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FAQs
Dog Training Elite in Durham and Chapel Hill, NC
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General
A free assessment is all about understanding your unique situation with your dog. One of our trainers will come to your home and discuss what you’d like life with your dog to look like – what problems you need help solving or what skills you want your dog to have. We’ll explain how our training works and guide you through the options so you can choose what feels like the best fit for your family. It’s simple, helpful, and designed to give you clarity and confidence. We will also usually introduce you to one of our dogs so you can see the type of manners and behavior you can expect after training. Many families tell us they feel stuck or overwhelmed, but after just the assessment they finally feel hopeful.
What makes us different is how we teach you to communicate with your dog in a way that’s clear and fair and effective. We train you and your dog in your home, using balanced training – lots of praise and positive reinforcement, balanced with appropriate and gentle corrections and consequences. The same way most good parents raise their kids – make sure they know what expectations are, praise and reward them when they do what they should, and help them recognize when they’ve made a mistake so they can make better choices going forward. Families tell us they used other methods and still struggled. What they love about our method is that it focuses on communication and trust, not just quick fixes. We address your dog’s unique needs, build their confidence, and teach them how to make better choices. This results in lasting changes, not just temporary obedience.
Absolutely! Many families tell us their dog listens perfectly to one family member but completely ignores everyone else. That’s where we come in. We’ll show you how to work together so your dog listens consistently to everyone in the home. You’ll practice about 15–20 minutes a day, 5–6 days a week, to both reinforce and strengthen what your dog learns during training sessions, and to build a stronger bond. By involving the whole family, we make sure the results stick—because your dog doesn’t just live with one person; they’re part of the entire family!
Depending on the training program and your progress, we typically meet about once a week or so. The schedule is flexible and depends on both your availability and ours, as well as how quickly the person and dog learn, and how much they practice.
As your dog finishes obedience, with most of our training programs you’ll also have access to group sessions where your dog can practice outdoors around lots of distractions to solidify their skills. This approach ensures we tailor the training to fit your needs while keeping your dog on the path to success.
Many families come to us thinking they just need help with a few specific behaviors, like jumping or barking at the door. What they often discover is that these issues are just symptoms of a bigger challenge: a lack of clear communication and leadership. Our training starts by building a strong foundation in obedience, which makes it easier to address specific concerns and prevent new ones from popping up. Once your dog understands how to follow your lead, what the family’s behavior rules are, and how to communicate clearly with you, those problem behaviors tend to fade away—and you’ll have the tools to handle anything new that comes up.
We could… but we’d probably need hazard pay! Husbands leave socks on the floor, wives rearrange the dishwasher their way, and kids? Well, they’d want snack breaks and TikTok tutorials in between lessons. We’ll stick to training dogs—they’re less likely to argue and much quicker to learn. But who knows? A well-trained dog might just inspire the rest of the family to step up their game!
Absolutely! Many families tell us they were worried their dog’s breed or size might be a challenge—whether it’s a tiny Chihuahua with a big personality or a massive and sweet Great Dane with a strong stubborn streak. We train them all! And while younger dogs can often learn more quickly than older dogs, you absolutely CAN teach old dogs new tricks and behaviors. Every dog is unique, and we customize our approach to fit their needs. So, whether your pup has long legs, short legs, puppy fur, grey hair, a big bark, or a quiet demeanor, we’re ready to help them succeed.
Yes, we do! Many families come to us feeling overwhelmed or even embarrassed because their dog has shown signs of aggression, like growling, snapping, lunging, or even biting people. They often tell us they’re worried about what might happen if things don’t change. With aggressive dogs, we focus on getting to the root of the behavior. We try to understand the real triggers, and by building obedience and trust, we help dogs learn to stay calm in stressful situations while we teach owners how to confidently handle their dogs. No dog is too challenging—we’re here to help you and your pup find a better path forward.
Service dogs change people’s lives. Many families come to us looking for a service dog to help with PTSD, psychiatric support, autism assistance, medical alerts, or mobility challenges. Each of these service dog roles can be life-changing, and we specialize in tailoring training to meet your specific needs. We work with you to train the dog in the tasks that would be most helpful for your specific situation. We also train therapy dogs that bring comfort to hospitals, nursing homes, and treatment centers. Service dogs aren’t one-size-fits-all, so if you’re unsure whether your current dog is a good candidate, or you need help choosing a dog to be trained for service, or you have any questions about the process, give us a call. We’d love to help you figure it out!
A service dog needs a calm, even temperament and the ability to stay focused in different environments. Sometimes families worry their dog might not be the right fit, and we’re here to help you find out. Breeds like Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and Poodles often do well, but the right temperament matters more than the breed. Some service roles (typically therapy dog roles) may require AKC certifications like Canine Good Citizen, which we can help you achieve. If you’re unsure about your dog’s potential, give us a call. We’d be happy to assess them for free and guide you on the next steps.
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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 Durham
Meet the Team
Get to know the dedicated professionals behind Dog Training Elite Durham . Our team of experienced trainers is passionate about helping dogs and their owners build strong, lasting bonds. Learn about their backgrounds, expertise, and what drives them to deliver the highest level of training in the industry.
Reviews
Our testimonials showcase the success stories of dogs and their owners who have benefited from our training programs. From basic obedience to advanced service dog training, see how Dog Training Elite Durham has transformed the lives of countless dogs and their families!
Careers
Join the Dog Training Elite Durham family! If you’re passionate about dogs and interested in making a difference, explore career opportunities with us. We are always looking for dedicated individuals who share our commitment to excellence in dog training and customer service. Discover how you can grow with us and become a part of a team that truly cares about dogs and their owners.
Gallery
Our gallery features photos and videos of dogs in training, successful graduates, and highlights from community events. See what Dog Training Elite Durham can offer your dog and get a glimpse of the work we’re passionate about.
In the Community
At Dog Training Elite Durham , we’re proud to be an active part of the community we serve. Check out recent events in our area where we’ve had the privilege to participate in local events, support fellow small businesses, and promote responsible dog ownership.
