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You are at Dog Training Elite serving the Cleveland area
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Empowering Owners

We work with dogs of any breed, size or age - and we empower owners with lifelong skills to continue successes.


  • Leash & potty training
  • Staying & coming
  • Destructive chewing & digging
  • Stealing food, clothing, or other objects
  • Barking, howling & whining
  • Food guarding & begging
  • Mouthing, nipping & playing rough
  • Anxiety & submissive urination
  • Jumping up & hyperactivity
  • Aggression & anxiety

Learn More! Free Assessment

We strongly believe that the key to sustained obedience and training is to empower owners to be an integral part of the training experience.

Dog Training Elite in Cleveland has the top in home dog trainers near you in Cleveland.
In-Home Training

Dog obedience classes are held on a consistent basis and are included in most packages. Our dog obedience training classes are designed to place yourself and your dog in public places (surrounded by other dogs, people, smells, and sounds)!

Dog Training Elite in Cleveland offers award winning group obedience dog training classes near you in Cleveland.
Socialized Group Training

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FREE In-Home Assessment
from Dog Training Elite!


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Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite in Cleveland location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.


Dog Training Elite in Cleveland has award winning in-home dog trainers and top rated dog training programs.

Why Dog Training Elite in Cleveland?

Lifetime Investment

We follow up & are invested in the owner's success long-term.

Value Priced

We pride ourselves on being able to offer our professional services at prices that are budget friendly.

Local Trainers

All of our local dog trainers are trustworthy, willing to be there for our clients and love what they do.

Simplified & Customized

We plan training around the owner's schedule and require only 15 min/day follow-up practice.

Award Winning Dog Training Services in the Cleveland, OH Metro Area


Welcome to Dog Training Elite in Cleveland! We are a professional, family owned Cleveland, OH-based dog training company with over 40 years of experience that specializes in strengthening the bond between your dog and your family, with a strong emphasis on teaching your dog the highest level of obedience, despite even the toughest level of distractions. Our Cleveland, OH dog training programs are certain to meet all of your training needs. Unlike a lot of other dog training companies, we understand that each client has different needs, so we tailor our dog training programs to accommodate your unique situation. Dog Training Elite in Cleveland also trains service animals and dogs ready to volunteer in the community as therapy dogs and companions to those with special needs. We also offer a fun and challenging personal protection program as well!

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Meet Our Team


Andrea Johnson

Owner & Trainer

Kevin Johnson

Owner & Trainer

Jimmy Morelli

Trainer

Josh Lopez

Owner / Lead Trainer

Deacon

Training Dog - Yellow Labrador Retriever

Minnie

Training Dog - Yellow Labrador Retriever

Scooby

Training Dog - Boxer

Ava

Training Dog

Tori

Trainer

Sergio

Trainer

Megan

Trainer

Casey Watkin

Trainer

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.

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 a great organization with a truly phenomenal group of individuals. I’ve had the pleasure to be trained by Lexi & Josh on how to properly work alongside Maizy. From the initial free in home assessment to the weekly sessions & public access training, the team has been amazing! Maizy & I are grateful for the team and look forward to getting into the Service training aspect. Highly recommend Dog Training Elite!
— Anthony Winfield
Posted July 24th 2024
google
Thank you to Josh & crew - human and canine! From the initial consultation and demonstration with Lexi & Mocha to our first group class, Josh & crew have been supportive and helpful. I knew this was the right place for Finley. My breaking point was when Finley pulled me down injuring my hand while a jogger went past. I could not take anymore! I signed up Finley for the 2 week program. The first time I picked him up from class, I saw improvement. I was surprised! The best part was being able to practice with Finley what was learned that day before leaving the building. Josh & crew saw a good dog with great training potential when I saw frustration. They truly love training dogs and educating their owners. Like any relationship, the pet-owner bond needs daily work and our walks incorporated all the lessons we learned in the classes. I learned about dog behavior from Josh and his words of wisdom helped me to build confidence in Finley and myself. Attending Josh’s group classes allows me to work with Finley around other dogs in a supervised setting and we continue to learn new things. Does Finley behave perfectly all the time? No - but I now have the tools and knowledge to spot the triggers and correct the behavior. Do I have any regrets? Yes - I wish I called sooner! Seriously. I accepted bad behavior as normal because I did not know how to correct it. Now I know what a behaved dog should be! Thanks again DTE!
— Jennifer Payamgis
Posted July 23rd 2024
google
Josh and his team are remarkable at what they do. Before starting training, my five month old golden doodle Brody had many bad behaviors you would expect out of a typical puppy. After 8 weeks, he is a fully transformed dog. I haven’t even started the group classes yet, so I look forward to seeing even more progress. It is hard to believe what they can accomplish in such a short period of time. I am very thankful I went with Dog Training Elite.
— Bill Michaels
Posted July 19th 2024
google
I can't remark how professional and easy to work with the staff were at Dog Training Elite. They through the process I was kept informed of my dog's progress daily as well as being shown the methodology behind the training. My dog absolutely loved going to DTE and seeing the trainers. I would highly recommend them.
— Ron B
Posted July 12th 2024
google
Josh and his team at the facility are outstanding! There’s a noticeable difference in my dog’s obedience after doing 2 weeks at day camp. They have a clear schedule of each day and they gave updates at the end of each day when I picked my dog up. They get to know your dog and gave lots of one on one training throughout the day. Very geared towards his needs and areas that needed improvement. (Reactivity!) It’s a safe and clean environment and I felt safe leaving my pup knowing he was in good hands. The real testament is that my dog was excited to go in every morning!
— Sara Golden
Posted July 8th 2024
google
Highly Recommend! I can’t express how amazing Josh and his Team are. Endless amount of patience with a crazy pup mom. When I need reassurance, they were all there. The door is always open at Dog Training Elite Greater Cleveland. Definitely, worth it!
— Lissette Neal
Posted July 3rd 2024
google
Cannot recommend this place enough. My boyfriend and I love our dog just as much as anyone does, but there were days prior to hiring Josh that we considered rehoming him because his behavior, in the most literal sense, was more than we could handle. Aggression, alpha behavior, and straight-up disobedience was almost a daily. We hired Josh at the highest package, and by the end of our 8 sessions, our dog was a completely different dog. We still have maintenance work to do to keep instilling the good behavior, but we couldn’t imagine getting rid of him now. The methods are humane and effective, and our dog is now obedient without having lost his personality that we love so much. A side note to any dog owners reading this and considering, it takes time and work from you! Josh is a 10/10 dog trainer, but the work my boyfriend and I put in at home is where the magic happened. Don’t waste any time or money if you yourself are not committed, but in the case you are, this program does not disappoint and you’ll have no regrets. Cheers, and thank you, Josh! -Mo and Seth
— Morgan R
Posted June 30th 2024
google
I came across Dog Training Elite from a Google search when an unexpected health problem and upcoming surgery meant we needed to sharpen our puppy’s skills, and fast. From the moment I first contacted them and talked with Andrea, I knew we were in good hands. Toni and Andrea did our free home consultation and reviewed in detail their philosophies and different programs available. We started our six week in home training program the next week and after the first training session we could already see a positive difference in our pup. They provided instructions with the skills to work on each week and took their time to make sure we were comfortable. We had the opportunity to meet a few different trainers over the weeks (Kevin and Bernadette) and everyone was so kind and professional. We haven’t yet done the group classes but I appreciate them ensuring that your dogs skills are consistent, not only at home but also outside of the home and with distraction. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite Northeast Ohio to anyone looking for help with training their dog.
— Katie Fioritto
Posted June 28th 2024
google
Josh is an awesome trainer. My dog Lovie behaves so well now
— Jeramee Caraballo
Posted June 14th 2024
google
Josh is the best. My dog behaves so well now.
— Jeramee Caraballo
Posted June 14th 2024
google
We are Seniors and adopted a spirited golden retriever. We thought we'd be able to manage him. He's a golden, right? But this dog had so much energy and strength that we feared we'd get dragged around the neighborhood. Dog Training Elite (Josh and Lexie) taught us how to manage him, anticipate his "triggers," and accept only the behavior we desired without breaking his spirit. He's 1 1/2 now and we are still doing the group classes. We couldn't be happier. Sully goes most everywhere with us now and is a good Boi thanks to DTE.
— Jane Lewins
Posted June 3rd 2024
google
Could not recommend more! Had my pug thing trained to be a service dog. They offer boot camps, at home visits, public outings, group classes, and a free consultation! They are super patient and friendly, and never made me feel rushed or stupid.
— Reannin Bailey
Posted June 4th 2024
google
Josh was so good working with our dog. Patient and I swear he’s the dog whisperer. I would recommend him for any dog type or breed. Any problem you have he has an answer for. He even got our neighbors dog to stop attacking your feet for attention.
— Christine Dodds
Posted May 31st 2024
google
My rescue dog went from no obedience or listening skills at all and in a matter of a few sessions listens great and have had no issues with obedience since. Wish they could train my kids!
— Dustin Supan
Posted May 31st 2024
google
Extremely professional, knowledgeable trainer. Knows everything from basic obedience to full on dual purpose. Great trainer and person that explains everything. Other staff have been very professional as well.
— Zach King
Posted May 31st 2024
google
DTE made things super convenient and taught me and my puppy so much. I have so much confidence at home and in public.
— Zane Baylor
Posted May 31st 2024
google
We gave our rescue Grey a great home with lots of patience and love! "DOG TRAINING ELITE" gave us the tools, training and skillset to build on that foundation! With their help, we have been able to build Grey's confidence so he can be a GREAT DOG!!! The owners Kevin, and Andrea and their team are great pack leaders!!! Their leadership builds confidence in the handlers and canines to trust and have confidence in each other. We strongly recommend DOG TRAINIG ELITE for all dog training. Lynn & Yvonne
— Yvonne Thompson
Posted May 25th 2024
google
Our experience with Dog Training Elite has exceeded our expectations. After only 3 sessions our dog's behavior has dramatically improved! We still have 12 sessions to go. Can't wait to see the end results! Josh provides excellent hands on training which allows us to practice the techniques with results after he leaves.
— Kevin Fagan
Posted May 24th 2024
google
We got to work with Josh for our Goldendoodle, and he was nothing short of Elite. We had him trained as a diabetic alert dog, and the level of obedience in a (currently) 11 month old puppy is unmatched. He’s been able to perform his service duties well, which has saved me from some bad situations had Leo not caught them. Josh has been incredible to work with separate from the results. He was intentional with all training, and didn’t stick to a strict regimen and force Leo to follow it, but he learned what our struggles and successes were and matched training accordingly. We made the correct decision from day one. We’ve had minimal things destroyed from chewing or playful puppy phase, had little issue around others, and had little issues in house training too. Josh trained us as well as our dog, so we could be an extension of his training and it worked beautifully. It’s hard to have an energetic pup be so obedient, but it’s been a dream for us by choosing Dog Training Elite. I have way more I could say, but I hope reading this helps anyone who may be on the fence. You get the best care from Josh and the entire team, and you get long lasting results as long as you keep up with the minimal training to ensure it sticks with the pup. Thank you Dog Training Elite for all the hard work! Leo and I thank you so much!
— Sam Logan
Posted May 24th 2024
google
Josh is a very patient and talented dig trainer. He has been very successful in training our 90 pound GSD. Last night he combined come, sit and place outside with the dog off leash. The photo is from this morning after we successfully practiced the same!
— Brigitte Matchett
Posted May 24th 2024
google

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