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Dog Trainers Near You


How to Choose a Dog Trainer in Kansas City, MO/KS

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Training is key to creating a safe, loving environment for your canine companion. Dogs are great learners and always eager to please their owners. With the right techniques, a little patience, and consistency from the whole family, Fido can learn just about anything.

Besides teaching your dog respectful behaviors (like no excessive barking and no begging from the table), training keeps your dog:

  • Safe
    If your dog knows to come on command, or “stay” in place, both of you will be safer when outdoors. Untrained dogs may dart off into the road, or become distracted by their surroundings and get lost.
  • Smart

    Consistent instruction is mentally stimulating and improves your dog’s cognitive health. Learning also prevents boredom and the destructive habits that result from it.

  • Happy

    Dogs thrive on positive, loving relationships with their human family members. A dog that doesn’t know proper behavior is unlikely to have a positive relationship with the people around him. By teaching your dog what behaviors are acceptable, you establish a comfortable and loving environment.

Dog Training Elite is proud to have the highest rated professional dog trainers near you in Kansas City.

Effective training is key to a positive dog-owner relationship. Learning how to communicate with your canine companion is difficult without assistance, however. If you’ve been struggling with your dog’s behavior, it may be time to find a professional dog trainer near you.


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


Gold

$2,195

Training Equipment Included: E-Collar, Training Place Cot

  • In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 5 Sessions
  • Group Park Training Sessions 6 Months
  • Come
  • Heel(walk with you without pulling)
  • Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
  • Off(furniture if desired)
  • Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
  • Place(go to bed)
  • Down(next to you & off leash at a distance)
  • Housebreaking / Potty Training
  • Calm Anxiety & Build Confidence
  • Get into Car or Kennel
  • STOP Running Away
  • STOP Jumping on People
  • STOP Puppy Biting
  • STOP Chasing Animals
  • STOP Chewing
  • STOP Digging
  • Go home(go into kennel or dog house)
  • Wait
  • STOP Begging & Stealing Food
  • STOP bolting through doors

Platinum

$3,495

Platinum offers advanced obedience/behavioral modification with a goal of off-leash control. Includes additional training options and offers more one-on-one and group sessions than Gold.

Training Equipment Included: E-Collar, Training Place Cot

  • In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 8 Sessions
  • Group Park Training Sessions Unlimited
  • Community Training SessionsOne-on-one with you & trainer 2 Sessions
  • Come
  • Place(go to bed)
  • Heel(walk with you without pulling)
  • Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
  • Off(furniture if desired)
  • Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
  • Down(next to you & off leash at a distance)
  • Housebreaking / Potty Training
  • Get into Car or Kennel
  • STOP Running Away
  • STOP Jumping on People
  • STOP Puppy Biting
  • STOP Chasing Animals
  • STOP Chewing
  • STOP Digging
  • Go home(go into kennel or dog house)
  • Wait
  • STOP Begging & Stealing Food
  • STOP bolting through doors
  • Choose to Address Advanced Concerns: - Calm Anxiety
    - Control Aggression(dog & human)
  • Or Choose One Tailored Skill Below: *Specialized training options based upon your dog's abilities. - Therapy dog training See Details - Emotional Support Dog Training
    - Ride on a Golf Cart, Skateboard, or Wagon
    - Stay with You on Jog, Hike, or Bike Ride
    - Other Custom Command Approved by Trainer
Best In-Home Dog Trainers Near Me in Kansas City
Highest Rated Dog Obedience Trainers Near You in Kansas City
Top Dog Trainers Near Me in Kansas City
In-Home Dog Trainers Near You in Kansas City

Finding Professionals In An Unregulated Industry


There is no regulating body or licensing process for professional dog trainers. Anyone can advertise themselves as a trainer, whether they have the necessary skills and knowledge or not.

Navigating through this unregulated industry can be tricky. As a dog owner, you want a qualified trainer that will:


  • Respect you, your dog, and your family.
  • Stick to your schedule.
  • Use positive training methods.
  • Never harm your dog.
  • Address your dog's unique needs and behaviors.
  • Teach you how to better communicate with your dog.
  • Provide ongoing support and check-in after training sessions.
  • Train in various settings, environments and stages.
  • Empower you to build a healthy, loving bond with your dog.

It takes years of experience and education for trainers to be able to offer all of the above. So how do you find a professional that fits your and your dog’s needs?

Pricing Programs Free Assessment

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"Pawsitive" Indicators of a Good Dog Trainer


Some things to look for when searching for a Kansas City dog trainer include:

Training Technique

There are various training methods out there, but the most effective is positive reinforcement. According to the American Kennel Service, positive reinforcement techniques “are based on the science of animal learning and have the bonus of strengthening the dog-owner bond.”

    Stay Away From:
  • “Alpha Dog” or dominance-based training techniques. Dominance theory is based on incorrect assumptions of dog and wolf behavior. Dog behaviorists have proven that positive techniques are the only healthy way to communicate with dogs. Dominant, punishment-based training causes anxiety, fear and aggression.
  • Trainers that use choke-chains, shock collars, sprays, and other punishment tactics.
Personality

You want to enjoy the time spent with your trainer, so find someone with a happy, exciting personality. You’re looking for a professional, of course, but we are all dog lovers here, so light-hearted attitudes are important. Your dog must connect well with a trainer for efficient learning, so pay attention to how your dog reacts to your chosen trainer.

    Stay Away From:
  • Trainers that make you feel bad about your relationship with your dog or your dog’s behavior.
  • Rude, dismissive attitudes, and trainers that are too uptight.
  • Trainers that use harsh words and aggressive tactics.
Empowerment

A dog trainer is truly a teacher at heart, and their goal is to teach you how to better communicate with your dog. You need a coach who helps you connect better with your pet, empowering you to build a strong bond. When the trainer is gone, you’ll be the one giving the commands, so make sure you find someone that is understanding, patient, and committed.

    Stay Away From:
  • A trainer that does not want to involve you and your family members in the process.
  • Programs that only offer board and train -- effective training involves various settings, including classes and inside the home.
  • Trainers that cannot explain how dogs learn and cannot teach you how to communicate with your dog.
Credentials

Dog trainers do not need a license, but there are various education programs available. Look for a trainer that can prove their credentials with experience, education, and certifications. If you have a specific need, such as personal protection or service training, be sure to find a trainer that is experienced in that area.

At Dog Training Elite, our dog trainers are educated and experienced with training dogs of all breeds, sizes and ages. All locations are registered with the Professional Retriever Trainers Association, the International Association of Canine Professionals, and the American Kennel Club.

    Stay Away From:
  • Trainers that cannot prove their education, experience, or background.

Customization

All dogs have unique personalities and life experiences that shape their behaviors. A well-qualified trainer offers customizable programs tailored to the unique needs of each client and dog. In-home training approaches are preferred, so the trainer can observe your dog in his home environment (where he feels most comfortable acting naughty!).

You should also look for a trainer that covers both basic obedience and advanced programs.

    Stay Away From:
  • Trainers that can’t teach more than basic obedience commands.
  • A trainer that diagnoses medical issues as reasoning for problem behaviors. Trainers are not licensed veterinarians and should never diagnose a dog. If a medical issue is suspected, a qualified trainer will recommend you speak to a vet.
Good References

References and consumer reviews are key to finding a reliable trainer. Ask around at the dog park for good references, and research each trainer or company. Read through customer reviews and take a look at how professional their website appears.

    Stay Away From:
  • Trainers that have no website or online references, or trainers that have poor reviews.
  • Trainers with reviews that mention aggressive tactics, fear-based techniques, and punishment-based theory.

Pricing Programs Free Assessment

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Our Balanced Theory

We base our training around the "Classical Conditioning" model (a.k.a. "Pavlovian" or "respondent conditioning"). This includes developing conditioned or automatic reflexes to commands. In its simplest form (after proper conditioning), when the owner says "sit," the dog automatically sits without thinking about it. Our unique techniques ensure our program is a success no matter what behavior we encounter.


  • Empowering Owners
    We empower Owners to train so their dog knows who to obey at all times.
  • Personalized
    We deal with problem behaviors on a personal basis.
  • Environment Specific
    We train wherever issues tend to arise (i.e. jogging, park, home).
  • Supportive
    We support Owners in the off-hours (when training is "not in session").
  • Involved
    We work with all members of the household.
  • Simplified & Customized
    We plan training around the owner's schedule and require only 20 min/day follow-up practice.
  • Continued Training
    Additional programs / group sessions offered after in-home training.
  • Lifetime Investment
    We follow up & are invested in the owner's success long-term.
  • Satisfaction Ratings
    Our high client satisfaction rating sets us apart from competitors.

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!

Love Chuck and all of his team they were able to help our crazy mastiff that is 250 lbs and thinks he was a lap dog and could jump on everyone ! He loves people and acts right now without dragging me down the street ! Thanks for what you do ! Can’t wait for weekend group events !
— Bill Fry
Posted April 11th 2024
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Our experience with Chuck and the entire team at Dog Training Elite has always been great! They offer so much more than just training for your pet. Would recommend to anyone wanting to train there beloved pets!
— Benny Smith
Posted March 23rd 2024
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The group class is great for the dogs. It helps with socializing and group work. The trainers are all great. I love the classes
— jodi khazin
Posted March 22nd 2024
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Dog Training Elite is the real deal! Professional, accomodating and really good people. They take the time to explain and teach my service dog (and me as his handler). Highly recommend!!
— Paul Rieck
Posted October 12th 2023
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Best trainers ever!!!! I have tried many. These are the best! I recommend them to everyone.
— Heather Massey
Posted January 28th 2024
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If I could give more than five stars I would. Very knowledgeable on different dog behaviors and really focusing their attention on what the dog and owners need/want from training. Chuck came out for a consult prior to committing and he really walked us through their program and listened to all of our concerns and our reasonings for getting our dog training. We worked with Nate and now my dog looks forward to weekly visits. Great company and employees!
— Samantha Stallman
Posted January 5th 2024
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The Dog Training threw ELITE is wonderful
— Mike Wentworth
Posted September 20th 2023
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Truly phenomenal team! They train you in order to train the dog rather than just focusing on the dog. Very much a "Teach a man to Fish" type of training. Our Service dog was the Royals Buck O'Neil Honoree because of their tremendous skill.
— Aaron Mizell
Posted September 19th 2023
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I absolutely loved Dog Training Elite. They came weekly to help both me and my dog to learn how to work together. DTE both demonstrated and allowed me to learn how to train my dog. DTE also answered all my questions, even making themselves available to continue and support my efforts in having a well trained family dog.
— Dennis Aldy
Posted July 21st 2023
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Our Buster Brown has improved so much, Never likes the dogs on the TV but now we can tell him off and he just grumble talks to them. We are still working on boats that pass by on the lake but consistency will win the game. cheers to the Elite team!
— Douglas Scott
Posted April 15th 2023
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Great group to work with and training approach if very effective and gets results.
— Charles Huddleston
Posted March 28th 2023
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Working Willow with Kaylee was the best! She is very good at what she does and you can tell she genuinely loves it, she never hurts your furbaby. Kaylee explains how to teach them each step in easy to understand language. She makes sure you understand before you start training at each step. This was not the cheapest place, but I feel it was the best choice. Both before and after she was trained. My dog was so skiddish, she has learned to be calm and not bark so much as she has more confidence. I would give my highest recommendations to Dog Training Elite! If I ever get another dog I'd do it again. Worth every penny. They go above and beyond to your dog be everything you dream of!
— Darla Hawkins
Posted March 17th 2023
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Haley with Dog Training Elite did an amazing job training our dog, Dingo. When we rescued him he didn't have really any house manners and would chase our cats, after the first lesson he was acting so much better! He gets along with our cats now and listens to us, we are beyond happy with the training! Their trainers definitely know what they're doing!
— Shelby Flowers
Posted February 27th 2023
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Our trainers were very helpful in teaching us and helping train our 2 yr old dog.
— Molly Schwery
Posted February 22nd 2023
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Excellent dog training. Best and easiest way to train a dog that I have ever come across. And the trainers are well educated on training techniques that work for everything i wanted my pup to know. I will be using this method to train all my dogs from here on out.
— Steven Adams
Posted February 8th 2023
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This dog training company was very pleasant and down to earth. Genuine and honest and patient. Also very professional. We were apprehensive and they were so easy to work with and let our guard down. Highly recommend.
— Whitney Bennett
Posted February 8th 2023
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If you are still looking for a dog trainer, your search should end here. Chuck and his team at Dog Training Elite KC truly have a vested interest in supporting your dog and you as the owner; they take the time to get to know you and your sweet fur baby. Private lessons were a great way to ease my anxiety as a dog owner, the individualized support has been so helpful. I appreciate group classes for continued learning, activity and socialization for our dog. The saying is true, "people don't care how much you know until you they know how much you care," and Dog Training Elite KC cares.
— McKenna Elfrink
Posted January 31st 2023
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Wonderful people who know dogs. Took our 5 month old Standard Poodle from a great puppy to my licensed diabetic service dog in 6 months. Just do the homework. They continue to provide weekly learning activities. Great group. Highly recommend.
— Diane Gardner
Posted January 21st 2023
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Chuck and his team are unparalleled in the dog training world. If you’re looking for an excellent trainer, look no further. I wish I called them 3 years ago.
— Jim Tharp
Posted December 15th 2022
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I am so in love with this company! I have two older German Shepards and I thought you couldn't teach an old dog new tricks. Well I was wrong. Chuck was amazing with our dogs and it has changed our lives. Gave me freedom of not fearing taking my pups out. One of them has been aggressive and this training was worth every penny!!! Now...practice at home is vital but honestly I loved to do it. Only really 15 minutes a day per dog for me. Amazing!!!!!!! Now at home I have peace when someone new comes over and we get to go to the dog park! Also heeling and learning that correctly changed my life as one of my pups is a big...big boy!.
— Jonalyn Ell
Posted November 8th 2022
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Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation

At Dog Training Elite Kansas City, 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 Kansas City 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.

Learn More

Dog Training Elite is the top dog training company with the best dog trainers near you in Kansas City.

Trust Your Gut


Choosing a trainer is an important part of being a dog owner, and in the end, you want to choose the professional you feel comfortable with. This is someone that you’ll be inviting into your home and spending plenty of time with! A dog trainer with credentials, experience, and a friendly personality that makes your dog’s tail wag is most likely a great choice.

You also want to make sure you get your money’s worth, so choose a trainer that is invested in you and your dog. At Dog Training Elite, we follow up with our clients even after training sessions have ended. Our goal is to help clients build strong relationships with their pets, and that takes consistent effort. Our professional dog trainers are some of the best in the Kansas City area. We cover training programs such as obedience, personal protection, anxiety, aggression, and service dog.

Pricing Programs Free Assessment

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