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Dog Training Elite in Carmel / Fishers, IN

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Doug Pfaff - Owner / Trainer
Doug Pfaff
Owner / Trainer
Dog Training Elite Carmel / Fishers
Tessa Smith - Director of Operations
Tessa Smith
Director of Operations
Dog Training Elite Carmel / Fishers
Olive - Demo Dog, Semi-retired
Olive
Demo Dog, Semi-retired
Dog Training Elite Carmel / Fishers
Bean - Demo Dog Team Lead
Bean
Demo Dog Team Lead
Dog Training Elite Carmel / Fishers
Elijah Turner - Lead Trainer
Elijah Turner
Lead Trainer
Dog Training Elite Carmel / Fishers
Josh George - Assistant General Manager
Josh George
Assistant General Manager
Dog Training Elite Carmel / Fishers
Marlene Campbell - Customer Service
Marlene Campbell
Customer Service
Dog Training Elite Carmel / Fishers
Anika Hobbs - Trainer
Anika Hobbs
Trainer
Dog Training Elite Carmel / Fishers
Sonia Padjen - Trainer
Sonia Padjen
Trainer
Dog Training Elite Carmel / Fishers
Annie - Trainer
Annie
Trainer
Dog Training Elite Carmel / Fishers
Doug Pfaff - Owner / Trainer
Doug Pfaff
Owner / Trainer | Dog Training Elite Carmel / Fishers

Doug grew up in Greenfield Indiana in an animal-loving home where dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, fish, reptiles and even a free-roaming chicken named "Chicken Pox" could be encountered at various times. Most of his adult life was pent in Virginia where he worked in sales, sales training, coaching and management roles. A move back home to Indiana in recent years brought the opportunity to purchase the Dog Training Elite Franchise and the chance to work with pups and their owners. He takes pride in bringing a new standard of Elite Dog Training to the Indianapolis area and to improve the quality of life for dogs and the humans who love them.

When he's not training dogs and their humans, Doug hangs out with his own 2 pups. Olive, a 5 year old Vizsla and Bean, a 2 year old Yellow lab, who's also his running buddy. Doug and his partner Tom, live in the Meridian Hills area of Indianapolis. When he can find time, he loves to spend time with his 2 granddaughters in Virginia and 2 grandsons in Indiana.

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Tessa Smith - Director of Operations
Tessa Smith
Director of Operations | Dog Training Elite Carmel / Fishers

Tessa is a native Hoosier who grew up in Southern Indiana. Her love of animals began with the family pet, a pot-bellied pig named Max. After earning her degree in Business Administration and wanting to do something that helped satisfy her love of animals, Tessa joined Dog Training Elite of Indianapolis. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, watching documentaries and traveling with her daughter.

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Olive - Demo Dog, Semi-retired
Olive
Demo Dog, Semi-retired | Dog Training Elite Carmel / Fishers

Olive is a 5 year old Vizsla who lives to chase the furry critters that find their way into her yard. She's been known to go after squirrels, raccoons, foxes, deer and even an occasional coyote! When she's not working at Dog Training Elite with Doug, she loves to lounge by the pool and watch cooking shows with her other dad, Tom. She's often seen at the front window of the DTE shop intently watching the birds at the bird feeder or hanging out the window of the DTE Jeep enjoying the wind in her ears.

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Bean - Demo Dog Team Lead
Bean
Demo Dog Team Lead | Dog Training Elite Carmel / Fishers

Bean is a 2 year old Yellow Lab. He is the lead demo dog and attends many of the in-home assessments and also comes to many group classes and events with the DTE Trainers. He comes from a long line of medical alert dogs and may eventually be certified as a therapy dog. When he's not working with the DTE team, he loves to retrieve a frisbee, ball or anything else anyone will throw for him, and go for runs with Doug. He also likes to wrestle with his sister, Olive. But his favorite two things in the world are snacks and naps.

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Elijah Turner - Lead Trainer
Elijah Turner
Lead Trainer | Dog Training Elite Carmel / Fishers

Elijah is a born and raised Hoisier. He grew up on the far eastside of Indianapolis and his love of dogs started at a young age. Before his father passed he gifted the family with their first dog in his remembrance. Since then dogs have had a special place in his heart. When he’s not training dogs, Elijah is hanging out with his Bloodhound, King. He enjoys long walks and hiking trails with King. Trails are his favorite because he gets to see King do what he loves best, which is sniff everything! Elijah’s been training dogs for four years now, and can't get enough of how much we learn from the dogs. His goal is to bring a happy balanced home to our clients!

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Josh George - Assistant General Manager
Josh George
Assistant General Manager | Dog Training Elite Carmel / Fishers

Josh grew up in Ohio and then moved to Indiana after meeting his wife Sammie. He lives in Castleton with his wife and dog Lilo (yep as in Lilo and stitch). When he's not training dogs, he is at a park, taking pictures, watching Ohio State football, or playing guitar and every single one of those activities is with Lilo because she goes everywhere with him.

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Marlene Campbell - Customer Service
Marlene Campbell
Customer Service | Dog Training Elite Carmel / Fishers

Marlene has been in the Administrative/Customer Service role in the corporate world and after 25 years decided to take early retirement and has been enjoying life. Her puppy, Jimmy went to Dog Training Elite day camp for training and she couldn’t be happier with the results. Now she and Jimmy are enjoying life together. After becoming a client, the opportunity arose to work part time for Dog Training Elite. Quote from Marlene: “I’m loving getting back into the workforce with the nicest group of people”. Marlene likes to spend time with her family and most of all her grandchildren.

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Anika Hobbs - Trainer
Anika Hobbs
Trainer | Dog Training Elite Carmel / Fishers

Anika grew up in Noblesville, Indiana. She has always had a strong love for animals, and knew she wanted to work with dogs when she realized how in tune her golden retriever was with her emotions and could comfort her during anxiety attacks. She worked as a veterinary assistant for 3 years before becoming a dog trainer.

In her spare time, Anika enjoys riding roller coasters with her husband Jacob, spending time in the ocean, and taking her dogs Sampson, Rylee, and Moxie for adventures.

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Sonia Padjen - Trainer
Sonia Padjen
Trainer | Dog Training Elite Carmel / Fishers

Sonia grew up in Czech Republic and now lives with her husband and two boys in Carmel, IN. She had a long career in the medical field, but her love for dogs led her to pursue dog training. In her free time, she loves walks with her pups Bella, Piper and Levi, she enjoys hiking , skiing and most of all traveling.

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Annie - Trainer
Annie
Trainer | Dog Training Elite Carmel / Fishers

Annie grew up in Fort Wayne, Indiana. After graduating from Purdue University, Annie pursued a career in the zoo field. She lived in Indianapolis for 2 years working at the Indianapolis Zoo and a small animal veterinary clinic before moving to Alabama to work at the Birmingham Zoo. At the Birmingham Zoo, Annie worked her way up to be the manager of the Trails of Africa department, working with and training a variety of different species including rhinoceros, giraffe, and zebra. After about 6 years in Alabama, Annie and her husband, Justin, wanted to move back home to be closer to family. Annie’s love of dogs and passion for animal behavior and training encouraged her to pursue a career in dog training. Annie has one dog, a terrier mix named Wilson, who has been part of the Kaspar pack since 2018. Annie is excited to be a part of the DTE team and help clients build stronger relationships with their dogs.

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About Dog Training Elite Carmel / Fishers

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In the Community

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Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Tami “Tami” Hall
    Nov. 8, 2025
    He was very helpful with my pup's training. I will definitely continue to use Dog Training elite of Carmel for my pup's training.
  • Terri Gomez
    Aug. 28, 2025
    Our home visit was wonderful. Elijah was patient with us and Stella. He gave us a lot of very good suggestions. He even brought his dog, Ash, because Stella has a hard time accepting other dogs. Stella made great strides with Ash. Ash, of course, is well trained and obedient. We truly appreciate how much Elijah helped Stella and us. We have been extremely pleased with this whole program.
  • Jean Fox
    Oct. 30, 2025
    Elijah is so patient with both Remy and with us, as he showed us the best techniques to help muzzle train her. We appreciate all his advice, encouragement and confidence we can get to where we want to be with our pup. Thanks Elijah!
  • Chris Sargent
    Oct. 29, 2025
    Detailed and deep care for you and your fluffy one
  • Patricia SICA
    Aug. 26, 2025
    I cannot thank Elijah enough- calm - but direct -encouraging - and OH! so helpful with Donato and myself. I will miss you and your encouraging words and the pure Love of dogs. Our last class of Obedience. Pat
  • Julie Anne
    Aug. 23, 2025
    Elijah is confident in his training ability and it shows. My fur baby responds very well.
  • Leo
    Oct. 18, 2025
    Absolutely a great place to have your fur baby trained. Our Yorkipoo has done a complete 180. Highly recommend them for training!
  • Tracy Ellis
    Sep. 22, 2025
    Everyone did wonderful with Xetti. I highly recommend!
  • Tami Hall (Hall family TV)
    Oct. 24, 2025
    My pup loved going to "school"! Which says the trainers are kind and wonderful
  • Alexander Voris
    Oct. 17, 2025
    Elijah was amazing for our private session. Hoosier learned a lot, and we benefited as well!
  • Shane Nesbitt
    Aug. 30, 2025
    We still have two more sessions to go. My wife and I are really enjoying our experience. Callie our dog is taking very well to her training.
  • Patricia Gallagher
    Oct. 16, 2025
    Elijah, the trainer, is superb. His knowledge, patience, and insight have given me the skillset and confidence I need to restore harmony and good behavior between two dogs I love and adore.
  • Brian Stockman
    Oct. 14, 2025
    It has been a great experience for our puppy. He is much more focused and follows commands with greater focus. Highly recommend Dog Training Elite to anyone.
  • Jessica Cushing
    Oct. 10, 2025
    Dog Training Elite has been the best investment for my newly adopted four-year-old Pointer rescue. We just completed the Elite Training Camp, which was a game-changer for my boy. Our shared confidence and improved communication are invaluable. Dog Training Elite are professionals who treat you and your dog like family. The team has been the most communicative and empathic training team I have ever worked with. From Doug’s in-home consultation visit to the daily sessions with Anika, Josh, and Sonia, the entire DTE team was committed to addressing the foundation pillars of obedience and the specialty concerns I had for my dog. Love the continued support in the group classes and in-home visits. Forever grateful this obedience program was recommended.
  • Scot Allen
    Oct. 10, 2025
    Josh and DTE do a great job working with our family. Thanks!
  • Alexander Voris
    Oct. 3, 2025
    We do not even know where to begin when it comes to how grateful we are for Dog Training Elite. Before attending the two week day camp, Hoosier, our year and a half golden retriever mix, struggled significantly with meeting new people. He would bark and lunge at them in an aggressive manner. The two week camp provided Hoosier (and us) with the tools for interacting with new people. This is just the beginning of his training as he will continue to attend weekly group sessions that come with the two week day camp package (which is amazing). We cannot say enough good things about all the trainers here. They have done such an incredible job with Hoosier, and we are so thankful for them.
  • Elizabeth McIntire
    Sep. 26, 2025
    From Doug and Anika and the other talented trainers, our experience was great. Training is a team effort between the pet owners, the pet and the trainers. Highly recommend.
  • James Reddick
    Oct. 1, 2025
    Joshua arrived as planned to start our puppy program and our first session was great. He gave us an overview of what the first training session was going to be covered, demonstrated puppy command (off, crate, using the leash, name recognition, using training treats) addressed our questions and coached us on training dos and don’ts. Overall it was a great first lesson and we are looking to the next puppy training session.
  • Matthew Varas
    Sep. 30, 2025
    Josh was fantastic. Everything I had hoped to get out of dog training was achieved and he gave me all the tools and advice to do it. And he was very patient when we were doing the first few sessions and my dog was aggressive.
  • Mandy (Wellspring RN)
    Sep. 27, 2025
    We just had a second session with Dog Training Elite today. We are very impressed with the two staff members we have worked with, Elijah & Josh. Both were very patient and attentive to the needs of our family and our puppy. They were happy to answer our questions. We are excited to continue working with this group
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