggression, anxiety, excessive barking, and more. With a personalized approach, we help dogs overcome their challenges and build stronger, happier relationships with their owners.

No matter how challenging your dog’s behavior may seem, there is hope. Whether your dog’s behavioral issues are minor or more serious, we’re here to help.

Reach out today for a free consultation!