Service Dog Training in Durham and Chapel Hill, NC

We are so grateful to have found this company! Kyle is a knowledgeable, patient, and calm trainer. His guidance and help has changed our dog for the better. Our dog is so so well behaved now and can heel on and off leash. Our dog’s manners have increased and so has his confidence! He helped with problem behaviors too. I recommend Kyle and dog training elite highly! The group sessions are also so helpful!

How can I start to explain how amazing this training group is? I honestly have zero complaints or negatives about them. They are hard working, helpful, patient, considerate, and actually care so much. As a disabled individual, one thing I really enjoy that I haven’t seen as an option from other places is they come to your house for most sessions. They also work with your schedule- you and your pup come first. I feel like they genuinely care and don’t treat everyone like “one size fits all”, they treat you as an individual and meet you where you are at. I’m going to them for service dog training, started with obedience and at first was really worried about the financial part because I don’t make a lot and some of these companies have quoted me a ridiculous amount. Dog Training Elite isn’t like that though. They worked with me with a payment plan and like other things they meet you where you are at in a compassionate and caring way. They are really down to earth and empathetic and I haven’t met someone I hadn’t liked from there. Elliot, my dog, has come such a long way and I’m so proud of him. They make training fun and effective for the both of us through clear communication, patience, and kindness. I will say one thing that might have people on the fence at first is the use of a training collar- I was worried about it too - however it’s not what you think at all. There is a misconception it’s for correction and it’s not- it’s kind of like one of those training clickers , it’s a marker. They explained to me how it worked and even had me try it on my hand so I could see for myself what it felt like and it really put me at ease. They also include praise and treats and have you and your pups best interest at heart. In conclusion, I know this is a long read, I can’t fit all my gratitude and appreciation for these people in a singular post- I really truly felt heard, seen, and supported. I hope you give them the chance to do the same for you!!

Our experience with Dog Training Elite has been fantastic. We adopted a very extroverted and excited pittie, Jobim, from a shelter back in late January. We realized that we would need professional help to provide Jobim the best environment. We contacted Dog Training Elite. We started dog training early in April --so over 4-5 months ago. Jobim's improvement has been outstanding. Kyle is a fantastic trainer. His patience, knowledge and commitment have expedited Jobim's learning and improvement. Kyle is also helping us to be better owners by teaching us several concepts of dog ownership. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite services and Kyle!

Fantastic experience with Elite Dog Training! Very organized with paperwork, expectations, scheduling and support. Kyle is a like a “dog whisperer” and worked so well with both of my dogs: Koda a young, full of energy, give me attention now and Barnaby my sweet, elderly but stubborn you can’t make me dog. This has been a rewarding and effective experience and I highly recommend Kyle and the company to anyone who wants a better managed fur baby experience!

Our dog Boomer was a shelter rescue and wild boy. We started with Elite after a couple of months of chaos. Within 6 months he became an NC registered Service Dog. Elite not only tailored his training to match his & my needs but fully assisted me to be able to use his training despite my disabilities. With balance disorders U can't just look down & up to watch him as he trained. They facilitated to my abilities, my wants and needs. Especially helping me use his and my skills in any enivornment. E.g. outside the dog park going in things were out of control in the past so I had anxiety to go. Having support for me to use skills in my home and places I chose was priceless! Ive done alot of at facilities training with my other dogs and that worked fine as long as I was there. In home training means my dog and me learnt and used skills in my real world with my real limitations. Eg my neuro disorders means I can lose ability to speak. We both learnt non verbal signs and I can communicate my needs to Boomer in silence. Boomer is trained to meet my needs and his abilities now go WAY beyond not just to stay in place and not run out front door (I never managed that before with any of our dogs that were in other training programs). Lastly I cant say enough about how Elite changed my life with my dog! Responsible, kind, experienced and compassionate about meeting the individual's needs. Told him to sit on couch at the vets lol

Our Newfoundland was 6 years old when we called Dog Training Elite: we weren’t sure he’d have the drive to become a service dog. Thanks to our trainer, Kyle, our big old boy did great. The approach is kind, fun, and firm, and the trainers are patient communicators - with both canines and their owners.

Elite Dog Training deserves an outstanding review because: Transparent, Effective, & Timely in their Communications: Elite Dog Training were always prompt in their communications, keeping me informed with any and all changes. They explained complex things in training in a very clear and easy-to-understand manner, ensuring I felt confident and informed throughout training my pup. Committed, Determined, & Dedicated to the Success of the dog handler: Elite Dog training went above and beyond to advocate for both me and my pups interests and needs. Their unwavering commitment to my case were remarkable. They were available to answer my questions and address my concerns in a timely manner. Skilled & Knowledgeable Representation on behalf of me and my pup regarding Service work : (they offer other services too but this is what I used them for). Elite Dog Training possesses a wealthy plethora of both knowledge of training literature, materials, & instruments, and they precisely execute training by utilizing this knowledge and experience in their area of expertise in dog training. They were able to identify the personality, characteristics, and strengths and weaknesses in areas that we were working and developed a strong action strategy that’s innovative & is tailored to the needs of me/my pup. Professional, Ethically Compliant, & Respectful Conduct: From the initial evaluation appointment to the final resolution, Elite Dog Training treated me & my pup with the utmost respect and professionalism. They listened attentively to my concerns and always treated me with dignity, and like family. Positive & Stress-Free Experience & Flexible: Despite the stressful and overwhelming nature of certifying a Service Animal, Elite Dog Training made the entire process as smooth, and as seamless as possible. Their calm and reassuring demeanor helped me to navigate the ins and outs of Service Animal training policies with confidence. & Excellent Results: (Also, I found the price to be extremely reasonable with how much I will be able to utilize my pup training in both public and private settings.) Ultimately, Together, Elite Dog Training, me, & my pup achieved so much. I am incredibly grateful for their hard work and dedication, which resulted in a very successful & fulfilling resolution, & future for me & my pup. In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend Elite Dog Training to anyone seeking Dog Training Services (including Service work, not limited to that though). Their passion and drive to meet their clients wherever they anre struggling with their pups are truly outstanding. Special Shoutout to Cindy. I am not willing to divulge into the entire details but they made me feel super special because they made an exception for me, and that is priceless. I just want to mention that so their deserved recognition doesn’t go unmentioned in that regard. Warmest Regards from me & my Belgian Malanois/German Shepard Pup 🐾❤️

We were genuinely struggling with our 6-month-old German Shepherd—he was constantly biting us to the point we couldn’t even relax on our own couch. We were worried he was heading down a bad path and couldn’t fix it on our own. Kyle and Cindy completely changed that. Their training didn’t just stop the biting—it transformed our dog into the most well-behaved, loving pup we always hoped for. We are beyond grateful for their help, this service is worth every penny!

Outstanding experience with DTE! Attention to detail and up-front with their services and pricing. We spent 2 hours on initial assessment and review of services, pricing, and expectations. The expectations were clear and we began training right away. We were training our 4-year old female German Shepherd, who we trained to be very friendly with people and particularly kids, to be a service dog for me and other Armed Forces Veterans. Cindy was excellent in explaining how we needed to get "Skye" to distinguish between "working" and "play" or being super friendly to others. They (Cindy and Nina) worked with us to help Skye understand the difference and she picked it up quickly. Cindy and Nina made themselves available so we had a good battle rhythm with consecutive training sessions. They also didn't repeat learned behaviors, i.e., if she "got it" and mastered the skill, they moved on quickly to more complex functions vice wasting time on mastered behaviors. Skye was well trained to begin with so Cindy/Nina moved quickly into "public access" training and really got her "real-life" repetitions. So, Skye got up to speed quickly and passed her evaluation with flying colors, distinguishing between work and play, when to be friendly and when to take care of me or a Vet. They helped me and Skye to learn to think and work together to be a great service dog...while maintaining her friendly demeaner towards all people.

Alexx and Cindy are just great! Blue, our 4yr old Australian Shepherd is very reactive around other dogs and unfamiliar situations and we have let her world become very isolated as a result. After working several sessions with basic commands, Cindy's husband brought their very sweet doggo to the house allow Blue and I to practice our techniques to keep her focused on her job and me rather than worry about the other animal. He even shouted into his phone pretending to have an argument when approaching to provide us with a different situation to manage. I was so touched that they have such dedication to have ALL THREE trainers at once help us work towards achieving our goal of taking her where we go and visiting the brewery where my husband works, feeling safe and confident as owners. She recently went to her first group session with my husband who is less confident with Blue. They supervised her closely and were ready to step in if necessary but gave him space to work with her - it went great! The team at Dog Training Elite is truly dedicated to our success and have been genuinely joyful with the accomplishments we have made thus far. We know both our and Blue's ingrained behaviors will take time to change and feel confident we will have their support now and in the future.

Alexx and Cindy are amazing! They listened to us and acknowledged all our concerns for my dog and have worked with us to achieve all our goals! For context when we adopted our pittie, we’ve had hopes of having her become a service dog. We started with obedience training and after seeing the amazing difference that all the training with them has made we are so excited to have our pup be an amazing service dog! They truly care and love what they do and it shows very much!

When Cindy and James came to see my Annie, I was nervous. I didn’t want Annie to misbehave, even though they were there to train her. They made me feel so comfortable as well as Annie. After the first visit, Alexx started coming weekly to teach my Annie good manners. With her patients and professionalism, Annie was improving and was eager to impress which made me proud. I would recommend anyone who needs help with their pet, big or small, to train with this company. I would pay double the price with the results my Annie and myself have received. Thank you Cindy, Alexx and James for your love and compassion!!!

They are absolutely amazing so kind and willing to work with u the vibe they give off can calm any dog and make them fall in love with the training and trainers very knowledgeable and amazing to work with i cant say enough great things about them

Great experience with Dig Training Elite. Cindy, the owner, is very service oriented. Worked with good trainers, Alex and James (and Cindy). Our puppy has made incredible progress in two months.

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

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!

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!

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!!!

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!

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.