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

  • Sophie Bailey
    Jun. 15, 2026
    Everyone here is so amazing and very professional working with the dogs.
  • Sydney Cooper
    Jun. 15, 2026
    Choosing to train here was the best decision I ever made for my dog. Although, he started late, it didn’t matter because he still picked it up and changed! Joe and Marlene made training so fun and educational. I love how I was involved with everything and learned just as much as my dog did.
  • Jack Bunzow
    Jun. 15, 2026
    Life savers. Everyone I’ve spoken with and I have had a training session with has been incredible, and knows exactly what is best for my dog. I am not even done with all my sessions and my dog has already become so well trained. Couldn’t recommend them enough.
  • Brittany Plumb
    Jun. 15, 2026
    We've had a great experience with Carrie! She is very knowledgeable and great at what she does. My dog is a very stubborn bull terrier that I've had trouble training and communicating with. All of my other dogs when told to jump would ask "how high?" while my current dog instead asks "why?". Carrie has helped to decode Stevie's language and get through to her in a way she understands. Much of our lessons have been spent training ME rather than the dog and its really working. I've seen incredible progress in only 3 lessons and look forward to continued training.
  • Marianne Paiva
    Jun. 15, 2026
    First dog lesson went extremely well! Kelsie explained the method used very patiently and trained both our dog and us!
  • Marianne Paiva
    Jun. 15, 2026
    First dog lesson went extremely well! Kelsie explained the method used very patiently and trained both our dog and us!
  • Denise Collop
    Jun. 15, 2026
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Austin was amazing to work with! His guidance, patience, and expertise helped Zeke successfully become a therapy dog. He made training enjoyable and gave us the confidence and skills we needed. We highly recommend Austin to anyone looking for a knowledgeable and dedicated trainer. Thank you, Austin!
  • Cheri Jenner
    Jun. 14, 2026
    Excellent! Trainers were very attentive
  • Lynda Bartlow
    May. 24, 2026
    When we picked up our Aussie, he was doing a obstacle course like it was nothing. He is learning so much and so am I. Can't wait to see what happens next week.
  • Christine Miller
    Jun. 14, 2026
    I have learned so much! The individualized training plan and attention have made all the difference. Last but not least, you gain access to a wonderful community of people for lifelong learning and support.
  • K Crosley
    May. 27, 2026
    Elijah gives clear instructions as we progressed thru therapy dog test items. Makes specific recommendations for homework based on Oakleys responses and my handling. Great teacher and clearly loves animals
  • Sophie Bailey
    Jun. 13, 2026
    Austin is a great dog trainer to work with.
  • Marc Johnson
    Jun. 13, 2026
    I highly recommend this training for your dog. We had Taylor work with me and my daughter's dog. He is knowledgeable and pleasant to work with. Even though my daughter is skilled in training dogs and had already trained our dog for agility tricks and service work, we wanted to find another effective approach to help tweak some minor obedience issues. Taylor's approach and methods are solid and work well. Be willing to learn and work with your dog as Taylor shows you a better way to manage and teach your dog effectively. It makes life with your dog soooo much more enjoyable and easier and will improve your relationship with your dog forever.
  • Vinay Raju
    Jun. 13, 2026
    Elijah did a wonderful job. Very knowledgeable
  • Michelle McCaughey
    Apr. 22, 2025
    I am still traing for 11 sessions in group training at dog parks with Danielle. Danielle is WONDERFUL!!! We had 5 sessions of one on one and she was patient, kind, and thorough. I would definitely recommend her as trainer at Dog Training Elite Rhode Island. I am looking forward to the rest of our (Tucker and my) experience over the next 11 weeks. Soon, Tucker will be a therapy dog and go for his testing. This is an update on my original post: For personal health reasons, I had to take a year off from Tucker's training. I was nervous that Tucker would forget last year's work and Danielle reassured me he would not; he certainly did not. We restarted our traing in April and Tucker really did remember his lessons. Yes, we went over everything before we re-joined and he is doing well. As with any dog, the toughest part is the group traing with other dogs. It is an essential part because it helps them focus and stay on task. When her gets off task, the trainers are VERY helpful and we continue. He's coming along well. There was an additional trainer added while we were away and her name is Shelby. She and Danielle work together well and have the same firm, but loving and caring way with all breeds. I am, as is Tucker, thrilled to be back and he is right back in line to where we were. You cannot find a better training program and I want everyone to know about Elite Dog Training!!! You will not be disappointed!!!
  • Amanda White
    Jun. 12, 2026
    Loved our first meeting with Deidre!
  • eva oza
    Jun. 12, 2026
    I also want to give a huge shoutout to Kaitlin at Elite Dog Training Knoxville. She recently started joining our training sessions, and she has been absolutely wonderful. One moment that really stood out to me was during a training session at Market Square in downtown Knoxville. Another dog unexpectedly ran up to my dog and made him uncomfortable. Before the situation could escalate, Caitlin reacted immediately. Her reflexes were incredibly quick, and she stepped in right away to create space and make sure both dogs were safe. It was very impressive to watch and showed just how attentive and aware she is of her surroundings at all times. Not only is Kaitlin knowledgeable and professional, but she is also genuinely kind and caring. She takes the time to help both dogs and owners feel comfortable and confident throughout the training process. I am so grateful for everything Kaitlin and Rhett have done for my dog and me. Their dedication, knowledge, and support have made such a positive difference, and I cannot thank them enough. If you’re considering dog training, you’re in excellent hands with this team.
  • Eva Oza
    Jun. 12, 2026
    I can’t recommend Rhett at Elite Dog Training Knoxville enough! I’ve been working with him since my second session, and he has been absolutely amazing throughout the entire process. Rhett is incredibly knowledgeable and supportive. He takes the time to explain not only what to do, but why it works, and he’s given me so many helpful tips and tricks to keep my dog well-behaved both during training and at home. Every session, I learn something new about my dog and how to communicate with him more effectively. The biggest transformation has been in my dog’s behavior and confidence. He went from being a complete brat to becoming a smart, well-mannered boy. Rhett does an excellent job of coaching and correcting whenever either the owner or the dog makes a mistake, which is something I really appreciate. He holds both you and your dog accountable, and that consistency makes all the difference. If you’re looking for a trainer who genuinely cares, knows what he’s doing, and gets results, Rhett is the person to work with. Thank you for helping my dog and me become a better team!
  • Amy Bell
    Apr. 3, 2026
    My experience with Puppy training has been fantastic! Holly has been so patient and sweet to Tilly, it’s been a wonderful experience! Both Tilly and myself are learning a ton of good habits! Holly trained us again today and she was patient and kind with Tilly. She is such a positive influence, it makes the training seem effortless! I highly recommend her as a trainer! Holly trained Tilly today. It was great. She reinforced things we’ve been working on and taught us a few new commands. Things are really going well and I couldn’t be happier!
  • Tiffany Maloney
    Jun. 12, 2026
    We have loved working with Brennan. He has a passion for dog training and a wealth of knowledge. Our dog is always excited to see him. We have been impressed with how quickly she has learned from him. Brennan shows great patient with teaching us. We would recommend him to any of our friends!

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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!