A happy, well trained dog from Dog Training Elite, your trusted source for dog training in Jacksonville / St. Johns, FL

Elite, Award-winning

Dog Training in Jacksonville / St. Johns, FL

Dog Training Elite First Coast - Elite K9 Training in Jacksonville / St. Johns, FL. Dog Training Elite

Obedience Training

We believe sustained obedience comes from empowering owners and their dogs to build strong, lasting bonds through training.

Dog Training Elite First Coast - Elite Service Dog Training in Jacksonville / St. Johns, FL. DTE

Service Dog Training

Built on 40+ years of experience, Dog Training Elite proudly leads the way in professional service dog training tailored to your needs.

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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 Walking & Heel Training

  • Barking Issues

  • Aggression & Reactivity 

  • Separation Anxiety

  • Jumping & Hyperactivity 

  • Sitting & Stay Commands

  • Destructive Chewing & Digging

  • Recall Training (Come When Called)

  • Boundary Training (Off Furniture or Beds)

  • Vehicle Behavior

  • Training for Specific Tasks

  • And More

Training Programs

Flexible & Customized for your Pet

Dog Training Elite First Coast - Dog Obedience Training in Jacksonville / St. Johns, FL. DTE
Obedience Training

Our obedience training for dogs in Jacksonville / St. Johns, FL is designed to teach essential commands and reinforce good behavior, ensuring your dog is well-mannered in any situation.

Dog Training Elite First Coast - Elite Puppy Training in Jacksonville / St. Johns, FL. DTE
Puppy Training

Our puppy training in Jacksonville / St. Johns, FL builds a strong bond between you and your new puppy by focusing on early socialization, basic commands, and good behavior.

Dog Training Elite First Coast - Elite Service Dog Training in Jacksonville / St. Johns, FL. DTE
Service Dog Training

Our Jacksonville / St. Johns service dog training turns dogs into dependable companions, trained to perform tasks like retrieving items, providing stability, or alerting to medical conditions.

Dog Training Elite First Coast - Aggressive Dog Training in Jacksonville / St. Johns, FL. DTE
Anxiety & Aggression

Our Jacksonville / St. Johns aggressive dog training targets and corrects behaviors driven by anxiety and aggression, helping your dog stay calm and well-behaved in challenging situations.

Dog Training Elite First Coast - Therapy Dog Trainer in Jacksonville / St. Johns, FL. DTE
Therapy Dog Training

Our Jacksonville / St. Johns therapy dog training equips dogs with the skills needed to provide comfort and emotional support in various settings. These trained dogs help reduce stress, ease anxiety, and improve the overall well-being of their owners.

Dog Training Elite First Coast - Top Group Dog Training in Jacksonville / St. Johns, FL. DTE
Group Training

Our group dog training classes in Jacksonville / St. Johns, FL offer a structured environment where dogs can learn and practice essential skills while socializing with other dogs and their owners.

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Our Story

Dog Training Elite First Coast

Our programs are flexible and designed to meet the needs of each client’s schedule and their dog’s unique behavior, home environment, and situation. We are a family-owned, professional dog training company with over 40 years of experience specializing in strengthening the bond between you and your dog.

We offer in-home dog training, basic obedience, advanced training, and specialized programs like Service Animals and Therapy Dogs. No matter the breed, size, or behavioral issue, the Dog Training Elite team is here to help. Let our professional Jacksonville / St. Johns dog trainers help you today.

About Us

Our Team

Ashley Gagne - Owner & Trainer
Ashley Gagne
Owner & Trainer

Ashley has spent the last 15 years in the customer service and public service industries carrying out her desire to help people and make a positive difference. She currently serves as a firefighter to her local community. When she’s off duty, Dog Training Elite allows her to combine her love for dogs and desire to make an impact, by creating healthy and effective communication between dogs and their people.

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Eric Gagne - Owner & Trainer
Eric Gagne
Owner & Trainer

Eric has always held a passion for helping others. After serving in the military for 6 years, he continued this passion to serve his local community as a LEO. Now with Dog Training Elite, he is able to help our four-legged friends and their people through obedience and service dog training!

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Get Your Free Assessment

You and your canine companion really can have it all. See how easy it can be to become a member of the elite pup society by requesting a free consultation today!

A DTE trained dog - we are a proud veteran owned business!
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Dog Training Elite First Coast is a

Proud Veteran
Owned Business

As a proud veteran-owned business, we bring the values of discipline, commitment, and service to our dog training programs. We are especially committed to supporting fellow veterans and their families. Our background drives us to deliver the highest standards in training, focused on building strong, trustworthy bonds between dogs and their owners.

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • J Torres
    Nov. 4, 2024
    Eric has been a great trainer for my dog. He is very patient and guides both the dog and me to learn everything we need to know to ensure my dog is ready to obey any command and behave as needed. I am very glad we chose this company for our dog training needs
  • Hannah Rohrbaugh
    Oct. 30, 2024
    I can’t recommend Dog Training Elite enough! 6 training sessions with Eric helped tremendously. Eric is very knowledgeable and patient and helped us gain a new found confidence with our dog. We were on the fence about choosing to do professional training with our dog but we are so glad that we did and would choose Dog Training Elite every time!
  • Steven Puskas
    Oct. 30, 2024
    My German is cool and all but he's kind of a spaz. We called Eric and this guy had my dog finely tuned in no time. Eric is quick as a whip and his patience is unparalleled. You can tell he's extremely experienced in this business. He knew what he was doing and he didn't get caught on any speed bumps. This was money well spent. Lastly, if you believe your dog is beyond help, I assure you Eric will still be able to train them. Dude knows what he's doing. 10/10 recommend this service.
  • elizabeth trendowski
    Oct. 23, 2024
    We can’t thank Eric enough at Elite Dog Training helping us w our rescue Pittie, Oliver. Oliver was terrified of water and aggressive w other dogs he didn’t know. The change in Ollie is something to behold. We love Ollie and wanted him to be able to enjoy the beach, new dog friends and simply have a wonderful life within his own head. Eric is kind, intelligent, dependable and was completely attentive to the success of our dog and us continuing to train with our dog. Seriously- from the. Bottom of our hearts we thank you Eric and Elite Dog Training. Just magnificent.
  • Jason Foor
    Sep. 8, 2024
    Recently we began having trouble with our dog becoming reactive to dogs, even after working with a trainer. We realized the trainer we had wasn’t a good fit. After some research,we found Dog Training Elite First Coast. I was a bit hesitant because of the e-collar use, but we decided to have them come over for a consultation. After talking with Eric, our hesitation diminished. He explained that the e-collar is a way to communicate with my dog, not punish him, and showed us how to use it properly. Once we started using his method, we saw a big difference. Our dog was listening better, especially off-leash, and our training sessions got easier and more enjoyable. It made things clearer for both of us. If anyone is on the fence about e-collars, I highly recommend learning how to use them correctly with a trainer. When used the right way, they can be a great tool for building trust and strengthening your bond with your dog. We highly recommend Dog Training Elite First Coast! They have been great!
  • Julie Albachiaro
    Aug. 28, 2024
    Eric was wonderful. We throughly enjoyed working with him to train our mini labradoodle puppy. He is knowledable and very patient - with both my husband, myself and the puppy. We see much improvement in behavior and our dog listens to us now. We highly recommend this company !!
  • Madison Kirkpatrick
    Aug. 5, 2024
    Just finished private lessons with my dog, Annie, this week. Eric was a great trainer! Annie was shy and scared at first. Eric was patient with her, and she warmed up to him quickly! Even without her being treat motivated like most dogs, he was able to teach her a lot in 6 lessons! Annie has improved so much and I’m excited for her to continue to learn in the group lessons.
  • vince albachiaro
    Aug. 3, 2024
    Eric is a great trainer and provides incredible service.
  • Danielle Gooding
    Jul. 21, 2024
    So glad I chose Elite to help train my 1yr old chocolate Lab. The trainer ‘Eric’ was very professional and knowledgeable. He has a great understanding of a dog’s behavior and was very effective in training my pup and providing me with the information for continued training.
  • Andrew Connell
    Jul. 18, 2024
    I don't have enough praise for Dog Training Elite! We worked with Eric & Chris training our Yellow Lab puppy Luna, starting with basic obedience and working our way up to so much more we thought we were going to accomplish with her. They made the process enjoyable, simple, and had great suggestions for a few off-challenges we had in integrating her into our house with two other dogs (11y & 6y). Communication was clear, prompt and simple... you can't go wrong with Dog Training Elite with Eric & Chris! 👍👍
  • michael harkey
    Jul. 17, 2024
    Colby has been amazing in helping train my bernedoodle.
  • Madison Craig
    May. 4, 2024
    I have a 3.5 year old Australian shepherd that I rescued and all this time have tried multiple different trainers, tried training him myself and had pretty much thrown my hands up that he was just “untrainable” until I came across Eric and his business! We are two lessons in and my dog is already more behaved and well trained than when I rescued him! He is understanding commands, doing those commands when told etc. I highly recommend Eric and his team and I am excited for the upcoming future lessons we have scheduled!
  • Justin Ramos
    Mar. 8, 2024
    Eric and the team are great! Easy to work with and very knowledgeable. Highly recommend their training services.
  • Frank Samu
    Jan. 31, 2024
    We’ve been working with Eric for several one-on-one sessions for aggressive behavior from our rescue, and are seeing some signs of hope. I appreciate his willingness to listen and having us take an active role in the solution. We still have a long road ahead of us, but are encouraged by our progress so far! I am looking forward to the transition to outside the home to see Eric work with our girl. Definitely recommend!
  • Lauren Adams
    Jan. 16, 2024
    We are SO happy we chose Dog Training Elite for our golden doodle puppy. Eric is extremely knowledgeable, friendly, & our puppy loves him. I am so impressed, and surprised, at how much she has learned & is now able to do. It’s such a relief to trust her to listen to commands amid distractions, not run out the front door, etc. Highly recommend to everyone!
  • vinceo2b
    Dec. 13, 2023
    Eric and his team are excellent. Particularly at service and patience to meet your dog and family needs. Our Cavapoo took to Eric like a member of the family. I highly recommend their approach and methods, frankly, the hardest to train is us humans !!
  • Berri Umrani
    Dec. 8, 2023
    We have had an awesome experience with Dog Training Elite! We were ready to give up on our husky because not only was she naughty but didn’t listen either! We were so surprised at her behavior after the first appointment! With every appointment, she continued to grow more and more obedient and actually pays attention and listens and respond when given commands. We have had the pleasure of working with Eric! He has always been accommodating with our schedule and time. He is amazing and truly knows how to train and work with our pet! We have learned so much! Thank you Eric and Dog Traing Elite! Such a positive experience for our family and our husky Athena!
  • Linda Gattuso
    Dec. 7, 2023
    I’ve had several trainers with my dogs over the years, but Eric is by far the BEST! He’s so very skilled and knowledgeable! He’s patient and sweet with my dog and me! Pippin is learning so well under his guidance. This is the place to call if you want a positive learning experience.
  • Camren Kalinowski
    Dec. 6, 2023
    Eric has been great! We were so stressed & thought we would have to do something drastic & couldn’t see anyone fixing our issue. Our 1yo Rottie Odin was biting & not allowing us to pet him, barking at ppl & dogs and jumping on us. I really did a lot of research online & followed a lot of advice INCLUDING going thru 2 other trainers (one told us we should put him down)! Eric has been working with us for around 2mths now & he has changed everything! Odin hasn’t had one bad incident since day one of working with Eric. My relationship with Odin is so much better, I feel more confident & can finally love on him without worry. I have so many options on how to help Odin make the correct choices. I have gained so much knowledge & abilities. We truly felt we had tried so many ways to help Odin that I was really skeptical another trainer would really make a difference, I can tell Eric has really good knowledge and experience with ANY situation you may have, and lots of patience. This has made day to day living much better and I’m thankful Eric has learned what he has, so he can help others.
  • Jillian Sagat
    Dec. 5, 2023
    While being a new dog owner who wants to get her dog trained for being a psychiatric service animal, I had A LOT of questions. Eric, had SO much patience with me on the phone and answered everything in detail without making me feel rushed. He had an answer for them all and even provided me with examples of what they would provide for my specific needs. He also sent a follow up with the information we talked about immediately after our call. Super happy with the experience even before signing up to be a part of Dog Training Elite!
A child with their happy, obedient dog with training from Dog Training Elite.

We Train Every Breed

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Each dog breed has different behaviors and personalities due to a combination of genetics, selective breedings, and environmental factors. At Dog Training Elite, we work with every dog. Our team understands canine behavior and the unique challenges of every breed.

We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we apply specific breed training techniques to bring out the best in your dog. From impulse control in terriers to focused mental stimulation for herding breeds, we’ll work with you and your dog to design a personalized training plan.

Two dog owners with a group of trained dogs.

Dog Training in Jacksonville / St. Johns, FL

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At Dog Training Elite, we’ve seen how DIY dog training can lead to inconsistent results and frustration. Our qualified professionals bring the expertise needed to assess your dog’s unique needs and apply methods that work. Choosing experienced trainers makes a noticeable difference in attaining reliable, lasting behavior changes.

We rely on positive reinforcement, a training method that delivers lasting results, even with the most challenging dogs. Our trainers are skilled in addressing any behavioral issue and can help your dog to reach their full potential with encouragement and proven techniques.

An obedient corgi on a leash after recieving training from Dog Training Elite.

Professional Dog Trainers in Jacksonville / St. Johns, FL

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Pet owners often have many options when it comes to dog training, including low-cost, quick-fix programs that claim immediate results. However, our training methods stand apart by focusing on sustainable, long-term success rather than temporary fixes. We provide a high standard of expert dog training that is built to last, ensuring that you and your dog benefit from a deeper, enduring bond and advanced obedience that continues over time.

Investing in effective dog training is one of the most valuable choices you can make for your pet’s health, behavior, and happiness. Our trainers are dedicated to delivering personalized training plans that target your dog’s unique needs, going beyond basic obedience to include specialized behavioral work and service dog training. Our goal is to be the last dog trainers you’ll ever need — bringing advanced training quality to the Jacksonville / St. Johns, FL area for lasting, meaningful results.

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Educate, Empower, Elevate, Elite

Unleash Your Dog's Potential

A dog that has just graduated from Dog Training Elite's award-winning training program.

Award-Winning
Dog Training

With Dog Training Elite


At Dog Training Elite, we are proud to offer training services recognized for outstanding results and effective methods. With skilled trainers dedicated to helping dogs and their owners build strong, lasting relationships, we guarantee your dog receives the best care and guidance.

Our programs cover everything from basic obedience to advanced behavior modification, customized to your dog’s needs. Whether you’re addressing behavioral issues, improving obedience, or strengthening your bond, our methods deliver reliable results.

Experience the difference our award-winning training can make in your dog’s life.

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