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

  • Lisa Lane
    Jul. 31, 2026
    Great session! Better each week! Great job Absolutely great session!
  • Kyle Smith
    Oct. 16, 2026
    Nick should be your go-to guy for all of your dog training needs! The behavior changes we've seen since him working with our pups is night and day. Will absolutely be using his services again
  • Jackie Russo
    Oct. 16, 2026
    We had the best experience with Vince. He was so easy to work with and took the time to explain all aspects of our training, why it was important and made sure I understood how to do everything myself (he makes everything look so easy!). I would recommend Vince and Dog Training Elite to anyone!
  • Thomas Slocum
    Apr. 21, 2026
    The trainers are extremely professional and knowledgeable. It is a joy to see how far in just a few sessions our Lab has progressed.
  • Luckyparentsof2GMAIL Brumfield
    Oct. 16, 2026
    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 STARS – DOG TRAINING ELITE SPRINGFIELD CHANGED OUR LIVES FOREVER! ❤️🐾 Where do we even begin? How do you adequately thank people who have genuinely changed your life and the lives of your four-legged family members? When we first reached out to Dog Training Elite Springfield, we were looking for help with our two dogs, Moose and Piper. What we received was so much more than dog training. We received an education, newfound confidence, peace of mind, and an incredible team of people who truly care. We especially want to recognize Amanda, our wonderful trainer, and Kristi and Jeremy, the incredible owners. Amanda, your patience, dedication, encouragement, and genuine love for Moose and Piper have meant the world to us. You never just went through the motions. You invested your time, energy, and heart into helping our dogs succeed while making sure WE understood how to continue that success. You celebrated their victories, guided us through challenges, and gave us the confidence to become better dog parents. Kristi and Jeremy, what you have built is truly extraordinary. Your passion, integrity, and commitment to helping families create better relationships with their dogs are reflected in the people you surround yourselves with and the experience you provide. You should be incredibly proud! What makes Dog Training Elite different is that they don’t just train your dogs. They train YOU to understand, communicate with, and lead your dogs with confidence. The transformation in Moose and Piper has been nothing short of remarkable. But what surprised us most was how much WE changed along the way. We now understand our dogs in ways we never did before. We have the tools, structure, and knowledge to give them a happier, safer, more balanced life. And perhaps most importantly, we have a deeper bond with both of them. Throughout this journey, we never felt like just another customer. We felt supported, encouraged, respected, and genuinely cared for. There were laughs, challenges, breakthroughs, and moments of pure joy. Every step was worth it. Graduation day was incredibly special and honestly a little bittersweet. Somewhere along the way, these wonderful people became more than trainers. They became people we genuinely looked forward to seeing and sharing our progress with. To Amanda, Kristi, and Jeremy: You have given our family something money simply cannot buy — a better life together with Moose and Piper. Sharing pizza and wings with your team on graduation day was such a small gesture compared to the tremendous gift you’ve given us. For anyone considering Dog Training Elite Springfield, we cannot recommend them highly enough. Whether you have a puppy, a dog with behavioral challenges, or simply want a better relationship with your four-legged companion, please make that call. It may very well be one of the best decisions you ever make. This wasn’t simply money spent on dog training. It was an investment in our family, our dogs’ futures, and years of happiness together. Worth every single penny and so much more! Amanda, Kristi, Jeremy, and the entire Dog Training Elite Springfield family, thank you for believing in us, for loving our dogs, and for giving us an experience we will never forget. You have changed all four of our lives forever, and we will always be grateful. ❤️ With all our love and appreciation, Kevin, Michelle, Moose & Piper 🐾❤️
  • Robyn Stewart
    Oct. 16, 2026
    SHE WAS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! She helped us understand what we needed to do to start the process of training and what the cost would be. She was professional, polite, and sweet. Would recommend to any and all!
  • Tina Roweton
    Oct. 16, 2026
    We are very pleased with the training we got. Jordyn was very helpful with all our questions we had and did a great job. It was a great experience for us and our Benny.
  • Savannah Rubbico
    Oct. 16, 2026
    We worked with Michael to train our dog, Auggie. Michael was awesome. You can immediately tell he has experience training dogs. He’s realistic, thoughtful, patient, and diligent. Our dog is not only better trained but he’s a happier dog because of it. Michael was always on time and ready to go. You can tell he’s exceptionally good at training because of his own dog, but he’s also gentle and very loving with the dogs when acceptable. Couldn’t recommend him more!
  • Kathryn Gregory
    Oct. 15, 2026
    Rebekah and Jessica are exceptional! They taught my husband and I so much about canine behavior and especially Pyrenees behavior. We were skeptical at first, but became believers by the end of our lessons. We were especially pleased that we didn't have to use shock collars on them. They are both extremely stubborn! I would highly recommend them!
  • John R. Smith
    Dec. 2, 2025
    My Bernese Mountain puppy was thoroughly trained by Matt and Paul. They took a special interest in him and we appreciated that. I recommend DTE to anyone interested in such training. It pays off and is worth the money because it is an investment that keeps on giving.
  • Donald Reid
    Oct. 16, 2026
    We have two 4 year old Aussiechon female sisters. One is shy and the other has always been dominant and aggressive. Tried everything to control the aggressive behavior and failed trying other trainers and facilities. Our vet recommended DTE and they came to us for a no cost evaluation. We signed up both of our dogs and within two weeks we had the aggressive dog under control and not lunging at everybody and everything. After four weeks my dogs are not barking and are much better behaved. I have faith that the aggressive dog is trainable and I am seeing amazing results already. The folks at DTE have a structured, well thought out training plan that works. The staff is personable and very well educated. Their system simply works. Highly recommended. Amazing results! Thanks to the entire DTE team!!!!
  • Annette Byron
    Jul. 29, 2026
    Love Dog Training Elite!!! Our dog is still very much a work in progress but Matt and Paul have been patient with him (and me). Thankful for all their assistance. Hopefully, one day, we’ll make the Facebook page as a success!!!
  • Lori Waniger
    Oct. 16, 2026
    Absolutely fantastic and successful. I am so impressed by this organization I highly recommend them. Larissa was the trainer for my dogs and she went above and beyond my expectations Thank you
  • Mark Peugh
    Sep. 9, 2026
    Very knowledgeable and friendly always a pleasure
  • Marlene Prosise
    Oct. 16, 2026
    Started training Olivia for service dog work today. Debbie and Diego were the best! Lots of things to work on. Olivia did so good! Love Debbie, she is always calm, and gives great information to make me and Olivia the best team we can be!
  • Patricia Robello
    Oct. 16, 2026
    He was great and very patient teacher. I would highly recommend to anyone!
  • Elizabeth Smartt
    Oct. 16, 2026
    These guys have helped us SO much with Uncle Rico, our pug puppy! We still take him to the occasional group class to make sure he can behave around other dogs. It's been a game-changer to have their guidance from the beginning. We highly recommend them!
  • Ryan Cummins
    Oct. 16, 2026
    Matt and the Dog Training Elite team were fantastic to work with when we picked up our puppy. Highly recommended!
  • Ben Lever
    Oct. 20, 2025
    Matt did a great job training our dog. He is very knowledgeable about dog behavior and personalities. He is very friendly with the dog and vice versa. The dog seemed to like him very much. A year after his training, Farley still remembers his commands and is extremely well behaved. We also love the opportunity to take him to group classes where he gets to see other dogs and have his training refreshed.
  • Bethany Dannelly
    Oct. 16, 2026
    Paul has been helping us train our 10-month old golden retriever puppy. The consistent work and combination of individual sessions and group sessions is exactly what we need. The lessons are making a huge difference and our puppy continues to learn and become more responsible. We have had an excellent experience with Paul and are excited to keep getting better!

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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!