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Labradors have been the No. 1 most popular dog breed in America for close to three decades. It’s not hard to understand why – Labradors are playful, energetic, smart and friendly. They make great companions for individuals and families and generally get along with children and other pets.
Although high-energy, Labradors are laidback and easy going, unfazed by the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Bred originally to be working dogs, their intelligence also makes them a great option for service or therapy dogs.
If you are starting out with a brand new Labrador puppy, Dog Training Elite Chattanooga’s personalized in-home training programs can help you develop a strong bond with your new puppy and harness all of the incredible benefits of the breed.
Labradors are a highly intelligent breed that loves to please, making Labrador puppy training in Chattanooga a breeze. Working in your own home, a Dog Training Elite Chattanooga trainer will create a personalized training plan for you and your puppy, addressing any unique needs or issues your puppy may have.
Socialization is also important for your new puppy. Once your puppy has completed obedience training, Dog Training Elite Chattanooga offers puppy group classes which is a great way to help your puppy socialize with other dogs and people, as well as learn to obey you in a distracting environment.
While beginning Labrador puppy training at an early age can be important and extremely helpful for dogs, if you adopt an older Labrador dog don’t worry! Dog Training Elite Chattanooga’s training methods work with older dogs too, and Labrador training will still be a snap with your Labrador’s eager-to-please attitude.
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Chattanooga location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
Silver
$1,500
Entry-level package for in-home obedience without external distractions.
Upgrade at any time! You don’t have to worry about choosing the “right” in-home training package with Dog Training Elite. Any of our other packages will provide you with a dog that is fully well mannered and behaved in the home and out in public. We are confident that you will love this program and what an impact it will make on your dog in a short period of time. If you want to upgrade, we will simply apply what you already paid to the new package!
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 3 Sessions
- Come
- Place(go to bed)
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Off(furniture when desired)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
Gold - Advanced
$1,875
This package is a solid foundation to achieve a well-behaved dog in any situation. Dogs that complete this course will be well mannered and predictable in the home and in public.
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 5 Sessions
- Group Park Training Sessions 16 Sessions
- Come
- Heel(walk with you, no more pulling)
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Off(furniture when desired)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Place(go to bed)
- Get into Car
- Down(lay next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Go Home(go into kennel or dog house)
- Calm Anxiety & Build Confidence
- Housebreaking / Potty Training
- Manners, Safety & Boundaries
- STOP Jumping on People
- STOP Biting & Nipping
- STOP Bolting Through Doors, Running Away & Chasing Animals
- STOP Begging & Stealing Food
- STOP Chewing & Digging
Platinum - Unlimited!
$2,995
Our platinum package offers you training sessions throughout your dog's lifetime! This package is a behavior modification program designed to give you confidence in your dog whether on leash or off leash. You will be able to take your dog into virtually any environment and have a well mannered, very obedient dog.
*Follow-up sessions are scheduled once per month as needed, after the initial program is completed.
- Group Training ClassesOne-hour sessions Unlimited *see above description
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 8 Sessions + Unlimited *see above description
- Private consultation with a professional dog trainer by phone, text, or Zoom (video) meeting Unlimited *see above description
- Come
- Heel(walk with you, no more pulling)
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Off(furniture when desired)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Place(go to bed)
- Get into Car
- Down(lay next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Go Home(go into kennel or dog house)
- Calm Anxiety & Build Confidence
- Housebreaking / Potty Training
- Manners, Safety & Boundaries
- STOP Jumping on People
- STOP Biting & Nipping
- STOP Bolting Through Doors, Running Away & Chasing Animals
- STOP Begging & Stealing Food
- STOP Chewing & Digging
- Control Aggression(dog & human)
- Choose One Tailored Skill - Examples Below: *Specialized training options based upon your dog's abilities.
- *Ride on a Golf Cart, Skateboard, Kayak, etc
- *Stay with you on a Jog, Hike, or Bike Ride
- *Therapy Dog Training
- *Emotional Support Training (ESA)
What Makes Labradors Unique?
There are many reasons to love Labradors. Here are just a few:
- Labradors Love the Water
- They were Bred as Hunting Dogs
- Labs Come in Three Colors
- Labs can do Almost Anything
You may have already known this fact, because Labs are pretty famous for loving the water. They’re actually made for it! A Lab can use their thick tail – sometimes referred to as an “otter tail” – as a powerful rudder. They also have wide, webbed feet to help them swim fast and waterproof coats that help them stay comfortable even in cold water.
Initially, Labs were bred as duck retrievers, and then later as game-hunting companions. They tend to excel in retriever field trials and retriever hunting tests. They’re incredibly versatile as sport dogs, excelling in agility, rally and obedience sports.
Labrador coats come in three colors – black, yellow, and chocolate.
Their intelligence, energy and affectionate nature makes them a popular choice for service and therapy dogs, as well as for search and rescue teams, and bomb and drug detection. Suffice to say, all Labradors are very good dogs who do very good jobs.
Keeping Your Labrador Happy and Healthy
Although Labradors are famously laid back and friendly, that doesn’t mean they don’t require attentive care. If you’re considering adopting a Labrador, or you already have one and want to learn more about how to keep your pup happy and healthy, consider the following:
- Labradors Need Plenty of Exercise - Although Labs are easy going, they need plenty of exercise – even up to two hours a day. This can be made up of long walks, training sessions, playing fetch or going to the dog park. Though it’s important to make sure they get enough exercise, you also need to be careful you don’t let your dog overdo it, especially as a puppy why their joints and bones are still growing.
- Groom Your Lab Weekly - Labradors have short, smooth coats that are prone to shedding. Combing them weekly with a comb or bristle brush, or combing daily during shedding season, can help keep shedding under control. Make sure you have a good vacuum!
- Manage their Diet - As big, energetic dogs, Labs need to eat a lot – but they can be prone to putting on pounds, as well. Follow the recommended amounts on dog food packaging, or consult with your vet.
- Make sure Your Labrador Gets Lots of Attention - Labradors are very social. Socialization with other dogs is important, so trips to the dog park, doggy play dates or group training classes at Dog Training Elite Chattanooga can be beneficial for both you and your dog. If your Lab has to be home without you for long stretches of time, be sure to have stimulating dog toys, puzzles and chew toys available for them, and consider hiring someone to check on and play with them during the day.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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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!
Rod takes special care and consideration in guidance and training of my service dog for PTSD. As a veteran I feel comfortable knowing that he understands my dog and our needs. Dog Training Elite was even able to help watch my dog for a special occasion while I was out of town and not yet able to travel with her. Dog training elite found and Matched my dog with me based on my desires and needs. My service dog was a special find as she is almost human like and truly a diamond in the "ruff". I would encourage anyone looking for a furry canine companion to work with Rod as my service animal doesn't pull or run while I'm trying to walk her ... this was worked out, easily in the first 3 lessons which really makes or break you in neighborhood reputation for having a friendly, welcoming, safe, dog. My companion is much more than that but without her refined behaviors she would just be a "dog". But she is much more than that because Rod and Dog Training Elite has brought out the best in her. Many people wonder where I found her and how she is so well behaved and I must in fact credit that to Dog Training Elite. I have very basic specifications I desired. Dog Training Elite Found even more than I asked for in specific characteristics. I am so happy with my *new family member* as she will be with me for years to come. I am proud to have her by my side a without her I would still be struggling with my PTSD alone. Please inquisitively ask yourself if you want a companion, or a dog. I have a new family member as a result of Dog Training Elite. ... I cannot thank Rod enough for the care he has put into, selecting my new family member.— Paula Spriggs
Posted February 12th 2024
I have loved my experience with dog training elite! Rod my trainer is very detailed and knowledgeable about all things dog training. He is patient and also willing to answer my questions when they come up. Scheduling is fast and easy and the improvement I have seen in my dog is amazing! I have told my friends about this company and have seen incredible results with my pup.— Michele Chandra
Posted February 10th 2024
My beautiful baby girl, Byrdie Mae, has been training with Rod for the past 8 months. Rod has taught Byrdie as well as me so much throughout this program. She definitely loves her Uncle Rod for sure! Byrdie put up challenges but we all took them on together. This training truly makes everyone a family and we all want nothing more than for her to succeed. I am forever grateful and recommend this program to everyone!— Madison Flowers
Posted December 14th 2023
My job has been very difficult to live with he misbehaves he pulls on his leash he tears up things in the house and going on a walk with him it’s like a race we started working with Rod and it’s as if I have a new dog he is so well behaved he knows the rules and the boundaries and the best part is he’s happier so we are so grateful for all the lessons that haveAllowed both of us such freedom to enjoy one another I encourage you to take advantage of these services— Jan Hardy Fanslow
Posted October 22nd 2023
Dog Training Elite has been training my son's dog to be a service dog since we got her when she was 2 months old. Rod is so patient with our dog, very kind and communicates with you all of the time. He is very interested in how well your dog is doing with the training on days we do not meet. He is a very professional dog trainer, the best of the best. He is ALWAYS HIGHLY RECOMMENDEDABLE as he cares so much about your pet/loved one. You won't regret using him. We are VERY thankful for the work and time he gives to us for our dog.— Hannah hogan
Posted December 21st 2022
Rod is a fantastic dog trainer and very passionate about the work he does!— Kelley Rosequist
Posted May 17th 2022
This is a veteran owned business and Rod who is the owner takes an extremely hard working, professional (yet personable) approach to the business. He's passionate about community work and he truly cares about getting results when it comes to building your confidence and your relationship with your dog. Highly recommend!— Kyle Christie
Posted May 20th 2022
Rod is a natural trainer. The passion he has for helping dogs and their owners is obvious. He worked with us for a couple of weeks and the improvement in our dog’s manners and behavior was amazing. I’d highly recommend Rod to anyone as he is clearly the best dog trainer in Chatanooga!— Audra Larkins
Posted March 28th 2022
Dog training elite has helped me learn to better understand and control my dog Sam. She is strong, strong willed and wasn’t socialized properly. With the help of DTE Sam (and I) have learned to heel well, sit, go to “place” when others come to visit instead of jumping on them in the doorway. I no longer worry that I won’t be able to control my strong dog on our daily walk. Rodney Westmoreland in Chattanooga spent time getting to know Sam and her personal needs, as well as mine. He is encouraging and patient and reminded me that I am the Alpha dog, not Sam. Learning the “off” command has saved many of my friends and family from Sam’s excited (annoying) “hug” upon entering my home. I highly recommend DTE for your dog training needs. – Pat Lewis 3/26/2022— Pat Lewis
Posted March 26th 2022
Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation
At Dog Training Elite Chattanooga, 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 Chattanooga work's with the Malinois Foundation to heal and empower these individuals with a specialized service animal, a partner in life, and a new best friend.
Dog Training Elite Chattanooga is Proud to partner with quality breeders:
At Dog Training Elite Chattanooga we trust experienced breeders who focus on breeding healthy, well tempered pups in a safe, ethical environments. Check out the breeders below for more information.
Goldenway Retrievers AnnaDoodles
The state of Tennessee has grant funding available for qualified individuals. Contact us or click here to learn more about the Tennessee Family Support Program.
Labrador Training With Dog Training Elite Chattanooga
The Dog Training Elite Chattanooga training method is based around classical conditioning with an emphasis on positive reinforcement. Classical conditioning means developing conditioned or automatic reflexes to commands, so when you say “sit,” your dog will sit automatically. Labradors respond especially well to positive reinforcement, but Dog Training Elite Chattanooga trainers will tailor the Labrador puppy training method and programs to suit any individual dog’s needs.
While all dogs share qualities of kindness, loyalty and intelligence regardless of breed, Dog Training Elite Chattanooga recognizes that every dog is an individual and may require different training methods. Dog Training Elite Chattanooga stands out by taking into consideration what breed your dog is when making training goals.
Whatever your dog’s breed, Dog Training Elite Chattanooga can help you and your dog overcome any obstacles related to obedience and socialization. Our unique techniques ensure our program is a success no matter what behavior we encounter.
Ready to turn your Labrador into the best companion for you or your family? Contact us today to receive a free in-home assessment or Labrador training demonstration.