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Group Dog Training in Columbia, SC

Please Note: Group Classes are for Dog Training Elite Midlands SC Clients Only

Dog Training Elite Midlands SC offers private dog training classes after obedience training is completed and only once a puppy is fully immunized. 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), so that you can train your dog to obey you... regardless of the many distractions screaming for their attention!

Group training classes at Dog Training Elite Midlands SC

Group Class

Saturday Mornings

Our group class is for all clients that have progressed through an obedience training program with DTE and are ready to put that training to work in a safe, controlled environment. We use all commands taught at the one-on-ones in real world scenarios to grow you and your dogs confidence and capability.

Location Varies

Our Group Classes Could Help:
Improve Socialization Skills
Foster a Supportive Community
Strengthen the Dog-Owner Bond
Reinforce Basic Obedience
Prepare for Real-World Distractions
Offer Personal Attention in Private Groups

Please Note: Group Classes are for Dog Training Elite Midlands SC Clients Only

Expert Group Training Classes

At Dog Training Elite Midlands SC, our group classes offer an engaging and supportive environment for dogs and their owners. These sessions create an interactive setting where your dog will learn to focus with distractions and develop essential social skills beyond basic obedience training. You can expect a mix of practical training exercises, guidance from experienced trainers, and a strong sense of community with fellow dog owners after signing up for a class.

Our group classes are a perfect blend of structure and socialization, making them an enjoyable experience where dogs can thrive and build lasting skills. Whether you're looking to refine your dog's behavior or simply enjoy a shared learning experience, our group dog training classes in Columbia, SC provide the perfect opportunity.

Please note: Classes are open to all dog breeds and sizes, but all dogs are required to be immunized.

See Training Packages
A calm, obedient dog outside on a leash at a Dog Training Elite's group dog training in Columbia, SC.

Are Dog Training Group Classes Necessary?

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Dog Training Elite knows dog training is truly a lifelong pursuit. As your puppy or dog masters the basics, you can move onto more complicated tricks and training. Maybe you’ve progressed from “sit” to seeing how long they can hold it, or you’re working on taking your pet through an obstacle course.

It can be hard to come up with new ideas to train your dog, and after months of having structured training one-on-one with your pet it can be especially difficult to know what to do next. What will benefit both you and your dog the most?

We offer dog training classes near you for puppies and older dogs that may be the answer you’re looking for. While group training classes aren’t always necessary, they can be extremely beneficial to both your dog and you.

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!

Call 803-903-3647 Free Assessment

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Marvin Carraway
    Aug. 21, 2025
    Can't say enough positive things about Justin. Justin is truly an elite trainer who is very modest and well grounded.
  • Ted Smith
    Nov. 14, 2025
    Awesome first session with Bear! Thanks Justin!
  • michael varallo Sr.
    Nov. 12, 2025
    Super program Super Trainer Great start for our Charlie
  • Loghin Livingston
    Nov. 11, 2025
    The team has been outstanding from start to finish. Their professionalism and dedication made the process seamless, from helping me find the right dog to guiding us through training from 10 weeks to 15 months. My Service Dog now performs with near-perfect accuracy, and thanks to their expertise, I’ve been able to move away from the medication I once relied on. I’m incredibly grateful for this team and all they’ve done to help my dog and me reach this level of success.
  • Ashley Roberts
    Nov. 5, 2025
    We have a 10 month old English Setter. We have had 5 sessions with Justin so far and it has been an amazing experience. We have learned so much and our dog Penny has too! We did our first lesson out in public yesterday and I was so nervous but Justin met me at the store and took control of her because he knew I was nervous and she did great! I feel much more confident in my own ability to handle her in public now which will open up so many possibilities for us to travel with her and experience new things. I HIGHLY recommend Justin and his crew! We did another week long board and train program and it just wasn’t effective but having Justin come and train us all in our environment has been a game changer for us. Justin also brings his dogs to help socialize and train and offers group classes on weekends too!
  • Darren Bean
    Oct. 27, 2025
    Intro meeting. Straight forward and thorough
  • Bryce Harrington
    Oct. 22, 2025
    Justin has been great at instructing and demonstrating the commands to teach our dog the behaviors we’re looking for. We have seen dramatic improvements in our dog’s behavior in just two lessons. We would recommend Dog Training Elite Midlands to anyone.
  • Evija7
    Oct. 17, 2025
    We were very pleased with our trainer Laird and Justin! Very professional and they know how to make training effective. They trained us how to train our dog. We highly recommend them and looking forward to get our dog qualified as service dog.
  • LG BENAUER
    Aug. 22, 2025
    Laird is an amazing trainer. Lotty and I are learning so much! She seems to know how my puppy is going to respond and instructs me how to handle her response. Laird is very professional and kind a rare combination.
  • Melissa Spring
    Oct. 14, 2025
    First session in and she’s great, very knowledgeable, understanding and helpful as we start to train our sweet puppy!
  • Sherri Murdock
    Oct. 9, 2025
    I was pleasantly surprised with the short training and easy process for our 12-year-old Bichon. Justin and the entire company are great to work with. I highly recommend.
  • Ava Roxanne Stritt
    Oct. 3, 2025
    Amazing class! I enjoyed all of the knowledge and tips. I feel so much more confident with my dog.
  • Carla Roland
    Sep. 30, 2025
    Justin is personable and knowledgable.
  • burtonable
    Jul. 15, 2025
    Justin was promptly on time. He explained everything thoroughly, very professional had handouts so you could visually see what you were getting along with the pricing list. His two dogs were fantastic and hopefully we’ll have a similar result by putting in the work.
  • Justin Monroe
    Sep. 15, 2025
    Working with Dog Training Elite and Laird has truly been a delightful experience for us. We couldn't be happier with how she has been so kind, knowledgeable, and loving towards our Akita. With her extensive experience, Laird has shared invaluable advice and guidance that has truly helped us in raising our dog. If you ever get the chance to work with Dog Training Elite or Laird, we're confident you'll have a wonderful experience too!
  • Sharon Hyde
    Aug. 11, 2025
    Justin was awesome. I was doubtful that Roxie was trainable With Justins explanation and our training she did great. We are so proud of her. Thank You Justin 😊
  • Phillip Walls
    Sep. 9, 2025
    When we started we were afraid that It was going to be a “Dance Mom” case. Yet it wasn’t. The assessment was awesome, their schedule for training was spot on & most of all they care enough to give us the best dog training experience we could enjoy
  • Vikki Meadows
    Sep. 5, 2025
    Justin is very professional and patient with me with training and very knowledgeable in his field. Bear loves him too!!!
  • Kelly Gandolfo
    Sep. 4, 2025
    Very informative and great demonstration from Louie!
  • Ned Timmerman
    Aug. 29, 2025
    Everybody here is absolutely amazing! I can’t speak highly enough of their knowledge and professionalism!
Reviews & Testimonials
A group of dogs and their owners building community at a Dog Training Elite Midlands SC group training class.

Building Social Skills and Community

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Classes are a mix of all dog breeds and sizes, and our classes provide necessary socialization skills and practice around high levels of distraction. We like to make our group classes exciting for both dogs and handlers, and we have created fun training games and an environment that feels less like a class and more like a social outing.

We are building a community and our dog training groups tend to feel like a family and less like a dog training group. Friends are made, bonds are formed, and both dogs and dog Owners look forward to their once a week group training sessions.

Three dogs sitting on a bench who are ready for group training with the experts at Dog Training Elite Midlands SC.

Signs Your Dog is Ready for Training

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Every dog can benefit from training, and it can sometimes be a lifelong pursuit. If you’re wondering if training is right for you, here are some signs your dog is ready for training:

  • Your Dog is Destructive: Whether it’s chewing on furniture or shoes, going to the bathroom in your house, or anything else your dog is not supposed to do -- it’s time to get them trained out of these sorts of behaviors. Even older dogs who were previously well-behaved may develop bad habits later in life and need a training refresher.
  • Your Dog is Aggressive: Aggression can manifest itself in multiple ways; perhaps your dog growls or snaps at you when you get close to his or her food, or toys. Even more concerning is when your dog is aggressive towards other dogs or humans. Yes, sometimes dogs play in a way that seems aggressive, but if your dog is lunging at or snapping at people or other dogs while you’re on walks, it’s time to get a trainer’s help.
  • Your Dog Misbehaves on Their Leash: Walking nicely on a leash does not come naturally to most dogs but it is something that can be learned. Again, even older dogs who previously walked well on a leash may start to act out.
  • Your Dog is Anxious or Fearful: If your dog is dealing with severe separation anxiety, or is fearful in new environments, a trainer can help. For separation anxiety a trainer will work with you and your dog on a routine to reassure your dog. General training, especially in group classes, can help dogs build confidence.
  • Your Dog Ignores You at the Park: Or on walks, or whenever you’re outside. If your dog is obedient when they’re in your home, but loses their mind outside, he or she would benefit from more training. Group classes can be especially helpful because they put your dog in a safe environment with the kinds of distractions you experience outside. Training your dog in situations where there are other distractions helps them learn to obey even when there are other stimulating sights and sounds.

Additional Training Programs

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

Obedience Training

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Dog Training Elite Midlands SC - Puppy Training in Columbia, SC. Dog Training Elite

Puppy Training

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Dog Training Elite Midlands SC - Service Dog Training in Columbia, SC. Dog Training Elite

Service Dog Training

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Dog Training Elite Midlands SC - Anxiety & Aggressive Dog Training in Columbia, SC

Anxiety & Aggression

Learn More
Dog Training Elite Midlands SC - Therapy Dog Training in Columbia, SC

Therapy Dog Training

Learn More
A happy, well-trained dog and their owner at an outdoor obedience class from Dog Training Elite Midlands SC.

Group Dog Training in Columbia, SC

The DTE Difference

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Regardless of whether it’s an in-home training session or a group class, the Dog Training Elite training method is the same. We focus on “Classical Conditioning” or the “Pavlovian” method. Research has shown this approach as more effective with longer lasting results than other training methods.

We do not use harsh punishments or shock collars and instead pair balanced training with an electronic collar for superior results. An electronic collar is not a shock collar and does not harm the dog. It is a gentle electronic pulse, similar to the tug of a leash, used to get the dog’s attention. It is never used as a punishment for bad behavior.

Other dog trainers use harsh static collars or spray collars which have been shown to be less effective. The difference becomes clear when comparing a dog that is trained out of anxiety and intimidation vs. a dog who truly desires to please from the inside out. Our method nurtures a dog’s loving and naturally obedient nature.

Don’t wait! Join a Dog Training Elite Midlands SC group dog training class today.

A group of dogs being trained by the expert team at Dog Training Elite Midlands SC.
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Benefits of Group Classes

Just like humans, dogs all have their own personalities. Some may receive and respond to all the training they need from private, one-on-one instruction, while others may find great benefit from attending a group class. Group classes can be a great asset to both dogs and their owners, since it provides them with many different situations and experiences they may not otherwise have.

Here are some other benefits of attending group dog training classes:

Group dog training classes have a number of benefits, particularly with socialization. Taking a puppy to group classes once they’re immunized will help them grow into a well-socialized dog comfortable with other dogs and humans. Older dogs who weren’t well socialized as puppies can learn to socialize in a small, safe environment. Trainers will recognize signs of possible conflict between dogs and help owners learn how to diffuse situations and take care of their pets, and dogs will learn how to interact appropriately with each other.

Dog training classes can also be beneficial for owners! If you bring your dog to a group class, you’ll meet other dog owners and become part of a community. Dog Training Elite likes to make group classes exciting for both dogs and their owners, so expect to learn fun training games and enjoy an environment that feels less like a class and more like a social outing. Classes meet once a week, and both you and your dog will look forward to going every week.

Besides the socialization benefits, group classes are a great tool for dogs to learn to work around distractions. If your dog is perfectly obedient at home, but loses his or her mind at the dog park and forgets all they’ve learned, group classes are the way to go. Group classes are a safe way to help your dog learn to listen to you, even when they’re surrounded by exciting sights, smells and sounds.

In a dog training class, you are in control of the training. While your pooch may occasionally be used as the ‘demo’ dog, there will be very few instances where your dog only has to listen to the trainer. With a class, you are the trainer, and the instructor is just acting as a guide. With all of Dog Training Elite’s training options - in-home or through a class - you will always be the No. 1 trainer, not just sitting on the sidelines as someone else takes charge.

Each dog is unique, and the small classes at Dog Training Elite Midlands SC will allow you and your dog to still receive personalized attention and training. You will also have the opportunity to learn from other dogs and their owners. Imagine the trainer advises another owner how to help their dog learn to play independently. Later, you might remember the advice and apply it to your own dog, away from the class.