Our Values at Dog Training Elite Upstate SC


The founders of Dog Training Elite Upstate SC have been successfully training dogs, providing support to dog owners and working closely with charity organizations for over 40 years. Our passion for dogs and service has driven us to create an innovative training method that sets us apart and elevates our trainers to a higher standard of training. We have worked to build a team of trustworthy local dog trainers that reflect our values and possess the necessary skill and qualities that strengthen our mission and advance our unique training model.

We provide comprehensive, generous support to our clients and balanced, sustainable dog training in Greenville to every dog we work with. We genuinely love what they do and aim to build a community for our clients that love their dogs just as much as we do. Once you begin the training process with us, you become a part of the Dog Training Elite family.

Our values are reflected in the work we do to provide service animals for those in need. We strongly believe in the healing power and helping benefits a service dog has for those with mental or physical disabilities/ disorders as well as the elevated love and joy that the companionship of a dog can bring into the lives of individuals and families in general.

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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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Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Upstate SC location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.


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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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.

Meet Our Team


Jared Smearman

Owner/Trainer

Elizabeth Smearman

Office Manager/Trainer

Mackenzie

Trainer

Sydney

Trainer

Danny

Trainer

Casey Watkin

Trainer
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.

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!

Jared and Elizabeth are great people and solid business owners. I highly recommend them to anyone wanting to change the behavior of their dog! Update: 7/17/24 Our two mini schnauzers have thrived because of the training they received from DTE Upstate! We no longer feel like we can’t control our dogs and they are happier when they are obedient! I can’t say enough amazing things about this team and their care for our dogs. We are so thankful and grateful to know such great people at DTE! We have referred so many friends because of our tremendous results. Still highly recommend! Thank you Jared and Elizabeth for all you do!
— Shelly M
Posted February 1st 2022
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Jared and Elizabeth trained our two dogs, and we couldn’t be happier with the experience. From start to finish, they were committed to helping us achieve our training goals and were always willing to help and answer questions. They clearly explained everything which helped us feel informed and confident throughout the whole process having never hired a trainer before. But beyond their expertise, they were just incredible to work with—passionate, positive, and genuinely care about the dogs they are training and how this training can help the pet and their owner. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a dog trainer!!
— Caitlin Thomson Sexton
Posted July 16th 2024
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Jared and Elizabeth trained our two dogs, and we couldn’t be happier with the experience. From start to finish, they were committed to helping us achieve our training goals and were always willing to help and answer questions. They clearly explained everything which helped us feel informed and confident throughout the whole process having never hired a trainer before. But beyond their expertise, they were just incredible to work with—passionate, positive, and genuinely care about the dogs they are training and how this training can help the pet and their owner. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a dog trainer!!
— Caitlin and Robert Sexton
Posted July 16th 2024
google
I inquired about training for my girl, who likes to jump and “paw” to get your attention. The owners were very thorough in explaining every step of the way for training and how each session would look. I would highly recommend them just based off the thoroughness and kindness they show! You can tell they really love dogs and it shows in their work.
— K B
Posted July 16th 2024
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My dog had a wonderful experience with the trainers and owners of Dog Training Elite Upstate SC! Sadie was 7 years old when she started training. The staff was very knowledgeable, warned me of things to be mindful of, and offered their expertise and advice 24/7! I never once sent a text or made a phonecall without hearing back within a hour or less. They answered all of my questions from before training began, the start of training, and at completion. All of the trainers loved my dog and every other dog I saw them engaging with, as if they were their own dogs. My dog had surgery on one of her legs years ago and they made modifications and adjustments to any exercises or prompts when we could tell it was too difficult for my dog. My dog lives a happier and healthier life and I experience less stress thanks to the wonderful individuals and effective and kind training at Dog Training Elite!
— Shannon Edmunds
Posted July 15th 2024
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These trainers are amazing. We struggled with having our dog home when we had people over as he would bark and jump constantly on everyone. We had taken to boarding him whenever we had a party. We worked with Dog Training Elite and saw amazing results. For the first time in 4 years we were able to keep him home with us when we had people over. The trainers are wonderful, patient and caring. I wish I had found them sooner. I can't recommend them enough.
— Elizabeth Macri Daly
Posted July 15th 2024
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Charley completed their week long June 24 training camp. She and the rest of the dogs in her group did amazing- as we ALL got to see each other’s progress after every day. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite Upstate and support their training methodology and their superior level of attention given to their clients-both K9 and handler.
— SC Jumper
Posted July 15th 2024
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Great training. We love all dogs that come our way. No matter the breed or aggression, we love them all!
— Danny Keslar
Posted July 15th 2024
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A hug thank you to everyone at DTE for helping with Bella, I would highly recommend them to everyone. After one lesson our family noticed a difference. One on one lesson at the house was a plus, I have gone to other places and they did not spend the time working with us like DTE did. Everyone was very patient and willing to help, and help with any problems that occurred. THANK YOU DTE
— Yvonne Telson
Posted July 9th 2024
google
Your search for a dog trainer is over! 👏👏👏 I am so impressed with Dog Training Elite Upstate and the way they interact and train their clients dogs. You become family and they care so much. 🐶These trainers do not fear getting bit, they say it’s just part of the training. 🐶They show up ready to work with our furry family members and you will see results quickly … as long as you are also willing to do your doggy homework with your loving pet.😉 It’s a fabulous team effort. 🐶😊 🐶I swear DTE are like Dr. Doolittle’s! They seem to have the right whisper for our pets to understand and be traineD. They appreciate the rewarding and praising and learn how to be a great pet. 🐶Professional in every way. I have to say, my Favorite dog trainer is Sydney. I’ve never seen anyone light up as she does from the moment she shakes your hand and meets your dog. The passion is felt and the love … priceless. I also love Danny and how much he does for us to have a healthy relationship with our pets. Danny is amazing. When looking for a great dog training company, look at the owners. I applaud the owners, Jarad and his beautiful wife, Elizabeth for their outstanding quality for business building internally and externally. Their hearts and souls are in it to make a difference and it shows authentically and transparently through their trainers. 😊 👏👏👏I’m telling ya, your search is over, call Dog Training Elite Upstate today, you will be overjoyed with joy! 🥰
— Lyn-Dee Eldridge
Posted July 7th 2024
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Absolutely love dog training elite! They have the best trainers around! They knowledgeable, loving, patient trainers . I would not go anywhere else, I highly recommend!
— Karen Eldridge
Posted July 7th 2024
google
Dog Training Elite is second to none in the Upstate! I can't say enough good things about Jared and Elizabeth and the rest of the Elite team! They are incredible trainers and are genuinely loving people who work tirelessly to ensure each dog gets the best care and training possible. DTE has given Indu, Sydney, and I more than anything we could’ve asked for! I will always recommend Elite Dog Training to anyone looking to improve their dog's behavior and strengthen their bond. Thank you, Jared, Elizabeth, and team for your dedication and love for our furry friends!
— Michael Sigrist
Posted July 6th 2024
google
Great place. All the trainers are super knowledgeable and Very friendly and patient. My shepherd Shelby learned so much there.
— Laurel Hassig Wimpey
Posted July 6th 2024
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Great place. All of the trainers are super good and very knowledgeable. My shepherd Shelby learned so much.
— Laurel Wimpey
Posted July 6th 2024
google
When we got our dog Charlee she was crazy. We needed to get her obedience classes ASAP. After our first few classes Charlee was a completely different dog. Highly recommended!
— Joe King
Posted July 6th 2024
google
This team deserves 100000 stars. DTE is the best in the upstate! I have gotten to know each trainer personally and the lengths they will go to to not only make sure you and your dog reach your training goals but to also care for your dog like their own are above and beyond what any other company can provide! The customer service is out of this world. Any questions or concerns are addressed immediately after hours and weekends, rare find!! It took many failed investments and training methods for us to finally have peace and harmony with our three dogs. One of which it took this training for him to allow me to pet him for the first time in years since he only trusted my wife. We also can finally trust our Jack Russell around our shepherd/wolfhound mix as she was attacking her and resource guarding. Thank you to the DTE Upstate team for caring for our pups and showing us what's possible!
— James Martin
Posted July 5th 2024
google
The BEST trainers in the state of South Carolina..I took my 2 year old German shepherd as a last resort..she was extremely reactive and could not bare to be near anyone she didn't know. The team was very thorough and patient with me and my lack of experience training a dog. My shepherd has gone from barking and reacting to everything and everyone she sees to being able to go downtown with me with no issue. I couldn't recommend dog Training Elite enough. They've changed me and my dogs life for the better!
— anthony simmons
Posted July 5th 2024
google
The trainers are all so great with my goldendoodle Teddy. He has improved on his obedience tremendously since we started working with dog training elite. I highly recommend them!
— Aubrey Schaab
Posted June 28th 2024
google
We had an amazing experience with Dog Training Elite Upstate. These people LOVE dogs. The communication was always very clear, personable, and friendly. They do a very thorough job of level setting expectations of the process and being very specific on the role you play in your dog’s success. We feel even closer to our dog after this experience. Thank you to the whole team at DTEU for your patience and kindness throughout this process.
— Calhoun Taylor
Posted June 27th 2024
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I am so impressed with the patience, kindness, and dedication of Elite’s training team. My Keeno’s manners are improved and it’s pleasant to take him out to parks, etc.
— Prudence Taylor
Posted June 14th 2024
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