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Training is key to creating a safe, loving environment for your canine companion. Dogs are great learners and always eager to please their owners. With the right techniques, a little patience, and consistency from the whole family, Fido can learn just about anything.
Besides teaching your dog respectful behaviors (like no excessive barking and no begging from the table), training keeps your dog:
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Safe
If your dog knows to come on command, or “stay” in place, both of you will be safer when outdoors. Untrained dogs may dart off into the road, or become distracted by their surroundings and get lost. -
Smart
Consistent instruction is mentally stimulating and improves your dog’s cognitive health. Learning also prevents boredom and the destructive habits that result from it.
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Happy
Dogs thrive on positive, loving relationships with their human family members. A dog that doesn’t know proper behavior is unlikely to have a positive relationship with the people around him. By teaching your dog what behaviors are acceptable, you establish a comfortable and loving environment.
Effective training is key to a positive dog-owner relationship. Learning how to communicate with your canine companion is difficult without assistance, however. If you’ve been struggling with your dog’s behavior, it may be time to find a professional dog trainer near you.
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Huntsville location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
Silver
$1,475
Training Equipment Included: E-collar
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 3 Sessions
- Come
- Loose Leash Walking
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Off(furniture when desired)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Place(go to bed)
Gold
$2,275
Training Equipment Included: E-collar
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 6 Sessions
- Group Park Training Sessions 24 Sessions
- Come
- Loose Leash Walking
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Off(furniture when desired)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Place(go to bed)
- Heel(walk with you, no more pulling)
- Down(lay next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Load Up (go into kennel, car, or dog house)
- Calm Anxiety & Build Confidence
- Housebreaking / Potty Training
- Manners, Safety & Boundaries
- STOP Jumping on People
- STOP Biting & Nipping
- STOP Bolting Through Doors, Running Away & Chasing Animals
- STOP Begging & Stealing Food
- STOP Chewing & Digging
Platinum
$3,250
Platinum offers advanced obedience/behavioral modification with a goal of off-leash control. Includes additional training options and offers more one-on-one and group sessions than Gold.
Training Equipment Included: E-collar
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 9 Sessions
- Group Park Training Sessions 32 Sessions
- Elite Testing
- Come
- Loose Leash Walking
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Off(furniture when desired)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Place(go to bed)
- Heel(walk with you, no more pulling)
- Down(lay next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Load Up (go into kennel, car, or dog house)
- Calm Anxiety & Build Confidence
- Housebreaking / Potty Training
- Manners, Safety & Boundaries
- STOP Jumping on People
- STOP Biting & Nipping
- STOP Bolting Through Doors, Running Away & Chasing Animals
- STOP Begging & Stealing Food
- STOP Chewing & Digging
- *STOP Aggression(dog & human)
- *Stay With You on a Job, Hike, or Bike Ride
- *Therapy Dog Training
- *Emotional Support Dog Training(ESA)
- *Other Custom Command Approved by Trainer
Finding Professionals In An Unregulated Industry
There is no regulating body or licensing process for professional dog trainers. Anyone can advertise themselves as a trainer, whether they have the necessary skills and knowledge or not.
Navigating through this unregulated industry can be tricky. As a dog owner, you want a qualified trainer that will:
- Respect you, your dog, and your family.
- Stick to your schedule.
- Use positive training methods.
- Never harm your dog.
- Address your dog's unique needs and behaviors.
- Teach you how to better communicate with your dog.
- Provide ongoing support and check-in after training sessions.
- Train in various settings, environments and stages.
- Empower you to build a healthy, loving bond with your dog.
It takes years of experience and education for trainers to be able to offer all of the above. So how do you find a professional that fits your and your dog’s needs?
Se habla español!
"Pawsitive" Indicators of a Good Dog Trainer
Some things to look for when searching for a Huntsville dog trainer include:
Training Technique
There are various training methods out there, but the most effective is positive reinforcement. According to the American Kennel Service, positive reinforcement techniques “are based on the science of animal learning and have the bonus of strengthening the dog-owner bond.”
- “Alpha Dog” or dominance-based training techniques. Dominance theory is based on incorrect assumptions of dog and wolf behavior. Dog behaviorists have proven that positive techniques are the only healthy way to communicate with dogs. Dominant, punishment-based training causes anxiety, fear and aggression.
- Trainers that use choke-chains, shock collars, sprays, and other punishment tactics.
Stay Away From:
Personality
You want to enjoy the time spent with your trainer, so find someone with a happy, exciting personality. You’re looking for a professional, of course, but we are all dog lovers here, so light-hearted attitudes are important. Your dog must connect well with a trainer for efficient learning, so pay attention to how your dog reacts to your chosen trainer.
- Trainers that make you feel bad about your relationship with your dog or your dog’s behavior.
- Rude, dismissive attitudes, and trainers that are too uptight.
- Trainers that use harsh words and aggressive tactics.
Stay Away From:
Empowerment
A dog trainer is truly a teacher at heart, and their goal is to teach you how to better communicate with your dog. You need a coach who helps you connect better with your pet, empowering you to build a strong bond. When the trainer is gone, you’ll be the one giving the commands, so make sure you find someone that is understanding, patient, and committed.
- A trainer that does not want to involve you and your family members in the process.
- Programs that only offer board and train -- effective training involves various settings, including classes and inside the home.
- Trainers that cannot explain how dogs learn and cannot teach you how to communicate with your dog.
Stay Away From:
Credentials
Dog trainers do not need a license, but there are various education programs available. Look for a trainer that can prove their credentials with experience, education, and certifications. If you have a specific need, such as personal protection or service training, be sure to find a trainer that is experienced in that area.
At Dog Training Elite, our dog trainers are educated and experienced with training dogs of all breeds, sizes and ages. All locations are registered with the Professional Retriever Trainers Association, the International Association of Canine Professionals, and the American Kennel Club.
Trainers that cannot prove their education, experience, or background.
Stay Away From:
Customization
All dogs have unique personalities and life experiences that shape their behaviors. A well-qualified trainer offers customizable programs tailored to the unique needs of each client and dog. In-home training approaches are preferred, so the trainer can observe your dog in his home environment (where he feels most comfortable acting naughty!).
You should also look for a trainer that covers both basic obedience and advanced programs.
- Trainers that can’t teach more than basic obedience commands.
- A trainer that diagnoses medical issues as reasoning for problem behaviors. Trainers are not licensed veterinarians and should never diagnose a dog. If a medical issue is suspected, a qualified trainer will recommend you speak to a vet.
Stay Away From:
Good References
References and consumer reviews are key to finding a reliable trainer. Ask around at the dog park for good references, and research each trainer or company. Read through customer reviews and take a look at how professional their website appears.
- Trainers that have no website or online references, or trainers that have poor reviews.
- Trainers with reviews that mention aggressive tactics, fear-based techniques, and punishment-based theory.
Stay Away From:
Se habla español!
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.
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!
They have done a phenomenal job training ‘tracker’ to be a diabetic alert dog for our 4 year old. He is extremely well behaved especially in public and doing a great job alerting at such a young age already!— Bryan Landreth
Posted April 13th 2024
We have Mr JB helped us with evaluating puppies and got our servicedog puppy. This is our first dog so we followed professional instructions thru our puppy Ruby’s arrival to family , puppy training and now we are at Service Dog training session. Mr JB and his wife are excellent dog trainers. Our puppy is only four months old now but already started picking up kid from school. Ruby the golden doodle girl is already a star for being loving and obedient. We are ready to take group training class now. Very exciting and proud for our little Ruby. Thank you , Dog Training Elite ! You are the best.— Julie Castellanos
Posted September 13th 2023
JB has been amazing. Our puppy has learned so much and now both of us feel confident with each other. Thanks so much JB for training us.— Melanie Harries Blitch
Posted August 31st 2023
We have had such a positive experience with the whole DTE team! There are several packages and training by options to fit multiple needs. The trainers are all great! We worked mostly with JB working on obedience and some behavior issues we were having. Can’t say enough good things! Highly recommend!!— Kristin McElroy
Posted August 4th 2023
Can't believe the change in my dog. Her training made her realize that she is not the boss, and it has completely changed her.— sandra hensley
Posted July 4th 2023
I would highly recommend Elite Dog Training. JB was found to be not only professional, but also extremely experienced with the behaviors of dogs and the mistakes that I was making as a 🐾 paw parent.This insight brought me and my dog on the same path and has given me and my dog, a stronger bond and relationship And as a treasured member of our family I could not of selected a better person to help me with Bella than JB. Thank you J B. Jerome Honeyman— Jerome Honeyman
Posted April 21st 2023
Very knowledgeable and flexible in assisting us train a service dog. Individual classes are very effective, and group classes are fun for both the dog and handler.— Don Traut
Posted April 11th 2023
I'm very pleased with JB. I have difficult dogs and he's great with them, and pretty good with training me to work with them.— katandthefids everything2cellos
Posted April 8th 2023
We are so thankful for JB and Dog Training Elite! Our 5 year old whipador is highly anxious, and the training has helped her to trust us more and calm down. JB knows how to train the dogs AND the owners, which is key in having an obedient pet. We appreciate that JB makes house calls for the training, thus including the whole family, and the group sessions are a great way to expose our dog to other dogs while continuing to receive training under JB's watch and care. We highly recommend DTE!— Carissa Callan
Posted December 22nd 2022
DTE is awesome! Though skeptical at first, I am convinced that they are the best, and have an amazing dog to show for it! John is great and highly recommended!!!— Paul Hearn
Posted June 16th 2022
I highly recommend Dog Training Elite! From their training methods to the care and respect they show towards the dogs and owners, you can’t go wrong!— Cassie Frank
Posted June 16th 2022
JB is great,patient, and we are beyond thankful to have him working with us getting our puppy trained. I can contact him after hours with questions and he’s very responsive while educating you at the same time. Couldn’t have made a better investment with DTE !!— Derek Lazarus
Posted June 1st 2022
So far elite dog training has been great for my stubborn one year old service dog in training ! JB is always available to answer any questions and really helps understand each weeks training task!— M Girard
Posted May 25th 2022
These people are my neighbors. I watch them as they walk the streets with dogs in training. Dogs are well behaved, and trainers treat dogs with respect and positive reinforcement.— Kelly White
Posted May 3rd 2022
Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation
At Dog Training Elite Huntsville, 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 Huntsville 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.
Trust Your Gut
Choosing a trainer is an important part of being a dog owner, and in the end, you want to choose the professional you feel comfortable with. This is someone that you’ll be inviting into your home and spending plenty of time with! A dog trainer with credentials, experience, and a friendly personality that makes your dog’s tail wag is most likely a great choice.
You also want to make sure you get your money’s worth, so choose a trainer that is invested in you and your dog. At Dog Training Elite, we follow up with our clients even after training sessions have ended. Our goal is to help clients build strong relationships with their pets, and that takes consistent effort. Our professional dog trainers are some of the best in the Huntsville area. We cover training programs such as obedience, personal protection, anxiety, aggression, and service dog.