I’ll try to keep this short… but fair warning, I have a lot to say. People are quick to leave reviews after a bad experience, but far fewer take the time when things go really well. I intentionally waited until we were near the end of our training program so I could give an honest, start-to-finish review. After bringing home our Doberman, Athena, I did extensive research and spoke with several training companies. I’ve trained my own dogs before, but Dobermans are working dogs, and it was clear early on that Athena was exceptionally intelligent and needed a more intentional, customized approach. We interviewed multiple trainers and were underwhelmed. One even came to our home and couldn’t give clear answers, which was frustrating. Every dog is different — a teacup Yorkie and a Doberman should not be trained the same way — and Athena clearly needed something more tailored. After three disappointing conversations, I called Dog Training Elite West Houston. My first call with Mikala went great. She was patient, thorough, and truly listened to our goals. I never felt rushed, and by the end of the call I felt confident scheduling an in-home evaluation with a trainer named Jackson. From the beginning, I was very clear: fit matters. When you’re investing serious money and inviting someone into your home weekly, you need to feel comfortable with the trainer. Jackson arrived on time, impressed us immediately, and explained — without prompting — that he adjusts training based on each dog’s individual traits. That sold us. We signed up, paid in full, and even added extra puppy sessions to build a strong foundation. Then came a curveball…A few days before our first session, we were told Jackson no longer worked there and our trainer had changed — no introduction, no meeting, just a surprise. That didn’t sit well with me. I explained that meeting the trainer beforehand was non-negotiable. The money wasn’t the issue — fit was. After some initial tension with Mikala, the owner called me personally. He was professional, understanding, and genuinely listened. He apologized and encouraged me to take whatever time was needed with the trainer. That conversation alone restored my confidence in the company. And then came the best part… Jan showed up, and within minutes we knew this was exactly how things were supposed to work out. He was calm, knowledgeable, professional, and took the time to understand Athena, us, and our goals. The training plan was clear, intentional, and tailored for Athena. The sessions were outstanding. Athena was cautious at first (as Dobermans often are), but each week she grew more confident. By the third session, she was excited to see Jan. He didn’t just train Athena — he trained us, emphasizing consistency, daily work, confidence-building, and real-world exposure. By the third or fourth session, Athena had leash pulling, sit, stay, place, and core obedience commands dialed in. We’re now training in high-distraction environments like Lowe’s, practicing heel commands, and she’s doing amazing. Jan also helped Athena face fears head-on — from loud noises to unstable surfaces — and what once startled her quickly became no big deal. Choosing Dog Training Elite was one of the best decisions we’ve made for Athena. They don’t just train your dog — they train you to continue the work long after sessions end. The Platinum package, which includes lifetime support and group classes, is absolutely worth it. The only complaint I have, is the closest group class is about an hour away. Not ideal, but a small tradeoff for the quality we’ve received. We’re hopeful they add a class closer to the Katy/Fulshear area. Despite a slightly bumpy start, this experience exceeded our expectations. Jan has become more than just a trainer — he feels like family. His knowledge, patience, professionalism, and ability to connect with both dogs and owners truly set this place apart. Trainers like Jan are rare, and Athena’s success is a direct reflection of the care and intention he brings to every session.
