FAQs

Dog Training Elite in Cincinnati, OH

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 Cincinnati.
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 Cincinnati for your dog.
In most cases, the collar will run at about $250, without tax, but is subject to market fluctuation in Cincinnati.
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 Cincinnati.
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 Cincinnati.
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 in Cincinnati

Dog Training Elite in Cincinnati - Meet Our Elite Team. Dog Training Elite in Cincinnati
Meet the Team
Get to know the dedicated professionals behind Dog Training Elite in Cincinnati. 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.
Dog Training Elite in Cincinnati - Customer Reviews. Hear from Happy Dog Training Elite in Cincinnati Clients
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 in Cincinnati has transformed the lives of countless dogs and their families!
Dog Training Elite in Cincinnati - Careers. Dog Training Elite in Cincinnati
Careers
Join the Dog Training Elite in Cincinnati 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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Gallery
Our gallery features photos and videos of dogs in training, successful graduates, and highlights from community events. See what Dog Training Elite in Cincinnati can offer your dog and get a glimpse of the work we’re passionate about.
Dog Training Elite in Cincinnati - Local Dog Trainers in Cincinnati, OH. DTE
In the Community
At Dog Training Elite in Cincinnati, 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

  • Kody Pierson
    Nov. 19, 2024
    We are truly grateful for Scott and Jen. when we moved here , our dog was anxious, unruly, and struggled with listening to us. After just a couple training sessions we saw a remarkable improvement. Training with Scott has not only helped our dog learn to relax, but also strengthened our bond. I highly recommend Scott and Jen to anyone looking for exceptional dog trainers.
  • Kody Pierson
    Nov. 19, 2024
    We are truly grateful for Scott and Jen. When we moved here, our dog was anxious, unruly, and struggled with listening to us. After just a couple of training sessions, we saw a remarkable improvement. Training with Scott has not only helped our dog learn to relax but also strengthened our bond. I highly recommend Scott and Jen to anyone looking for exceptional dog trainers.
  • tim tuttle
    Nov. 17, 2024
    We recently re-homed a 4-year-old border collie named Alfie, who, although smart and active, had issues with reactivity both in the house and on the leash. Truthfully we were scared when Alfie was acting out. Alex from Dog Training Elite was a game changer for us. His patience and expertise not only helped Alfie but trained us as well. He introduced us to an e-collar, which became an invaluable tool in managing Alfie's behavior. In just a few weeks, Alfie developed great recall and would quickly go to 'place' even during reactive episodes. Alex also taught us proper leash-walking techniques, putting an end to Alfie's leash-pulling. The e-collar helped keep Alfie focused and discouraged his reactive behavior. What stands out the most is the confidence we now have in handling Alfie, knowing he's becoming an integral part of our family. Alex was always punctual, incredibly nice, and patient, and Alfie loved his visits. We highly recommend Dog Training Elite and Alex for anyone in need of professional dog training assistance.
  • Jillian Hegemann
    Nov. 12, 2024
    I cannot say enough good things about our experience just that I wish I did this sooner! I truly thought my dog was untrainable, I was scared to let him outside in our fenced in yard because he’d charge the fence and don’t get me started on walking him. We got to the point where only my husband could walk him. After training all of that has changed! I feel like I know how to control my dog in the yard and on the leash. And I can tell my dog is way more relaxed! Like he knows I’ve got it under control for the first time. We worked hard with our dog because we needed him to be successful! We have a baby and live by an elementary school and it was worth it!! The time, energy and resources are worth it for you and your dog!
  • Madeline Rieman
    Nov. 4, 2024
    Hands down the best decision I’ve made is choosing Cincinnati Dog Training Elite. The depth of knowledge I’ve learned & applied over the course of our training sessions has been incredible. I’ve seen my one year old puppy transform in so many positive ways & it goes without saying how impactful the Training Elite team has been, ensuring we are focusing on areas of concern I had at the beginning & tailoring the courses to fit my (and Boo Radley’s) needs all throughout. Huge shout out to our favorite dog trainer, Alex (who we now call Uncle Alex 😊), he’s so incredibly knowledgeable and patient with not only Boo Radley, but me as well. You’re in tremendous hands & you will see immediate results even after session #1. If your new puppy parent, or even want to brush up on overall training techniques for an existing pet, you will not regret making this decision. It’s well worth every penny, I promise!
  • Kylie Champagne
    Nov. 4, 2024
    An amazing program very helpful and patient did an amazing job working with my dog. I highly recommend there services.
  • Jeff Caldwell
    Nov. 2, 2024
    From the initial evaluation of the situation with our dogs through the final training session, Scott and DTE have been excellent. The thorough assessment from DTE resulted with us switching which dog needed the training. As training progressed, we included both dogs with wonderful results. Scott, thanks for the expertise, experienced handling and insight you provided us. I would definitely recommend DTE.
  • Sean Cox
    Oct. 24, 2024
    Our family’s dog learned so much in our sessions. My confidence as an owner increased and it has changed the relationship I have with my dog. I highly recommend this staff. Everyone involved is very professional.
  • Jim Swift
    Oct. 23, 2024
    Dog whisperers! Great in house training for our two terriers.
  • Lauren McRae
    Oct. 16, 2024
    My pup and I have had the best time working with everyone at Dog Training Elite Greater Cincinnati! Responses are always timely, at-home training and group training have been informative, and scheduling has been easy. They also go above and beyond ensuring that training, even at group class, works for me and my pup. We’re getting close to achieving a leash-less life in every scenario that we can. Pup pics included for fun
  • Shiann Massie
    Oct. 12, 2024
    The trainers were great! Worked with me for my crazy schedule and a payment plan! Very helpful. My dog is behaving and listening much better!
  • Holly Gooch
    Sep. 23, 2024
    Elite Cincinnati East was amazing! We had Alex as our trainer and he was wonderful! We bought our puppy for our daughter to eventually become a service dog for her. Alex was able to teach us the skills and work with us to train our puppy to perform the basic commands and have a strong foundation for further service dog training. Alex did more than show us how to work with our puppy; he taught us about how to read our puppy’s actions/body language and the best ways to communicate with our puppy what behavior we expect from her. Thanks to Alex we were able to figure out what was the best approach for training our puppy to get the best results. I would highly recommend Elite Cincinnati East and Alex!
  • Shelby Looper
    Sep. 11, 2024
    My partner and I recently moved in together. My dog and her dog did not get along very well with my dog being the main aggressor. We did 5 training sessions with Alex and couldn’t be happier. We can live in peace knowing that we have the tools in hand to keep our dogs living together happy and in peace. Great program to fit a lot of different needs that your dog might have.
  • Melissa Rees
    Sep. 3, 2024
    Scott & Jen was amazing!!! We learned as much as Murphy did. We did a board & train with another dog, but liked the fact that they come to us & train in his territory. Murphy loved these guys & looked forward to Friday!! Would highly recommend these guys!!
  • Peter Craig
    Aug. 26, 2024
    Our trainer Alex VanWeiden was fantastic. Our lab Nellie both loved and respected him. His knowlege of dog psychology is impressive and he was able to deliver great results improving Nellie's behavior. He did this by focusing not just on our dog's actions, but also on how we interacted with her. At the beginning of our training journey, we couldn't have imagined a better outcome. Thanks Alex, for exceeding our expectations.
  • Lora Brand
    Aug. 22, 2024
    Game changer! That’s the best way I can describe our experience with Alex at Dog Training Elite. In 5 short weeks, he has made such a positive impact on our mini-bernedoodle’s behavior and how we interact with him. From the basics, to behavioral challenges, Alex has equipped us with the tools we need to have a long, healthy and happy relationship with our crazy boy, Rocky! Would highly recommend them!
  • Mike Donahue
    Aug. 6, 2024
    Our 2 year old Pitbull Waylon struggled with behavioral issues and basic commands we reach out to Scott and Jen and it was one of the best decisions we ever made, we just finished up our one on one home sessions and the difference is night and day Thank you, Scott and Jen !
  • Caitlyn Henehan
    Aug. 2, 2024
    The trainer was very knowledgable and did a great job helping us integrate our puppy into our existing dog pack. He also did a fantastic job addressing and stoping our older dog's resource guarding and excessive barking. We highly recommend Dog Training Elite!
  • Abby Walz
    Jul. 31, 2024
    We have had the best experience with Dog Training Elite so far! We did the Gold package, and have completed all of our in home sessions, and the difference in my dog is amazing. Alex was an absolutely wonderful trainer, and he customized each lesson to help with our specific concerns about our dog. Dog Training Elite was great with scheduling and keeping me informed about what was going on, as well as provided everything we needed to be successful. I was originally worried this would not be worth the money, but I am happy to say I feel that it was completely worth what we paid and we haven't even started our group classes yet! I look forward to continuing to work with Dog Training Elite and seeing our dog improve in her training even more.
  • Danielle Seymore
    Jul. 27, 2024
    Alex at Dog Training Elite Cincinnati East did an amazing job training our Colorado mountain dog. Alex was knowledgeable in training different breeds and worked with our family to train the behaviors we struggled to do on our own. I am go glad we worked with the Elite dog trainers. I also highly recommend the group classes as this helped our pup learn to follow directions not only at home but also out in the community. This was a great experience I would highly recommend them. Thank you for training us and our pup and stop the behaviors we didn’t want to see. Yay, we still have a couch!!!

Our Team

Scott & Jennifer Joyce - Owners
Scott & Jennifer Joyce
Owners

Jennifer and I met at Ohio University thirty years ago and moved to the Cincinnati area following the wedding. We have lived in Ohio our entire lives and have three children: Jeremy, Justin, and Kelsey and two dogs: Bailey and Loki. The opportunity to work together, in our community, and continue the proud DTE tradition in Ohio, is truly a blessing. 

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Diane VanWeelden - DTE  Cincinnati CEO / Owner
Diane VanWeelden
DTE Cincinnati CEO / Owner

Diane’s love of dogs started early with her first dog, Puddles, a Beagle, and continued as she grew up surrounded by animals of all kinds on her family’s farm. Over the years, the loving companionship of her many dogs has been an important support to Diane at every stage of life. Most recently, Beau, a darling micro mini Goldendoodle, joined the family and their bond is already unbreakable!

Diane is excited to bring her professional experience in business development, strategic planning, marketing communications and life coaching to her newest venture with Dog Training Elite Cincinnati East. Making a positive impact on people’s lives is Diane’s life mission and adding dogs to the mix makes it so much sweeter.

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John VanWeelden - DTE Cincinnati CFO / Trainer
John VanWeelden
DTE Cincinnati CFO / Trainer

John grew up in a dog family as well, with Lizzy, a Schnorkie, by his side. His lifelong love of animals was magnified when their son, Alex, embraced frogs, rats, snakes, lizards, birds, cats, turtles, fish, and of course DOGS as family pets. John is a gifted teacher by nature and has always loved to train his dogs. He now truly appreciates using DTE’s proven methods and enjoys helping families experience the full potential of their dogs as a part-time trainer.

John brings invaluable business experience to Dog Training Elite Cincinnati East. As founder and principal of VanWeelden Financial Group, John spent over twenty-five years advising clients on retirement, utilizing a truly holistic planning process. He knows what it takes to own and operate a successful small business and is motivated to apply his experience to Dog Training Elite.

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Alex VanWeelden - Lead Trainer
Alex VanWeelden
Lead Trainer

Alex was born with a deep love for all animals. From the time he could walk, he was outside exploring the living creatures and bringing them inside as “pets.” Alex also enjoyed raising pigs, goats and chickens on his grandfather’s farm and showing them at the Butler County Fair, with much success. But, no matter how many wild or farm animals Alex had, dogs have always been at the top of his list! Alex's first dog was a YorkiePoo, Bella, followed by a Poodle, Boo, and his newest addition, a Goldendoodle, Buddy.

Alex’s extended family refers to him as a dog whisperer, due to his innate ability to connect with even the most reactive dogs. Working full time as Lead Trainer for Dog Training Elite Cincinnati East is Alex’s dream job. He loves helping people learn the skills to improve communication and relate to their dogs in more meaningful ways.

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Dan Rudolph - Client Service Specialist
Dan Rudolph
Client Service Specialist

Dan is a husband and a father to two great boys, a cute dog, 2 moody cats and a snake. Dan enjoys meeting new people, and thrives in a social and fast paced environment. You may find Dan around your local concert or car scene, as he spends his free time photographing car shows and touring acts in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. As Client Service Specialist, Dan handles our scheduling , evaluations , events and day to day business operations.

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