Empowering Owners
We work with dogs of any breed, size or age - and we empower owners with lifelong skills to continue successes.
- Leash & potty training
- Staying & coming
- Destructive chewing & digging
- Stealing food, clothing, or other objects
- Barking, howling & whining
- Food guarding & begging
- Mouthing, nipping & playing rough
- Anxiety & submissive urination
- Jumping up & hyperactivity
- Aggression & anxiety
We strongly believe that the key to sustained obedience and training is to empower owners to be an integral part of the training experience.
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)!
Request your own
FREE In-Home Assessment
from Dog Training Elite!
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Nominate Your Own Hometown Hero to Win a 7-Day Resort Stay!
Dog Training Elite Des Moines wants to recognize heroes in our communities that exemplify what it is to be a hometown hero. Dog Training Elite, in partnership with the Motoa Project, is awarding* one Hometown Hero in the Iowa region with a 7-day stay at a 5-star resort(a $10,000-$15,000 vacation giveaway).
*Airfare, taxes and additional fees not included.
Giving Back to our Heroes
Teachers, Therapists, and Social Workers Discount
at Dog Training Elite Des Moines!
As former social workers ourselves, we understand the important role that educators, therapists and social workers play in our communities.Dog Training Elite Des Moines offers a 10% discount to members of theses communities.
Military & First Responders Discount
at Dog Training Elite Des Moines!
Whether you are on active duty in the military, a police officer, an EMT, a firefighter, or a veteran, we want to show our gratitude by offering a 10% discount on any training package.
Call to learn more!
Popular Services
Award Winning Dog Training Services in the Des Moines, IA Metro Area
Welcome to Dog Training Elite Des Moines! We are a professional, family owned Des Moines, IA-based dog training company with over 40 years of experience that specializes in strengthening the bond between your dog and your family, with a strong emphasis on teaching your dog the highest level of obedience, despite even the toughest level of distractions. Our Des Moines, IA dog training programs are certain to meet all of your training needs. Unlike a lot of other dog training companies, we understand that each client has different needs, so we tailor our dog training programs to accommodate your unique situation. Dog Training Elite Des Moines also trains service animals and dogs ready to volunteer in the community as therapy dogs and companions to those with special needs.
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Meet Our Trainers
(Click photo for full bio)
Cannady Fritzjunker
Trainer
Kimberly Cameron
Trainer
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.
Dog Training Services in Des Moines, IA
and The Following Surrounding Areas
Why Dog Training Elite Des Moines?
Lifetime Investment
We follow up & are invested in the owner's success long-term.
Value Priced
We pride ourselves on being able to offer our professional services at prices that are budget friendly.
Local Trainers
All of our local dog trainers are trustworthy, willing to be there for our clients and love what they do.
Simplified & Customized
We plan training around the owner's schedule and require only 15 min/day follow-up practice.
Come Meet Us!
We are often at home shows in your area! Our passion for dogs and service sets us apart. All of our local dog trainers are trustworthy, willing to be there for our clients and love what they do. We want to build a community for our clients that love their dogs just as much as we do and once you begin the training process with us, you become a part of the Dog Training Elite family.
Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation
At Dog Training Elite Des Moines, 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 Des Moines 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.
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!
great training facility for our service dog for our sons service dog. I cannot say enough good things about all the trainers we have worked with in at home 1st trainings/group/obedient/sdit trainings. The owner has always been there for questions or adding value to our training. We started our journey in Oct with a consultation, then went with their preferred breeder. Which is also was a great experience. We cant thank them enough for all the help and support we have gotten in our long journey—
Posted November 22nd 2023
If you need a dog trainer for any reason, go to Dog Training Elite! They have been training my 6 month old German shepherd mastiff mix since she was 3 months old and I am so incredibly pleased with her progress and can't wait to see her learn more from Kim and Anna. They don't just train your dog. They also train you! So it's a 2 for 1 deal really. And they have answered every question I've had about my puppy from feeding to sleeping and everything. Kim and Anna are the best trainers! I also love the fact that they are with us for the long haul. They don't just train your dog and send you off, they are there to help with any issues that may come up. Kim and Anna know dogs and they know what they are doing and they do it right! I can't recommend them enough!!!—
Posted November 12th 2023
Kimberly has been working with our boy, Chief since September 19th and has done an amazing job! Chief is a very anxious dog. In the past we have had issues with strangers coming too close and visitors in our house. We were feeling so defeated and afraid that our sweet (to us) boy was going to hurt ssomeone. Within an hour of Chief meeting Kimberly, she was able to give him treats and we knew we made the right choice. They are forming an incredible bond and Chief is finally able to play outside and in public without the anxiety that has always come with it. I am so excited to continue watching him grow into himself and thankful we made the right choice in a trainer.—
Posted November 3rd 2023
We are so impressed with Kim's training! Not just because she is my friend, but truly because her heart is in and it shows. Since the moment Kim started training sessions with our Rat Terrier Steel, he has been a totally different dog. She has helped our family build a positive and strong relationship with him. Kim is very passionate and knowledgeable and she never fails to amaze me with all her tips and tricks. I can not express how thankful we are to have her as our trainer. Steel is getting so many compliments and has taken to training so well, it wouldn't be that way without Kim. The passion she has to make sure we succeed in every aspect of training is so hard to find. We are looking forward to completing the training and carrying out all that she has taught us. Dog Training Elite is a great program and I will recommend it to anyone.—
Posted October 16th 2023
They do an awesome job with training and explaining everything and teaching you as well how to do everything! They answer all of your questions and I would definitely recommend them!!! Well worth the money.—
Posted August 17th 2023
Dog Training Elite has been absolutely awesome for my German Shepherd Loki. He was dog reactive and lacked the confidence he needed. With the 6 weeks of training from Dog Training Elite he has improved drastically. Both trainers we worked with Jack and Kim were very professional and super knowledgeable. Working with Kim was great she absolutely adores German shepherds and had so much patience with Loki. I’m happy I have the tools now for Loki and I to have better communication and be able to do more fun things outside of the house. Thank you Dog Training Elite we will see you all in group!—
Posted August 11th 2023
Kim, and Jack are amazing trainers and even better people. Kim does amazing work with reactive dogs and really takes the time to listen to her clients and understand their specific needs. I would absolutly recommend them to anyone in need of training.—
Posted August 6th 2023
I highly recommend Dog Training Elite for all your dog training needs. I knew my dog had potential to become a Therapy Dog, however I needed some more knowledge in my training skills. DTE was able to work with me and help expand my training knowledge, and how to best communicate with my dog. We are have passed their Dog Therapy Test and absolutely love volunteering within the community. The best part about DTE is you become apart of a community, they are always willing to help in continuing your dog training knowledge after you have completed their program.—
Posted August 6th 2023
I tried to self train my dog, which went ok but we were not making the progress I wanted for her. Since we started training with DTE she has made exceptional progress after each season. Their entire group is dedicated to what is best for the dogs. Our experience has been wonderful!— Rae Beebe
Posted June 1st 2023
Training our service dog and cant believe how much progress we have seen in 3 months— Warren huggins
Posted April 23rd 2023
I have had the best experience training Milo from day one. I'm a first time pup owner and wanted a well behaved dog that I could take anywhere with no worries. We have gotten so much more than this from Dog Training Elite Des Moines! At the beginning, they gave Milo and I extra care coming to our home to work one-on-one. This helped make huge advances in his training. We switched to group classes where he's learned how to be a well behaved pup with other dogs and people around. Milo and I enjoyed our experience so much, I looked into Therapy Dog Training. About a year and a half later, Milo is getting ready to test to become certified. It is all thanks to the care, time, and continued personalized focus Jack, Cannady, and Morgan have provided us. I could not speak more highly! Would absolutely recommend to anyone looking for dog training!!— Sarah Meyer
Posted October 2nd 2022
I have had the best experience training Milo from day one. I'm a first time pup owner and wanted a well behaved dog that I could take anywhere with no worries. We have gotten so much more than this from Dog Training Elite Des Moines! At the beginning, they gave Milo and I extra care coming to our home to work one-on-one. This helped make huge advances in his training. We switched to group classes where he's learned how to be a well behaved pup with other dogs and people around. Milo and I enjoyed our experience so much, I looked into Therapy Dog Training. About a year and a half later, Milo is getting ready to test to become certified. It is all thanks to the care, time, and continued personalized focus Jack, Cannady, and Morgan have provided us. I could not speak more highly! Would absolutely recommend to anyone looking for dog training!!—
Posted October 2nd 2022
Morgan was amazing and very thorough with us. She made sure we felt comfortable with training before she left. Also they make themselves available anytime we need them.— April Page
Posted September 13th 2022
Jack has trained by dog since she was a puppy and made an incredible difference in her obedience and her overall demeanor. Jack is patient and a natural at what he does. He talks through the entire process and thoroughly explains the training technique, each step of the way. Jack and Cannady are both very professional and attentive to you and your animals needs. My puppy is now a certified therapy dog and I couldn't have done it without Jack and Cannady! They are the best!— Rebecca Schroeder
Posted September 6th 2022
Dog Training Elite has led us through the training process from basic obedience to Therapy Dog certification. They provided a great training environment for our puppy and convenient schedule that we could commit to in our busy life. It started with few individual lessons and when our dog was ready, he was invited to a group class and then to an advanced group class. The process took about 9 months from the start to certification. Dog Training Elite has an excellent team of trainers, that helped us learn many techniques for various commands. We are looking forward to start taking our certified dog to his job sites.—
Posted September 5th 2022
DTE has a compassionate, educated, and reliable staff who care about animals and their handlers. Because of the training with DTE I am able to love and care for my dog more responsibly and behaviors that were stress provoking are now eliminated. I highly recommend this service!—
Posted September 2nd 2022
Great trainers who are flexible in training. I am in a wheelchair and am training a service dog and Dog Training Elite was extremely helpful modifying the training and even had a trainer work one on one with my dog in group since I couldn’t train in the grass. Very happy with the training my service dog is getting.— Tom Ostwald
Posted August 24th 2022
I have enjoyed working with Dog Training Elite. They are very knowledgeable, and have given us the tools to best train our dog. We have seen huge improvements with our dog over the last 4 months.— Brittni Pierce
Posted August 24th 2022