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Reviews & Testimonials

Dog Training Elite of Indianapolis

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Alexander Voris
Oct. 25, 2025 - google
Hoosier loves reinforcing all he has learned during group sessions. Such a great benefit!!
Jean Fox
Apr. 9, 2025 - google
We can’t thank Doug, Josh and all the trainers at DTE enough for the incredible work they do with our new family member, Remy. She struggles with reactive and aggressive behaviors, but their calm, patient approach and deep understanding of dog behavior has made all the difference. They gave us practical, easy to follow training techniques that have helped her make incredible progress. Especially grateful for the coaching and encouragement we receive as her handlers. We couldn’t be happier with the team’s expertise, kindness and dedication - it was made all the difference. Highly recommended the DTE Team!
Terri Gomez
Aug. 17, 2025 - google
We have been very impressed with the training that our Stella has received. We get a good recap at the end of each session and as much time as we need to ask questions. Anika has been great to work with. She seems to really enjoy her work and making sure Stella succeeds. We look forward to more sessions with Anika and the rest of the staff at Dog Training Elite.
Gladys Gerena
Oct. 25, 2025 - google
I appreciate and enjoy Saturday morning’s dog training session. Not only am I reinforcing the trainers commands, but it is training me to be a better doggie mom and be able to handle my dog in different situations. Thanks for allowing us to participate with our dogs.
Patricia SICA
Jul. 15, 2025 - google
We attended the first of the Saturday group sessions-I think Donato was the youngest pup not quite 6 months - the group session was 'GREAT' - Distractions with all the dogs-conducted by Elite trainers willing to help us- THANK YOU!
Elizabeth Todd
Apr. 14, 2025 - google
Our Bernedoodle was much more to handle than the yellow labs we had in the past. Dog Training Elite was a godsend. Very professional. They gave us all the tools to work with our dog. Elijah, our trainer, did a great job demonstrating and explaining. Very knowledgeable. Our in-home puppy and then obedience classes followed a strong logical progression that was easy to follow and practice. It was well worth the cost. I’m looking forward to attending some group classes. Just finished a doggy daycare training day to polish up on some of the basic skills. Have a bad knee and Normie was just enough out ahead of me on walks that it was causing strain on my knee I showed the instructors where i wanted him to heal and when i picked him up for the day and took him for a walk it was amazed at the improvement he showed. It was a pain free walk
Julie Anne
Aug. 16, 2025 - google
Greatly appreciate the information and patience Elijah provides.
Ruth Robertson
Aug. 16, 2025 - google
Josh changed our lives. Not only he helped with my two reactive dogs, but helped me as well. Fantastic experience!
Cat Rash
Aug. 16, 2025 - google
Wonderful place! Elijah is very patient and helpful. The courses are highly informative and seeing my dog grow and learn is amazing. Highly recommend.
Paula Koester
Aug. 1, 2025 - google
They do a great job with the dogs and training us owners in addition to the dogs. Josh is extremely helpful trainor
Trevor Hill
Aug. 8, 2025 - google
Dog Training Elite is worth every penny! We have 2 dogs, a 1 year old and 3 year old. Both were having issues with reactivity to people and other dogs, as well as struggling with basic obedience during walks. My fiancé and I were always stressed about how they might react on walks, and we honestly felt hopeless that it would get better. Thankfully we decided to go with Dog Training Elite and it feels like it’s gotten 100x better! What ultimately made us settle on DTE were the reviews. There were so many amazing success stories, and now we’re very happy to be one of them. So if you need a push, this is your sign!! We decided to go with the 2 week boot camp, because we wanted quick results but we also didn’t want to miss our pups for 2 weeks at an overnight camp. DTE’s the perfect solution of an intensive training period, while also not missing your best friend. My fiancé and I were always so excited and proud when we got videos of our dogs during each day of camp. It was amazing how quickly we noticed results during and after the 2 weeks! It was comforting to see how our dogs grew to love the trainers, and were excited arriving each day. Even our older boy, who used to have very bad anxiety with new people warmed up to them which was a big concern for us initially. Although, the training has given him (and us) much more confidence, and the way he responds to his anxiety has improved so much when meeting people. The staff at DTE are wonderful and truly care about your dog, we are so grateful to Sonya, Elijah, Josh, Doug, and everyone else on the team! It’s now been 2 months since they’ve graduated, and our dogs are still getting better with time as we continue to reinforce what was learned in boot camp. Today we did our first follow-up session with Josh. Our dogs were so excited to see him, and remembered him instantly. The follow-up at home sessions are very helpful to make sure that the training transitions to everyday life effectively - or if it’s been a while and you and your dog could use a refresher. We highly recommend DTE!! If you think you have an untrainable dog, you have no idea what these pros are capable of! p.s. The graduation photos are the cherry on top! 10⭐️
Jill Pugh
Aug. 8, 2025 - google
Just finished training sessions with Elijah, and he was fabulous! Patient, knowledgeable, and truly understands a dog’s needs/behavior. Eli's style is calm, kind and confident, and he's soo likeable. Highly recommend Elijah, Doug and DTE to anyone wanting the best!
Jeffrey Schillinger
Aug. 6, 2025 - google
Doug came by our home for an initial visit. He was very professional and explained the available sevices in a low pressure way. We start training in two weeks! Also, our dog really liked Doug.
Alisa Grady
Jul. 1, 2025 - google
Doug did a wonderful job with my in-home consultation! Elijah, Josh, Sonia, & Anika are all wonderful trainers. They did a great job with my pup, Molly, and do a superb job explaining everything to me as well. Josh completed my first post-class in-home session and that was a great experience as well. We have already gone to multiple weekend classes and will continue to do so. I will be signing up another pup in the near future!
Scot Allen
Jul. 28, 2025 - google
Josh at DTE Indy is great. Working to build some strong basics with our rescue that shares a house with a young child.
James Witte
May. 6, 2025 - google
I could not be happier with the whole team at Dog Training Elite
Jordyn Strong
May. 23, 2025 - google
Josh has been absolutely incredible with our Duke. We started working with Josh when Duke was just under 3 months old and was mouthing us like crazy. Josh came in and gave us the skills necessary to manage and limit the mouthing as well as teaching us various key skills. He explained each skill in detail, providing demonstrations, and having us demonstrate as well. He always took the time to answer our questions, even beyond basic obedience skills and was extremely responsive via messaging as needed. Josh made us feel more confident and comfortable to take Duke into public spaces. We are incredibly grateful for all Josh has taught us and can’t wait to watch Duke thrive!
Grace B
Jul. 18, 2025 - google
I am SO impressed with ALL the staff at Dog Training Elite! My bassett hound has been in their obedience camp for one week and already its a drastic difference. Im so excited to see how much better he gets. It's definitely worth every penny!
Lisa Berfiend
Jul. 17, 2025 - google
We are having a wonderful experience. Doug and his trainers are all outstanding. Our puppy is doing great and has learned so much. The weekly group classes are very helpful to us as well. This group and their program is top notch!!
Josie Axness Hunckler
Jul. 12, 2025 - google
I had a very helpful experience to have a pro trainer come out and evaluate my dog Jake and me, to know if we’re a good fit for training and service dog training soon too. All of my questions were answered promptly and thoroughly. My dog Jake, my partner Yuniel, and I felt respected and well cared for as we embark (no pun intended) on this journey of professional training! Doug clearly cares for his clients, the dogs, and their success, providing honest and detailed answers to all my questions along the way. We are feeling confident with a clear understanding of how training will be going forward. This is an investment which I can tell will be worthwhile.
Larry Bowmer
Jul. 11, 2025 - google
Doug came to our home to evaluate our dog, We rescued her in march and have been having some issues with her having accidents in the house, after her evaluation he gave us some great ideas to help her, he offered some in home training as well as a doggie day camp, we will be using his services in the very near future. If your looking for a professional dog training service, these guys are it
Julie Clark
Jun. 22, 2025 - google
Elijah did a great job introducing our golden retriever to the training program. He was patient and answered all questions.
Candace Harlan
Apr. 22, 2025 - google
We were very happy with our trainer. He was very helpful and gave us a lot of information to help us with our training.
Nick Riedle
Jun. 19, 2025 - google
1st in home training session with Elijah was great! Got lots of homework to get them ready for the next session
Tyler K
Jun. 19, 2025 - google
Doug is great and very knowledgeable
Natalie Eden
May. 30, 2025 - google
We are 2 sessions into training our dog, and the results are amazing. Eli is so knowledgeable and articulate. He really explains what we are doing, and also why we are doing it. The attention to detail is wonderful, and we have seen amazing changes in just one week. I am excited to see how well Murphy does in another month! I would absolutely recommend Dog Training Elite to anyone who wants to see change with their dog.
Kaylene Graber
Jun. 7, 2025 - google
Elijah did a wonderful job explaining all the steps in the process of training. He was thorough with what those steps look like he provided great examples of videos of the scent test and then he provided a real life example of the obedience training with his own dog Ash thank you for working with us and our family. We can’t wait to start training!
Jessica Beecher
Jun. 6, 2025 - google
Dog training elite of Indianapolis has been amazing from the start. Every staff member has been polite and helpful. Elijah has been a god send. Having a child need a service dog presents many challenges. Elijah has not ony been amazing with the dog but with my child who is training the dog. His calm demeanor and patience is refreshing.
Corrie Marlowe
May. 30, 2025 - google
The whole team and Our trainer Elijah is wonderful. He's a great problem solver at figuring out what your individual dog needs. He makes learning commands easy to understand. He has a passion for what he does and it comes through with each session. We couldn't have had a better trainer. It's obvious he loves what he does. We couldn't have picked a better company to help us train our DAD (Diabetic Alert Dog). Shadow is in the best hands.
Evan Pulliam
May. 21, 2025 - google
Having your dog trained can be a big step for owners. Whether that’s cost, time commitment, and questioning whether it’s successful or not. After sending my dog to Dog Elite Training I truly understood a different meaning to ownership and companionship. From the convenience of dropping off and picking up, to success from the trainings, and pure enthusiasm the staff brought everyday. I couldn’t recommend Dog Elite Training enough. As much as the training is for your pet, it’s more for their owner. Within 10 days of training I can no go about my day and enjoy every second with my dog without stress or worry. Having pure trust in my dog is now something I’ll have for a very long time.
Cat Coates
May. 17, 2025 - google
Josh was absolutely amazing, every single time. He always showed professionalism, friendliness, compassion, expertise, communicativeness, patience, flexibility and humor. Our dog is a rescued pitbull who came from a bad situation and acted out in fear and confusion. We'd tried many techniques and even sent him for a weekend training on a remote farm with dog gurus - seriously, we tried everything! But some of his problematic behaviors just wouldn't stop. Josh helped us to understand our dog's actual needs and showed us how to meet them. With our dog's abundance of health issues when we took him on, we weren't surprised to see that he was also not the brightest dog out there. We always said "he's got no brain, but the biggest heart". Josh came along and trained us to train our dog. Turns out he's no dummy at all and within 1 session his behavior AND confidence were dramatically improved. Because of Josh and this training program we now have full confidence in our ability to guide our rescue pit through a safe, happy, fulfilling, and social life. People have commented on how well behaved he is and we're so proud that he is empowered to show others in public the sweet, loving boy we've always known him to be at home. Thanks, Josh!!!
Martina Gaughan
May. 14, 2025 - google
Josh came to our home for an in home session following two weeks of day camp training. Douglas, our dog, was really excited to see him! He helped us practice with some of the triggers we encounter at home and encouraged us is the use of what was taught at camp!
Beriault Family
May. 14, 2025 - google
Best money spent on this training. The care, the love, the details, and the outcome of our dog is mind blowing. Everyone is so wonderful and we are so happy to have found Dog Training Elite! It’s so worth every dollar. We have group training for life and will definitely recommend to everyone! Thank you all! Shout out to George. He’s fantastic!
Camellia Poplarski
May. 13, 2025 - google
Elijah helped us address very specific issues with each of our dogs. He is so calm and very informative making for a great learning experience for our dogs and for us. He is a pro!
tracy cherba
May. 9, 2025 - google
Dog Training Elite has been WONDERFUL and extremely helpful in getting my Bella girl ready to be my service dog. I would highly recommend them to anyone that is looking to train their service or therapy animal.
Holly Gullett
May. 7, 2025 - google
Elijah did a great job, focusing on the problem behaviors I reported. I’ve always been impressed with DTE training staff, during one-on-one lessons and then during group classes. Elijah’s explanations, methods, instructions were clear and easy to follow. I’m confident our pup will catch on quickly with consistent practice and we’ll both be able to enjoy our walks again soon.
Hannah Shockey
Apr. 30, 2025 - google
Elijah is great. He is really patient and it's so obvious he wants you and your dog to succeed. He is easy to relate to, very kind and great with my dog. I appreciate all of his help.
K Crosley
Apr. 28, 2025 - google
I really appreciate Elijah from Dog Training Elite as he has helped me so much in training my puppy. I love the program DTE offered me and get so many compliments on how well mannered my puppy is. My neighbors have been very complimentary on my puppys progress too!!! Program well put together with concise directions from my trainer. If i have questions in between sessions I can reach out to my trainer which has been wonderful. They worked with me in personalizing sessions as needed to address any concerns or problems I had in training my puppy. Group classes review and reinforce what has been learned in individual sessions. A great help. Elijah is truly a dog whisperer!!!!
Thomas Korecki
Apr. 25, 2025 - google
The team at Dog Training Elite did an amazing job training my sweet little girl, Olive! And providing me with the knowledge and tools to tame her rambunctious nature and calm her anxieties. A worthwhile investment in creating a happier and healthier dog!
Makaela Hudson
Apr. 23, 2025 - google
Josh has been amazing. Have seen so much progress even with only a few sessions.
Chris Sargent
Apr. 22, 2025 - google
My pup was very stubborn and had terrible recall. This dog training has made her one of the easiest pups to walk and call back. Worth every penny.
Brenda C Gordon
Apr. 21, 2025 - google
My dog is a Cane Corso so proper training was a priority. I researched the available options before deciding to train with Dog Training Elite. I asked them lots of questions and let them know my expectations. The preliminary interview with the company owner, Doug, and our family (including our dog) satisfied my expectations. The first training session was great. Our trainer was Josh. We had the best first session learning how consistent and clear commands make for quick understanding. Our dog responded to Josh better than I anticipated.
Sarah Randall
Apr. 18, 2025 - google
We had a great experience with Dog Training Elite and highly recommend them. Elijah was easy to work with, professional, knowledgeable and made training fun.
Devon Sundberg
Apr. 16, 2025 - google
I adopted a large dog for the first time. I knew I needed training from the get go to ensure she would follow instructions and not jump on people. Dog Training Elite was responsive. The owner was at my house in a couple of days, a few days later we had our first puppy training session in home with Elijah. He was knowledgable and never judgmental about what we accomplished or didn’t. Our dog, Olive, started training on site. She loved it and couldn’t wait to get back everyday. Now she weighs about 50lbs. She heels, sits, stays in place and comes reliably. I am still able to reach out to the staff at DTE for guidance on issues and attend their Saturday sessions. It continues to be a very good investment.
Melissa Hicks
Apr. 12, 2025 - google
We have had the best experience with Elijah and dog training elite! They are kind, respectful, flexible and absolute experts! Scheduling is always hard for us with 2 active kiddos! They were awesome in making sure we could get everything done timely! I would absolutely use them again
Anne Weinblatt
Apr. 11, 2025 - google
Thanks to our work with Josh, Apollo has become a great companion puppy to me. I tried two other training programs and did not have success with them. Dog Training Elite has made a big difference for both of us. I highly recommend them.
Sarah Clark
Mar. 12, 2025 - google
I could not have asked for a better training experience. Tater was more than excited to attend the two week training every day and the trainers did an excellent job of working with him. He left the two weeks well behaved and trained to the commands the team worked on with him and is continuing to do extremely well at home. Couldn't recommend more!
Regan Esch
Feb. 16, 2025 - google
Very happy with the progress my two pups have made. In the two week day camp training DTE taught my 7 and 5 year old doodles to heal and walk nicely on a regular leash! Much better manners and impulse control. All of the trainers have been very friendly and knowledgeable. Love the ongoing support with In home sessions and group classes. Wish we trained with you years ago! Highly recommend.
Courtney Colby
Feb. 16, 2025 - google
I'm so grateful for Dog Training Elite! I completed the Platinum Obedience training program with my Golden Retriever George and have only great things to say about DTE and the team. George is a high energy, playful, loving, and very smart 2 year old. We had been through a training program when he was a few months old that was less involved with the owner. One of my favorite parts about training with DTE is how rewarding it has been for me to be apart of the training with George. It has strengthened the trust in our relationship so much, I've learned so much more about him through the process, and I feel so well equipped to continue to work with him and be a leader for him as he continues to grow. This team is so dedicated to the continued growth and education for you and your dog and it shows. George and I always look forward to our Saturday Group Class and our Therapy Dog in Training courses where we sharpen his focus, fine tune his skills, strengthen his confidence, and learn new activities we can practice at home. Thank you so much DTE! George & Courtney
Brittany Pierson
Feb. 15, 2025 - google
We highly recommend DTE to anyone interested in training! They came to us and worked with our schedule. Our husky, Odin, is stubborn and very energetic. DTE not only taught him commands but also gave us a better way of challenging him mentally (which really helps with his energy levels). Odin always loved seeing his trainer Elijah Turner. Elijah was great with Odin but also explained every aspect of the training techniques to us which made a world of difference. The package we purchased also had unlimited group classes and those are great for keeping everything fresh.
Denise Rider
Feb. 15, 2025 - google
We are working with Dog Training Elite to train our daughter's diabetes alert dog. They are amazing to work with and so extremely helpful and full of great information. At 8 months old our puppy already knows how to alert for low blood sugar and sit, place, heel etc. Never knew a dog could learn so much so quickly! They make the process fun and easy for both handler and dog. Would highly recommend them to anyone wanting to train a pet to those looking to train a service dog!
Ben England
Dec. 3, 2024 - google
We did the in-home platinum obedience training and are so happy with everything. Working with the whole crew was a fantastic experience and felt full support from everyone at DTE of Indianapolis. They have great attention to detail, expertise, customer service and genuine care to train our dog and adapt to specific needs of our dog. DTE really goes above and beyond!
Carly Ringlespaugh
Oct. 4, 2024 - google
Dog Training Elite is the best! Our pup had the best time, loved all of the trainers, and learned so much. We did the two week day camp, and I definitely recommend it. Thanks again to everyone at DTE!
Marlene Upchurch
May. 10, 2024 - google
I thought there was no hope for my 8 year old pup. I am so excited to say that after two weeks of camp with the trainers at Dog Training Elite he has learned proper manners and is also a pleasure to take for a walk. You can teach an old dog new tricks. The trainers did a wonderful job training my Jimmy. They are caring and loved my boy like their own. And, they kept me informed every step of the way. Doug spent two days in-home training giving me the tools I need to maintain the progress he made. I am so happy with how well behaved he is. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite.
Kelly Kiefer Brown
Apr. 11, 2024 - facebook
We had our dog go thru training with Dog Training Elite for a service dog. We were extremely happy with the service and the time they took with us to help train our dog! We cannot even thank them enough for what great service they have provided us! The trainers are awesome! They always kept us informed and replying quick! Poppy learned a lot and it all paid off!
Kelly Davisson
Jan. 21, 2024 - facebook
Our puppy, Annie, just finished obedience training at Dog Training Elite and we are absolutely thrilled with our experience! Not only did Annie learn a lot of new skills while attending their day camp, they gave us tons of videos and constant support to help us maintain her progress at home. I was a little nervous to drop off our sweet girl that first day, but the entire staff loved her and cheered her on like she was one of their own. Annie was SO EXCITED to go back in the next day, and she kept her enthusiasm for the entire two-week course. We'll definitely be returning for their advanced training courses and can't wait to take advantage of the weekend group classes!
Cindy Aque
Dec. 4, 2023 - google
We worked with trainers Josh and Elijah and they were great! They showed us ways to train our rescue pup that came thinking he ruled our house. And they adjusted the training to fit the our and our dogs needs. You can tell with their interaction with dogs that they love dogs and really want to help owners learn how to manage their dog for a more peaceful household. I would highly recommend their services if you have a dog that needs training to fit into your household.
Roger French
Nov. 14, 2023 - google
Excellent people to help your dog learn proper manners. I can’t say enough at how well they treated my pet and showed him pet proper discipline. Thank you so much.
Reese Sommers
Nov. 14, 2023 - google
These people are miracle workers. I was looking for quite some bit for training for my pup. I found DTE, read some reviews and without any questions I set up the in home eval. I was pleasantly surprised when they said they would take on my reactive dog. I couldn’t be more thankful for the trainers at DTE. They are dedicated, hardworking, and motivated to get your pup where they need to be. Big thanks from Akira and I!!!!!
Kelly Brown
Nov. 14, 2023 - google
Love working with them! They listen to what we need in our dog. Easy to schedule appt with. Love doing the group training classes. The trainers are very positive!
Mary Clark
Oct. 25, 2023 - google
I love working with each of their trainers!
Abby Wallace
Oct. 25, 2023 - facebook
We cannot say enough good things about Dog training elite. They are helping us train our pup to be a service dog for our son and he is doing amazing! They provide all the skills and teach you how to handle the dog. I wish I could give them 10 stars!!!!
Abby Wallace
Oct. 25, 2023 - google
We hired this company to help us train our puppy to a be a service dog for our son. We started at 14 weeks and we have a lab. He is so smart annd well trained and the skills they teach you are spot on!
Jake Johnson
Oct. 25, 2023 - google
There is no greater joy, as a pet owner, than when you hear others commenting behind you on how well behaved and obedient your dog is. Liberty has absolutely been a game changer for my everyday life… not just because she’s my pet, but because she’s my team mate. She is able to respond to my feelings and helps me feel like I have my “battle buddy” by my side at all times. We are going through Service Dog training with Dog Training Elite. The training tactics they teach work! Liberty has given me freedom to not be apprehensive about going out and about.
Kathleen Sievert
Sep. 17, 2023 - google
We've really enjoyed our training so far at DTE. Great trainers who truly love and care about the pups! They set you up with all of the tools that you need and make it easy. They combine one-on-one training plus group classes which has been so helpful for my puppy, who at one point, was scared of everything that moved or made noise!
Karleigh Meyer
Jun. 16, 2023 - google
We have been working with the trainers at Dog Training Elite Indianapolis for the last 6 months training a service dog for our son. I have never trained a dog beyond the “sit” command before. Doug, Josh, and Elijah have walked us through every step and were there to answer questions, offer support and celebrate our little successes even outside of our sessions. Our home is loud and chaotic having 6 children but the trainers always graciously included them as part of the training process. This act alone meant the world to us and is a huge reason as to why we were so successful. THEY CREATED A TRAINING ENVIRONMENT AROUND OUR FAMILY instead of trying to get us to conform to their training ways. I can proudly say we have officially passed our Public Access Test and are well on the way to perfecting our Service Dog Tasks. We would 100% recommend Dog Training Elite Indy for any and all of your training needs!
Betsy Rosiek
May. 26, 2023 - google
This training was a true game changer for me and my sweet dog! I was so surprised at how quickly Benson caught on to the training! He’s actually stopped jumping, and it’s a pleasure now to take him on walks, because there is no pulling or dragging me along. Doug is great with the dogs, and trainers Elijah and Josh are just so easy to work with, knowledgeable and fun! Thanks for making us both so happy!
Jennifer Scott
May. 12, 2023 - google
I couldn't be more happy with my experience so far with Elite Dog Training. Doug has been so patient and helpful in training my Great Dane, he is a rescue and came to us with some bad habits and issues going on walks. I am so thrilled that we have a plan in place and we are working making his and our lives better! Thank you so much for your help and guidance!!
joshua bangert
May. 12, 2023 - google
Dog Training Elite has been great for our 2 dogs. Making this commitment to training our pups has been rewarding for the family and for the dogs! Doug and Eli have been very helpful as we've overcome training obstacles and we are so grateful to the team. Thank You!
Renia Hughes
May. 7, 2023 - google
We just finished our in home sessions and started the group classes. And I can’t say enough how absolutely wonderful this group of trainers are. They are dedicated to the success of our German shepherd, Nikita. First the in home evaluation with Doug, was a great start because they met our dog in her environment and was very thorough in explaining the program and options. They were flexible in scheduling her sessions. Elijah became Nikita’s trainer consistently with her in home sessions. Elijah has been great with Nikita, who can be a bit stubborn at times. He has answered our many questions and given us the tools we needed to have a dog we can enjoy! When we started training I couldn’t take Nikita for a walk without her barking at people and other dogs. I was so pleased yesterday in group class when I could tell Nikita to sit and walk about 20 feet away from her and had someone run passed her about 2 feet in front of her. SHE didn’t budge! She held her stay! Elijah and Josh and Doug are the best!
Anna Berndt
May. 2, 2023 - google
My German shepherd Iyla and I have loved getting to work with the folks at dog training elite. We started with the in home training and we now attend their weekly group class going on a few months now. They have been so helpful with not only teaching me the proper tools and techniques for training Iyla, but they have also helped with ongoing support as she grows up and I have more questions. They repeatedly reached out as we started training to make sure things were going well between lessons and to answer questions. Even after we finished the in home classes they continue supporting us with the group classes with fun training games and they even thought to deliver us a lovely personalized gift during the holidays! Sorry for the long review, but we really do appreciate everything they do. We love being a part of the DTE family
Amanda Caughey
Apr. 27, 2023 - google
I will recommend them to anyone and everyone! My puppy has so much more confidence and responds to us without yelling. Elijah was our trainer for most sessions and was amazing. You can truly feel his passion for training and he will go so far with this company. He was also incredibly kind to my son who was a bit nervous with the training. Josh was also great to work with even though he wasn’t there for all the sessions. Both of these men clearly have what it takes to excel in their careers. I can’t thank you all enough!! And I look forward to the extra training classes at the park!
Clare C.
Mar. 10, 2023 - google
I highly recommend Dog Training Elite!! Doug and every single one of the trainers have love for what they do. After two weeks of having worked arduously with Elijah, Donna and Doug, our puppy started showing a huge improvement. Fast forward three months, and our dog is now attending group classes. Our next goal with Dog Elite is for our boy to pass the CGC. Needless to say, we will be forever grateful for all the wonderful tips shared; the patience, love and professionalism you all have exhibited throughout Apollo’s training process. Thank you for all you do. -The Hernandez family 🐾
Amber Evans
Mar. 1, 2023 - google
ALL of the trainers at DTE are wonderful. We opted for the in-facility training for our newly rescued pit bull, and it helped us tremendously! You can tell that they really care about the success and wellbeing of your dog outside of their training sessions. Doug and Donna were always able to talk to us at drop off and pick up and let us know what they were working on, and how our dog did. Our girl used to be a crazy puller when not wearing her harness, and now we are able to walk with her right next to our side. Highly recommend DTE, it’s worth the money!
Judy Hinman
Jan. 15, 2022 - google
I could not be more pleased with the training. Very professional and personalized services. This is my second puppy to use their training. He was able to build confidence and learn several commands such as come, sit, heal, off, down, and place. The training techniques worked quickly and I was provided with daily progress reports and the techniques to reinforce the training at home. I received daily videos and a training report. I would highly recommend them for your training needs.
Nicole Zamora
Feb. 23, 2023 - google
DTE has been one of the best experiences ever. The team is so great I mainly worked Doug and Elijah. They made it all possible- I never thought my dog would be capable of getting trained she is well educated in social settings, well behaved and loyal. Group classes are so much fun especially when your dog gets to make friends with the others & have fun after class& you and your pup can win prizes!! Trust DTE with the process IT IS SO WORTH IT!!!
Meghan Page Nickless
Feb. 19, 2023 - google
Our puppy was super wild, nippy, & fairly aggressive with other dogs the first few weeks that we had him. We knew something had to change. We wanted him to be a part of the family & not have to shut him away when we had guests over, or worry about how gentle he would be with little kids or other dogs. While spending money on training is an expense, it’s worth every penny for both the dog & owners. I was amazed at how quickly our dog’s behavior did a complete 180 (after his 1st training session was complete). He’s so well behaved now that we are actually impressed with his patience & commitment with commands. He clearly understands our expectations and is much happier with the structure. He’s still a rascal sometimes, & he should be…He’s a puppy. When we have little kids play with him, he’s playful & we have zero anxiety. If kids are playing rough around him he always stays tolerant, we simply call him to us (& he listens!) & he gets in full focus mode to ensure he’s proving how well he can behave. Best money invested. Doug, Elijah & Josh are very knowledgeable & provide a calming, but firm presence during training. They were always professional & answered any questions, even outside of scheduled training sessions. I cant recommend Dog Elite enough! Together, we’ve corrected so much of our puppy’s unwanted behavior and enriched our experience!
Shaun Cole
Feb. 18, 2023 - google
Doug and his team at DTE have been absolutely amazing. Very patient and accommodating to give you and your dog the training he/she needs. Louie has done a full 360 and we're not even half way done yet. Definitely recommend these guys!
Lori Vancil
Feb. 6, 2023 - facebook
I loved the in home training we received before being placed into a group of dogs! I love the confidence it has given me and my dog!
Jan Phillips Myers
Feb. 5, 2023 - facebook
Donna Rivers had my Phoenix for 2 weeks for training, when I picked him up is was like he was a new even more amazing pup. She spent so much time with him and teaching me how to keep up the training with him. Walking him is so much easier, he isn't jumping on my 9 year old. The best part is how much she is still working with me and helping me keep him the best pup he can be. Donna didn't just take him and train him and send us on our way. She has given me resources on how to future train him and is so helpful and loving to Phoenix. I am so happy we had her train, she treated him just like she would her own. Thank you to dog training elite of Indianapolis!! I would recommend 100% to everyone!!
Jan Myers
Feb. 5, 2023 - google
Donna Rivers had my Phoenix for 2 weeks for training, when I picked him up is was like he was a new even more amazing pup. She spent so much time with him and teaching me how to keep up the training with him. Walking him is so much easier, he isn't jumping on my 9 year old. The best part is how much she is still working with me and helping me keep him the best pup he can be. Donna didn't just take him and train him and send us on our way. She has given me resources on how to future train him and is so helpful and loving to Phoenix. I am so happy we had her train, she treated him just like she would her own. Thank you to dog training elite of Indianapolis!! I would recommend 100% to everyone!!
Kay Blickenstaff
Jan. 25, 2023 - google
My Springer Spaniel, Molly, had very strong bird flushing instincts, and tried to take me swimming with her one day when she was chasing ducks in a nearby pond. I didn’t expect for Doug to rid her of these instincts, but her did teach her how to control the urge to chase birds. One command “off”, and we can walk by a pond full of birds without her giving them a second thought. Her “manners” were drastically improved and she is very well behaved now. I highly recommend DTE!
Christy Rogers
Jan. 3, 2023 - google
We have been so pleased with the training process for our girl Charley. It has made a tremendous difference in our dog's behavior & we have learned so much. The in-home sessions are a great foundation & the group trainings help to bring it all home by building her confidence as well as our's as we practice with others. We highly recommend Dog Training Elite of Indianapolis. The service, education & most importantly the people are great!
Rebekah Spriggs
Dec. 29, 2022 - google
I highly recommend Dog Training Elite of Indianapolis. We were extremely happy with how Doug and Elijah worked with our family and how they modeled and coached us during our one-on-one sessions. They were patient with our Lab, Lola, and worked with us until we felt confident and comfortable with the commands. They were genuinely invested in our successes and offered support with any and all questions we had. The transformation we saw in Lola in six weeks was amazing.
SandJ Jassir
Dec. 8, 2022 - google
Extremely professional and very patient. They didn't just train Bash, they trained us. We are so happy with the whole experience. Doug and Ellijah are the best! 100% Recommend!
Ron Coulson
Oct. 28, 2022 - google
When Bella started training with dog training elite she was around 4 months old. Doug and his staff did a great job of showing me how to train my puppy to behave and become my companion. She is doing so well I will make her a service dog. I highly recommend Dog training elite.Bella is almost 5 months old and already knows all of the basic commands.
Rebecca Miller
Oct. 10, 2022 - google
It was the experience I hoped for in training my dog. After adopting our Kona, we realized she was a little stronger of a dog then we could handle. Wished we had found Doug and his staff sooner, they were able to help Kona become more of a family dog that we could enjoy. They came to our home and helped train in-home and then in group to be able to address all of our concerns. Thank you for making our training experience an exceptional one and helping Kona be the family dog we hope she would become!
Allison Pfaff
Sep. 12, 2022 - google
Our almost 8 year old golden doodle, Rooney, completed DTE’s Elite Training Camp a few weeks ago. We’ve always thought he was well behaved but since having kids 3 years ago, he has been in need of some serious brushing up on his obedience (not listening, eating food off kid plates, out of control excitement when guests come over, walking on a leash). Doug and his team did a fabulous job teaching Rooney place, off, and especially heel! He’s a big boy and we’ve never found an answer to his pulling and tugging. We’ve tried all the harnesses and now thanks to DTE, he is a joy to walk with! We feel so much confidence having guests over and not having to worry about Rooney being out of control. We enjoyed seeing the videos and reading the daily notes about his training and the team did an excellent job of teaching us how to reinforce everything upon completion. We are so pleased. Who can teach an old dog new tricks? Dog Training Elite Indianapolis!
Trinity McAllister
Sep. 12, 2022 - google
Doug and the staff were amazing! I was really glad I went with them. They taught Cash and I so much. Now, everyone tells me how good of a boy he is!
Chas
Aug. 26, 2022 - google
I would ABSOLUTELY recommend using Dog training elite!! Doug worked with our lab puppy Daphne and was amazing!! Doug is an amazing person and an 11/10 trainer. We’ve seen a total transformation in our dog. He is so patient, kind, and very informative. I will never recommend another training nor use another one when we get another dog. Can’t speak highly enough of Doug and this company!!!!!
Judy Cohen
Aug. 18, 2022 - google
I can’t say enough about Doug and Dog Training Elite! After only 3 sessions my friends were commenting about the change in my dog. It was so much fun and so beneficial for me as well. My pup loved it and got so excited every time he saw Doug. We will continue our training…it’s way too much fun to stop!!!
Melissa Noparstak Williams
Jul. 7, 2022 - facebook
Doug was great to work with! We loved the flexibility in scheduling and the willingness and readiness to meet us and our pup where we were at in our training needs.
Sara Ramsey
Jul. 6, 2022 - facebook
DTE of Indianapolis is exactly what we needed! We are so appreciative of the knowledge and skills that we gained. Doug has gone above and beyond to ensure we succeed. Our dog Wilhelm loved our training sessions and his behavior has greatly improved. We are looking forward to continuing our training at home and at group sessions.
Christopher O'Neal
Jun. 25, 2022 - facebook
Initially I choose Dog Training Elite based off their website. Simple, informative and transparent pricing. Why can’t every company do that? Doug is amazing. He is friendly, knowledgeable, patient and professional. Every training session has been incredibly effective. Our Poodle will be continuing on for Therapy Dog training with DTE. I have a had dogs all my life, and have always personally trained them. However, our 5 month old Poodle puppy is the most obedient dog I have ever had, and it’s all thanks to Dog Training Elite of Indianapolis!!! They trained me to train my dog.
Kelley Rosequist
May. 18, 2022 - google
Doug is an amazing trainer and is so passionate about the work he does!
Jason hacker
May. 18, 2022 - google
We have a 10 month old Dutch Shepherd. He is very intelligent and high energy breed. Doug was great. He listened to our concerns and came up with a plan. 3 in home sessions were so informative. He taught us so much and our pup is so well behaved I wouldn’t hesitate to take him anywhere. I would highly recommend Doug and his team!
Kyle Christie
May. 13, 2022 - google
Doug is top notch! High level of customer service, accountable, professional and driving results. He is passionate about dogs and he truly cares about improving the lives of dogs and their owners. His extensive business background shows that he not only knows how to train dogs but also how to bring a quality service to market. Wish I could give him 10 stars, highly recommend!
Sam Pratt
Apr. 22, 2022 - google
Doug and staff are great! I feel more confidant with my dog in public, and she now listens to my commands. Doug and his staff care deeply about what they do, they are very passionate about dog training. My dog is now more confidant than ever to be outside. Training Elite has provided my dog and I stability and a great future! If you want you dog to be trained, I cannot recommend a better training company.
Shannon Roberts
Apr. 8, 2022 - google
I was blessed to work with Doug and Donna in my experience with Dog Training Elite. I reached out to them to gain some support in training my impulsive dog to help keep her safe. They took me by surprise with their compassionate approach on training for both pets and their humans. I had a hard time with the process but was supported by Donna and Doug and they both were reassuring and encouraging of myself and my dog. They were always ready to champion my dog in her accomplishments and believed in her ability to succeed even when I lost hope. They offered me lots of grace, guidance, and patience. They were easy to reach and always just a phone message or call away. I would recommend them to anyone who is needing support in helping their pet to build their confidence and responsiveness with their human.
Jessica Christiansen
Apr. 4, 2022 - facebook
Doug and his team has exceeded all of our expectations! Our puppy Ryder has so much more confidence after completing his basic obedience training. We can finally take him with us on walks and outings. I know he enjoyed his time at Dog training elite of Indianapolis and we look forward to continue working with Doug and his team!
Jayne Reed
Feb. 28, 2022 - google
I love my dogs, but I didn’t hold much hope that they could be well behaved pups; that is until we began working with Doug from Dog Training Elite of Indianapolis. Buddy and Coco are six year old brother and sister Havenese that are completely loveable until they aren’t. Coco especially has always had a mind of her own. She is very smart, but also anxious at times. It wasn’t until we started working with Doug that we realized with the right encouragement not only does she want to please, she’s actually happier and more confident and calmer because of it. We have had a trainer before, but not of this caliber. We’ve used three different kinds of bark collars in the past, none of which were manageable. No system that we’ve tried in the past compares to Dog Training Elite of Indianapolis. It is in a league of its own! It may be the simplicity of their approach, or the calm and trusting guidance of Doug; most likely it is both! I can’t tell you how grateful and happy I am that we have done this training. Buddy picked up the commands very quickly and listens to me now too. Not only have Buddy and Coco learned a lot, so have I and our family is so much better for it. I really appreciate the gentle guidance and didn’t feel overwhelmed like I did with past training efforts. This REALLY will be the only and the last dog training you will need. Give them a call, you’ll be so glad you did.
Debbie Carlson
Feb. 23, 2022 - google
Doug does an amazing job and I would highly recommend him to anyone who wants to have a well behaved dog!
Kathryn Stuart
Feb. 2, 2022 - google
I have three rescue dogs, 2, 5 and 7 years old. My biggest fear was that they would not be "trainable" dogs. Boy was I wrong. They have become well-behaved and courteous pets now. Dog Training Elite of Indianapolis is the best! You won't regret the investment. He is effective, patient, soft spoken and the dogs actually still like him. One day during a break he had them in his personal office on his lap looking at his computer screen. Who does that other than the dog owner? I can't say enough. Hire him.
S W
Feb. 1, 2022 - google
Dog Training Elite has changed my life forever. My 1 yr old German Shepherd wouldn’t do anything I asked of him. He would sit in the parking lot at the vet and 3 staff members and myself, would all struggle to get him into the building. Once inside the building he was fine. He was friendly and playful with the staff but wanted to give Momma a hard time. He was fast approaching 100lbs, so I knew I had to do something quick. He would not obey any of my commands and he would jump on my back when I was not looking. He was overly playful and it could’ve led to injuries. I came across an ad about Dog Training Elite. At first, I was skeptical and didn’t think I had time to help with training Sonnie. I had my first consultation with Doug, sat on it for a little bit and decided to give it a try. It was the best decision I’ve ever made. I taught him a few tricks when he was a pup, but nothing compares to the training he’s received with Doug for the past 3 weeks. It’s like I have a different dog now! He obeys my every command. I feel relief knowing that I will be in control on our walks, at the vet and even in my backyard! Doug is calm and relaxed during training and it helped win Sonnie over so quickly. He happily wags his tail when he sees him coming which makes me happy too.
Kim Rowe
Jan. 15, 2022 - google
I am grateful that I found Dog Training Elite of Indianapolis. My Fur baby learned so much in a short period of time (two week class). I am looking forward to his continuous growth with the skills that he has learned.
Julie Blandford
Jan. 9, 2022 - google
I had a phone consult a few weeks ago with Doug, about a behavior problem I was having with my dog. He was able to give me good, step by step advice, and after a couple of weeks of a consistent routine, I am definitely seeing an improvement. I know it’s up to me to help keep her on track, but after one slip up on my part, we’re doing pretty good! I would absolutely recommend them to anyone!
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In the Community

Our Team

Doug Pfaff - Owner / Trainer
Doug Pfaff
Owner / Trainer

Doug grew up in Greenfield Indiana in an animal-loving home where dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, fish, reptiles and even a free-roaming chicken named "Chicken Pox" could be encountered at various times. Most of his adult life was pent in Virginia where he worked in sales, sales training, coaching and management roles. A move back home to Indiana in recent years brought the opportunity to purchase the Dog Training Elite Franchise and the chance to work with pups and their owners. He takes pride in bringing a new standard of Elite Dog Training to the Indianapolis area and to improve the quality of life for dogs and the humans who love them.

When he's not training dogs and their humans, Doug hangs out with his own 2 pups. Olive, a 5 year old Vizsla and Bean, a 2 year old Yellow lab, who's also his running buddy. Doug and his partner Tom, live in the Meridian Hills area of Indianapolis. When he can find time, he loves to spend time with his 2 granddaughters in Virginia and 2 grandsons in Indiana.

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Tessa Smith - Director of Operations
Tessa Smith
Director of Operations

Tessa is a native Hoosier who grew up in Southern Indiana. Her love of animals began with the family pet, a pot-bellied pig named Max. After earning her degree in Business Administration and wanting to do something that helped satisfy her love of animals, Tessa joined Dog Training Elite of Indianapolis. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, watching documentaries and traveling with her daughter.

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Olive - Demo Dog, Semi-retired
Olive
Demo Dog, Semi-retired

Olive is a 5 year old Vizsla who lives to chase the furry critters that find their way into her yard. She's been known to go after squirrels, raccoons, foxes, deer and even an occasional coyote! When she's not working at Dog Training Elite with Doug, she loves to lounge by the pool and watch cooking shows with her other dad, Tom. She's often seen at the front window of the DTE shop intently watching the birds at the bird feeder or hanging out the window of the DTE Jeep enjoying the wind in her ears.

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Bean - Demo Dog Team Lead
Bean
Demo Dog Team Lead

Bean is a 2 year old Yellow Lab. He is the lead demo dog and attends many of the in-home assessments and also comes to many group classes and events with the DTE Trainers. He comes from a long line of medical alert dogs and may eventually be certified as a therapy dog. When he's not working with the DTE team, he loves to retrieve a frisbee, ball or anything else anyone will throw for him, and go for runs with Doug. He also likes to wrestle with his sister, Olive. But his favorite two things in the world are snacks and naps.

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Elijah Turner - Lead Trainer
Elijah Turner
Lead Trainer

Elijah is a born and raised Hoisier. He grew up on the far eastside of Indianapolis and his love of dogs started at a young age. Before his father passed he gifted the family with their first dog in his remembrance. Since then dogs have had a special place in his heart. When he’s not training dogs, Elijah is hanging out with his Bloodhound, King. He enjoys long walks and hiking trails with King. Trails are his favorite because he gets to see King do what he loves best, which is sniff everything! Elijah’s been training dogs for four years now, and can't get enough of how much we learn from the dogs. His goal is to bring a happy balanced home to our clients!

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Josh George - Assistant General Manager
Josh George
Assistant General Manager

Josh grew up in Ohio and then moved to Indiana after meeting his wife Sammie. He lives in Castleton with his wife and dog Lilo (yep as in Lilo and stitch). When he's not training dogs, he is at a park, taking pictures, watching Ohio State football, or playing guitar and every single one of those activities is with Lilo because she goes everywhere with him.

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Marlene Campbell - Customer Service
Marlene Campbell
Customer Service

Marlene has been in the Administrative/Customer Service role in the corporate world and after 25 years decided to take early retirement and has been enjoying life. Her puppy, Jimmy went to Dog Training Elite day camp for training and she couldn’t be happier with the results. Now she and Jimmy are enjoying life together. After becoming a client, the opportunity arose to work part time for Dog Training Elite. Quote from Marlene: “I’m loving getting back into the workforce with the nicest group of people”. Marlene likes to spend time with her family and most of all her grandchildren.

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Anika Hobbs - Trainer
Anika Hobbs
Trainer

Anika grew up in Noblesville, Indiana. She has always had a strong love for animals, and knew she wanted to work with dogs when she realized how in tune her golden retriever was with her emotions and could comfort her during anxiety attacks. She worked as a veterinary assistant for 3 years before becoming a dog trainer.

In her spare time, Anika enjoys riding roller coasters with her husband Jacob, spending time in the ocean, and taking her dogs Sampson, Rylee, and Moxie for adventures.

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Sonia Padjen - Trainer
Sonia Padjen
Trainer

Sonia grew up in Czech Republic and now lives with her husband and two boys in Carmel, IN. She had a long career in the medical field, but her love for dogs led her to pursue dog training. In her free time, she loves walks with her pups Bella, Piper and Levi, she enjoys hiking , skiing and most of all traveling.

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Annie - Trainer
Annie
Trainer

Annie grew up in Fort Wayne, Indiana. After graduating from Purdue University, Annie pursued a career in the zoo field. She lived in Indianapolis for 2 years working at the Indianapolis Zoo and a small animal veterinary clinic before moving to Alabama to work at the Birmingham Zoo. At the Birmingham Zoo, Annie worked her way up to be the manager of the Trails of Africa department, working with and training a variety of different species including rhinoceros, giraffe, and zebra. After about 6 years in Alabama, Annie and her husband, Justin, wanted to move back home to be closer to family. Annie’s love of dogs and passion for animal behavior and training encouraged her to pursue a career in dog training. Annie has one dog, a terrier mix named Wilson, who has been part of the Kaspar pack since 2018. Annie is excited to be a part of the DTE team and help clients build stronger relationships with their dogs.

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