A well-trained dog with training from an expert Dog Training Elite dog behaviorist.

Behavioral Solutions

Dog Training Elite

Request Free Assessment

Request Free Assessment

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

Dog Behavior Training

Does your dog chew on things, pee indoors, or bark excessively? If so, your dog may benefit from a dog behaviorist, 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 - Dog & Puppy Potty Training. Dog Training Elite

Potty Training

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

Dog Training Elite - Dog Socialization Classes. Dog Training Elite

Socialization

Our 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 - Stop Puppy Biting with Dog Training Elite

Biting

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

Dog Training Elite - Reactive Dog Training. Dog Training Elite

Fear & Reactiveness

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

Dog Training Elite - Destructive Chewing and Digging Training. DTE

Destructive Chewing & Digging

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

Dog Training Elite - Separation Anxiety Training for Dogs. DTE

Separation Anxiety

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

Dog Training Elite - Excessive Barking Training. DTE

Excessive Barking

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

Dog Training Elite - Staying and Coming Training. DTE

Staying & Coming

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

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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.

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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.

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Mouthing, Nipping & Rough Play

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

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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.

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Jumping Up & Hyperactivity

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

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Excessive Licking

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

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Leashing

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

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Abnormal Repetitive Behaviors

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

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Escaping

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

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Heeling

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

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.

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

  • Camille Perfettini
    Aug. 16, 2026
    We had an amazing experience with Dog Training Elite and could not be happier with the results. Both trainers we worked with were fantastic - patient, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in Tazz’s success. I especially can’t recommend Clayton enough. He gave us practical tips and techniques that have made a huge difference in Tazz’s impulse control and ability to navigate the real world. The public-access training was invaluable, particularly preparing Tazz for public transportation and busy environments. We recently took him on his first cross-country flight, and he was an absolute champ - not one bark and not one moment of anxiety. He was calm, confident, and incredibly well behaved throughout the entire journey, which made our lives an absolute breeze. Tazz has come such a long way, and we feel incredibly confident taking him anywhere. Dog Training Elite gave us not only an incredibly well-trained service dog, but also the tools and confidence to help him succeed.
  • Valorie Warth
    Aug. 15, 2026
    Elite Upstate was amazing. They are super responsive with any questions and super helpful. Our in-home trainer, Sydney, was so good with Penelope and patient with us humans. :) I also love that we are able to train without treats. We attended our first group class today and it was great. Great way for healthy dog interactions and learning with distractions.
  • Kirk
    Aug. 15, 2026
    Austin has been incredible! All of the interactions we have had with the team since we started have been great! Courteous, professional and prompt with every lesson. Whiskie has improved dramatically, she is still a puppy and we know she’s not going to be perfect. Now part way through the training we have confidence to take her with us on errands, public places and even just in the yard off leash. It takes time and you need to work with the dog every day you can but if you get stuck or have questions the team is super helpful!!
  • Anne Mitchell
    Aug. 15, 2026
    Wonderful first time experience; professional, timely, considerate, and knowledgeable. There was clear communication throughout the entire process. Debbie and Kandace worked well together with me and my dog. During the evaluation , they explained goals and worked with my schedule. They were sure to explain the whys and other curiosities of training and my dog's behavior. I can see this being a remarkable journey with my pet. .
  • Lexi O.
    Aug. 15, 2026
    Meggie was great! She listened empathetically to my concerns about training my corgi menace, and we came up with a plan together. Most dog trainers I have worked with in the past bulldozed through a training program without truly trying to understand my dog or what he needs. I felt heard and seen, and I am excited to keep up with the training so my dog can live his happiest, healthiest life! :) Thanks, Meggie ❤️
  • Mary Jane Holmes
    Aug. 14, 2026
    I have had a wonderful experience with Elite Dog Training. We started our 6 month old Doberman puppy in their top level basis training. It went great and he learned quickly. We have continually worked on our skills and we attend the weekly class at the park. He is able to go with me most places in public and behave with good manners. People in public often comments on how well behaved he is. He is currently 18 months. The skills we have learned, have made us a very happy dog family. He loves learning and minds all the commands (most of the time). But when doesn’t mind, I have the skills to solve the issue. We decided to take things to the next level and have Rocky become a service dog. My folks are getting older, need more assistance and live out of state. I want him to be able to fly with me and do all the other things I do. We are in our second week of training and we have learned so much! Kristi and Jeremy know their stuff!!!!! We have been very impressed with their knowledge, skills and ability to teach a variety of people and dogs the most important training dogs need. If you use EDT you will be excited to take your dog out in public and have guests over. They will no longer rule your life. They will be the well mannered dog you’ve always dreamed of having. I can’t say enough good things about this company. They love dogs and training dogs. It’s not just a business to them - it’s a passion!!!
  • Suzie
    Aug. 14, 2026
    Dog Training Elite has truly changed our lives! From our very first phone call to our in-home sessions and group classes, everyone has been professional, knowledgeable, and amazing to work with. Meg and Jeff genuinely love what they do, and it absolutely shows! They complement each other so well and make an incredible team. We have loved every part of our experience with Dog Training Elite and couldn’t be happier with the progress and success our dog has had. We are so grateful for all of their help and highly recommend them to anyone looking for exceptional dog training!
  • Mac
    Aug. 14, 2026
    Great trainers! Great program! Austin always takes his time to explain the why behind a thing not just the what.You can tell he wants teams to succeed and it shows every session he works with them. My pup and I have learned alot working with Austin and DTE. We look forward to our next phase of training.
  • Lisa Lane
    Jul. 31, 2026
    3rd session today and it was great!! Rheyt and Kaitlyn ate fabulous!
  • Dawn Brindamour
    Aug. 14, 2026
    Amazing results through tailored training designed to address my Aussie’s reactiveness. Shelby and Danielle are awesome!
  • Angela Dephilips
    Aug. 14, 2026
    I am a master trainer who travels the country saving dogs in line for euthanasia, I met Josh and his team a little over a year ago and not only were they welcoming, friendly and supportive they allowed me to come work dogs with them and they have come over and helped me with my dogs too. The owner of this facility is transparent and very knowledgeable . I count on Josh for some of my hardest questions and hardest dogs. I highly recommend Josh and his team to anyone looking to level up their knowledge on working dogs or pets!
  • Mark Dephilips
    Aug. 14, 2026
    Amazing place great trainers. Josh came out tested a potential protection dog for us. Amazing work. 💯 great company
  • Jane Tyler
    Aug. 13, 2026
    . Things we never were told by doctors or Digs Inc staff - Jessica explained Olives issue which made sense to us. She was to the point and we trusted her.
  • Jane Tyler
    Aug. 13, 2026
    . Things we never were told by doctors or Digs Inc staff - Jessica explained Olives issue which made sense to us. She was to the point and we trusted her.
  • Bridgett Hipps
    Jul. 7, 2026
    Justin was exceptionally professional, knowledgeable, and a pleasure to work with. My Bentley loved him! He took the time to explain everything thoroughly, answered all of my questions, and made sure I had all the information I needed to make an informed decision. I look forward to working with Justin and the rest of the team, and I'm excited to see the final outcome! I highly recommend them! Mrs. Debbie has also been absolutely wonderful with Bentley! She’s knowledgeable, patient, compassionate, and truly dedicated to helping him succeed. What I appreciate most is that she’s not only there for Bentley, but for me as well. The entire staff has been incredibly supportive, helpful, and phenomenal throughout this journey. We’re so grateful for all they do! Highly recommend! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
  • Carissa Nusbaum
    Aug. 13, 2026
    Larissa is a gifted teacher and dog lover. She has clearly studied and has an in depth knowledge of dog behavior, which she imparted to us with patience. And the lessons were fun!!! Our puppy has learned so much in just 8 lessons, and we really can’t thank Larissa enough!!
  • James Wilson
    Aug. 13, 2026
    Aidan was very professional, was detailed in learning about our pup and informative in how the training process would work. Looking forward to working with Aidan and DTE!
  • Laura Ashley
    Aug. 13, 2026
    I cannot speak highly enough of the folks at Dog Training Elite Springfield! I got Archie as a puppy last year and he was (still is) a wild man full of personality and energy. I was definitely overwhelmed and trying to train him using YouTube videos which just gave me conflicting information. We did the puppy school and the adult dog training program and go weekly to the group sessions. The support and care the staff show to the dogs and their owners is so impressive and has helped me and Archie build better communication and a deeper connection as a team. Every time we are in group class I notice Kristi and Jeremy remember all the dog’s names and the specific things they are working on and check in to offer personalized support. They also really seem to have a great time doing it! It has been worth every penny!
  • Jacquelyn Grace
    Mar. 17, 2026
    The Trainers at Dog Trainihg Elite Central Nashville have been phenomenal. My dog, Friend Lee D(awg) is a very sensitive Kerry Blue Terrier who is so grateful I took the leap to get myself trained 🤣 Each trainer has been cordial, professional, quite knowledgeable in their training of Friend Lee. There is awesome communication with calls, texts, and appointment reminders. They have been patient with me and my dog -- very firm, gentle and consistent in their positive approaches. Friend Lee D is a totally new and improved dog. My family immediately noticed how calm and obedient he is. Friend Lee now has commands, assignments and purpose. We both know what we're doing and feel a sense of peace and calm. Our stars align!. I am grateful for entire Dog Training Elite team. Thank you all for your excellence! ~Jackie Grace
  • Gianna Howard
    Aug. 13, 2026
    Super grateful that I connected with Michael and was able to get support for my Yorkie, Laila! He was very patient with her and saw her potential from the moment he met her. Laila has made tremendous improvement and will continue to as we use the training that was given to us. His flexibility was a lifesaver given our limited time over the summer before heading back to school. I am excited to see Laila's future progress, which couldn't have been done without Michael's help. Thank you again so much!

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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.

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.

Your Expert Dog Behaviorist

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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.
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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, Dog Training Elite is the go-to 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!