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At Dog Training Elite Lowcountry, we know that every dog is an individual and requires different training methods. Maybe your dog needs to work on separation anxiety or learn how to stop barking at the mailman. Dog Training Elite Lowcountry stands out by also looking at what breed your dog is when making training goals.
We don’t discriminate when it comes to breeds, but we know that some species need more specialized training in certain areas. Whatever your dog’s breed, Dog Training Elite Lowcountry can help you and your dog overcome any obstacles related to obedience and socialization. Regardless of breed, size or temperament, Dog Training Elite Lowcountry is capable of breed specific training for all dogs that come to our doorstep.
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Lowcountry location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
What Role Does Breed Play?
When it comes to training, the breed of your dog can play a pretty significant role. Generally, dogs share qualities of loyalty, kindness and intelligence, regardless of breed. Specific breeds, however, may have a trait not as prevalent in other breeds. For example, some breeds bred for working roles tend to be more energetic and intelligent than breeds bred to be more of a companion. At Dog Training Elite Lowcountry, we use breed specific training to shape a plan to fit you and your dog.
Is Training Affected By Breed?
While we look at what challenges owners face with specific breeds, the key to dog training is maintaining a consistent schedule to ensure the desired behavior you seek.
The training programs offered at Dog Training Elite Lowcountry come in a general form, but we also provide breed-specific training to target breed-specific issues. Suppose your breed is highly energetic. In that case, we have programs to help you and your dog maintain an active and healthy lifestyle while ensuring that your dog retains the standard obedience training that any dog needs.
Some of the Charleston / Summerville breed specific training programs we offer include:
German Shepherd Training
German Shepherds are a popular breed for herding and other working roles. They have many beautiful traits, including strength, vigilance and confidence. German Shepherds are very intelligent as well, making them excellent candidates for dog training with their quick learning. Dog Training Elite Lowcountry can help bring your German Shepherd’s great qualities to the forefront and allow them to be the best companion for your family.
Beagle Training
Beagles have historically been bred for pack hunting, making them an intelligent and curious breed. Beagles are very compassionate and companionable dogs, making them perfect for families and work as therapy dogs. Dog Training Elite Lowcountry harnesses the strong qualities your Beagle has and turns them into a well-trained companion.
Pitbull Training
Pitbull breeds include the American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and other bull-type dog breeds. Sadly, Pitbulls have a history of being bred for blood sports. This history has caused fear and misinformation when it comes to Pitbull temperament. The breed has been known for being aggressive or intimidating, but the breed is better understood for being tender and loving with its owners and companions. Dog Training Elite Lowcountry is experienced in handling Pitbulls and helping owners build loving and loyal relationships with them.
Boxer Dog Training
The Boxer breed is known for its muscular build and expressive face. They’re also very alert and energetic. Boxers have a rich history of being bred for hunting and herding. They make excellent companions for active families, and with proper training techniques from Dog Training Elite Lowcountry, we’ll ensure your Boxer is happy and fulfilled.
Doberman Training
Dobermans are mighty and loyal dogs. As companion dogs, they will adopt a protective nature when it comes to family and property. Because of these traits, it’s important to begin their training early. Proper socialization and obedience training will help prevent unwanted aggression and behavior. Dog Training Elite Lowcountry can help you maintain your dog’s outgoing and playful nature while reining in the fierce attitude they might have.
Golden Retriever Training
As one of the most popular breeds to have as companions, Golden Retrievers are wonderfully outgoing and loving. They are excellent working dogs and commonly used as service animals as they are knowledgeable and possess a calm temperament. Dog Training Elite Lowcountry is ready and capable of turning your Golden Retriever puppy/dog into the perfect family companion.
Labrador Training
Labradors make great family dogs. They are an intelligent breed that loves to please. Labradors take direction well and are easy to train. This breed is also perfect as a companion dog, making them suitable for work as a therapy dog. Early socialization and professional training are crucial to raising a well-behaved Labrador. The experienced trainers of Dog Training Elite Lowcountry can assist you in training this impressive breed.
Goldendoodle Training
Goldendoodles are a special breed that possesses the loveable traits of the Poodle and Golden Retriever. They are eager to learn, compassionate, patient and very loving. Goldendoodles’ nature makes it a perfect breed candidate for training in general obedience and service dog training. They are an excellent breed for families, and Dog Training Elite Lowcountry knows how to turn this breed into the perfect companion.
French Bulldog Training
French bulldogs are a great addition to any home and especially well-suited to city life. Even though this breed is fairly easy-going, training is crucial to keep your dog safe in and out of your home. At Dog Training Elite Lowcountry, we specialize in breed-specific training. Contact us today to schedule a free training demo!
Though breed-specific training is taken into account, all of Dog Training Elite Lowcountry’s training programs are based on a foundation of consistency and positive reinforcement. Punishment does not yield positive results. Dogs are eager to please, regardless of breed, and if they’re rewarded for good behavior, they’ll stick to good behavior.
Our Balanced Theory
We base our training around the "Classical Conditioning" model (a.k.a. "Pavlovian" or "respondent conditioning"). This includes developing conditioned or automatic reflexes to commands. In its simplest form (after proper conditioning), when the owner says "sit," the dog automatically sits without thinking about it. Our unique techniques ensure our program is a success no matter what behavior we encounter.
Empowering Owners
We empower owners to train so their dog knows who to obey at all times.
Personalized
We deal with problem behaviors on a personal basis.
Environment Specific
We train wherever issues tend to arise (i.e. jogging, park, home).
Supportive
We support owners in the off-hours (when training is "not in session").
Involved
We work with all members of the household.
Simplified & Customized
We plan training around the owner's schedule and require only 20 min/day follow-up practice.
Continued Training
Additional programs / group sessions offered after in-home training.
Lifetime Investment
We follow up & are invested in the owner's success long-term.
Satisfaction Ratings
Our high client satisfaction rating sets us apart from competitors.
clas·si·cal con·di·tion·ing PSYCHOLOGY noun A learning process that occurs when two stimuli are repeatedly paired; a response that is at first elicited by the second stimulus and is eventually elicited by the first stimulus alone.
We help your dog become a valued companion and beloved member of the family. Read what our customers have to say and then give us a call!
Dog Training Elite is one of the best things to ever happen to me. They helped me find my sweet baby Shadow who has helped me tremendously. In just one training session with Colby, my puppy was acting like a whole new dog. Colby was very attentive and took the time to get to know me and my dog to better help with the training and from the start, Shadow was attached and couldn’t get enough of her. Along with Colby, Steve (the owner) took Shadow in for a week for intense training and she came back knowing so much more than she did going in. He took the time to fill me in on what she had learn and how to hold her to those standards. The whole team at DTE is just wonderful and I would highly recommend them to all!— Amber Nejman
Posted April 12th 2024
Training with the owner Steve has been great! Second session and we are working on heel. He was able to stay in a Place for the entirety of a surgery so I've been very impressed. Our puppy is being trained as a service dog, and he loves going everywhere. He's always on his best behavior. The trainers are doing an excellent job of training us how to help him be successful long-term. All of us enjoy the training sessions and learning new skills— Heather C
Posted March 22nd 2024
Steve was awesome and I really liked the approach. I am convinced that my dogs will be so much easier to control after training. The dogs are great and love people but their level of love and excitement made some people uncomfortable. The are responding in a very positive way to the trading.— Karen Eaton
Posted October 7th 2023
Dog Training Elite Lowcountry helped us train our Bernedoodle as a service dog. They worked with our busy schedule and truly met the needs of our family. Our dog had her CGC, AKC Urban, AKC community, and service dog public access tests passed before she turned 1 thanks to their guidance. I now have all the tools necessary to maintain her training.— Lindsey Rebecca
Posted June 30th 2023
Steve was the trainer for Lana, our golden doodle 2 year old dog. Lana was trained from a very energetic dog that lunged towards strangers to say hello and pulled on walks to a service dog for PTSD. I recently took her on an international flight and she behaved perfectly and sat under my seat the whole flight. The crew said that she was the most well behaved service dog they have ever seen. Lana has become a new dog and now we take her everywhere. Steve was so helpful and went above and beyond to help train our dog. We recommend him to everyone and cannot say enough about the training Lana received! He drove out to our house for every lesson and worked with our schedule to make it work. Thank you!— Rachel Banu
Posted November 6th 2022
Steve was the trainer for Lana, our golden doodle 2 year old dog. Lana was trained from a very energetic dog that lunged towards strangers to say hello and pulled on walks to a service dog for PTSD. I recently took her on an international flight and she behaved perfectly and sat under my seat the whole flight. The crew said that she was the most well behaved service dog they have ever seen. Lana has become a new dog and now we take her everywhere. Steve was so helpful and went above and beyond to help train our dog. We recommend him to everyone and cannot say enough about the training Lana received! He drove out to our house for every lesson and worked with our schedule to make it work. Thank you!— Rachel Banu
Posted November 6th 2022
Had a great time working with Steven. Steven worked with Winnie and Marley amazingly. Thank you for all the help!— Duey Carstensen
Posted August 24th 2022
Our almost 3 year old was super hyper and would not listen at all! after just our first session with Dog Training Elite Low country, he was a totally different dog! We cannot believe what a difference this training has made. Thank you Valerie and Steve!— Amanda MB
Posted August 12th 2022
This is the best investment we have ever made with our dog. Steven Thompson is professional, prompt, kind, and extremely competent with canines. Our Goldendoodle is excited to see him for a lesson and she learns very quickly with his handling. He is also very patient with Lana’s human friends who he teaches alongside her. We are excited to be able to take a well-behaved dog with us to explore new places, confident that she is under control.— Linda Dotson Perkins
Posted August 12th 2022
Valerie and Steve area AMAZING PEOPLE and Charleston is very lucky to have them to help improve the lives of both dogs and their owners. You can tell they truly care about driving quality results and are very compassionate about improving your relationship with your beloved furry family member. I know that they are also very passionate about giving back to the community through their charity organization, the Malinois Foundation. They are extremely professional yet personal and if you are looking for a Dog Trainer in Charleston, look no further! Wish I could give more than 5 stars!— Kyle Christie
Posted July 8th 2022
Valerie an Steve are very knowledgeable an knows exactly what they are doing in training an the steps that need to be taken. Very detailed with explanations an process. I would definitely recommend their services! Thanks for all you do for our fur babies!— Joyce Carpenter
Posted July 1st 2022
Val and Steve are fantastic trainers. They are dedicated and truly passionate about improving the bond between dogs and their owners. I highly recommend them for all training needs!— craig fizer
Posted June 14th 2022
I would like congratulate Steve and Valerie on the opening of their Dog Training Elite business. I have seen the effectiveness of their training methods and the positive transformation in the behavior of the dogs they train. They genuinely want each owner to have the best possible relationship with their dog so that both can experience the all fun activities and joy that dogs bring to our lives. If you would like to make your dog a bigger part of your lifestyle, I encourage you to have Steve and Valerie demonstrate the level of confidence and obedience that their training can provide for your dog.— Vince Conrad
Posted June 6th 2022
My puppy, Tails, is currently in the training program and it has been great so far. Valerie and Steve are kind, professional, attentive, and always willing to answer any questions I have.— Abi C
Posted June 4th 2022
Valerie and Steve are tremendous and caring dog trainers, they are patient and want to help with every situation. After seeing their amazing dogs Hank and Rusty, I can't believe how lucky the Charleston area is to have such caring people in their area.— George Rehbein
Posted June 1st 2022
Valerie and Steve are so passionate about the work that they do!— Kelley Rosequist
Posted May 18th 2022
Valerie and her dog, Hank, were amazing! So excited for her to train my dog and to work with her!— Sunny de Armas
Posted May 18th 2022
Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation
At Dog Training Elite Lowcountry, we believe that Service Dogs save lives. It is our mission to make these life-saving companions available to our Veterans, First Responders, Women Survivors, and Children with Medical Needs. Whether it be for PTSD, Mobility Support, or Special Needs, Dog Training Elite Lowcountry works with the Malinois Foundation to heal and empower these individuals with a specialized service animal, a partner in life, and a new best friend.