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When you first brought home your dog, you most likely envisioned long walks, a game of fetch at the dog park, extended cuddle time, and an overall enjoyable life with your new best friend. This vision probably didn't include excessive barking, cat terrorizing, leash pulling, and other disobedient behaviors. Building a relationship with your pet is difficult when you have a pup who just won't listen. But don't stress - the obedient, loyal friend you dreamed of is just a few professional dog training sessions away!
No matter your dog's behavioral problems, appropriate training can eliminate disobedience and encourage a healthy dog-owner relationship.
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.
Platinum
$2,950
OUR MOST POPULAR PACKAGE!
LIFETIME SUPPORT
Our platinum package offers you training sessions throughout your dog's lifetime! Follow-up sessions to be scheduled once per month as needed, after initial program is completed.
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 9 Sessions + Unlimited
*see above description - Group Park Training Sessions Unlimited
- Lifetime support via text/email and in-person support sessions *scheduled at trainer's discretion (no more than once per month, after completing initial program
- AKC Canine Good Citizen Testing
- Come
- Heel (walk with you, loose leash no pulling)
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Place(go to bed)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Off(furniture when desired)
- Down(lay next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Load Up (go into kennel, car, or dog house)
- Manners, Safety & Boundaries
- Calm Anxiety & Build Confidence
- Housebreaking / Potty Training
- STOP Jumping on People
- STOP Mouthing & Nipping
- STOP Chewing & Digging
- STOP Begging & Stealing Food
- STOP Bolting Through Doors & Running Away
- STOP Chasing Animals, Cars & Bikes
- STOP Reactivity (dog & human)
- *Stay With You on a Job or Bike Ride (off-leash)
- *Emotional Support Dog Training(ESA)
- *Control Aggression(dog & human)
- *Calm Extreme Anxiety(behavioral modification)
Gold
$2,275
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 6 Sessions
- Group Park Training Sessions 12 Sessions
- Come
- Heel (walk with you, loose leash no pulling)
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Place(go to bed)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Off(furniture when desired)
- Down(lay next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Load Up (go into kennel, car, or dog house)
- Calm Anxiety & Build Confidence
- Housebreaking / Potty Training
- STOP Jumping on People
- STOP Mouthing & Nipping
- STOP Chewing & Digging
- STOP Begging & Stealing Food
- STOP Bolting Through Doors & Running Away
- STOP Chasing Animals, Cars & Bikes
Why DIY Training So Often Fails
No dogs are truly bad. They are just dogs, trying to navigate a human world. What we consider bad behavior is a result of anxiety, fear, or misunderstanding. Dogs are eager learners and can easily be taught the appropriate behaviors to follow. For that reason, disobedience usually stems from improper training techniques.
It can be difficult for new dog owners to train their pets without the proper knowledge or time. Training takes more than a few sessions and treats, and it certainly does not involve punishment, yelling, or aggression. If you’re struggling with your dog’s behavior, you’re not alone. The most common mistake pet owners make is underestimating the knowledge, commitment, and effort needed to train a dog.
Proper training requires:
- Experience and education
- A deep understanding of dog behaviors
- Patience and commitment
- Knowledge of various training techniques
- Experience with dogs of various breeds and ages
- Ability to teach people as well as dogs
- Detecting emotional changes in dogs (anxiety, aggression, fear)
- Skills for training in distracting environments
- Ability to recognize problem behaviors
The average pet owner does not have the above skills. It takes more than a deep love for doggies to know how to train them! Fortunately, professional dog trainers do have these skills. Education, certification, and experience are all marks of a well-qualified dog trainer.
When it comes to dog training, you want to find someone that you can trust. Many dog owners are reluctant to entrust their pets to a stranger. That is why it is important to find a trainer that fits you and your dog’s needs.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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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.
What a Professional Dog Trainer Can Do For You
Most people see dog trainers as canine teachers when they are more people teachers. Professional dog trainers teach you how to communicate with your dog. During dog training sessions, you must actively participate to learn how to establish boundaries with your dog. The dog trainer teaches you how your dog learns so that you can give him or her the right cues.
Common areas covered in dog training sessions include:
Obedience
Commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come” form the foundations of training, and most dogs learn them quickly. These cues keep your dog safe and help him or her confidently navigate the world. Once your dog has mastered obedience, more advanced training can take place.Behavior
While obedience commands are easy for every dog to learn, behavior issues are unique to each dog. Examples of behavior issues include chasing the mailman, jumping up during greetings, excessive barking, and destroying the house when left alone. These behaviors have an underlying cause that must first be addressed before the appropriate behavior can be learned.Pet-Owner Relationship
The most important part of any dog training program is the bond formed between dog and owner. Without a strong relationship, your dog simply won’t listen. A true professional will work side by side with you to ensure that your dog understands you and responds appropriately.
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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.
Positive Reinforcement -
The Recommended Technique
While there are various dog training techniques, positive reinforcement is the only recommended method. Trainers that offer programs based on punishment, “alpha dog” methods, and fear should be avoided.
Dogs must be taught which behaviors to perform, not punished for doing something wrong. Our canine companions don’t understand why we are yelling at them, they just fear us. When we catch our dog doing the right behavior and award him for it, he learns which behaviors are acceptable.
At Dog Training Elite, we combine positive reinforcement techniques with a private training setting. Our in-home approach has a high success rate.
Years of training experience have taught us in-home dog training is the most effective as it offers a personalized training experience for both dog and owner.
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No Distractions
Your home is where your dog feels most comfortable, and where he is most likely to exhibit problem behaviors. Jumping on guests or destroying the home when you leave are behaviors that only occur inside the home. A private dog trainer that assesses your dog in his or her home environment catch and correct these behaviors on the spot.The home is a calm, relaxed place for your pal. There are no other dogs or large crowds to distract him from the lesson at hand. Once your dog has learned the basics at home with a private dog trainer, his or her new skills can be practiced out in public.
Family Involvement
Ingrained behavioral changes only take place when the entire family is committed to training your dog. When a trainer comes to your house, you can take advantage of the times when everyone is home and willing to participate. Once you all agree on appropriate behaviors and the associated cues, your dog can happily learn from everyone.
The Private Dog Trainers in Columbia That You Can Trust
At Dog Training Elite, we understand your dog is like a family member and that you want the best for your pet. That’s why we use positive reinforcement in all of our training procedures. We never use punishment or pain techniques - training should be an enjoyable experience for your pet. Our combination of positive reinforcement, an electronic collar (not a shock collar), and including family members is a well-rounded training experience. Dog Training Elite stands behind our training programs, and we are focused on empowering owners with our established techniques.