Two dog owners and a group of pups in our dog socialization classes in Knoxville, TN - contact Dog Training Elite to schedule your free consultation today!
Dog Training Elite

Dog Socialization Classes in Knoxville, TN

Request Free Assessment

Request Free Assessment

Our Socialization Dog Training Could Help:
Reduce anxiety
Improve dog and other animal interactions
Build confidence with people
Reduce fear-based aggression
Encourage calm behavior in public
Teach proper responses to distractions
Strengthen bond with owner
Foster positive play

Dog Training Elite

Knoxville Dog Socialization Classes

Socialization is crucial for a dog’s development, significantly impacting their anxiety levels, aggressive tendencies, and overall well-being. At Dog Training Elite, we recognize this importance and offer socialization training to help your pup feel comfortable around different people, animals, and unfamiliar places.

We introduce socialization in a controlled and structured way. Once you and our trainers are confident in your dog’s obedience training, we gradually introduce them to our dog socialization classes in Knoxville, TN and public settings. By prioritizing obedience first, we ensure your dog has a strong foundation of self-control and responsiveness, making the process smoother and more successful.

At Dog Training Elite, we are committed to minimizing stress for both you and your dog. We use proven techniques and involve you from the very beginning. Whether you’re out for a walk, visiting a friend, or navigating a busy public space, you’ll have confidence in your abilities and your dog’s behavior.

Call us today to schedule your free consultation!

See Training Packages

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!

Three lab puppies experiencing new things together at Dog Training Elite's Knoxville dog and puppy socialization classes.

Dog Training Elite Knoxville

When to Socialize Your Puppy

Read More
Read Less

Socialization for dogs should be happening throughout their lifetime. Still, getting a good start as early as possible is always best.

Socialization for puppies starts at just three weeks old as they begin to engage with their littermates and the world around them. The “sensitive period of socialization,” when puppies are primed and ready to try new things, is from 3-14 weeks of age. Because puppies can go to new homes at around eight weeks old, you only have a small window to get that necessary socialization training done.

You can start puppy socialization classes in Knoxville, TN with DTE as soon as you bring your puppy home at eight weeks old! Our classes are puppy safe and provide an excellent opportunity for your puppy to meet new dogs and people while having new experiences outside your home.

Multiple dogs sitting on a bench during a group class with Dog Training Elite, contact us for puppy socialization classes in Knoxville, TN.

Dog Training Elite

What Do Our Puppy Socialization Classes in Knoxville, TN Look Like?

Read More
Read Less

Puppy and dog socialization is not about teaching new commands or obedience but creating a positive experience around new stimuli. Socialization can look like taking them around your neighborhood, letting them hear and smell things at their own pace, and offering plenty of soft treats. It can also look like introducing them to a friend's healthy dog in a safe place and allowing them to greet the dog and learn about social cues and behavior from them, all while offering treats and praise.

Our socialization classes teach your puppy or dog that even if something is new, it can be safe and fun to explore! We create opportunities for your pet to safely meet new dogs, smell new things, hear new sounds, walk on different surfaces, and meet new friendly people.

Socialization is all about removing fear and entering new situations with curiosity.

Additional Behavioral Training

Dog Training Elite Knoxville - Dog Training Elite. How to Stop Puppy Biting Knoxville

Biting

Dog Training Elite Knoxville - Reactive Dog Training in Knoxville, TN. DTE

Fear & Reactiveness

Dog Training Elite Knoxville - Destructive Chewing & Digging Training in Knoxville, TN

Destructive Chewing & Digging

Dog Training Elite Knoxville - Separation Anxiety Training for Dogs in Knoxville, TN

Separation Anxiety

Dog Training Elite Knoxville - Excessive Barking Training in Knoxville, TN. DTE

Excessive Barking

Dog Training Elite Knoxville - Staying and Coming Training in Knoxville, TN. DTE

Staying & Coming

Dog Training Elite Knoxville -

Stealing Food, Clothing, or Other Objects

Dog Training Elite Knoxville -

Resource Guarding

Dog Training Elite Knoxville -

Food Guarding & Begging

Dog Training Elite Knoxville -

Mouthing, Nipping & Rough Play

Dog Training Elite Knoxville -

Anxiety & Submissive Urination

Dog Training Elite Knoxville -

Jumping Up & Hyperactivity

Dog Training Elite Knoxville -

Excessive Licking

Dog Training Elite Knoxville -

Leashing

Dog Training Elite Knoxville -

Abnormal Repetitive Behaviors

Dog Training Elite Knoxville -

Escaping

Dog Training Elite Knoxville -

Heeling

Dog Training Elite Knoxville - Dog & Puppy Potty Training in Knoxville, TN. DTE

Potty Training

A group of dogs at our Knoxville dog socialization classes.

Dog Training Elite Knoxville

Discover the Benefits of Socialization Classes Today

Read More
Read Less

Proper socialization from a young age offers many benefits as dogs grow. It teaches puppies about the world from a place of safety and curiosity instead of fear and anxiety. Doing this allows them to enter any situation confidently, which grants you the freedom to bring them along for the ride as you both experience life.

Whether you have an older dog or a brand new puppy, our Knoxville dog socialization classes will give them the tools to be comfortable with new sights, sounds, smells, and experiences.

Give your furry companion the best chance at a happy and exciting life with our elite training. Schedule your free consultation today!

A group of dogs being trained by the expert team at Dog Training Elite Knoxville.
Dog Training Elite Knoxville light star icon.

Educate, Empower, Elevate, Elite

Victory Begins With Elite Education

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Daniel Harvey
    May. 9, 2026
    Rhett has been awesome to work with. They had a trainer that didn't work out for our first lesson but they didn't count that against us and since then he has been amazing. He is great not only getting the dog started on the commands but also teaching me and my family how to handle the different situations.
  • Paula Bran
    May. 9, 2026
    Elite Dog Training has been such a positive experience for both me and my baby Manon as we begin her service dog journey. Rhett, Kaitlyn, Reina, and even the few lessons I had with Jaime and Parker have all been incredibly kind, knowledgeable, and supportive. What I appreciated most is how they truly listened to my concerns without judgment and always made me feel comfortable asking questions. Their guidance, patience, and encouragement have made a huge difference in helping us build a strong foundation. You can tell they genuinely care about both the dogs and their people. I’m very grateful for their help and would absolutely recommend them to anyone looking for thoughtful, compassionate, and effective dog training.
  • Jamie Oliva
    May. 8, 2026
    He was kind, and sweet to the dogs. Knowledgeable and caring, patient and friendly.
  • Shelly Benoit
    May. 6, 2026
    Reina was awesome!!! Knowledgeable, extremely friendly and patient with our fur baby!
  • Domestic Violence Legal Advocate
    May. 5, 2026
    My initial meeting with ELITE was incredible!! I met Rhett & Katlin. They were so kind & so knowledgeable! Just my first meeting but my dog responded so well to them. So excited!! My baby boy will finally get what he needs! ❤️😊
  • Clare M Donahue
    May. 5, 2026
    Taught me a lot in the one hour session we had. Was very informative, kind and patient with my dog. Explained everything very well!
  • David Trent
    Apr. 24, 2026
    Good visit we'll informed of the training process! Very friendly your man!!
  • Lisa Cheek
    May. 4, 2026
    Reina was great!!!
  • Tabatha White
    May. 4, 2026
    I really appreciate you for coming over and explaining everything 😌 🙏
  • Christopher Soukup
    Aug. 6, 2025
    02 May 2026: As expected, another great experience with the team from DTE. The training focus is not to make the dog a robot on command but to really bond a resource companion with detailed explanation in behavior dynamics. Rhett's many years of experience really shines with every session. 23 Apr 2026: Rhett was absolutely awesome working with my service dog in training. I had a gap in sessions due to medical reasons and he was great with instruction and getting us back on a structured path. Dog Training Elite has gone above and beyond in accommodating me in a rural area by coming out an hour and half just to make sure we are getting the training and resources we need! Watching my dog progress after each session and getting the handler skills needed to continue work between instructor lead sessions is really an amazing to experience. 06 Aug 2025: First day of training was exceptionally informative. Julia was extremely professional and knowledgeable instilling confidence moving forward. I definitely know I made the right choice for my service dog needs. 18 Sept 2025: Fast forward into a few sessions later and still absolutely impressed with the level of professionalism and results
  • Lauren Unger
    May. 1, 2026
    Rhett was fabulous!! Our six month dog had no awareness of his back legs couldn’t jump on the couch. I had to pick him up and carry him into the car. He couldn’t jump down from the couch or off the bed. In one session, Duke learned “place”. He had him jumping on top of picnic tables. Sitting and staying in this place. Took us to the car and trained him getting in and out of the car by himself. I didn’t think Duke could do it and I was so impressed!!! Getting him trained with this company and with him has been absolutely wonderful and highly recommend it. So much gets done in just one session. He talks you through everything. You understand the process of the way the brain works with the dog and the reasonings behind how they’re training them and why they do it that way. Five stars all the way, and if I could give more, I would! Lauren Unger
  • Heather Smith
    Apr. 30, 2026
    Rhett is great! Very knowledgeable and is helping us tremendously with pur Beagle
  • Kimberly Logan
    Apr. 30, 2026
    I thoroughly enjoyed working with Reina!
  • Jordan Turner
    Apr. 30, 2026
    Yesterday I got to witness & be part of a training session in my store, Pet Supermarket. The trainer, Rhett, showed incredible knowledge and patience with the dog, as well as the handler involved! I’ve never had the chance to witness public training for a service animal, so I was thrilled they chose my store to hold the session in! I’d highly recommend them after seeing how knowledgeable the trainers are!
  • Kaylee Ellington
    Apr. 30, 2026
    We’ve had such a great experience with Dog Training Elite Knoxville, and especially with our trainer Rhett. He has been absolutely wonderful to work with—knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely invested in our dog’s progress. From the very beginning, Rhett took the time to understand our puppy’s specific needs and gave us clear, practical guidance that made a real difference. You can tell he truly cares, not just about training dogs, but about helping owners feel confident too. We’ve seen such a positive change in our puppy’s behavior, and it’s made everyday life so much easier and more enjoyable. We’re really grateful for Rhett’s support and would highly recommend Dog Training Elite Knoxville to anyone looking for professional, effective, and compassionate training.
  • Mac
    Apr. 29, 2026
    Excellent team of trainers. Parker explained everything we worked ine thoroughly. He was very engaging and focused on helping me and my pup learn and improve. Highly recommend.
  • Donna Hall
    Oct. 14, 2025
    Lulu had training with Rhett today. He is so good with the dogs and puts so much thought into what each dog needs individually. I’m really happy and excited about the fact that he really wants our Lulu to succeed at everything she does and he is willing to go the extra mile to see that she does!
  • Elizabeth Ingram
    Apr. 28, 2026
    Great training session
  • Elizabeth Ely
    Apr. 28, 2026
    Rhett does a great job training. He has patience and passion.
  • grace blunt
    Apr. 28, 2026
    Rhett is knowledgeable and can explain things in a clear and understandable manner without being condescending. I left today thinking my dog is not failing because I was about to give up on her becoming a service dog.