FAQs

Dog Training Elite in Charleston / Summerville, SC

Frequently Asked Questions

General
One of our trainers will visit your home to meet you and your dog and discuss any issues you're facing. We will then demonstrate one of our model dogs so you can see what you can expect after hiring our trainers. From there, we will discuss the various packages we offer and which we feel best suit your (and your dog's) needs.
The answer to this is in how the technology of "shock" collars (as they were called in the past) has changed a lot since they originated several years ago. The stimulation in the electronic collars we use is much like a TENS unit and provides a tapping sensation that is used to get the dog's attention on a very low level. We use a brand called Dogtra. We do not use "shock" collars, but electronic collars employed by the top obedience trainers around the world and in Charleston / Summerville.
No. We use electronic collars to get the dogs attention only. When you work around distractions (which is one of our main focuses), keeping your dog's attention is paramount. The collar, combined with positive reinforcement (we like to use praise), help create a positive learning environment in Charleston / Summerville for your dog.
In most cases, the collar will run at about $250, without tax, but is subject to market fluctuation in Charleston / Summerville.
No, but your dog will wear it a lot in the beginning. The objective is to create a conditioned response with your dog; meaning that when you say 'sit', your dog sits automatically without thinking about it first. Much like Pavlov's Dogs or Pavlovian Conditioning, we create a reflex response to you giving a command using the electronic collar. That being said, after your dog is "collar-conditioned", you will be able to remove the collar and still have a dog that will be obedient.
We provide full obedience training that covers all basic commands, both on and off-leash. Our in-home visits target specific issues like counter-surfing, digging, and more. Unlike some trainers, we work with all breeds, including those often considered challenging.
Yes. You (and anyone in your family who wants to be involved) are integral to your dog getting trained. We need you to practice 5-6 days a week, about 15-20 minutes a day for optimal results.
Once a week. We come to you (with the silver, gold and platinum packages) once a week to start your dog off, then you come to park sessions which are held once a week in Charleston / Summerville.
To effectively resolve specific issues, we need to start with a solid foundation in obedience. This approach helps you become a confident leader for your dog, which is key to addressing and preventing behavioral problems.
Nope. Those are dangerous grounds to tread upon. We'd much rather train a vicious dog!
We train dogs of all breeds, sizes, and temperaments. Whether your dog is a tiny Chihuahua or a large Mastiff, we have the experience and expertise to work with them.
Yes. Working with and controlling aggression is one of our specialties in Charleston / Summerville.
We focus on training companion dogs for veterans and individuals with PTSD and other psychological conditions. In addition to service animals, we also train therapy dogs that visit hospitals, nursing homes, and treatment centers.
To be a service dog, your dog needs to have an even temperament. Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Standard Poodles, Goldendoodles, etc. typically have a great temperament for service work. For some types of service work, your dog will need to have AKC certifications (such as Canine Good Citizen or Community Canine) which we are able to certify. As always, we would be happy to assess your dog's aptitude for service work for free!

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About Dog Training Elite Lowcountry

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Meet the Team
Get to know the dedicated professionals behind Dog Training Elite Lowcountry. Our team of experienced trainers is passionate about helping dogs and their owners build strong, lasting bonds. Learn about their backgrounds, expertise, and what drives them to deliver the highest level of training in the industry.
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Reviews
Our testimonials showcase the success stories of dogs and their owners who have benefited from our training programs. From basic obedience to advanced service dog training, see how Dog Training Elite Lowcountry has transformed the lives of countless dogs and their families!
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Careers
Join the Dog Training Elite Lowcountry family! If you’re passionate about dogs and interested in making a difference, explore career opportunities with us. We are always looking for dedicated individuals who share our commitment to excellence in dog training and customer service. Discover how you can grow with us and become a part of a team that truly cares about dogs and their owners.
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Our gallery features photos and videos of dogs in training, successful graduates, and highlights from community events. See what Dog Training Elite Lowcountry can offer your dog and get a glimpse of the work we’re passionate about.
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In the Community
At Dog Training Elite Lowcountry, we’re proud to be an active part of the community we serve. Check out recent events in our area where we’ve had the privilege to participate in local events, support fellow small businesses, and promote responsible dog ownership.

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Michael- Lauren Berry
    Nov. 19, 2024
    Baleigh at Dog Training Elite is an amazing trainer. She has helped us train our sweet golden girl Maggie as a therapy dog. We have been working with her since Maggie was around nine weeks old and she’s now nine months old and she has transformed so much in such a short time. We are so thrilled with the progress she has made and all the support from dog training elite. She still has some work to go, but she is on her way to being a wonderful therapy dog. I know she’ll be able to help so many people with her sweet and kind demeanor and using all her skills she has learned in training. I cannot thank the team enough for what this process has done for our family already. It’s amazing just to see how my kids interact with her and people in our neighborhood. And how she brings so many smiles to peoples faces.
  • Ron Meserve
    Nov. 6, 2024
    Excelled beyond expectations. The scheduling was handled efficiently. The coach, Baeleigh Denham, was a joy to work with. Very professional. Attentive. Patient but firm. I highly recommend Elite for anyone wanting a highly effective dog training (actually, owner training) resource.
  • Ciara Wood
    Oct. 29, 2024
    Baeleigh is the best! She is so knowledgeable about animal behavior and explains everything so it makes sense. She helped me be more confident when I’m training my dog.I noticed major progress within the first month of working with her. Ranger used to pull me down the side walk and try to wiggle out of his collar if he didn’t want to comply, but now he will walk by my side, I can take him in Public without him being crazy, and so much more. The group classes are also great for exposure around other dogs. I would recommend Baeleigh and dog training elite over and over again!
  • Nicole
    Oct. 26, 2024
    COLBY is the GOAT. We choose Dog Training Elite because of Colby. From our first sign up meeting through our sessions, Colby has been professional and so incredibly supportive and instructive. Her patience with us and ability to not only train our dog, Diesel, but our family so we are all on the same page has been outstanding. I highly recommend DTE and Colby.
  • Shanel Pierce
    Oct. 23, 2024
    Our bernedoodle learned very quickly in the service dog program. The trainers are very knowledgeable and professional. We are very pleased with his progress and behavior.
  • Emily Gibbons
    Oct. 11, 2024
    Colby and Baeleigh have done an excellent job Training both my dog and me! I’m very pleased!!
  • tyler sciarrino
    Oct. 11, 2024
    I got a puppy earlier this year and immediately searched for a trainer. I made an appointment and a week later met Colby for a consultation. She was knowledgeable, kind, and professional. Almost 6 months later my puppy is exceptionally well trained and on her way to being a service dog. I’m so thankful for this company and their support. Highly recommend!
  • Delirious Davies
    Oct. 5, 2024
    This company has helped us turn our Airdale around from a terrified, aggressive canine to a well-behaved pooch. Colby and Bayleigh have been fantastic to us! Bayleigh often leads the group sessions and our individual sessions are mostly with Colby. They spend most of their time teaching us how to build our dog's confidence and obedience so she can live a happier life.
  • P HAHN
    Sep. 11, 2024
    We appreciate the instructors from Dog Training Elite Lowcountry.. Both trainers Baeliegh and Colby were very knowledgeable and helpful to us. Each lesson built on previous ones & helped our puppy improve. Even more than thst they provided helpful information on care & ideas to improve our pet’s daily life. Thanks! 🐶
  • Megan Sanders
    Sep. 9, 2024
    We’ve had the best experience with training for our puppy. Bayleigh is amazing & we love working with her & this company!
  • Erika Richardson
    Sep. 4, 2024
    We have had an amazing experience from the trainers to the staff, our goldendoodle has taken to the training and their methodology so well. We love they come to our home and meet out in the community to gove that variety. I cant recommend them enough if you are looking for dog training!!!
  • Cecilia Houge
    Aug. 30, 2024
    We joined the program several months ago with Baliegh and Colby. They have done wonders with our 4 young and wild Staffy/Pitt mixes. We were at our wits end and debating splitting up our 4 litter mates when we made the choice to seek help. Now we have 4 girls that are happy, confident, and on the way to being well behaved pups that I knew they could be. The girls have helped shape and mold our babies lives for the better and we are so grateful.
  • Tony Houge
    Aug. 30, 2024
    There are so many things that need to be said. First off, our family has 4 littermayes who are all being trained together by Bayleigh and Colby. These trainer have hands down made this process significantly less stressful than expected. Top notch communication, and simple to follow instructions make this journey unbelievable. If you need assistance with your pets, and are at a point where you need a helping hand, I recommend you give this company a call. You won't be disappointed, we weren't. They also offer working dog training, for both emotional and service dogs. If you have the need, they'll step right in an create a successful path for you and your animals.
  • Kato Junior
    Aug. 22, 2024
    Give Colby a raise…the way she handles each lesson and how detailed she is with teaching a new command is amazing. I 100% RECOMMEND her.
  • Teja
    Aug. 22, 2024
    Colby is literally the best Highly would recommend her as your trainer.
  • Melissa Moyer
    Aug. 3, 2024
    I’ve been working with Colby and have seen amazing results with my dog. She’s gained so much confidence and over come hurdles of anxiety. She’s taught me how to properly control the dog and manage reactivity. Overall just an awesome experience and a great investment for our fur baby!
  • Bailey Davidson
    Jul. 26, 2024
    The DTE team worked with my reactive german shepherd and I. They were extremely patient, helpful, and willing to adapt to our needs. They helped both my dog and myself gain the confidence we needed to continue our training, and they gave us the tools and knowledge I needed to redefine my dog and I's relationship. They also were very accommodating with scheduling. Would definitely recommend!
  • Carolyn Viall
    Jul. 17, 2024
    We have worked with Dog Training Elite for six lessons so far and one group lesson with our new rescue dog who is now about 11 months old. Their training and recommendations have made a huge difference in his behavior. He is far less reactive ( in fact, little to no reaction now to most triggers) with other dogs, deer, geese, squirrels, etc. Bayleigh has been our primary trainer but we also have worked with Colby for our initial lesson. Both of them are knowledgeable and patient, not only with our dog but also with us. We highly recommend Dog Training Elite!
  • Scott Weinmann
    Jul. 16, 2024
    Colby is an absolute amazing trainer to work with. I learn so much about what I’m doing wrong and how to improve handling Taco! Great person and company.
  • Brendan Duball
    Jun. 29, 2024
    Dog Training Elite made a massive difference for our golden retriever Chance. When we first rescued Chance we were terrified that his poor behavior would last forever. Bailey and the team at Dog Training Elite were extremely helpful and gave us lot of practical feedback. The individual sessions coupled with the group classes gave us things to practice while exposing Chance to real world situations. We can’t recommend Bailey and Dog Training Elite enough, we are extremely pleased with Chance’s progress!

Our Team

Steve Thompson - Owner & Trainer
Steve Thompson
Owner & Trainer

Steve is a native of East Tennessee and spent much of his childhood in the woods with the family dog. He's always loved the companionship of dogs, so much so that they become like his siblings. As a young adult, Steve left home for the Army where he learned the value of structure and consistency which is valuable in the dog training world. After having a 15 year career in management, Steve turned to over-the-road truck driving. Driving a truck allowed Steve to have dogs with him at work and train them in many different environments. Now living in the Charleston area, he is living his dream of working with dogs as a career.

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Valerie Mosier - Owner & Trainer
Valerie Mosier
Owner & Trainer

Valerie grew up in Greenville, South Carolina surrounded by family dogs. As an only child, she bonded with her dogs and made friends with dogs, squirrels, and even a chicken or two. When she grew up, her children shared her love of animals and were always bringing home stray dogs and cats. There were also rabbits, turtles, snakes and even a blue tailed skink at one point.

She held a number of customer service related positions for most of her career, including 10 years at a funeral home and 5 years as an over-the-road truck driver where she was able to see all 48 states and most of Canada’s provinces. Working with dogs is like coming full circle for Valerie. She loves that it takes her back to her childhood while allowing her to enjoy working with dogs and their owners. Seeing the delight and pride when someone’s dog overcomes a challenge is incredibly rewarding. When Valerie isn’t working, you can find her enjoying live theatre, crocheting, reading or exploring historical sites and museums.

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