An obedient puppy receiving expert puppy training in Cleveland, OH from DTE.
Dog Training Elite

Puppy Training in Cleveland, OH

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Request Free Assessment

Our Puppy Training Could Help:
Leash and potty training
Food guarding and begging
Destructive chewing and digging
Stealing food, clothing, or other objects
Barking, howling and whining
Aggression and anxiety
Jumping and hyperactivity

Dog Training Elite

Professional Cleveland Puppy Trainers

Bringing home a new puppy is exciting, but it also comes with challenges like chewing and accidents. The most common mistake new owners make is underestimating the knowledge, commitment, and effort needed to train a new puppy.

Once a puppy begins to grow, its energy can quickly feel unmanageable. It’s all too common that a well-meaning and loving family takes on a puppy lacking the knowledge and skills to train correctly. This often results in overwhelmed owners rehoming or taking these puppies to local shelters, feeling the puppy’s disposition is bad or simply that they are not cut out to be dog owners.

At Dog Training Elite, we focus on building that bond through effective training to foster trust and communication. Our experienced Cleveland puppy trainers use proven methods to help you and your puppy succeed together.

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A little puppy sitting in grass, contact Dog Training Elite in Cleveland Metro today.

Puppy Essentials Webinar

Free 70-Minute video

$45 Value

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Our trusted puppy class is now available "on-demand" from the comfort of your home! This webinar video is designed for owners of puppies age 8-16 weeks old, and will be accessible to you for free after completing the form below or with the purchase of one of our puppy packages!

Access Webinar

Our webinar includes education on the following topics:
  • Introducing a new puppy to your home
  • Health & well-being
  • Veterinary care & vaccines
  • Nurturing a good temperament
  • Scruffing & calming signals (e.g. dog yoga)
  • Basic Treat Obedience Including: Come, sit, loose-leash walking, and down
  • Puppy Corrections (Stop biting, digging, jumping, etc.)
  • Crate Training / Housebreaking
  • Socialization Tips
  • Environmental Hazards
  • Puppy Enrichment
  • Caring for Your Puppy
Three puppies receiving expert training from Dog Training Elite in Cleveland Metro.

The Importance of Puppy Training


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Almost everyone and everything a puppy will encounter will be brand new, which can be exciting. However, puppies may not know how to respond positively and safely to new experiences without proper training. That's why Dog Training Elite believes in starting puppy training as soon as possible, so you and your pup can bond and start your adventures on the right foot!

Training the DTE way provides puppies and owners with a nurturing environment where they can learn to communicate and trust each other. Puppies have an innate desire to please, so training can be fun and even easy! Of course, it can be daunting to try and figure out how to make puppies understand concepts like potty training or commands like sit and stay on your own. That's where puppy training comes in.

Keeping a puppy safe should be the number one priority of new dog owners. By working with puppy trainers in, new puppy owners can learn how to teach their pup both basic and complex obedience skills effectively. Training a pup to be home alone, walk on a leash, wait on the threshold, and avoid consuming non-edible objects will help keep them safe when out of sight.

Get Your Free Assessment

You and your canine companion really can have it all. See how easy it can be to become a member of the elite pup society by requesting a free consultation today!

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Nancy Heineke
    Nov. 4, 2025
    Elite in North Olmstead is FANTASTIC! We now have well behaved 9 month old pug sisters who actually sit, come and stay in place! I was impressed from the start, with the detailed, thoughtful approach to our orientation, sign up and start of class. The trainers were fantastic because they explained Rosie and Frankie's behavior - broke down the why's - and taught us right along with the girls. My confidence grew with each week, despite the unexpected distractions of life (including a trip to the hospital). I was impressed with the way this group worked as a team and really cared about my furry family members. Our girls went into heat in the middle of their two week plan, and Josh called us at work so we could be prepared and assured us we would pick right back up when they finished. Sure enough! The cost is well work it. My expectations were far exceeded. These trainers know dogs, they know how to train dogs, and teach the humans as well! Pugs are for stubbornness. This is pug 7 and 8 for us, and for the first time I'm walking well-behaved dogs outside! The girls are leaving things alone, sitting when told and seem to have a certain calmness and confidence since class. These folks know what they are doing and they do it in the most professional, compassionate way!
  • Agata King
    Apr. 13, 2024
    Josh has been in my home for multiple sessions and not only is he professional and knowledgable, but also really personable as well. We have a great time each session and my 7 year old dog has made tremendous progress in just 3 sessions. I can't rave enough about these guys, you will not be sorry if you choose them for your canine family!
  • Richard Kmetz
    Nov. 2, 2025
    Josh and his team of trainers are top notch! We took our 6 month old German shepherd there for obedience training. We have noticed a huge difference in lunas behavior. Thank you all at elite dog training.
  • Kim Hofstetter
    Oct. 30, 2025
    This should have been written months ago, but because of the training our pups went through, for the first time in two years, we are no longer prisoners of our home and have been busy traveling and enjoying life with our well-behaved pups. Before Josh came my husband and I were unable to leave our house together, one of us had to remain home to ensure our home wouldn’t be destroyed. We were also unable to have friends and family over for fear of someone being bitten. We addressed our concerns with our veterinarian who HIGHLY recommended Josh and his team. She specifically named Josh because she was aware of his success turning around the behaviors of the most aggressive dogs. So now we had three choices: remain isolated, enlist the help of Josh or euthanize our pup. We trust our veterinarian completely and decided to call Josh. We signed up for the at home, 1:1 training since Bodhi was not appropriate for the group training sessions yet. On his first training day, Bodhi was a growling, gnashing, Whirling Dervish. We were scared for Josh, but he was calm. By the end of the first hour Bodhi sat still at Josh’s side. Each week brought larger improvements. Not only was the aggression gone, but other unstable behaviors ( jumping, non-stop barking, charging the fence) also diminished. We have now joined a new community with people walking their dogs in close proximity to us without an issue. Friends who were unable to visit because of Bodhi’s behaviors now enjoy interacting with him. We have been able to crate train him and are free to leave as a couple. Additionally, we have been able to apply what we learned To help our other dog be well behaved. The training that we learned can be applied to all of our future pups as well. Ours was very dire situation that was completely turned around in eight weeks due to the training Josh
  • James Hand
    Jan. 31, 2025
    They far exceeded our expectations. Josh and Lexiwere always patient and with our dog and us. I could not control Miles and now she is off leash. I would recommend them to everyone and can’t say enough good things about our experience.
  • Jill Petras
    Sep. 11, 2025
    Kevin was excellent with our dog. His directions for her and us were very clear. Our dog really learned a lot during these lessons. I would highly recommend his service.
  • Klevis Mone
    Oct. 28, 2025
    We cannot say enough amazing things about Dog Training Elite and their incredible team! When we first started, we honestly never thought our Yorkie would be able to listen, follow commands, or ever walk off leash—especially outside with all the distractions. But thanks to Kevin, Karly, Hayley, and Brian, our little pup has completely transformed! From day one, they were patient, knowledgeable, and so encouraging. They truly took the time to understand our dog’s personality and our goals as owners. Every session was fun, positive, and effective. The progress we saw each week blew us away. Now, our Yorkie listens, responds, and walks confidently off leash—something we never imagined possible! The team didn’t just train our dog—they taught us how to communicate better and build a stronger bond with him. Their dedication, professionalism, and genuine care for both pets and owners are unmatched. If you’re thinking about training your dog, don’t hesitate for a second—Dog Training Elite is the best decision you’ll ever make. Thank you so much, Kevin, Karly, Hayley, and Brian, for giving us the tools and confidence to enjoy every moment with our perfectly trained pup!
  • Raven Nightshade
    Oct. 28, 2025
    We were astonished by how incredible everyone involved has been. Our dog has learned so much so quickly, and everyone we have interacted with has been friendly, helpful and just overall amazing to work with. Highly recommend!
  • Jason Ashburn
    Oct. 28, 2025
    Josh and his team are great. You can tell they all love what they're do, and it shows in the training.
  • Hannah Kromer
    Oct. 28, 2025
    I honestly can’t express enough gratitude toward the whole staff for their knowledge and dedication to training dogs. My pup is very energetic and they were able to relocate that energy into training and away from destructive behaviors. I actually feel confident taking him to family events or in public now because he listens so well. We did the two week in facility training and finished our 3 follow ups, and he’s developed so much confidence. If you’re looking to strengthen your relationship with your dog I would say without a doubt you should go to Dog Training Elite Greater Cleveland. They are compassionate, highly knowledgeable trainers and we couldn’t be more happy with the outcome.
  • terrell cannon
    Oct. 28, 2025
    The entire team has been great friendly and extremely helpful
  • mina khoury
    Oct. 28, 2025
    josh is absolutely amazing. because of him, my dog has finally went in the car by himself, listens more, and is a better obedient dog over all. i didn't think my dog was capable of this but josh and his team made it possible. thank you josh!!
  • Brooke Whitney
    Oct. 28, 2025
    We first enlisted help from Dog Training Elite last November, about two months after we adopted Oswald. He was extremely scared, undisciplined and reactive around other dogs. And with his large size, we knew we needed help. We chose the day camp training program to help get Oswald (and us!) the training that was badly needed. Josh’s expertise is what drove me to choose Dog Training Elite, and he and his team of trainers deeply care about the dogs and want to see you succeed. And having the continued support of Josh and his team has been invaluable. We have drop-in sessions, home sessions and weekly group training available to us, which have also been of great help. With training and time, Oswald is now a relaxed, well-behaved dog — who can now just be a dog! Friends and family who saw how Oswald behaved when we first adopted him compared to now, always comment on what a good dog he is. Dog Training Elite was recommended to us, and we would recommend them to other dog owners 100% of the time.
  • marko filipovic
    Oct. 28, 2025
    Josh is currently training our dog. He has a tendency to bite at times but Josh is taking the bull by the horns and training our dog into make him obedient and less aggressive. His tips and training methods have improved our dog significantly. One of our friends even noticed he was way better now than before the training. Josh is also very approachable and responds quickly over text if anything arises. He takes the time and effort to make sure the dog is trained with care Instead of fear.
  • Victoriya Sheyfer
    Oct. 27, 2025
    I can’t say enough great things about Josh! He’s truly amazing, so in tune with Enzo and always makes him feel completely comfortable. His patience and attention to detail are unmatched. You can tell he genuinely cares about the dogs he works with and is passionate about what he does. He’s always willing to help, answer questions, and go the extra mile. Enzo absolutely loves him, and I’m so grateful for all the progress we’ve made. I also LOVE fact that every class ends in play time for Enzo so he is nice and tired before going home. Truly the best there is.
  • Barbara Barresi
    Sep. 22, 2025
    Kevin and Andrea at Dog Training Elite, plus their team, helped us reach our goal to have Tucker become a therapy dog!
  • Heather Cappy
    Sep. 17, 2025
    We LOVED everything! We have a lab that is going to be very big, and wanted to nip training in the butt! We could tell a difference in just two days! Everyone did an amazing job training our dog Bruno! Bruno was excited to go to training and would start waging his tail as soon as we pulled in, which showed the love and care they gave him while training! I highly recommend!!!!!
  • TJ
    Sep. 17, 2025
    I can’t say enough good things about my experience with Dog Training Elite Greater Cleveland. From the very first session, the trainers brought a calm, confident energy that helped both me and my dog feel at ease. Their collective knowledge and professionalism really stood out, and their consistency across sessions made it easy to build momentum and trust the process. What impressed me most was how patient, understanding, and encouraging each trainer was—especially when my dog had those high-energy, impulsive moments. The basic obedience lessons were clear, effective, and adaptable to real-life situations. The whole experience felt structured but never rigid, and always supportive. If you’re serious about results and want trainers who truly care about both you and your dog, this is the team to work with. Easily the best dog training experience I’ve had in the Cleveland area.
  • Kay Rose
    Sep. 4, 2025
    DTE is fantastic! Our pup was resource guarding and bit my wife and I. We have grandchildren and this behavior was unacceptable. We were devastated as we thought we would have to rehome her. I began searching for resources and contacted DTE. Hailey came and did an in home evaluation. She was knowledgeable and honest. Despite the cost, it has been worth every penny! We now have a well trained dog that no longer resource guards. DTE is knowledgeable, patient and kind as they want what is best for your dog and you. All of the trainers that worked with our Holly were exceptional. Hailey was Holly’s primary trainer and we can’t thank her enough for saving us and our pup. No matter how many times we asked the same question or needed a review of a command she was 100% engaged and helpful. We highly recommend Dog Training Elite Greater Cleveland to anyone looking for friendly, effective dog training. Thank you for all of your dedication and hard work!!
  • Giovanna Ciaravino
    Aug. 30, 2025
    The team at Dog Training Elite Greater Cleveland demonstrated remarkable kindness, patience, professionalism, and sense of humor, making the dog training experience both enjoyable and informative expertly guiding our dog through Basic obedience lessons. As a dog owner, it was comforting to have a patient and knowledgeable Dog behavior expert working with my aggressive dog towards achieving necessary skills to take him out in public. Josh was extremely knowledgeable in answering many of my questions and patient with my dog’s progression and my family members while learning how to train my dog. Truly if it wasn’t for Dog Training Elite my dog would be in a very tough spot. With this organization I felt confident in my dog and am very proud of the progress we have made! I highly recommend this dog training especially for aggressive dogs that are deemed intolerable.
A Cleveland puppy trainers giving a puppy positive affirmation during an in-home training session.

Dog Training Elite in Cleveland Metro, OH

In-Home Puppy Training

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Dog Training Elite in Cleveland Metro offers comprehensive in-home training. For the first 4-6 weeks, trainers use “treat training” before moving onto more advanced puppy training. Puppies will learn the following behaviors:

  • Come, down, loose-leash walking, and down
  • Puppy corrections (Stop biting, digging, jumping, etc.)
  • Crate training/ housebreaking
  • Focus around distractions

Trainers will also help owners learn about the following:

  • Socialization tips
  • Environmental hazards
  • Positive reinforcement techniques
  • Puppy enrichment
  • Caring for your puppy
  • And more!

Training a puppy can feel overwhelming. By pairing you with a professional trainer, not only will your puppy learn quickly, but you will feel confident and empowered to continue training your puppy after the sessions are completed. Training in your own home will help you bond with your pup so even after the professional trainer leaves, you and Fido can continue to progress together.

A puppy ready to start training with Dog Training Elite in Cleveland Metro.

Start Puppy Training Early

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First-time dog owners are often unsure of when to begin training their dogs. For the best results, it’s essential to start training your puppy as soon as possible. You can start socialization and basic commands as soon as you bring your new puppy home. Puppies are open to new experiences and people and learn quickly while they are young. It is beneficial to take advantage of this stage. Start with basic commands like "down," "come," and "stay." If you are searching for classes, Dog Training Elite offers puppy obedience classes.

Additional Puppy Training Info

Dog Training Elite in Cleveland Metro - Puppy Crate Training in Cleveland, OH. DTE

Crate Training

A well-manered puppy receiving positive reinforcement from their owner.

Our Puppy Trainers

The DTE Approach

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We have developed a highly successful and unique positive puppy training program empowering dog owners to train. Hence, their dog knows who to obey at all times, in all situations or environments. We offer personalized training to deal with specific issues and behaviors. We even offers customized training schedules to offer you the support you need as a dog owner.

Involvement is Key!

Most dog training programs don’t allow for the involvement of owners and families. Our trainers greatly encourage owners and their families to be involved in the training process. Why? This ensures you and your family know what’s expected, allows for continued education and means all the progress isn’t lost. Your puppy won’t come home and forget everything he’s learned.

Our puppy training program consists of two phases, early training and advanced training. Puppies as young as eight weeks can begin learning with Dog Training Elite in Cleveland Metro. Our process allows us to efficiently complete in-home puppy training services at your home or within the environment where behaviors manifest - such as in the park or around other dogs in the neighborhood.

A Dog Training Elite in Cleveland Metro puppy training outside.

Dog Training Elite in Cleveland Metro

How Puppy Training Works

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We use a positive puppy training method paired with an electronic collar - not a shock collar. Unlike shock collars, electronic collars do not hurt or harm the pup. They are used only to obtain their attention, not to punish bad behavior. We believe in using constant praise to encourage good behavior. The difference becomes apparent when comparing a puppy trained out of fear to a puppy who truly desires to please.

Positive Reinforcement for Positive Pups

Positive reinforcement is the best option in puppy training. Punishments will only scare your dog, and fear can lead to aggression problems later in life. Our trainers use a classical conditioning program focusing on positive reinforcement of basic commands.

Dogs are eager to please. When they learn following basic commands results in affection or a treat, they will be happy to do as you ask. With patience - and the assistance of a professional puppy trainer - you'll be rewarded with a lifelong loyal pal.

We base our training around the "Classical Conditioning" model, also known as the "Pavlovian" response or "respondent conditioning." This means developing conditioned or automatic reflexes to commands, so when the owner says "sit," the dog automatically sits without thinking. Our unique technique ensures our program is a success no matter what behavior we encounter.

Contact us today to learn more about our training programs !

A group of dogs being trained by the expert team at Dog Training Elite in Cleveland Metro.
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Dog Training Elite in Cleveland Metro

Tips on How to Bond

Training is a great way to establish a deep, loyal bond with your puppy. Outside of your training sessions, there is more you can do to strengthen your bond. Here are some more tips for how to bond with your puppy:

Your puppy may not understand the words you’re saying, but he or she will understand your tone of voice. Speaking in an excited tone of voice will get your pup excited and motivate them to do what you want them to. Speaking in a low, calm voice can help soothe and relax your puppy.
Puppies thrive on routine. A consistent schedule will help your puppy adjust to their new home, and to you and your family. A puppy’s schedule needs to include eating, playtime, puppy training, potty breaks, and nap times.
As mentioned above, playtime is an important part of your puppy’s schedule. Playing with your puppy will help strengthen your bond and stimulate their brains. Walks are an easy and great way to give your puppy much-needed exercise. Start small, walking around in your yard or driveway and gradually extending the distance around your neighborhood.
Creating boundaries in your home for your puppy helps strengthen your bond because your puppy will look to you for direction and guidance. It will also help your puppy avoid bad habits. Baby gates and playpens are a useful way to create physical boundaries.
Puppies can become overwhelmed about all the new things they’re exploring. Crate training is a perfect way to allow your puppy to have their own space where they feel safe and comfortable and help them develop some independence so they grow into a well-adjusted dog.
The most adorable way to bond with your puppy is by cuddling them! Snuggling with your pup can help him or her feel comforted and safe. The best time to get a cuddle session with your puppy is when they are sleepy. Cuddling also helps puppies get used to having their paws, belly, face, etc. handled, and can be a good time to introduce light grooming practices like brushing their fur.