Professional

Dog Training in Indianapolis


How to Bond With Your Puppy

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Develop a Stronger Bond Through Training


Bringing home a new puppy can be a fun and special time. Puppies are cute and playful and bring a lot of joy into a home! They can also bring a lot of chaos and messes. Early days spent with your puppy are important for both bonding and training. In fact, if you’re wondering how to bond with your puppy, training can be a great way, as they look to you for guidance and direction. Dog Training Elite of Indianapolis is here to help.


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


Dog Training Elite in Indianapolis can help teach you how to bond with your puppy.
Dog Training Elite of Indianapolis In-Home Puppy Training

Dog Training Elite of Indianapolis’s offers comprehensive in-home puppy training. For the first 4-6 weeks, trainers use “treat training” before moving onto more advanced puppy training. Puppies will learn the following behaviors:

  • Come, sit, loose-leash walking, and down
  • Puppy corrections (Stop biting, digging, jumping, etc.)
  • Crate training/ housebreaking
Trainers will also help owners learn about the following:
  • Socialization tips
  • Environmental hazards
  • Puppy enrichment
  • Caring for your puppy
  • And more!

Training a puppy can feel overwhelming. By pairing you with a professional trainer, not only will your puppy learn quickly, but you will feel confident and empowered to continue training your puppy after the sessions are completed. Training in your own home will help you bond with your pup so even after the professional trainer leaves, you and Fido can continue to progress together.

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.


Dog Training Elite of Indianapolis is the top company near you that uses professional positive dog training methods.
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.

See Our Pricing

In-Home Puppy Trainers


Working with a trainer and your puppy in your own home will help your puppy stay focused. Dog Training Elite of Indianapolis dog trainers create personalized training plans for individual puppies that will also address any unique needs or issues.

Once a puppy has completed in-home training, Dog Training Elite of Indianapolis offers puppy group classes for further training. These group classes are a great option for exposing a young puppy to other dogs, people, new sounds and sights so they become well socialized.

Positive Reinforcement Training Methods


The Dog Training Elite of Indianapolis training method focuses on encouraging proper behaviors with positive reinforcement. Punishment is never used as a form of training as it can lead to aggression and fear in dogs. Dog Training Elite of Indianapolis does use an electronic vibration collar (not a shock collar) to help puppies stay alert, and treats for extra encouragement.

Positive reinforcement teaches a puppy that performing obedient behaviors wins love and affection from their owner. Dog Training Elite of Indianapolis’s professional puppy trainers include owners in the training process so that puppies learn who is in charge. Working with professional trainers of Dog Training Elite of Indianapolis, your puppy will not only develop deep-rooted obedience, but working alongside these trainers will help you and your puppy build a strong, healthy relationship founded on loyalty and trust.

Elite Dog Training in Indianapolis All Breeds. All Sizes. All Ages.

Pricing Free Demo

Tips on How to Bond
With Your Puppy

Training is a great way to establish a deep, loyal bond with your puppy. Outside of your training sessions, there is more you can do to strengthen your bond. Here are some more tips for how to bond with your puppy:

Your puppy may not understand the words you’re saying, but he or she will understand your tone of voice. Speaking in an excited tone of voice will get your pup excited and motivate them to do what you want them to. Speaking in a low, calm voice can help soothe and relax your puppy.

Puppies thrive on routine. A consistent schedule will help your puppy adjust to their new home, and to you and your family. A puppy’s schedule needs to include eating, playtime, puppy training, potty breaks, and nap times.

As mentioned above, playtime is an important part of your puppy’s schedule. Playing with your puppy will help strengthen your bond and stimulate their brains. Walks are an easy and great way to give your puppy much-needed exercise. Start small, walking around in your yard or driveway and gradually extending the distance around your neighborhood.

Creating boundaries in your home for your puppy helps strengthen your bond because your puppy will look to you for direction and guidance. It will also help your puppy avoid bad habits. Baby gates and playpens are a useful way to create physical boundaries.

Puppies can become overwhelmed about all the new things they’re exploring. Crate training is a perfect way to allow your puppy to have their own space where they feel safe and comfortable and help them develop some independence so they grow into a well-adjusted dog.

The most adorable way to bond with your puppy is by cuddling them! Snuggling with your pup can help him or her feel comforted and safe. The best time to get a cuddle session with your puppy is when they are sleepy. Cuddling also helps puppies get used to having their paws, belly, face, etc. handled, and can be a good time to introduce light grooming practices like brushing their fur.

It’s OK to be nervous about bringing your puppy home. But with the professional dog trainers and programs at Dog Training Elite of Indianapolis, plus these tips on bonding with your puppy, you will develop a rewarding relationship with your new best friend.

Schedule a free training demo today!

Pricing Programs Free Assessment

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Learn training tips on bonding with your puppy with help from Dog Training Elite in Indianapolis.

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!

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 Kiefer Brown
Posted April 11th 2024
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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!
— Kelly Davisson
Posted January 21st 2024
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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.
— Cindy Aque
Posted December 4th 2023
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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.
— Roger French
Posted November 14th 2023
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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!!!!!
— Reese Sommers
Posted November 14th 2023
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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!
— Kelly Brown
Posted November 14th 2023
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I love working with each of their trainers!
— Mary Clark
Posted October 25th 2023
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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
Posted October 25th 2023
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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!
— Abby Wallace
Posted October 25th 2023
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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.
— Jake Johnson
Posted October 25th 2023
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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!
— Kathleen Sievert
Posted September 17th 2023
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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!
— Karleigh Meyer
Posted June 16th 2023
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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!
— Betsy Rosiek
Posted May 26th 2023
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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!!
— Jennifer Scott
Posted May 12th 2023
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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!
— joshua bangert
Posted May 12th 2023
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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!
— Renia Hughes
Posted May 7th 2023
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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
— Anna Berndt
Posted May 2nd 2023
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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!
— Amanda Caughey
Posted April 27th 2023
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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 🐾
— Clare C.
Posted March 10th 2023
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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!
— Amber Evans
Posted March 1st 2023
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Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation

At Dog Training Elite of Indianapolis, 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 of Indianapolis 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.

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