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Dog Training Elite West Michigan believes so strongly in the healing power of service dogs for retired military veterans that we have created "The Malinois Foundation". We donate our time and passion to veteran service dog training Grand Rapids for the foundation.
Service dogs can help ease both mental and physical impairments attained through a veteran’s service to our country. Many veterans suffer from PTSD, physical disabilities, and a variety of other handicaps and service dogs have been proven to lessen symptoms and assist in integrating veterans back into normal routines as much as possible.
We have programs designed for veterans. Call to learn more!
616-600-1393



The Malinois Foundation Dog Training Elite's Non-Profit
It is our mission to provide service dog training to veterans with physical and/or mental impairments. The Malinois Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization created to provide individuals suffering from PTSD, physical disabilities, and other special needs with a dog that can comfort and assist them.
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.
Dog Training Elite West Michigan Services
Dog Training Elite West Michigan is passionate and committed to helping our service members heal and progress through service dog work. We offer several service dog training Grand Rapids options for veterans, call us today to learn about how service dogs can help improve the lives of veterans. Veterans who have physical disabilities benefit both emotionally and physically from a balance and mobility support dog. They can regain their freedom and independence as well as receiving the emotional support that a service dog can provide. The bond that is created between veterans and their service dogs has enormous healing power and is becoming increasingly popular in the mental health and medical communities as one of the best options for recovery. Military and Retired Vet Service Dogs from Dog Training Elite West Michigan will help:
- Increase activity and integration into society.
- Increase independence.
- Create a sense of safety.
- Provide 24/7 companionship and support.
- Ground in reality, redirect hyper-vigilance.
- Reduce the length and intensity of night terrors and flashbacks.
Se habla español!
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 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
Carrie and Jess are fantastic trainers. They are dedicated and truly passionate about improving the bond between dogs and their owners. I highly recommend them for all training needs!— craig fizer
Posted June 14th 2022
Carrie and Jess are such wonderful dog trainers. I've seen them work with care and professionalism. What a great team to have working with your dog!— Valerie de Armas
Posted June 1st 2022
Carrie is a dedicated trainer that is caring and passionate about helping others. Her energy and joy in what she does is evident and shows in her dog Sturgill.— George Rehbein
Posted June 1st 2022
Carrie is such a great trainer and is so passionate about what she does!— Kelley Rosequist
Posted May 24th 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.





