Elite, Award Winning Dog Training in Greenville, SC

All Breeds. All Sizes. All Ages.

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Empowering Owners

We work with dogs of any breed, size or age - and we empower owners with lifelong skills to continue successes.


  • Leash & potty training
  • Staying & coming
  • Destructive chewing & digging
  • Stealing food, clothing, or other objects
  • Barking, howling & whining
  • Food guarding & begging
  • Mouthing, nipping & playing rough
  • Anxiety & submissive urination
  • Jumping up & hyperactivity
  • Aggression & anxiety

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We strongly believe that the key to sustained obedience and training is to empower owners to be an integral part of the training experience.

Dog Training Elite Upstate SC offers expert in-home dog training near you in Greenville.
In-Home Training

Dog obedience classes are held on a consistent basis and are included in most packages. Our dog obedience training classes are designed to place yourself and your dog in public places (surrounded by other dogs, people, smells, and sounds)!

Dog Training Elite Upstate SC offers professional group dog training programs near you in Greenville.
Socialized Group Training

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FREE In-Home Assessment
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Dog Training Elite Upstate SC

864-863-3647

2514 River Road Piedmont, SC 29673
(Exit 39 off I-85)

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Dog Training Elite Upstate SC Featured on WSPA


Dog Training Elite believe all work we do should reflect our values. Dogs have an extraordinary healing power that can significantly benefit those with physical or mental health struggles.

That healing power can be found in pet ownership and animal work.

Take the story of Dog Training Elite owner Jared Smearman. A veteran who struggled with the transition of leaving the military and joining the corporate world, Smearman found the prospect of becoming a Franchise Owner exciting and motivating.

Smearman military experience turned out to be the perfect background for becoming a dog trainer and franchise owner. Helping owners with their furry companions and providing help and support to veterans who need it has given Smearman personal fulfillment and business success.

Dog Training Elite believes in the healing power dogs can provide to owners and those who work with them. Whether you’re looking for an opportunity to give back to your community or to find professional, quality service dog training, Dog Training Elite is here to help.

Giving Back


10% Military & First Responders Discount

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Whether you are on active duty in the military, a police officer, an EMT, a firefighter, or a veteran, we want to show our gratitude by offering a 10% discount on any training package.

Call to learn more!

864-863-3647

Award Winning Dog Training Services in the Greenville, SC Metro Area


Welcome to Dog Training Elite Upstate SC! We are a professional, family owned Greenville, SC-based dog training company with over 40 years of experience that specializes in strengthening the bond between your dog and your family, with a strong emphasis on teaching your dog the highest level of obedience, despite even the toughest level of distractions. Our Greenville, SC dog training programs are certain to meet all of your training needs. Unlike a lot of other dog training companies, we understand that each client has different needs, so we tailor our dog training programs to accommodate your unique situation. Dog Training Elite Upstate SC also trains service animals and dogs ready to volunteer in the community as therapy dogs and companions to those with special needs. We also offer a fun and challenging personal protection program as well!

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Meet Our Trainers

(Click photo for full bio)


Jared Smearman

Owner/Trainer

Elizabeth Smearman

Office Manager/Trainer

Mackenzie

Trainer

Sydney

Trainer

Danny

Trainer

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.

Dog Training Services in Greenville, SC

and The Following Surrounding Areas

Dog Training Elite Upstate SC has award winning in-home dog trainers and top rated dog training programs.

Why Dog Training Elite Upstate SC?

Lifetime Investment

We follow up & are invested in the owner's success long-term.

Value Priced

We pride ourselves on being able to offer our professional services at prices that are budget friendly.

Local Trainers

All of our local dog trainers are trustworthy, willing to be there for our clients and love what they do.

Simplified & Customized

We plan training around the owner's schedule and require only 15 min/day follow-up practice.

Come Meet Us!

We are often at home shows in your area! Our passion for dogs and service sets us apart. All of our local dog trainers are trustworthy, willing to be there for our clients and love what they do. We want to build a community for our clients that love their dogs just as much as we do and once you begin the training process with us, you become a part of the Dog Training Elite family.

Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation

At Dog Training Elite Upstate SC, 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 Upstate SC works with the Malinois Foundation to heal and empower these individuals with a specialized service animal, a partner in life, and a new best friend.

Learn More

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!

Unbelievable how much our dog has improved! You get what you pay for. They are the best!
— Zach Molter
Posted March 9th 2024
google
This dog training program was life-changing for us and our dog Maple. Maple's main issue was recall. We would spend an hour just trying to catch her at a dog park to leave. We were skeptical at first because we felt we had tried everything and we didn't think anything would improve her recall but we were pleasantly surprised. After 6 home visits with Dog Training Elite, Maple is like a whole new dog. She gets more confident everyday, she will come, place, sit, stay, and heel. This experience has given us more peace of mind and her more freedom. Huge thank you to Mackenzie and Sydney for all they did for us and Maple. They were so professional and kind and we could tell they enjoy what they do. We can't wait to bring Maple to group classes. Thank you Dog Training Elite!
— Camille Ouzts
Posted March 2nd 2024
google
Dog training elite is absolutely amazing. Each of the trainers were always so excited to work with Nala. They were very supportive and wanted Nala and myself to be successful. Always had quick and helpful responses to texts. 100% would recommend to anyone who wants to train their dog. Worth every penny. Nala was so happy when she graduated obedience training.
— Michael Adams
Posted February 29th 2024
google
I have experienced multiple ways to train my dogs. With my two now, a Border Collie and GSD, I wanted to try something different in order to work on unique training needs. My Border Collie was having behavioral issues and my GSD was just a puppy still, he's trained but needs help with distractions. I reached out to DTE to have a different experience, instead of a formal training or boarding. I was intrigued by DTE because they explained to me of having multiple options. We did day boarding camp, where you got to drop off and pick up your dog, so you still got to bond nightly, then we did in home training and we are soon starting group training. Day boarding allows the trainers to focus on your dog then teach you what they learned, and you know they are working your dog as they only have a handful of dogs at the facility that time. In home is nice because you are able to have your normal day to day distractions and environments, allowing the dog to feel comfortable but also know they need to execute the task at hand. My GSD loves to bark at the neighbors dog and we were training while the dog was out, giving him that big distraction and getting corrected in real time. The other benefit of in home is the DTE trainers bring their own dogs, allowing a new unique dog to be added to the mix. My Border Collie is not good with other dogs coming up on him in public, so we were able to experience that in a walking scenario to work through real life actions. After a few weeks of working my border collie with other dogs and his brother the GSD i have seen his anger issues calm, he is realizing whos the boss and he doesn't have to have a chip on his shoulder. We are soon starting group classes to continue training. Still more to work on with both but because you get so many sessions in your package we will be continuung our training in the weeks to come. DTE is not just the cookie cutter classes or experience, if you want to work with a team that cares and is willing to work with you and your dog this is the team to use.
— Christine Rowland
Posted February 24th 2024
google
We got our sweet Bella at 5 months old. She came with high anxiety and no manners having her mom die at 3 weeks old and living most of her time outside with her large litter. Our vet recommended Elite and we are so happy we did it. Bella is a very different dog who continues to gain confidence every day and with each new experience we expose her to. She is well mannered and has become the pup we knew she could be. Jared and each trainer are so very knowledgeable and caring with each dog they train. We are excited to continue in group classes for the next 6 months.
— John Thomas (John and Susan)
Posted February 3rd 2024
google
DTE has been a wonderful experience! We needed help with excessive puppy biting that did not end at the 6-month mark, resource guarding, and pulling on the lead. DTE helped us with all of these things and more. All of the trainers are wonderful with dogs and humans! Their communication was excellent! They were always available to answer any questions or concerns I had. I highly recommend them!
— Shannon Papadopoulos
Posted February 2nd 2024
google
I can not say enough great things about Dog Training Elite - Upstate SC! They worked wonders with, Riley, our high energy and uncontrollable dog that had developed bad habits like opening the dishwasher to reach food on the counter! Jared, Mackenzie, Danny and Sydney are amazing instructors. They were all professional and personable and made us feel at ease leaving our baby with them all day! At the end of each day they gave us a summary from the day and videos of her performing the new commands. Riley has learned so much in just 1 week of training and the behavior changes are amazing!
— Paige Hughes
Posted February 2nd 2024
google
Dog Training Elite of Upstate SC has top notch training options and phenomenal communication!! I knew they were a fit from my first inquiry. Their knowledgeable trainers cultivate an interactive positive learning environment that guided me and our pup back to walks, car rides and outings. Highly recommend to become part of their pack!!
— Brandi Bennett
Posted February 2nd 2024
google
The training with this group was amazing and life changing for our dog and our lives with him. We learned so many important details about how to handle our dog and about dogs’ behavior. We hope to go on to have him become a therapy dog. DTEU exceeded our expectations and all of the personnel were so knowledgeable and professional. We are so pleased and grateful to DTEU!!! Liz Jones
— Elizabeth Richardson
Posted February 1st 2024
google
This was a life saving experience. They literally saved my dogs life. I get very emotional with the progress my Luna has made and I owe it all to dog training elite upstate. I would recommend them to anyone. Don’t give up on your pups they are worth the time and effort. I have learned so much and my relationship with my pup has grown even more!
— Rachel Blong
Posted January 26th 2024
google
I can not say enough great things about Dog Training Elite - Upstate SC! They worked wonders with our high energy and uncontrollable dog that had developed bad habits like opening the dishwasher to reach food on the counter! Jared, Mackenzie, Danny and Sydney are amazing instructors. They were all professional and personable and made us feel at ease leaving our baby with them all day! At the end of each day they gave us a summary from the day and videos of our dog performing the new commands.
— Paige Ellenberger Hughes
Posted January 19th 2024
facebook
Our therapy dog, Bear, has been a wonderful addition to our office. He wouldn’t be able to bring so many people joy if he didn’t have manners… Thank you Dog Training Elite for our training experience very effective- and fun for both of us!
— Mary Hughes
Posted January 19th 2024
google
We were going to be first time dog owners, so I asked for a recommendation from some friends and landed here at Dog Training Elite Upstate. I absolutely love all of the trainers here and it has been such a great experience. I did the whole den package which was so helpful as it helped us understand our dog and how to work with him. After, I got the gold package to keep the momentum going and it has been a game changer. I am able to walk with my dog off leash around our property and it has helped us with bad puppy behaviors. Everyone has always been so nice and helpful, answering all of my crazy dog mom questions. I HIGHLY recommend this company. They are wonderful.
— Wendi Matt
Posted January 18th 2024
google
My dog Akira was dog reactive and I had tried other trainers before but when I took my dog here it was night and day difference she so so much better now! If your asking yourself is it worth it, yes it absolutely is the team here are awesome!
— Kristina Kellogg
Posted January 16th 2024
google
We love elite! Our pup Rudy is a new man thanks to Danny and Sydney and their pups Denver and Delilah and Indu!!! We are so happy with the service, cost, scheduling, and kindness and results with being able to go everywhere with Rudy. 12/10 would recommend!! They cared about Rudy succeeding and loved Rudy just as much as we did!
— Kellie Walls
Posted January 12th 2024
google
We love our Bernedoodle but his barking and antisocial behavior was putting a real damper on our life. After only a few sessions with the trainers at Dog Elite, it was like we had a new dog.! Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? He is 6 years old and his behavior has turned around dramatically. The trainers have us invaluable information and advice. I’s rate them 50 stars if it was available. I wish we had found them sooner. Worth every penny!!!
— Denise Carpentier
Posted January 12th 2024
google
They did a wonderful job of instructing both myself and my dog. Loved working with them and watching my dog grow in her obedience. They can be a bit pricey, but I thought it was worth the cost.
— Danae Ferguson
Posted December 15th 2023
google
Everyone at DTE was great ! Daisy was a little more dog than what I expected when I got her. Should have done my research. Jared helped so much with her. I can't thank everyone enough.
— Steven Kostick
Posted December 15th 2023
google
My dog Miller was one of the most anxious and disobedient dog I think they’ve had in awhile. The patience and care and love the team showed for him while also obtaining amazing results was mind blowing. Every single person on the team was extremely nice and the information they give you on how the training is going is much more detailed than I thought was even possible. Thanks again!
— William Kortgoede
Posted December 15th 2023
google
Seeing Sherman enjoy training so much was the best moment of being a dog mom. Sherman pulled on walks, was stubborn when he didn’t want to listen, and wasn’t confident around other dogs. Now, after training with DTE, we are able to not only go out in the wild but we are able to bring him to meet other dogs. We are so proud of our Sherman! Thank you to all of the absolutely amazing trainers who not only taught our boy the fundamentals but us as well! We can not successfully communicate with Sherman and he knows what we need him to do. 12/10 highly recommend!
— Karlee Salvetti
Posted December 15th 2023
google

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