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Labradors have been the No. 1 most popular dog breed in America for close to three decades. It’s not hard to understand why – Labradors are playful, energetic, smart and friendly. They make great companions for individuals and families and generally get along with children and other pets.
Although high-energy, Labradors are laidback and easy going, unfazed by the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Bred originally to be working dogs, their intelligence also makes them a great option for service or therapy dogs.
If you are starting out with a brand new Labrador puppy, Dog Training Elite of the NC Triangle’s personalized in-home training programs can help you develop a strong bond with your new puppy and harness all of the incredible benefits of the breed.
Labradors are a highly intelligent breed that loves to please, making Labrador puppy training in Durham and Chapel Hill a breeze. Working in your own home, a Dog Training Elite of the NC Triangle trainer will create a personalized training plan for you and your puppy, addressing any unique needs or issues your puppy may have.
Socialization is also important for your new puppy. Once your puppy has completed obedience training, Dog Training Elite of the NC Triangle offers puppy group classes which is a great way to help your puppy socialize with other dogs and people, as well as learn to obey you in a distracting environment.
While beginning Labrador puppy training at an early age can be important and extremely helpful for dogs, if you adopt an older Labrador dog don’t worry! Dog Training Elite of the NC Triangle’s training methods work with older dogs too, and Labrador training will still be a snap with your Labrador’s eager-to-please attitude.
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite of the NC Triangle location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
Silver
$1,295
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 3 Sessions
- Come
- Loose Leash Walking
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Off(furniture when desired)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Place(go to bed)
Gold
$1,995
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 5 Sessions
- Group Park Training Sessions 12 Sessions
- Come
- Loose Leash Walking
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Off(furniture when desired)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Place(go to bed)
- Heel(walk with you, no more pulling)
- 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
- Manners, Safety & Boundaries
- STOP Jumping on People
- STOP Biting & Nipping
- STOP Bolting Through Doors, Running Away & Chasing Animals
- STOP Begging & Stealing Food
- STOP Chewing & Digging
Platinum
$2,595
Platinum offers advanced obedience/behavioral modification with a goal of off-leash control. Includes additional training options and offers more one-on-one and group sessions than Gold.
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 8 Sessions
- Group Park Training Sessions 16 Sessions
- Come
- Loose Leash Walking
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Off(furniture when desired)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Place(go to bed)
- Heel(walk with you, no more pulling)
- 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
- Manners, Safety & Boundaries
- STOP Jumping on People
- STOP Biting & Nipping
- STOP Bolting Through Doors, Running Away & Chasing Animals
- STOP Begging & Stealing Food
- STOP Chewing & Digging
- *STOP Reactivity (dog & human)
- *Stay With You on a Jog, Hike, or Bike Ride
- *Emotional Support Dog Training(ESA)
- *Control Agression
- *Calm Extreme Anxiety(behavior modification)
What Makes Labradors Unique?
There are many reasons to love Labradors. Here are just a few:
- Labradors Love the Water
- They were Bred as Hunting Dogs
- Labs Come in Three Colors
- Labs can do Almost Anything
You may have already known this fact, because Labs are pretty famous for loving the water. They’re actually made for it! A Lab can use their thick tail – sometimes referred to as an “otter tail” – as a powerful rudder. They also have wide, webbed feet to help them swim fast and waterproof coats that help them stay comfortable even in cold water.
Initially, Labs were bred as duck retrievers, and then later as game-hunting companions. They tend to excel in retriever field trials and retriever hunting tests. They’re incredibly versatile as sport dogs, excelling in agility, rally and obedience sports.
Labrador coats come in three colors – black, yellow, and chocolate.
Their intelligence, energy and affectionate nature makes them a popular choice for service and therapy dogs, as well as for search and rescue teams, and bomb and drug detection. Suffice to say, all Labradors are very good dogs who do very good jobs.
Keeping Your Labrador Happy and Healthy
Although Labradors are famously laid back and friendly, that doesn’t mean they don’t require attentive care. If you’re considering adopting a Labrador, or you already have one and want to learn more about how to keep your pup happy and healthy, consider the following:
- Labradors Need Plenty of Exercise - Although Labs are easy going, they need plenty of exercise – even up to two hours a day. This can be made up of long walks, training sessions, playing fetch or going to the dog park. Though it’s important to make sure they get enough exercise, you also need to be careful you don’t let your dog overdo it, especially as a puppy why their joints and bones are still growing.
- Groom Your Lab Weekly - Labradors have short, smooth coats that are prone to shedding. Combing them weekly with a comb or bristle brush, or combing daily during shedding season, can help keep shedding under control. Make sure you have a good vacuum!
- Manage their Diet - As big, energetic dogs, Labs need to eat a lot – but they can be prone to putting on pounds, as well. Follow the recommended amounts on dog food packaging, or consult with your vet.
- Make sure Your Labrador Gets Lots of Attention - Labradors are very social. Socialization with other dogs is important, so trips to the dog park, doggy play dates or group training classes at Dog Training Elite of the NC Triangle can be beneficial for both you and your dog. If your Lab has to be home without you for long stretches of time, be sure to have stimulating dog toys, puzzles and chew toys available for them, and consider hiring someone to check on and play with them during the day.
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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.
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 was thoroughly excited with Cindy and her colleague to visit my baby dog Daisy may. They spent two hours listening to my story’s and wants of Daisy. They are a compassionate company from my observation. The only thing I would have liked is if they had more experience in time but I also understand a person can have desire and drive for perfection. So they brought their sweet dogs and showed me their lab. I have to say I was impressed none the less and because of our conversation and seeing a confident dog in action is why I decided to go with them. I’m looking forward to working with them and will write a review based off my experience after that is done. They left me feeling confident in their abilities as trainers that take their job seriously in like other. So I will update this review with images of the success and support that the company provides. Sincerely, Jonathan— Jonathan Forman
Posted February 15th 2024
I am so grateful to have the privilege of working with Alexx to train my sweet and curious puppy to be the perfect service animal. Alexx is an amazing listener and draws in humans and animals alike with her empathy and genuine personality. She always patiently answered all of my questions and helped my dog through even his most stubborn phases. We can't thank Alexx enough for everything!— Sarah Hardin Gustafson
Posted November 16th 2023
While I am just starting my journey with Dog Training Elite, I could not be more impressed. The owners are patient and kind and go above and beyond to answer any and all questions. They are very knowledgable and flexible and have gone above and beyond in the initial interviewing process. I will be training my service dog with them and can't be more excited!— Rebecca Cook
Posted September 18th 2023
Alexx was awesome with training my daughter with her dog Xena. She was patient with them and gave my daughter the confidence to train and be consistent with Xena. Xena learned not only obedience but task to help my daughter function when anxious. Awesome job!!!— Kisha Williams
Posted August 17th 2023
Alexx helped me train my 4-7 month old German Shepherd to be my psych service dog. He is so amazing thanks to our work together. Because of her amazing instruction I felt confident and supported in the process. She is kind, personable, and empathetic which I found very important when working with her to help my dog help me. I have really loved learning from her and feel that I gained a friend. Can’t imagine learning from anyone else. We love Alexx!— Margaret Skillman
Posted May 12th 2023
Alexx has been a tremendous trainer. She is so patient, easy-going, and direct with her steps to train my dog. She equips me with the tools and knowledge to tackle on each week's focus. I would recommend Dog Training Elite to any friend, family, or stranger. They will come to your house and work with you and your dog.— Janet Sanchez
Posted October 12th 2022
We could not be any happier with your company and the wonderful loving staff. Our dog Cody is a 130 pound German Shepard that was Mr Man, ruler of all things in our yard, next door, across the street, in the sky… ha. He chased and barked at everything. Thanks to you guys he now has manners. Everyone that visits can’t believe the difference. People that use to be afraid of him, now visit and compliment us on how sweet he is. He just needed some training and so did we. Thank you!!!! Pam, Tony snd Cody!!!!!!❤️— Pam Godwin
Posted June 16th 2022
DTE is amazing! Though skeptical at first, I'm now convinced that they are the best and have an awesome dog to show for it! The team is great and I highly recommend!!!— Paul Hearn
Posted June 16th 2022
I highly recommend Dog Training Elite! From their training methods to the care and respect they show towards the dogs and owners, you can’t go wrong!— Cassie Frank
Posted June 16th 2022
Cindy and her team are so amazing to work with! I'd highly recommend them to anyone looking for the best dog trainer in the Durham/Chapel Hill area.— Pablo Riboldi
Posted May 31st 2022
A little over a year ago we adopted two rescues from Saving Grace(amazing group). However one was so anxious and scared of everything, even his shadow, would upset him. We tried training with another company and were told he was untrainable since he wasn’t treat motivated. We were running short on options. Dog Training Elite has given us a way to communicate and bond with Henry and appreciate each other. Henry is a happier pup We are enthusiastic advocates for the e collar and Dog Training Elite. Within hours, we are walking Henry with ease and at a comfortable pace. All of our challenges have been overcome and outings with Henry are a great experience. Henry has moved from being very anxious and hard to walk to a pleasure and fun. Henry has progressed so well that we have been able to go to lowes where loud noises and commotion were triggers for Henry and he overcame and interacted in a friendly manner. We are very excited and so impressed with the program. Henry’s growth has been nothing but phenomenal. Dog Training Elite is outstanding! We are very excited and so impressed with the program.— Bruce T
Posted May 28th 2022
Cindy's passion for business and for animals is unmatched. She is very personable yet professional and she truly cares about driving high quality results for dog training. She and her team will work their tails off to deliver the quality service you sign up for. She's also passionate about community involvement and giving back to the community especially through service dogs. She truly wants to strengthen the relationship you have with your dog. I wish I could give 10 stars, highly recommend!— Kyle Christie
Posted May 17th 2022
Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation
At Dog Training Elite of the NC Triangle, 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 of the NC Triangle 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.
Labrador Training With Dog Training Elite of the NC Triangle
The Dog Training Elite of the NC Triangle training method is based around classical conditioning with an emphasis on positive reinforcement. Classical conditioning means developing conditioned or automatic reflexes to commands, so when you say “sit,” your dog will sit automatically. Labradors respond especially well to positive reinforcement, but Dog Training Elite of the NC Triangle trainers will tailor the Labrador puppy training method and programs to suit any individual dog’s needs.
While all dogs share qualities of kindness, loyalty and intelligence regardless of breed, Dog Training Elite of the NC Triangle recognizes that every dog is an individual and may require different training methods. Dog Training Elite of the NC Triangle stands out by taking into consideration what breed your dog is when making training goals.
Whatever your dog’s breed, Dog Training Elite of the NC Triangle can help you and your dog overcome any obstacles related to obedience and socialization. Our unique techniques ensure our program is a success no matter what behavior we encounter.
Ready to turn your Labrador into the best companion for you or your family? Contact us today to receive a free in-home assessment or Labrador training demonstration.