A group of different dogs in front of a Dog Training Elite facility - discover what our elite k9 training in Grand Rapids, MI can do for you.

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Training Programs

Dog Training Elite West Michigan

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A beautiful golden retriever dog sitting on a rock - learn more about the programs offered at Dog Training Elite West Michigan.

K9 Training in Grand Rapids, MI

At DTE, we offer a range of training programs designed to meet the specific needs of you and your dog. We use positive reinforcement training techniques to foster obedience and good behavior and strengthen the bond between you and your pet.

Starting with in-home sessions, we involve all family members to address behaviors specific to your dog's environment. After mastering basic commands, dogs can advance to group classes to practice their skills in more dynamic settings.

Whether you're looking for basic obedience or specialized k9 programs in Grand Rapids, MI, our methods are designed to help your dog become a well-behaved and happy companion.

See Training Packages

Our Training Programs

Dog Training Elite West Michigan - Dog Obedience Training in Grand Rapids, MI. DTE
Obedience Training
Our obedience training for dogs in Grand Rapids, MI utilizes proven, balanced methods to ensure your dog is well-behaved—even in distracting environments. With this training, you and your pup will develop a stronger bond, leading to a more relaxed and enjoyable experience at home and in public.
Dog Training Elite West Michigan - Elite Puppy Training in Grand Rapids, MI. DTE
Puppy Training
Our puppy training program in Grand Rapids, MI lays the foundation for good behavior and socialization. We cover essential skills such as housebreaking and basic commands, setting your puppy up for success as they grow.
Dog Training Elite West Michigan - Elite Service Dog Training in Grand Rapids, MI. DTE
Service Dog Training
Our service dog training in Grand Rapids, MI prepares your pup for specific roles such as mobility assistance, autism support, PTSD service, and more. We ensure your dog is trained to be a reliable partner who is there for you whenever you need.
Dog Training Elite West Michigan - Aggressive Dog Training in Grand Rapids, MI. DTE
Anxiety & Aggression
Our aggressive dog training in Grand Rapids, MI addresses challenging behaviors using a balanced, safe, and careful approach. We provide the tools necessary for managing anxiety and aggression in your dog, helping them become a more confident and well-adjusted companion in your home and the community.
Dog Training Elite West Michigan - Therapy Dog Trainer in Grand Rapids, MI. DTE
Therapy Dog Training
Our therapy dog trainers in Grand Rapids, MI, train pups to provide emotional support and comfort to individuals or families. Whether you need soft cuddles, calming pets, or a reassuring presence, your dog will be by your side when you need it most.
Dog Training Elite West Michigan - Top Group Dog Training in Grand Rapids, MI. DTE
Group Training
Our group dog training in Grand Rapids, MI offers structured sessions to enhance your dog’s obedience skills in social settings. These classes provide valuable opportunities for your dog to practice commands and behaviors in a controlled group environment.

Get Your Free Assessment

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!

A dog owner and her service puppy - we are dedicated to using positive reinforcement in all of the training programs we offer at Dog Training Elite West Michigan, MI.

Positive Reinforcement Training


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Positive reinforcement is widely recognized as one of the most effective and humane methods for training puppies and adult dogs. This training approach focuses on rewarding desired behaviors rather than punishing unwanted ones.

This method is especially beneficial for puppies as it helps them develop confidence and trust their owners from an early age. Rewards such as treats, praise, or toys encourage puppies to repeat good behaviors, making the learning process effective and enjoyable. For adult dogs, positive reinforcement is equally effective. It shapes desired behaviors and helps prevent the development of bigger issues like anxiety, aggression, or destructive tendencies.

Why Dog Training Elite is Committed to Positive Reinforcement

At Dog Training Elite, we believe dogs learn best when they feel secure, loved, and motivated. That’s why we incorporate positive reinforcement into all of our training programs. Our approach is based on the idea that rewarding good behavior leads to lasting results, helping your dog develop the skills they need to succeed in any environment.

By focusing on positive reinforcement, we teach your dog obedience and strengthen the bond between you and your pet, making the training experience rewarding for both of you. Whether you’re working on basic commands, advanced obedience, or addressing specific behavioral issues, our commitment to positive reinforcement ensures your dog’s training is effective and humane.

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Sally Jo Klokkert
    Dec. 19, 2024
    Carrie was so kind and patient with my girl Billy and I. I’m so happy and proud of the progress we have made and would HIGHLY recommend dog training elite west Michigan to anyone
  • Sally Jo Klokkert
    Dec. 19, 2024
    Carrie was so kind and patient with my girl Billy and I. I’m so happy and proud of the progress we have made and would HIGHLY recommend dog training elite west Michigan to anyone
  • sally klokkert
    Dec. 19, 2024
    I’m a 62 year old woman who rescued a beautiful black and tan on hound. She is as strong as a bull and sweet as pie. She pulled me to my knees to many times to count and when guest came over she would almost knock them over with affection.i needed help and a friend found elite training for me. I signed up and with some training myself and a little help with my dog my dog is a well behaved love who will stay put until I give the command. Carrie worked miracles at showing my pup and myself who we could be. 💜
  • sally klokkert
    Dec. 19, 2024
    I’m a 62 year old woman who rescued a beautiful black and tan on hound. She is as strong as a bull and sweet as pie. She pulled me to my knees to many times to count and when guest came over she would almost knock them over with affection.i needed help and a friend found elite training for me. I signed up and with some training myself and a little help with my dog my dog is a well behaved love who will stay put until I give the command. Carrie worked miracles at showing my pup and myself who we could be. 💜
  • Melissa Weining
    Dec. 13, 2024
    We have been blessed with a few wonderful dogs as family pets. But in September we had the opportunity to get a Belgian Malinois puppy, Dakota. She is a joy, but we knew that for her to reach her full potential as our pet, we would need professional help. Carrie and Dog Training Elite West Michigan have been a tremendous help and Dakota is making amazing progress! With each training session we see growth and discipline in Dakota's behavior. My husband and I agree it is money very well spent for our furry companion! Dog Training Elite is convenient, professional, knowledgeable, and all around fantastic!! Carrie takes her job very serious for the sake of our dog and our family, and has exceeded all of our expectations!!
  • Kylie Kamppinen
    Dec. 10, 2024
    Carrie with Dog Training Elite has been absolutely wonderful. My silver Labrador retriever named Opal is so well trained. She has helped us through all of the hard puppy stages. I have gotten so many compliments on how well behaved my dog is and it is all thanks to Carrie.
  • Christy Moore Greenman
    Nov. 13, 2024
    Our puppy has officially graduated from Dog Training Elite West Michigan! Investing in Carrie and her training techniques was the best choice I could have made! We welcomed our puppy into our home with the hopes of him becoming a therapy dog at my school. He has learned so much with Carrie! Although therapy dog training will start a little bit later, we finally enjoy walking him and having people over without him jumping on everyone! If you’ve ever thought about investing in training for your own dog(s), I would highly recommend Carrie.
  • Christy Moore Greenman
    Nov. 13, 2024
    Our puppy has officially graduated from Dog Training Elite West Michigan! Investing in Carrie and her training techniques was the best choice I could have made! We welcomed our puppy into our home with the hopes of him becoming a therapy dog at my school. He has learned so much with Carrie! Although therapy dog training will start a little bit later, we finally enjoy walking him and having people over without him jumping on everyone! If you’ve ever thought about investing in training for your own dog(s), I would highly recommend Carrie.
  • adrian Quintino
    Oct. 30, 2024
    We are 3 weeks into training with DTE and Osito (Mini Goldendoodle)is a whole new dog! We saw improvement after just one day of training which I didn't think it was possible! Carrie helped us make so much progress with Osito. He is so much well behaved and his Obedience has improved so much! We tried other training programs which were based on rewards like treats/food/toys. That type of training failed miserably with Osito. It was so hard to keep him engaged. We highly recommend Carrie and her DTE training program! Carrie is teaching us a system that works fantastic for us and Osito! So much progress in such a short amount of time. Can't wait to see the end result once the program has been completed! Thank you so much Carrie and DTE!
  • Alison Bowser
    Oct. 23, 2024
    Our dog, George, came to us completely untrained and just a mess. Carrie helped us make SO much progress with him. He’s a different dog! He’s so well behaved and he’s become such a great dog for our family.
  • Emma Bailey
    Oct. 2, 2024
    Before Dog Training Elite West Michigan and working with our fantastic trainer Carrie we were at a loss for how to work with our boy Saint. He had so much energy and wanted to rule the roost. We struggled with mouthiness, no listening ears, barking/talking to get attention and more. After our initial zoom call going over what training is we were so relieved and excited to get started. The training has exceeded all our expectations, even after the first session we saw an instant change in his attitude towards listening. He gets so excited to learn new commands and work with Carrie, he’s much more confident, snuggly, and reliable, we can bring him anywhere! Carrie has taught us life long dog ownership skills and changed our lives! We are truly so grateful for Dog Training Elite and we know Saint is too!!
  • Brady Owen
    Sep. 20, 2024
    We are very thankful we chose Carrie and Dog Training Elite West Michigan. I saw the impact good training could have on our dog after the first class. We’re very appreciative of the hard work that goes into training and look forward to each class so not only does our dog learn, but we do as well to become better dog parents!
  • Kyle Smith
    Aug. 5, 2024
    Dog Training Elite -West Michigan was a great option for Wesson, our 4 yr old Labradoodle! Carrie taught us a system that works for our dog and our family. We got our dog during Covid and never enrolled in obedience classes due to the shutdowns. While our dog was never aggressive, we needed help with commands to avoid “over joyful welcomes” with visitors and a way to turn off excessive barking at UPS, Fed Ex and other “invaders.” We actually got way more than we expected. I have a happy dog, happy wife and a happy life! I highly recommend Carrie and her Dog Training Elite program!
  • Jonci Warner
    Jul. 11, 2024
    This was my first dog so I knew I needed an expert to help me train. The convenience of at-home lessons and Carrie’s vast understanding of dog behavior was near priceless. What I noticed over all was how much she cared about our dog and its well-being. She is very passionate about her craft. Now people I meet everyday tell me what a well behaved dog I have. A great experience for sure.
  • Max Sloss
    Jul. 11, 2024
    Our trainer from Dog Training Elite West Michigan helped us train our dog ever since he was a puppy. She has helped us and our dog by training our dog to listen to our commands, and having him learn self control. Our trainer was very experienced and intelligent on what to do with dogs. She taught us as owners what to do in almost any situation that could happen to our dog. Overall this is a great service that I am grateful for and would highly recommend to everyone and I could not be happier with what they have done for us and our dog.
  • Heidi Maroney
    Jun. 23, 2024
    Carrie was wonderful with our dogs. We have 2 dogs. She was on time every lesson. Using E collars is very new to us. So we are still getting used to them. We are practicing with the e-collars daily through out daily activities. They do listen better with them and it has helped a great deal to shut down unwanted behavior. Such as excessive barking, pulling, lunging, and rough housing. It has also helped with walking the dogs with distractions. They have learned to sit and stay while people are passing by on walks. We have not started any group classes yet but are looking forward to checking them out.
  • Kristin Howarth
    Jun. 8, 2024
    We hired Carrie to train our 3 year old chocolate lab Brody. She has done an amazing job! She took the time to get to know our family and worked with us on creating a customized plan that fit our needs. Our dog has responded really well to the training. He is listening better, not jumping as much and is learning to heel. We appreciate Carrie’s hard work and dedication, you can tell she truly loves what she does. We still have a few more training sessions to go and are excited to continue to see the great progress.
  • Mitch Mileski
    Mar. 23, 2024
    Dog Training Elite, specifically our trainer Carrie, has provided amazing customer service, dependability, solutions, and empowerment 100% of the time. Carrie has been working with us and our dog Panchito for the last month or so and all I can say is, “wow!” Her experience, wisdom, and patience shows every session. Our anxious and nervous rescue pup has come so far so fast. Although this is a costly service, the mental sanity that is provided with her direction and guidance is priceless. Every day still has its challenges, but we see improvements day after day with Panchito. His confidence has risen and anxiety is melting away. I would 100% recommend DTE to others and would happily call upon their services again if needed.
  • Meghan Arnson
    Mar. 19, 2024
    Our dog Echo and our family had an amazing experience with Dog Training Elite. Carrie's expertise and dedication to helping Echo learn and grow were truly impressive. She took the time to understand Echo's unique needs and tailored the training sessions to suit her and us perfectly. Under Carrie's guidance, Echo made significant progress in her puppy training. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite and Carrie to anyone looking for exceptional dog training services."
  • Josie Van Dam
    Feb. 14, 2024
    Wallace, my nine month old English Cream Golden Retriever, and I just completed all of our individual obedience classes with Carrie. Her reassurance and patience is exactly what I need and has helped me learn how best to communicate and guide Wallace. We are excited to continue working with Carrie as Wallace moves into training to become my service dog. Worth every penny!

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See An Elite Dog in Action

Our Balanced Theory

At Dog Training Elite, we believe in using a balanced approach for all of our training programs.

Here’s how our approach works:

We provide owners with the practical skills and knowledge needed to manage their dogs in any situation. Our hands-on training ensures owners feel confident and capable of continuing the training process independently.
Our programs are customized to the unique needs of each dog, taking into account factors such as breed, temperament, and specific behavioral issues. This personalized approach maximizes effectiveness and helps dogs reach their full potential.
We train dogs in familiar environments. Whether at home or in a public setting, we ensure the training is practical and relevant to everyday challenges. This ensures your dog behaves just as well in the doggy park as he does in the home.
Our commitment to you doesn’t end with the initial training program. We offer continued training and resources to help maintain and build on your dog’s progress, ensuring ongoing improvement for both you and your pet.
Training with Dog Training Elite is an investment in your dog’s long-term behavior and your peace of mind. Our programs lay the foundation for lifelong good behavior and strong bonds, providing lasting benefits for you and your canine companion.
A lab getting elite k9 training in Grand Rapids, MI from the team at Dog Training Elite.

In-Home Training

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When it comes to dog training, many facilities only offer group classes. While these classes can be beneficial in certain situations, they often fail to address specific behavioral issues and provide personalized attention. Group classes tend to focus on general obedience in a controlled environment, which may not accurately reflect your dog's real-life challenges at home.

Benefits of In-Home Training

At Dog Training Elite, we prioritize in-home training before introducing them to group settings. Here’s why in-home training is an important first step:

  • Training in a Familiar Environment: In-home training occurs where your dog spends most of their time. This familiar setting helps your dog feel secure and comfortable, making it easier for them to learn and retain new behaviors.
  • Personalized Attention: Our trainers focus on your dog's specific behavioral challenges, providing customized solutions. This one-on-one approach ensures your dog gets the attention they need to succeed.
  • Fewer Distractions: Unlike group classes, in-home training minimizes distractions, allowing your dog to focus better on the lessons. By eliminating the chaos of group environments, we can address behaviors more effectively and reinforce positive habits.
  • Involvement of the Whole Family: In-home training encourages active participation from all family members. This collaborative approach ensures everyone is on the same page, reinforcing consistent commands and behaviors across the board.

At Dog Training Elite, we offer both in-home training and group classes. It’s important to note we only introduce your pup to group classes when our trainers and you feel comfortable doing so.

By working one-on-one with your pup before they meet other friends, we address the root causes of their behavior and ensure they are well-behaved in the place that matters most–your home.

An image of a golden retriever on the beach - Dog Training Elite offers Grand Rapids off leash k9 training.

Grand Rapids Off Leash K9 Training

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For many dog owners, having a well-behaved dog that can be trusted off-leash is a top goal, but it’s not always easy to achieve. Off-leash obedience requires a high level of training, where your dog listens and responds, even in a distracting environment.

At Dog Training Elite, we specialize in Grand Rapids off-leash training. Our programs are made to match each dog’s unique temperament and behavior, ensuring the training is both effective and long-lasting. With years of experience handling all types of dogs, Dog Training Elite helps you achieve confidence in your pet, whether on leash or off.

An image of a German Shepherd - Dog Training Elite offers retired k9 training in Grand Rapids, MI.

Retired K9 Training

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Adopting a retired K9 is a rewarding experience, but it can come with unique challenges. At Dog Training Elite, we offer a specialized K9 training program to help new pet owners create a strong bond with these highly intelligent and loyal dogs.

Our qualified trainers understand the specific needs of retired K9s, including managing their anxiety, aggression, and other behavioral issues. Though our modification training, we work directly with you and your new K9 to retrain their behavior responses.

Whether through in-home sessions or group classes, Dog Training Elite places you, the pet owner, at the center of the training process to foster a deep bond between you and your dog. By choosing our retired K9 training program, you are providing a loving home to a hardworking dog and ensuring a loyal and protective companion for your family.

A group of dogs being trained by the expert team at Dog Training Elite West Michigan.
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Victory Begins With Elite Education

Dog Training Elite West Michigan

Schedule Your Free In-Home Consultation Today


If you’re seeking a comprehensive solution for your dog training needs, you’ve come to the right place. At Dog Training Elite, we offer a range of training programs for puppies and adult dogs, including specialized options for obedience, service training, off-leash training, and more.

Every program we offer is designed to meet your dog’s specific needs, addressing behavioral concerns while prioritizing your goals and their wellness. With a strong commitment to positive reinforcement and reward-based training, we help you achieve a well-behaved and happy dog.

Take the first step toward a stronger bond with your pet by scheduling your free in-home consultation today. Let us show you how personalized training can make a meaningful difference in your dog’s life–and yours.