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Many dog owners express frustration when their dog returns from obedience school and has not learned one command successfully. While obedience school trainers teach your dog simple commands, effective training is best done at home with the owner. Each dog is unique, with its own temperament and behavioral issues. Full-scope training is not possible to achieve without an in-home dog training program.
During in-home sessions, trainers get to know the dog and its environment. There are often particular issues- chasing the mailman or barking at the neighbor’s cat - that are not observed in an out-of-home setting. Bringing a professional dog trainer into your home creates a personalized training experience, that addresses your dog’s particular issues.
In-home dog training is more successful than group classes because it minimizes distractions. Basic obedience and behavioral issues must first be addressed with one-on-one private training, and then these lessons can be tested in a more distracting environment. Dog Training Elite West Michigan takes a comprehensive approach, pairing in-home training with group lessons to ensure your dog fully retains every command and can respond appropriately regardless of the environment.
In-home dog trainers can address a variety of issues, such as:
- Housebreaking
- Leash pulling
- Aggression
- Anxiety
- Ignoring commands
- Excessive barking
- Jumping on people
- Destructive behaviors
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite West Michigan location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
Positive Training Methods
At Dog Training Elite West Michigan, we understand that you want the best for your dog, and our goal is to ensure all training experiences are positive for you and your furry friend! Our team of trainers has learned that positive reinforcement and classical conditioning are the most effective training methods. We never use punishment - we love dogs and we want them to learn in a positive, safe environment! By rewarding dogs for good behavior rather than punishing negative behaviors, our trainers effectively teach your canine companion how to behave.
In Home Dog Training Goals
While our professional dog trainers will be taking the lead, you, and any other family members who interact with your dog will be a part of the training process as well. In-home dog training empowers you and helps you build a positive relationship with your dog.
Benefits of Positive In-Home Training Techniques
Develop a Strong Bond
Dogs enjoy training sessions if they take place with the person they love. Listening, learning, and acting on commands is a way for your dog to show you that he cares! The praise you bestow your pup (and the tasty treat you give) makes him happy, and this experience of learning is a great bonding activity.
Sending your dog off to obedience school removes you from the training process and prevents this special bonding from occurring. When you choose Dog Training Elite West Michigan, we ensure you are part of the training process. All in-home training programs involve you and any other family members that care for your dog. Our trainers’ goal is to teach you how to train your dog.
Quickly Teach Obedience
Obedience commands are essential to any full-scope dog training program. These commands ensure the safety of your dog and prevent any undesired problems. Obedience is the core of successful training, and your dog must learn these commands before he can progress.
Our in-home training program focuses on ingrained obedience and our trainers ensure your dog learns essential commands, such as sit, place, come, stay, lay, off, drop it, and more. Once these key lessons are taught, our trainers will work with you and your pup on more advanced topics.
Correct Problem Behaviors
Does your dog jump up as a greeting, or charge the door anytime visitors announce their arrival with the doorbell? Or perhaps he begs from the table with wide, puppy eyes? These problem behaviors are easily corrected with the right training techniques.
Group classes or “puppy essentials” training programs cannot address most problem behaviors, as these issues are more likely to occur at home where your dog is most comfortable and confident. Bringing a trusted trainer into your home is the best way to address these behaviors!
In-Home Dog Trainers in Grand Rapids
Searching for a professional dog trainer is stressful. Thankfully, Dog Training Elite West Michigan has various locations and experienced professional dog trainers ready to assist you and your pet. Besides basic obedience issues, our trainers are experienced in service dog training, therapy dog training, and any other specialized training your pup may need. If you are looking for in-home dog trainers in Grand Rapids, then look no further than Dog Training Elite.
We never use shock collars or punishments; our training method focuses on positive reinforcement, which has proven successful. We combine this positive reinforcement with an electronic vibration collar for optimal results. The vibration collar is not a shock collar nor does it cause pain - it is used to get your dog’s attention, like the tug of a leash. Our techniques have proven successful over the years, and we are proud to be a trusted provider of dog training services in the Grand Rapids area.
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.
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).
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.
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.
Why Choose a Professional?
Hiring a professional, in-home trainer will provide you and your dog with the personalized, distraction-free, supportive environment you both deserve. Your four-legged family member will be the star of your sessions, and you will learn how to communicate effectively with your dog to achieve the best results.
Why train at all? Training keeps your dog's mind active and strengthens the bond between you and your dog. Whether you're interested in agility training, learning some tricks or something else, a professional trainer will help you prioritize what is important to you and your dog.
In-home training allows you to make appointments around your busy schedule, eliminating the need to commit to group training sessions. Schedule sessions when you can be present to celebrate all the growth your dog accomplishes.
Dog Training Elite West Michigan offers the best in-home dog training in Grand Rapids because we understand every dog is different. Our professional trainers will tailor training to your dog's breed, their environment and any other needs they have. They can give suggestions and tips for bonding with your dog and help to translate your dog's behavior. Our trainers love watching the relationships between dogs and their owners grow through this approach.
No one expects you to be an expert. That's what the experts at Dog Training Elite are for! A professional trainer is committed to your growth and can take the time to break things down without rushing you through a session. Your dog will love this style of training, and we know you will too!
In-Home Dog Training FAQs
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite West Michigan location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
Silver
$1,695
Training Equipment Included: E-Collar, Biothane Leash, Training Place Cot
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 2 Sessions
- Group Park Training Sessions 8 Sessions
- Come
- Heel (walk with you, loose leash no pulling)
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Place(go to bed)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Off(furniture when desired)
Gold
$2,295
Training Equipment Included: E-Collar, Biothane Leash, Training Place Cot
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 5 Sessions
- Group Park Training Sessions 12 Sessions
- Come
- Heel (walk with you, loose leash no pulling)
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Place(go to bed)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Off(furniture when desired)
- Down(lay next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Load Up (go into kennel, car, or dog house)
- Manners, Safety & Boundaries
- Calm Anxiety & Build Confidence
- Housebreaking / Potty Training
- STOP Jumping on People
- STOP Mouthing & Nipping
- STOP Chewing & Digging
- STOP Begging & Stealing Food
- STOP Bolting Through Doors & Running Away
- STOP Chasing Animals, Cars & Bikes
- STOP Reactivity (dog & human)
Platinum
$3,195
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.
Training Equipment Included: E-Collar, Biothane Leash, Training Place Cot
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 8 Sessions
- Group Park Training Sessions 16 Sessions
- Come
- Heel (walk with you, loose leash no pulling)
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Place(go to bed)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Off(furniture when desired)
- Down(lay next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Load Up (go into kennel, car, or dog house)
- Manners, Safety & Boundaries
- Calm Anxiety & Build Confidence
- Housebreaking / Potty Training
- STOP Jumping on People
- STOP Mouthing & Nipping
- STOP Chewing & Digging
- STOP Begging & Stealing Food
- STOP Bolting Through Doors & Running Away
- STOP Chasing Animals, Cars & Bikes
- STOP Reactivity (dog & human)
- *Stay With You on a Jog or Bike Ride (off-leash)
- *Emotional Support Dog Training(ESA)
- *Control Aggression(dog & human)
- *Calm Extreme Anxiety(behavioral modification)
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite West Michigan location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
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!
Carrie and Jessica are AMAZING to work with and know what they are doing. You can tell they love what they do and it came out in the success of our dog Scout. He is a much happier dog which shows when he’s called and comes running to us, the smile on his face says it all. If you are questioning if this is worth it…trust me when I say IT IS!!!. Thank you to Dog Training Elite West Michigan for everything you have helped us with. We will be forever grateful. We have a new dog and new friends 💙 Bob and Kelly— Kelly Gagnon
Posted September 8th 2023
We have a rather rambunctious chocolate lab puppy. We’ve done other puppy training classes but he would only behave when food was being given as rewards. And he was harder and harder to walk the bigger he got. He was jumping on people and just overwhelming. We’ve had five private classes and already a new lab puppy lives with us. Things are so much better and will just keep getting better. We took him to the beach for the first time yesterday. He was very excited but recall was solid and he didn’t jump on anyone! He loves swimming. What a great investment! Highly recommend to anyone who wants a well behaved dog.—
Posted August 13th 2023
The. Change in our dogs behavior is night and day. I once again love having a puppy in the house!— Heather Ryan
Posted August 9th 2023
Love the program and staff. It is clear they enjoy what they do and care deeply for their human and dog clients alike. I would recommend them if you have any interest in learning to train your dog to be safe, obedient, and polite.— Melissa Powell-Sheppard
Posted August 9th 2023
My pup willow just finished her training and she has never been happier! She is more obedient, and is improving daily. I’d recommend DTE to anyone, even if your dog is well behaved!— Hannah Wallace
Posted August 9th 2023
This was an incredible learning experience for our entire family. It has completely changed our dog and makes life more calm around the house. I would recommend them to everyone!— Jen Hekkema
Posted August 6th 2023
Carrie and Jessica are the best! Good boy Jackson is now Very Good Boy Jackson! Invest your time after each class…you will be rewarded.— Ted Adornato
Posted July 17th 2023
Carrie is awesome! She cares about the outcome of your training program and wants to be sure your dog AND you have a positive experience. It seems half of dog training is also training the human! We have a 7 year old Australian Shepherd who did absolutely phenomenal with his e-collar training. Carrie truly cares about your dogs' level of obedience and will treat you as one of your own.— Donald Castro-Conde
Posted July 12th 2023
Carrie is an amazing trainer! We’ve received so many complaints about our dog’s behavior since starting DTE. I would highly recommend the program for anyone who is looking for a caring trainer and program that works with both your dog and you!— Jonathan Seyferth
Posted June 2nd 2023
Carrie is amazing! We have owned a few dogs in our lifetime, but chose to reach out to her with our new puppy while she was still in the beginning phases of her training. Carrie is really responsive over email and text, and walks you through pricing and whatever program you choose. She also breaks down her philosophy and makes sure that everyone in the home is comfortable with her training methods before she starts. Carrie is also just so fun to work with and really makes you understand how to correct bad behavior and bond with your dog. I would highly recommend her to any dog lover who is looking to teach their pup good behaviors!— Hannah McGowan
Posted April 21st 2023
Carrie has done a great job working with us and our dog to become a service dog. In just a short time (2 months) we have come a long way to becoming a great team. If you are in need of dog training then Dog Training Elite are the trainers for you. Jim Dood—
Posted March 4th 2023
Oliver responded quickly to the training. We are hopeful that he will continue to improve his behavior. We throughly enjoyed learning how to control his unruly behavior. Easy and Carrie was very patient with us. I highly recommend the training.— Carla Moran
Posted February 7th 2023
Working with Carrie has been absolutely fantastic. After the first lesson, our Samoyed Henry, was a doing so well. By the second lesson we were amazed and moved to tears at the transformation. Such a relief and joy to see Henry be able to run in the yard, off lease, without fear of him running off. He is one happy 6 month old. I cannot say enough about Carrie and this program. I’d give it 10 stars, if I could. 😊— Mary Koenigsknecht
Posted November 5th 2022
My experience with Carrie and DTE has been absolutely wonderful! My relationship with my puppy has completely changed. We are bonded in such an awesome way. I was at my wits end and ready to give up. Carrie truly cares about her clients! Thank you for teaching us how to train Willow to be the best possible dog she can be!! 💗— Tonya Mannes
Posted September 20th 2022
DTE has helped our family so much! They have turned our crazy 1 year old doodle into a well mannered polite little gentleman. These training sessions have made it so much more enjoyable being around our puppy and to take him out with us! Definitely recommend to anyone with a new puppy!— Tessa Kervin
Posted August 23rd 2022
Dog Training Elite West Michigan has been wonderful to work with. They have been professional, caring, and so responsive. Their heart is in the right place! Highly Recommend!— Katie Matt
Posted August 10th 2022
I have seen the effectiveness of DTE West Michigan's training methods and the positive transformation in the behavior of the dogs they train. Carrie and Jess want each owner to have the best possible relationship with their dog so that they can experience all the fun activities and joy that dogs bring to our lives. If you would like to make your dog a bigger part of your lifestyle, I encourage you to contact DTE West Michigan.— Vince Conrad
Posted July 28th 2022
I have never been more excited and happy after meeting Carrie and Jessica.. They are so good at what they do and my dog Macie 🐕 is learning so much and follows my command. It has taken so much stress off me she doesn't pull like she use to and walks right beside me and so much more.This happen within a few weeks. It was the best decision i made and highly recommend it to anyone who is thinking about dog training. Well worth the money!!— Barbara Botbyl
Posted July 20th 2022
We were desperate to find a training program that would work for our 2 year old puppy. We could not control her barking constantly around friends & family. In fact we actually had considered giving the dog away. But before that happened we decided to give our dog another chance using Dog Training Elite. Carrie & Jessica are very professional & a pleasure to work with. They would praise both our dog & us when we did things correctly, and also corrected us when gave a command that might confuse our dog. With out a doubt this was the best money we ever spent!!! Jim— Jim Kidd
Posted July 18th 2022
My Son told us about Dog Training Elite and how it changed his dog. So we called them and Jessica Maxwell and Carrie McIntyre came to our house to discuss this training program. They were very friendly and excited about this program. I will say that it is expensive but the results are amazing. We were to the point of thinking about giving Charlotte away as we could not control her constant barking. Within the 1st week of training the barking stoped and she stopped jumping on people. She would also run away when we wanted to take her for a walk. Week two now she comes we we say come and we do not have to chase here all over the house. We have tried different training program but this by far the best. It has truly changed our dog and also the stress is gone for us trying to control her. Thank you again Dog Training Elite for helping us with our baby.— Judy Kidd
Posted July 4th 2022
Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation
At Dog Training Elite West Michigan, 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 West Michigan work's with the Malinois Foundation to heal and empower these individuals with a specialized service animal, a partner in life, and a new best friend.