A golden retriever holding a grocery bag, our obedience training can help with these daily tasks.

Professional

Obedience Training

Dog Training Elite West Michigan

Booking Request


Dog Training Elite West Michigan online booking

Request Free Assessment

Booking Request


Dog Training Elite West Michigan online booking

Request Free Assessment

Our Obedience Dog Training Could Help:

Basic commands
Improved behavior
Socialization
Leash manners
Bonding
Mental stimulation
Confidence building
Impulse control
Good manners in public

Dog Training Elite

Grand Rapids Dog Obedience Training

One of Dog Training Elite’s most popular training services is obedience training, which includes in-home sessions and group classes. Obedience training is essential for dogs to become confident, well-behaved, and loyal pets.

A well-trained dog is better equipped to handle new environments, meet new people, and engage with other pets. By teaching them boundaries and commands, you create a safe, structured environment where they can shine as loyal and loving companions.

Starting obedience training early for puppies sets the foundation for lifelong good behavior. It’s never too late to start—older dogs can also benefit from our proven Grand Rapids dog obedience training techniques.

Our services are high quality and thorough; we work hard to ensure your dogs are properly trained and ready to safely explore the world around them.

See Training Packages
A golden retriever puppy laying on the floor with its owner, contact us today for Grand Rapids dog obedience training.

Our Obedience Programs


Read More
Read Less
  • Agility Through Basic Obedience Training: Mental stimulation meets physical activity with our Agility Through Basic Obedience Training. This specialized training will keep your dog active and improve mental function by combining high-energy tasks with learned discipline.
  • Puppy Obedience Training: Start your new companion off on the right paw with Puppy Obedience Training. By starting training early, you’ll ensure a well-behaved, confident, and responsive dog ready to interact with the world outside the home.
  • Positive Reinforcement Training: We use Positive Reinforcement Training and ongoing praise to encourage good behavior. Reward-based training methods encourage your dog’s natural desire to please and help develop your dog into a loyal companion.
  • Off-Leash Dog Training: Freedom to let your dog off-leash on hikes, at parks, or at the beach requires a responsive and obedient dog. Our Off-Leash Dog Training will train your dog to promptly respond to commands, even when they’re not at your side.
  • Classical Conditioning Training: Classical Conditioning Training replaces negative behaviors with positive ones when the dog encounters an external stimulus. This training helps dogs become confident and trustful when their owner is present.

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!

Video Gallery

Videos

FAQs

One of our trainers will visit your home to meet you and your dog and discuss any issues you're facing. We will then demonstrate one of our model dogs so you can see what you can expect after hiring our trainers. From there, we will discuss the various packages we offer and which we feel best suit your (and your dog's) needs.
We provide full obedience training that covers all basic commands, both on and off-leash. Our in-home visits target specific issues like counter-surfing, digging, and more. Unlike some trainers, we work with all breeds, including those often considered challenging.
Yes. You (and anyone in your family who wants to be involved) are integral to your dog getting trained. We need you to practice 5-6 days a week, about 15-20 minutes a day for optimal results.
Once a week. We come to you (with the silver, gold and platinum packages) once a week to start your dog off, then you come to park sessions which are held once a week in Grand Rapids.
We train dogs of all breeds, sizes, and temperaments. Whether your dog is a tiny Chihuahua or a large Mastiff, we have the experience and expertise to work with them.

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • 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!
  • 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. It has been worth every penny and I know will change my life forever.
  • Andrew Tompkins
    Feb. 3, 2024
    I am beyond happy with Dog Training Elite West Michigan! My expectations have been met and by far exceeded with this training. We have 3 dogs, 2 that we “trained” with “traditional” treat based systems and when there’s not treats, there’s no obedience. This training is fantastic! Not only does your fur baby learn, you do as well. The bond that you get to have with this training is amazing. For anyone that is skeptical or thinks that this isn’t worth the time or money, YOU’RE WRONG! Best money I have ever spent! Not only do you get the expertise with the package you pick, you get care, compassion and understanding to help you through with what you’re trying to accomplish with your dog. After only 4 in home trainings, my family took our fur baby to a crowded, loud, and rambunctious atmosphere, and our pup did amazing. So much so that a ton of people came up to us and complimented how well our pup was doing! The best feeling ever is to be able to take your fur baby with you and not have to worry about anything! There is not enough space or time to say how amazing this company is. Carrie, the owner, takes her time, helps you understand the training, but also tailors each lesson to suit you and your dogs style. Our fur baby has so much confidence, pride and self affirmation, which she has gained through this training process! 10 out of 10 would recommend to anyone who has a dog that wants help with training!!!!!!!
  • Angela Tompkins
    Feb. 3, 2024
    I cannot say enough good things about Dog Training Elite. They have taken our puppy who we recently rescued who was ‘skidish’, food deprived, neglected and locked in a cage for the first 7 months of her life and given her confidence, hope, and inspiration to want to please her humans. It is so sweet to see how happy it makes her to know what is expected of her and the pride she has for her learned obedience. This company is so special. You can see the love and compassion they have for their dogs and their humans! I have and will continue to recommend them to anyone who wants to form a special connection with their dog through this training that only this company could have provided for us!!
  • Angela Toms
    Feb. 2, 2024
    I cannot say enough good things about Dog Training Elite. They have taken our puppy who we recently rescued who was ‘skidish’, food deprived, neglected and locked in a cage for the first 7 months of her life and given her confidence, hope, and inspiration to want to please her humans. It is so sweet to see how happy it makes her to know what is expected of her and the pride she has for her learned obedience. This company is so special. You can see the love and compassion they have for their dogs and their humans! I have and will continue to recommend them to anyone who wants to form a special connection with their dog through this training that only this company could have provided for us!!
  • Drew John
    Feb. 2, 2024
    I am beyond happy with Dog Training Elite West Michigan! My expectations have been met and by far exceeded with this training style. We have 3 dogs, 2 that we “trained” with “traditional” treat based systems and when there’s not treats, there’s no obedience. This style of training is fantastic! Not only does your fur baby learn, you do as well. The bond that you get to have with this style of training is amazing. For anyone that is skeptical or thinks that this isn’t worth the time or money, YOU’RE WRONG! Best money I have ever spent! Not only do you get the expertise with the package you pick, you get care, compassion and understanding to help you through with what you’re trying to accomplish with your dog. After only 4 in home trainings, my family took our fur baby to a crowded, loud, and rambunctious atmosphere, and our pup did amazing. So much so that a ton of people came up to us and complimented how well our pup was doing! The best feeling ever is to be able to take your fur baby with you and not have to worry about anything! There is not enough space or time to say how amazing this company is. Carrie, the owner, takes her time, helps you understand the training, but also tailors each lesson to suit you and your dogs style. Our fur baby has so much confidence, pride and self affirmation, which she has gained through this training process! 10 out of 10 would recommend to anyone who has a dog that wants help with training!!!!!!!
  • Thomas Eusebio
    Oct. 28, 2023
    DTE has been a godsend for our family. Carrie helped transform our stubborn rambunctious Samoyed into an obedient wonderful dog. No more pulling on the leash during walks and less reactivity. She has continued to improve over the course of our training. We would highly recommend DTE!
A Dog Training Elite West Michigan owner smiling with his dog in Grand Rapids, MI.

Dog Training Elite

Why Obedience Training is Essential

Read More
Read Less

Obedience training is an essential investment for dog owners, especially those who have never owned a dog before. Training is a fundamental step to rearing an intelligent and well-behaved dog. Without even basic obedience training, a dog will be unable to learn more advanced skills, safely leave the house, or go off-leash.

Benefits of obedience training:

  • Safety: Obedient dogs are less likely to engage in dangerous behavior, such as fighting, biting, aggressive barking, or running away. As they learn to trust and listen to their owner, they will respond to commands and stay calm in threatening situations.
  • Socialization: Puppies must be socialized with other dogs to know how to positively interact with other animals and people. Without socialization, they begin to look at animals and people as threats, which leads to unsafe behaviors.
  • Behavior: Nondangerous but unwanted behaviors such as barking, pulling, jumping, and begging can all be minimized with proper obedience training.
  • Confidence and stability: When properly trained, dogs will become more confident, and comfortable in all different environments. Dogs will be more trustful while interacting with new environments and take away the stress of bringing them out with you.
A golden retriever playing with its owner during a class in Grand Rapids, MI.

Effective Training Through Positive Reinforcement and Classical Conditioning

Our Obedience Training Methods

Read More
Read Less

The goal of obedience training is in the name–training a dog to obey commands reliably. Obedience training for dogs can be lengthy and requires repetition, consistency, and positive reinforcement to achieve lasting results.

This training involves teaching a puppy or dog basic commands like sit, come, heel, or down. Dog Training Elite trainers also use obedience training to teach commands more unique to your situation.

  • Positive Reinforcement: Desired behaviors can be encouraged with positive reinforcement and reward-based training. Rewards satisfy your dog's natural desire to please and create a strong bond between dog and owner.
  • Customized Approach: We recognize that every dog is different, from breed to temperament, and because of that, they may be predisposed to certain behaviors. After meeting your dog, we will customize a training plan to meet their unique needs.
  • Professional Trainers: Dog Training Elite has highly experienced trainers who prioritize building trust between dog and owner. With years of experience to draw on, they successfully use communication and patience to get the behavioral results you want for your dog.
  • Long-Term Results: Our training methods are designed to produce lasting behavioral changes in dogs of all breeds and ages. Consistency and repetition are necessary for proper obedience training, but when you commit to training, you will be impressed with the results.

Additional Obedience Training Info

Dog Training Elite West Michigan - Classical Conditioning Dog Training in Grand Rapids, MI. DTE
Classical Conditioning Training

Classical conditioning dog training in Grand Rapids, MI, also known as Pavlovian or respondent conditioning, is a dog training method that involves creating automatic responses to specific commands. This approach taps into a dog’s natural reflexes, making training more effective and instinctive.

Dog Training Elite West Michigan - Positive Reinforcement Dog Training in Grand Rapids, MI. DTE
Positive Reinforcement Training

Positive reinforcement dog trainers in Grand Rapids, MI focus on rewarding dogs for good behavior to encourage them to repeat it. Using treats, praise, or play, these trainers help your dog learn quickly and happily, building a strong bond and creating a well-behaved, motivated companion.

Dog Training Elite West Michigan - Puppy Obedience Training in Grand Rapids, MI. DTE
Puppy Obedience Training

Taking advantage of our Grand Rapids puppy obedience classes is crucial for setting your puppy on the path to becoming a well-behaved and confident adult dog. Early training helps instill essential commands and good behavior, preventing future issues and strengthening the bond between you and your puppy.

Dog Training Elite West Michigan - Off Leash Dog Training in Grand Rapids, MI. Dog Training Elite
Off Leash Training

Our off-leash dog training in Grand Rapids, MI, helps your dog achieve complete freedom and control, even in distracting environments. With expert guidance, we’ll teach your dog to follow commands confidently without the need for a leash, giving you both greater flexibility and trust in your dog's behavior.

Dog Training Elite West Michigan -
Agility Through Basic Obedience Training

While we don't offer formal agility dog training in Grand Rapids, MI, our basic obedience programs can significantly enhance your dog's agility. By focusing on essential commands and improving coordination, speed, and focus, your dog will develop the skills and discipline that naturally improve their agility and overall physical abilities.

A godlen retriever at a show demo with Dog Training Elite in Grand Rapids, MI.

Dog Training Elite West Michigan

What to Expect from Dog Training Elite’s Obedience Program

Read More
Read Less

Dog Training Elite stands apart from other dog obedience training companies. Our high-quality results and customized approach provide the desired results for dog owners everywhere.

What you can expect:

  • Initial Assessment: An experienced Dog Training Elite trainer will evaluate your dog to understand their temperament and behavior.
  • Clear Goals: The Dog Training Elite trainer will discuss with you what they found and present realistic, measurable goals for your dog. Because every dog is so different, goals will differ between all dogs to ensure each one reaches their full potential.
  • Training Schedule: We offer flexible options for in-home training sessions to fit your schedule. For best results, you should find time to work with your dog on commands and recall outside of scheduled training sessions.
  • Owner Involvement: A benefit of in-home training is owners will be taught how to continue training between sessions. Involving everyone in the household in the training process leads to even better training results.
  • Ongoing Support: We want your dog to continuously progress after obedience training, so Dog Training Elite also offers group classes or other advanced training courses.
A Dog Training Elite West Michigan owner with her black lab dog, our obedience training for dogs in Grand Rapids, MI can help strengthen your bond.

Start Your Training Today

Invest in Your Dog’s Future with Dog Training Elite

Read More
Read Less

Obedience training is a lifelong gift for your dog, fostering safety, social skills, and trust. At Dog Training Elite, we provide professional, customized training services for lasting results.

With a focus on positive reinforcement and long-term results, we stand apart as leaders in the dog training industry and are the best option for obedience training.

Take the first step toward a better-behaved dog. Contact us today for a free consultation!

A group of dogs being trained by the expert team at Dog Training Elite West Michigan.
Dog Training Elite West Michigan light star icon.

Educate, Empower, Elevate, Elite

Victory Begins With Elite Education

Dog Training Elite West Michigan

Common Questions About Obedience Training

Still have questions about obedience training? We’ve got you covered! Below are some frequently asked questions that might help clarify any remaining concerns you have. At Dog Training Elite West Michigan, we're here to ensure you and your dog have the best training experience possible.

The earlier, the better. Puppies are welcome! That being said, old dogs truly can learn new tricks - there is no reason an older dog can’t learn basic commands.
Besides basic commands, dog obedience training can address issues such as chewing, whining or barking, jumping to greet others, and begging for food.
No. Pain or punishment is never used in any form during training programs. A combination of positive reinforcement and an electronic collar has proven to be 100% successful. The electronic collar produces a gentle “tug” to get a dog's attention. It is not a shock collar and does not harm or alarm a pet.
In-home training is necessary because it allows trainers to focus on the particular issues of individual dogs (like terrorizing a pet cat or chasing the mailman). During in-home training sessions trainers also work side by side with owners and any other family members so the dog understands who is in control.