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Dog Training Elite in Greenville / Spartanburg, SC

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About Dog Training Elite Upstate SC

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Meet the Team
Get to know the dedicated professionals behind Dog Training Elite Upstate SC. Our team of experienced trainers is passionate about helping dogs and their owners build strong, lasting bonds. Learn about their backgrounds, expertise, and what drives them to deliver the highest level of training in the industry.
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Reviews
Our testimonials showcase the success stories of dogs and their owners who have benefited from our training programs. From basic obedience to advanced service dog training, see how Dog Training Elite Upstate SC has transformed the lives of countless dogs and their families!
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FAQs
Our FAQs cover the most common inquiries about our training methods, programs, and what you can expect when working with Dog Training Elite Upstate SC. If you’re curious about anything related to our services, this is where you will find the information you need.
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Careers
Join the Dog Training Elite Upstate SC family! If you’re passionate about dogs and interested in making a difference, explore career opportunities with us. We are always looking for dedicated individuals who share our commitment to excellence in dog training and customer service. Discover how you can grow with us and become a part of a team that truly cares about dogs and their owners.
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In the Community
At Dog Training Elite Upstate SC, we’re proud to be an active part of the community we serve. Check out recent events in our area where we’ve had the privilege to participate in local events, support fellow small businesses, and promote responsible dog ownership.

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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 Greenville / Spartanburg.
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.

Our Team

Jared Smearman - Owner/Trainer
Jared Smearman
Owner/Trainer

Hi, I'm Jared! I grew up in North Carolina and have always had a passion for dogs. I attended the United States Naval Academy and served on active duty for eight years before my wife, Elizabeth, and I decided we wanted to grow our family in South Carolina. We have had, and will always have canine companions because of the unconditional love and joy that fills our home. Prior to becoming a professional dog trainer, I was a project manager in industrial automation and I have grown most fond of building and maintaining interpersonal relationships with clients and ensuring the experience is a positive and memorable one. I look forward to discussing your needs and seeing your relationship with your dog(s) go to new heights!

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Elizabeth Smearman - Office Manager/Trainer
Elizabeth Smearman
Office Manager/Trainer

I love kids, animals, organization, connecting with people, exercise, the outdoors, and learning! I started my career as an educator in inner-city Washington, DC, after graduating from Wake Forest University. As a former educator and mother of six (four children and two dogs), I have been immersed in the psychology of learning at all stages. Dogs process information, too, and I am eager to help you and your dog(s) connect in new, fulfilling ways, with a mutual appreciation for each other!

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Mackenzie - Trainer
Mackenzie
Trainer

Hi everyone! I’m Mackenzie and I absolutely love dogs! I’m a 90’s kid with a vintage heart and I live for the love of animals! While I currently live in Spartanburg, I am actually from a small town just over the state line in North Carolina. I was practically born in a barn and raised with a dog leash in each hand. Thanks to my mother, who instilled the love of animals in me at the very start, I have had the privilege of experiencing unconditional love through a dogs’ eyes and their unspoken devotion. I grew up at my mother’s side following her to every pet sitting or barn job she had and I always begged for more responsibility with her tasks. I also have a background in rescue and have a soft spot for all of the misunderstood animals. I believe nothing is impossible and I feel I can thrive with a challenge! I can’t wait to show you and your fur baby the endless possibilities of what they’re capable of!

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Sydney - Trainer
Sydney
Trainer

Hi I’m Sydney! I grew up in beautiful Southern New Hampshire and moved to South Carolina the fall of 2019. After graduating with a degree in Psychology, I found my passion to be in Behavioral Psychology. Previously, I was gifted the opportunity to work as a Registered Behavioral Technician with kids diagnosed with autism doing Applied Behavioral Analysis therapy. As I worked with training my dog, Indu, I became eager to work with other dogs so that they can learn and understand all the potential they have in themselves and continue to grow beyond. When I’m not hanging out with pups, I teach and practice yoga, love spending time outside, and exploring all that South Carolina has to offer. I can’t wait to meet your wonderful canine kiddo!

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Danny - Trainer
Danny
Trainer

Hi everyone! I’m Danny. I grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania and moved to South Carolina in 2019 with my husband Brandon. Growing up my mom loved dogs and that love for dogs was passed onto me. We never had any less than four dogs at a time. A house full of dogs is a house full of love!

As an adult I’ve been working as a paramedic for the past 12 years, a total of 14 years in Emergency Medical Services, and know first hand how much dogs can change one’s life. I suffer from anxiety and my dog Denver, an AKC Golden Retriever and 100% the goodest boy, who is a trained therapy dog, has saved my life in many ways.

Last June I contacted DTE and wanted to have a therapy dog for First Responders and ER staff. Having been through DTE’s obedience and Therapy program, I knew that working with dogs and helping train future Therapy Dogs was something I wanted to do. It’s another way of helping people who need dog love! I am so thankful to move from client to dog trainer!

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Casey Watkins - Trainer
Casey Watkins
Trainer

Hello! My name is Casey and I grew up here in South Carolina! I've always had a love of all animals, dogs always being my favorite. Growing up, we always had dogs and animals within our home, and I've always had a passion for animals and seeing that bond between dog and owner. I wanted to pursue veterinary care, but dog training took over that passion as I grew older. I have done work in customer service care for years, and began my journey working at a dog daycare. I've handled all different types of dogs, from toy to giant breeds for nearly five years, and did training for 2 years before coming to Dog Training Elite. I love learning about dog behavior and unlocking the potential each dog has in order for the owner and the dog to live the best life they can. Dogs are only apart for our lives; but to them, we are their whole life and I'd love nothing more than to help you strengthen that bond!

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A well-trained DTE dog on a surfboard.
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Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Terri Gowdy
    Oct. 20, 2024
    We had the best experience with Dog Training Elite! All the trainers are fantastic and feel a bit like part of our family now! From our initial home visit where we talked about our personal goals for our dog and the things we needed help with, to the implementation and teaching of the skills in group class, we were just amazed at the quality and effectiveness of the program! I was a bit apprehensive about learning how to work with an e-collar, but it is a great management tool, and our dog seems happier than ever - as if he has purpose! I only wish I had done it sooner!
  • Joanne Edwards
    Oct. 19, 2024
    I could not say enough about how great everyone has been at Dog Training Elite! From the initial set up of Milo’s consultation to scheduling his lessons, the staff have always been super accommodating and responsive! Every trainer we have worked with has been amazing! Casey, Sydney, Danny, and Mackenzie loved Milo like their own pup and set us up for success! I was initially a little hesitant about working with e collars (I grew up with dogs with an electric fence and initially thought they were similar…completely different!) I tried it out on myself first and it’s amazing how such a small amount of stimulus can help you communicate with your pup better! The trainers are also super informative in the use of it and Milo adjusted pretty quickly to wearing it! I have seen such an improvement in Milo through working with DTE. Before, I stopped bringing him out with me because of his reactivity but now with the training he has done so great being in public! The e collar has provided a way for me to communicate with him on such a deeper level. He has attended puppy classes before but DTE is next level and worth the investment! I cannot thank the staff enough at DTE for working with Milo to be the bestest boy!
  • Joanne Edwards
    Oct. 19, 2024
    I could not say enough about how great everyone has been at Dog Training Elite! From the initial set up of Milo’s consultation to scheduling his lessons, the staff have always been super accommodating and responsive! Every trainer we have worked with has been amazing! Casey, Sydney, Danny, and Mackenzie loved Milo like their own pup and set us up for success! I was initially a little hesitant about working with e collars (I grew up with dogs with an electric fence and initially thought they were similar…completely different!) I tried it out on myself first and it’s amazing how such a small amount of stimulus can help you communicate with your pup better! The trainers are also super informative in the use of it and Milo adjusted pretty quickly to wearing it! I have seen such an improvement in Milo through working with DTE. Before, I stopped bringing him out with me because of his reactivity but now with the training he has done so great being in public! The e collar has provided a way for me to communicate with him on such a deeper level. He has attended puppy classes before but DTE is next level and worth the investment! I cannot thank the staff enough at DTE for working with milo to be the bestest boy!
  • Robin Flynn
    Oct. 16, 2024
    We used Elite to train our 8 month old dog. Everyone we worked was very knowledgeable and professional. We will definitely use Elite again!
  • Miss Noell
    Oct. 6, 2024
    I am so thankful I decided to choose Dog Training Elite after shopping for a training facility. The moment I met Danny, I felt like he was family and treated Bentley as one of his own dogs. His ability to connect with Bentley was instant and genuine. Mackenzie was always interactive and personal as we interacted to schedule appointments. Cassie was a natural with her soft yet commanding voice. She really pushed Bentleys to bring his best game. Sydney was so friendly and nurturing as she held Bentley accountable to accurately perform the commands. Originally, I was looking for a training facility that boards but I really wanted to be an apart of Bentley’s process although my schedule is very demanding and I didn’t know the first thing about training a dog. Danny assured me that Dog Training Elite would train me to successfully train my dog. I just have to put in post in-house training work with Bentley. I had my doubts, but I committed to the challenge and I could not be more proud of the final outcome. Thank you Dog training Elite for everything and I am so sad that we have come to the end of our training relationship but so proud of the skills and confidence both Bentley and I have gained that will last a lifetime. 🤍🤍 ~ Noell & Bentley
  • Devin Baldridge
    Oct. 3, 2024
    Where do I even start... Dog Training Elite is more than just Elite, they are working magic. We just moved to the area and were in need of a trainer for our Pitbull (Miss Lou). Miss Lou was reactive to people and we tried 2 trainers prior and they did nothing to help Miss Lou and her anxiety. Day one of meeting the team at DTE they already had Miss Lou feeling more comfortable than I have ever seen her. Our first in home visit Jared opened our eyes to how much DTE cares about dogs but more than that how knowledgeable they are. Jared was able to pet and walk Miss Lou. We knew at that moment DTE was going to change Miss Lou's life for the better and make her the loving pup we know she can be. We put Miss Lou in the week long camp and she responded so well to the training and in just 5 days Miss Lou was making some huge strides. One thing about DTE is they are going to show you how well they can train your dog, but more importantly they are going to show you how to do what they do. By no means am I an expert, but I have all the tools in my pocket to make Miss Lou the best version of herself. Miss Lou is making big steps each and everyday and we could not be where we are at with her without the team over at Dog Training Elite. Thank you DTE team, you are all amazing and look forward to seeing you at group classes!
  • Lauren Kelly
    Sep. 30, 2024
    I would pay double for this team to train my dog (and me)!! Danny and Sidney went above and beyond to make this experience awesome for our whole family. After just 6 sessions we have a new dog who we actually can enjoy!!
  • Victoria Delaney
    Sep. 26, 2024
    We have a 3 year old miniature poodle that was discarded by a breeder. She was a bundle of nerves until we got the training from Elite. The transformation has been amazing.
  • Tim Duggan
    Sep. 25, 2024
    I can’t say enough about the amazing job DTE did with my Springer Spaniel.All of the trainers were extremely professional and explained everything in detail from beginning to end.I highly recommend.
  • Elisabeth Allen
    Sep. 23, 2024
    The transformation of our dog was absolutely amazing. Our dog came into our lives a couple of weeks before we started training. He was an emaciated stray who was running wild in the mountains. As a hound, we knew he’d be a little stubborn, so we needed help. The first session was shocking for us as we hadn’t seen an “e” collar used correctly before nor had our dog experienced one. Honestly, it was a little tough to watch and we saw our dog was a class A actor in his response to commands using the new collar and also when it wasn’t being used. We talked about it and decided we’d give it a try. I was a little skeptical on how he could learn so much in one week, but it was incredible. We are so glad he was able to go to the day camp (boot camp?) and from day 1, his behavior and attitude was changed. He started following commands well, after we were trained on the technique. By the end of the five days, his transformation was phenomenal. Working with him daily he continues to surprise us. Just this morning, he was on a walk and he spotted a rabbit. We put him in a sit position and he stayed while staring down the rabbit, sitting until the rabbit hopped away. There was no lunging or barking, he was the most well behaved pup. We enjoy taking him out and about to include friends’ houses, Lowe’s and a brewery, and Buddy is always such a well behaved boy. We would highly recommend DTE. It is an investment in your dog which is well worth it. I must also mention that the trainers are all top notch and have a real love for what they do. PS. We encouraged our daughter to use DTE in Virginia and her puppy is now in training and doing well.
  • Erin Bakeman Parker
    Sep. 17, 2024
    We cannot say enough positive things about our experience with DTE. Our puppy, Lady, recently went through puppy training as well as e-collar training camp. There are countless benefits that we've experienced since having her professionally trained and it's so much easier working with her at home with the strong foundation that's been built. Jared, Danny, Sydney and McKenzie made the experience so fun and were always informative and great to be around. The staff is punctual, professional and you can tell they genuinely love what they do. Your dog needs this! Thanks for all you've done for our Lady!
  • Charles Carriger
    Sep. 8, 2024
    DTE did a terrific job with my German Shepherd. They were patient and extremely helpful with training me how to help my best friend. I highly recommend them to help you with training
  • Maya Nagelberg
    Aug. 31, 2024
    We could not be more thankful for Dog Training Elite! We started with their puppy classes, and we absolutely loved them! They helped socialize our puppy through the classes, and also started working on a few commands with us at our house. This made puppyhood such an amazing experience, and we would have been lost without the trainers’ help. We loved puppy class so much that we decided to enroll our puppy in their advanced obedience camp, and this was a game changer! Most of our one-on-ones were with Sydney and our puppy is obsessed with her! She is always so excited to see her. All of the trainers are so knowledgeable and you can tell how much they love dogs. Everyone we meet compliments how well behaved our puppy is, and she really listens so well thanks to the trainers’ hard work. I cannot recommend Dog Training Elite enough!
  • createdthis justtoleaveareview
    Aug. 30, 2024
    When looking for a trainer for my pup, we were very wary of signing up with the wrong crew. After doing a little research and calling around in our area, DTE was one of the few that actually seemed to care about the training, the dogs, and the handlers - not just getting paid. My pup loved going to sessions and even after long days of training was excited to go back for more! The things my pup and I both have learned were well worth the money. The DTE crew knows what they're doing, and most importantly CARES! Thank you DTE. 11 out of 10, would recommend!
  • Megan Witrick
    Aug. 28, 2024
    We can not recommend Dog Training Elite highly enough! This summer, we had the pleasure of working with them to help teach our dog some manners and how to behave in public, and the results have been amazing. The trainers were incredibly patient, compassionate, and dedicated. It was clear they genuinely cared about our dog’s well being. Our dog has made incredible strides, learning so much and becoming a happier and well behaved member of our family. We are thrilled with the progress she has made! The team works hard, always reply’s to questions promptly and were flexible with scheduling. We highly recommend Dog Training Elite.
  • Craig Leduc
    Aug. 26, 2024
    Callie spent a week with Dog Training Elite and we've ALL learned so much!
  • Jonathan suthard
    Aug. 26, 2024
    Words cannot express the feelings of gratitude we have for DTE. We are 6 weeks into our training and today was the ultimate pay off. While conducting some off leash training, our Shiba decided to go her own way. She trotted around a bend in the trail and was gone! I called for her and searched the area for 20 minutes, all the while using the commands and estem controller provided by DTE. As I continued calling and walking back the way we came, I walked over a small hill and here comes Nemo, running towards me, tail in the air just as fast as she could! Without the training provided by DTE, she would have been list! No words can describe the feeling of hopelessness and despair, and have them replaced with joy when I saw her coming back to the commands and following her training! If you are thinking about this type of training...do it! The price is worth it!
  • Tori Franklin
    Aug. 18, 2024
    I haven’t had a dog since I was a little kid and I decided to get the same breed that I had when I was younger. I have a miniature schnauzer and she is so sweet but I didn’t realize how vocal she was. I reached out to DTE and they were so sweet! They came in and did an inhome assessment and then she started camp with them two weeks later. From day 1 I could tell a difference. My puppy is stubborn but DTE did not give up on her! Of course it will be an ongoing training process. But DTE trainers are AMAZING! I can reach out to them if I have any questions or concerns and they are always willing to help. And they truly love and care for each dog they come in contact with. So glad that I chose them! THANK YOU SOOO MUCH!
  • Michele Holder
    Aug. 17, 2024
    Jared, Elizabeth and their crew have given me the tools to have the dog I have always wanted! He is incredibly well behaved and desires to work. When Maverick (my golden doodle) is timid Dog Training Elite were able to show me how to work with him. I can’t recommend this group enough. They are the dog whisperers!!
  • Michael Adams
    Feb. 29, 2024
    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. I am adding to my previous review from obedience training since we have now graduated from therapy training. Five stars is not enough to express what Dog Training Elite has done for Nala and I. The only thing I have hated about having a dog is leaving her at home alone while I go to work. Dog Training Elite has helped make it so that does not have to happen anymore. Nala is going to be my schools therapy dog. I am so grateful for everything they have done from answering my texts with any questions or concerns to showing immense love for my dog. I will forever recommend Dog Training Elite with anyone who has a dream for their dog because they made mine come true.