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At Dog Training Elite Midlands SC, we know that every dog is an individual and requires different training methods. Maybe your dog needs to work on separation anxiety or learn how to stop barking at the mailman. Dog Training Elite Midlands SC stands out by also looking at what breed your dog is when making training goals.
We don’t discriminate when it comes to breeds, but we know that some species need more specialized training in certain areas. Whatever your dog’s breed, Dog Training Elite Midlands SC can help you and your dog overcome any obstacles related to obedience and socialization. Regardless of breed, size or temperament, Dog Training Elite Midlands SC is capable of breed specific training for all dogs that come to our doorstep.
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Midlands SC location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
What Role Does Breed Play?
When it comes to training, the breed of your dog can play a pretty significant role. Generally, dogs share qualities of loyalty, kindness and intelligence, regardless of breed. Specific breeds, however, may have a trait not as prevalent in other breeds. For example, some breeds bred for working roles tend to be more energetic and intelligent than breeds bred to be more of a companion. At Dog Training Elite Midlands SC, we use breed specific training to shape a plan to fit you and your dog.
Is Training Affected By Breed?
While we look at what challenges owners face with specific breeds, the key to dog training is maintaining a consistent schedule to ensure the desired behavior you seek.
The training programs offered at Dog Training Elite Midlands SC come in a general form, but we also provide breed-specific training to target breed-specific issues. Suppose your breed is highly energetic. In that case, we have programs to help you and your dog maintain an active and healthy lifestyle while ensuring that your dog retains the standard obedience training that any dog needs.
Some of the Columbia breed specific training programs we offer include:
German Shepherd Training
German Shepherds are a popular breed for herding and other working roles. They have many beautiful traits, including strength, vigilance and confidence. German Shepherds are very intelligent as well, making them excellent candidates for dog training with their quick learning. Dog Training Elite Midlands SC can help bring your German Shepherd’s great qualities to the forefront and allow them to be the best companion for your family.
Beagle Training
Beagles have historically been bred for pack hunting, making them an intelligent and curious breed. Beagles are very compassionate and companionable dogs, making them perfect for families and work as therapy dogs. Dog Training Elite Midlands SC harnesses the strong qualities your Beagle has and turns them into a well-trained companion.
Pitbull Training
Pitbull breeds include the American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and other bull-type dog breeds. Sadly, Pitbulls have a history of being bred for blood sports. This history has caused fear and misinformation when it comes to Pitbull temperament. The breed has been known for being aggressive or intimidating, but the breed is better understood for being tender and loving with its owners and companions. Dog Training Elite Midlands SC is experienced in handling Pitbulls and helping owners build loving and loyal relationships with them.
Boxer Dog Training
The Boxer breed is known for its muscular build and expressive face. They’re also very alert and energetic. Boxers have a rich history of being bred for hunting and herding. They make excellent companions for active families, and with proper training techniques from Dog Training Elite Midlands SC, we’ll ensure your Boxer is happy and fulfilled.
Doberman Training
Dobermans are mighty and loyal dogs. As companion dogs, they will adopt a protective nature when it comes to family and property. Because of these traits, it’s important to begin their training early. Proper socialization and obedience training will help prevent unwanted aggression and behavior. Dog Training Elite Midlands SC can help you maintain your dog’s outgoing and playful nature while reining in the fierce attitude they might have.
Golden Retriever Training
As one of the most popular breeds to have as companions, Golden Retrievers are wonderfully outgoing and loving. They are excellent working dogs and commonly used as service animals as they are knowledgeable and possess a calm temperament. Dog Training Elite Midlands SC is ready and capable of turning your Golden Retriever puppy/dog into the perfect family companion.
Labrador Training
Labradors make great family dogs. They are an intelligent breed that loves to please. Labradors take direction well and are easy to train. This breed is also perfect as a companion dog, making them suitable for work as a therapy dog. Early socialization and professional training are crucial to raising a well-behaved Labrador. The experienced trainers of Dog Training Elite Midlands SC can assist you in training this impressive breed.
Goldendoodle Training
Goldendoodles are a special breed that possesses the loveable traits of the Poodle and Golden Retriever. They are eager to learn, compassionate, patient and very loving. Goldendoodles’ nature makes it a perfect breed candidate for training in general obedience and service dog training. They are an excellent breed for families, and Dog Training Elite Midlands SC knows how to turn this breed into the perfect companion.
French Bulldog Training
French bulldogs are a great addition to any home and especially well-suited to city life. Even though this breed is fairly easy-going, training is crucial to keep your dog safe in and out of your home. At Dog Training Elite Midlands SC, we specialize in breed-specific training. Contact us today to schedule a free training demo!
Though breed-specific training is taken into account, all of Dog Training Elite Midlands SC’s training programs are based on a foundation of consistency and positive reinforcement. Punishment does not yield positive results. Dogs are eager to please, regardless of breed, and if they’re rewarded for good behavior, they’ll stick to good behavior.
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.
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!
I have to admit I was very hesitant about committing to dog training due to time. However, Dog Training Elite made this the best experience! Justin has a true heart for animals and it shows! My 7 month old puppy is such a joy to be around and friends and family can’t believe how well behaved she is! I have never had a dog that would walk by me off leash and not run off. Dog Training Elite has given me such a precious gift and I have her entire life to enjoy this partnership between my dog and I. I was so appreciative for Justin’s patience. I never felt pressured or a sales pitch when we first met which told me he was the right trainer for my dog! This was one of the best investments I have ever made! Thank you Justin for such an amazing gift!— Heather Shuler
Posted April 16th 2024
Best dog training around! I have worked with several dog trainers with a previous dog and our youngest pup, Bailey. Justin is by far the best! He truly cares about each dog's well being and will end training sessions early if the dog is becoming too tired or stressed. After your 6 in home sessions, you then have the option of attending group classes where you'll receive further instruction, a chance to socialize your pup and guidance to help your dog be the best he can be. My Bailey went from ignoring me in the yard and afraid of anyone at the door to coming when called and remaining in his place while people enter the house. Everyone is amazed at our well behaved pup. Highly recommend Justin and his team!— Brandi Blake
Posted February 3rd 2024
I have a very fiesty Doberman Pincher and Justin taught us how to calm him down and make him obey. He was very calm, cool and collected. His experience with dogs is very effective. I highly recommend this company.— Mattie Sanders
Posted February 3rd 2024
Justin, Jeff, and Darlene with Dog Training Elite are AWESOME!!! Our dog Saint, a 90 lb. German Shepard mix is so sweet, rambunctious, and also very strong. At times, he is determined to do his own things on our daily walks which included pulling and dragging his walkers to wherever he wanted to go. We became increasingly concerned about taking our gentle giant on walks in the neighborhood. Justin is very knowledgeable and patient with both dog and owner (Saint loves to see him at the door!). Saint has learned the off, sit, place, and heel commands including heeling off leash - we have seen a significant improvement on our walks and general behavior around the house. They answered all of our questions and demonstrated the commands and "homework" as many times as needed to affect a positive outcome. We are pleased and grateful for their training and program. Thank you for all that you do!— M. B.
Posted December 15th 2023
Justin is an incredible dog trainer. He really cares about your dog's progress and wellbeing with a good balance of assigning and holding the owner accountable as well. Would highly recommend Justin and his Company!— William Bossong
Posted December 14th 2023
I thought my 9 month old Great Dane Menkoi was a show stopper before…but with the training and service that Jeff, Justin and Darlene provide, he is turning heads and keeping their attention for all the right reasons. The care, knowledge, follow up and follow through that they provide really have put us at an advantage and ensured that we’ll be able to take Menkoi everywhere we need to. Happy earlier birthday Justin!— Tinsley
Posted September 8th 2023
We started our puppy with Dog Training Elite for obedience training. Justin, Jeff and Darlene are great at what they do and very helpful. Our puppy is learning quickly with the program. Very happy with Dog Training Elite Midlands!— Kayce West
Posted September 6th 2023
The best dog training service in Columbia! We have two dogs, one of which is extremely stubborn and we had run out of patience and options. We did not know what to do and had even tried some other dog trainers and programs around. We were so skeptical of this working but it was our last hope. We originally just signed up our one dog and now we have both of them in the training program. Just a couple weeks in we saw a tremendous difference. It is so nice to be able to give our dog praise instead of always being frustrated and getting after him. Not only is the program great but the customer services in incredible! Justin and his family are kind, understanding, patient and so helpful. We recommend Dog Training Elite to everyone with a dog. Our sweet Scar and Mufasa love their training sessions with Justin!— Ashlynn Rasmussen
Posted May 17th 2023
I could not be more pleased with the training help we’re receiving from DTE. Both Justin and Jeff are a pleasure to work with and Kaci is quickly learning to obey new commands!!!— Pam Webb
Posted March 29th 2023
We have been Training with Justin for about 6 weeks now and Hazel has already learned so much. We have learned a lot too! Some of her behaviors we thought were untrainable have quickly changed. Hazel has always pulled on the leash and this is something we thought would never change. Hazel is now a pro at heel and our walks are so much more enjoyable. Justin and the other trainers are very professional and have been very patient and kind to Hazel. We strongly recommend Dog Training Elite if you have a difficult dog that you think cannot be trained.— Michal Talley
Posted February 23rd 2023
Our dashound Pepper would always be jumping on people, barking at people walking by, pulling on the leash when walking her. After joining Dog Training Elite, Midland, Pepper is a different dog, with only 5 weeks of training so far. She kneels, comes when called, sits, stopped jumping and barking. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite, Midlands. Owner Jeff Collett has done a wonderful job training Pepper.— Donna Hladis
Posted February 22nd 2023
Where do I start?! Justin, Jeff, and Darlene are all amazing! The communication and service has been excellent. Before deciding to trust DTE with training me and my pup, Justin and Jeff demoed their abilities to train , answered all of my questions, and offered training services without pressuring me. Justin has worked with me and my pup teaching us thoroughly how to work with each other everyday and answering every single question that I have had. My pup went from little to no obedience to knowing how to come, hold a place on many different items and surfaces, sit, listening to the off command, quiet, down, and heel. I am so excited to see how well we do in group sessions! I am happy I decided to trust DTE!— Katrina Garland
Posted January 13th 2023
We loved working with Justin and team for teaching us (and Minnie) basic obedience principles!! Our chiweenie, Minnie, has come a LONG way since we started her 6-wk program! I highly recommend DTE-they are extremely professional, knowledgeable, and caring people.— Devin Banitt
Posted December 18th 2022
Justin and team are fantastic. We are proud owners of a Chinese Crested Powder Puff. He is1 1/2 years old and has never had any formal training. We purchased the Gold Package and within weeks, they have turned our dog from a good dog to an amazing dog. We highly recommend them - you and your dog won’t regret it.— Beth McDuffie
Posted November 27th 2022
Justin and his family run a first class operation. When it comes to experience and customer service I do not believe anyone does it better in this line of business. Our Golden 'Sasha' enjoyed every session throughout the Gold package that we purchased. Worth every penny! Thank you Justin!— Zach Woodham
Posted November 22nd 2022
Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation
At Dog Training Elite Midlands SC, 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 Midlands SC works with the Malinois Foundation to heal and empower these individuals with a specialized service animal, a partner in life, and a new best friend.