Back to About Us

Gallery

Dog Training Elite in Columbia, SC

Request Free Assessment

Request Free Assessment

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!

About Dog Training Elite Midlands SC

Dog Training Elite Midlands SC - Meet Our Elite Team. Dog Training Elite in Columbia

Meet the Team

Dog Training Elite Midlands SC - Our Reviews. DTE in Columbia, SC

Reviews

Dog Training Elite Midlands SC - Careers. DTE in Columbia, SC

Careers

Dog Training Elite Midlands SC - Local Dog Trainers in Columbia, SC. DTE

In the Community

Our Team

Jeff Collett - Owner and Trainer
Jeff Collett
Owner and Trainer

Hi, I’m Jeff Collett. I have lived in SC for almost 20 years. I’ve spent the past 25 years in medical device sales. I have grown up with dogs and appreciate the value pets add to our lives. I recognize a great need for obedient dogs in the home as pets and as service animals throughout the community. My wife and I just added our sweet girl, “Millie” to our family. We’ve had so much fun playing with and training her.

When I’m not working as a professional dog trainer, I enjoy golfing, lake time and fellowship with family and friends.

I’m looking forward to helping enhance the relationship between you and your dog.

Close
Justin Collett - Owner and Trainer
Justin Collett
Owner and Trainer

Hi, My name is Justin Collett. I grew up in Chapin, SC, and graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2018. I married my beautiful wife, Kiley, in 2020. I’ve grown up with dogs and my wife and I have enjoyed countless hours of fun with “Louie”, our long haired miniature dachshund. We recently added “Josie” our golden retriever pup to add to our joy.

My working background was on the water selling boats and then in the water selling water filtration systems. I now enjoy my exciting role as a business owner and professional dog trainer which speaks to both my passions for people and dogs. Whether you need a well-trained dog or a service animal for your family, investing in this special relationship will reap rewards for the life of your dog.

When I’m not working, I love golfing, playing on the lake, and spending time with family and friends. My pups and I can’t wait to meet you!

Close
Darlene Collett - Owner and Trainer
Darlene Collett
Owner and Trainer

Hi, I’m Darlene. I’m a wife of 36 years to Jeff, mother of 2 sons, and lover of our sweet new golden, “Millie”. Most of my working career was in the insurance industry, followed by my role as a stay-at-home mom. I was blessed to be able to help care for both of my parents. I’ve always been devoted to my family and will bring this same level of care to the Midlands area dogs and their families. As you probably know, there is something special and expansive that happens in your heart when you share it with a furry family member.

When I’m not working, I enjoy reading, exercising, bike riding and hiking in the mountains.

Close
Crystal Byler - Trainer / Administrator
Crystal Byler
Trainer / Administrator

Hi, I'm Crystal! I was born and raised in Northeast Ohio and recently moved to South Carolina after graduating from Kent State University in 2022. I am loving life in Columbia with my 2 pups, Nala and Raya. Nala is a rat terrier mix with lots of love to share, and Raya is a toy Australian shepherd who is full of energy and very eager to please.

Dogs have always been a special part of my life, and I'm so blessed to be able to connect my passion for people with my love for dogs as a professional dog trainer. Providing dog owners with the tools they need to maximize the life of their pups is such a fun and rewarding challenge! 

When I'm not working, I enjoy reading, adventuring with my own dogs, and spending time with my family and friends.

Close
A well-trained DTE dog on a surfboard.
Dog Training Elite Midlands SC light star icon.

Educate, Empower, Elevate, Elite

Unleash Your Dog's Potential

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Virginia Erb
    Aug. 6, 2026
    Justin & team have been amazing to work with!! We have one reactive GSD mix and one APBT that is just an over excited goofball, and Dog Training Elite is transforming them into well-behaved, obedient companions! Can't recommend them enough!
  • Darrell Starkey
    Aug. 5, 2026
    Justin is wonderful and knowledgeable to his craft and gave us an amazing presentation and experience. Louie was just so adorable and obedient.
  • Amber D. W. The Stylist
    Aug. 5, 2026
    They were so helpful! Even though I have to wait to use their services because we are about to move, they have trainers in my area that im moving to in NC! And he even gave me some free great advice to at least help until we can get a trainer in. My dog is being very aggressive near a gate, and they are the only place I found that was willing to help with a potentially aggressive dog. 10/10 would recommend!
  • LG BENAUER
    Aug. 22, 2025
    Justin is wonderful. Gave me great homework! Can’t wait for the next lesson!
  • LYNETTE MCLEMORE
    Jun. 11, 2026
    Debbie does a great job with our boys. She has patience and the steady hand that makes the boys understand what to do. She works well with us and I think we are all learning from her. Thanks Ms Debbie.
  • Jonathon Cody
    Jul. 28, 2026
    Fantastic first session with Dog Training Elite Midlands. I felt very at ease with our trainer. He was very up front and honest about the training process with clear expectations. I would highly recommend this group.
  • cam McKnight
    Jul. 14, 2026
    Debbie was awesome encouraging & vigilante to my the concerns I had bout my dog and training for him loved working with her
  • Lynette McLemore
    Jul. 14, 2026
    As always Ms Debbie did a great job. The boys know she means business and she don't like no monkey stuff. She is firm and they respond well. I like that she is firm but also knows their personality.
  • Jennifer Richards
    Jun. 16, 2026
    We had a really great experience with Debbie. She was professional, knowledgeable, polite, and very patient with our nervous puppy. We’re really looking forward to continuing to work with her.
  • Bridgett Hipps
    Jul. 7, 2026
    Justin was exceptionally professional, knowledgeable, and a pleasure to work with. My Bentley loved him! He took the time to explain everything thoroughly, answered all of my questions, and made sure I had all the information I needed to make an informed decision. I look forward to working with Justin and the rest of the team, and I'm excited to see the final outcome! I highly recommend them!
  • Jason Goodson
    Jul. 5, 2026
    Mr. Robert is the best trainer around. Our Bernedoodle was only 3 months old when he started working with him and us, and you can see the difference. I wouldn't hesitate to ask for Robert when you call as the training is worth every penny!
  • Tiffany Davis
    Jul. 1, 2026
    We had a really wonderful experience working with the team to train our dog, Charlie, as a service dog. We had the pleasure of working with Justin, Loghin, Amber, and Annabelle. The patience, flexibility, encouragement, and kindness from each of them was more than we could ask for. Having Charlie trained has been tremendously helpful for our family. And my son is so happy that he can now have Charlie with him all the time to help him feel calm and secure. Words just cannot express how grateful I am.
  • Debi Champion
    Jun. 25, 2026
    Molly had her first training session. It was awesome! I felt like Justin was the “Dog Whisperer” What a difference in Molly already! We can’t wait until next week 🙏🐶❤️
  • myeesha shearin
    Jun. 24, 2026
    Mrs. Debbie is an absolutely amazing dog trainer! I can’t say enough good things about her knowledge, patience, and dedication. In 3 weeks, I’ve seen incredible progress with my puppy. The difference in her behavior and focus has been amazing, and it’s all thanks to Mrs. Debbie’s training techniques and genuine care for both Azula and me. She takes the time to explain everything, answers questions, and makes sure you’re confident continuing the training at home. It’s clear she truly loves what she does and wants us to succeed. If you’re looking for a trainer who is professional, encouraging, and gets real results, I highly recommend Mrs. Debbie. Azula has come so far in such a short time, and I’m excited to see how much more she continues to grow. Thank you, Mrs. Debbie, for everything you’ve done for Azula!
  • Jonathan Hurt
    Jun. 17, 2026
    Although my dog was well into the process of being trained before meeting Justin and his team, Dog Training Elite Midlands really helped me get Dezl where he needed to be and finish him out nicely as a Therapy Dog. I highly recommend Justin and his team as they are very patient and are very passionate about what they do.
  • Jody Smith
    May. 21, 2026
    Justin and Debra are so patient, positive and encouraging with their guidance with me during training. I’m seeing such a big change in my 2 dogs. My female shepherd was not fond of men at all. She now responds positively to Justin. My Great Dane is more respectful and following commands regularly.
  • Breck Tavenner
    Apr. 6, 2026
    Justin demonstrated and explained the methods and various techniques used. Very polite and pleasant and Louie Is Also I would like to add that most of our sessions have been led by Debbie. She shows great patience and affection with our two young dogs and has helped us understand their behavior and how to correct it. She is prompt and always reminds us to reach out if we have any questions.
  • Rosa Boland
    Apr. 17, 2026
    I’m applying so many great things I’ve learned from Annabelle towards the obedience of my dog, Sercy. Annabelle was very professional, had a great disposition in each training session, and proved to be an excellent instructor. Through her I‘ve gained the confidence I need to handle obedience and enjoy interacting with my dog for many years to come! A couple of years ago Sercy had boarding/training with another company. It proved unsuccessful because I wasn’t able to attend the sessions due to the travel distance. Now, with Dog Training Elite, we did it the right way!
  • Heather Heinrich
    May. 8, 2026
    Today we graduated . Bear loves Annabelle so much . It was such a great experience !! We will miss this so much ❤️
  • Faela Maney
    Apr. 6, 2026
    The team worked with us in a way we didn't anticipate. Annabelle , our regular awesome trainer was present. Justin, who did our initial assessment was here, and Rick, who we just met today. They worked with both my dogs to assess progress and additional needs mid way of training. One pup needs increased work with male humans. The other needs work on aggression, which was clarified today. We will work on skills already taught and demonstrated plus add the male trainer component. We look forward to more progress.