Elite

Dog Training Services


Professional Dog Trainers in Knoxville, TN

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865-500-6087


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Contact Dog Training Elite Knoxville

Or Call to Schedule FREE In-Home Assessment

865-500-6087


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When you first brought home your dog, you most likely envisioned long walks, a game of fetch at the dog park, extended cuddle time, and an overall enjoyable life with your new best friend. This vision probably didn't include excessive barking, cat terrorizing, leash pulling, and other disobedient behaviors. Building a relationship with your pet is difficult when you have a pup who just won't listen. But don't stress - the obedient, loyal friend you dreamed of is just a few professional dog training sessions away!

No matter your dog's behavioral problems, appropriate training can eliminate disobedience and encourage a healthy dog-owner relationship.

Dog Training Elite is proud to have some of the highest rated private dog trainers near you in Knoxville.

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


Silver - $1,995

$1,995

Training Equipment Included: E-Collar

  • In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 3 Sessions
  • Group Park Training Sessions 8 Sessions
  • Come
  • Heel (walk with you, loose leash no pulling)
  • Sit (next to you & off leash at a distance)
  • Place (go to bed)
  • Quiet (stop excessive barking & whining)
  • Off(furniture when desired)

Gold - $2,395

$2,395

Training Equipment Included: E-Collar

  • In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 5 Sessions
  • Group Park Training Sessions 12 Sessions
  • Come
  • Heel (walk with you, loose leash no pulling)
  • Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
  • Place(go to bed)
  • Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
  • Off(furniture when desired)
  • Down(lay next to you & off leash at a distance)
  • Load Up (go into kennel, car, or dog house)
  • Manners, Safety & Boundaries
  • Calm Anxiety & Build Confidence
  • Housebreaking / Potty Training
  • STOP Jumping on People
  • STOP Mouthing & Nipping
  • STOP Chewing & Digging
  • STOP Begging & Stealing Food
  • STOP Bolting Through Doors & Running Away
  • STOP Chasing Animals, Cars & Bikes
  • STOP Reactivity (dog & human)

Platinum - $2,995

$2,995

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

  • In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 8 Sessions
  • Group Park Training Sessions 16 Sessions
  • Come
  • Heel (walk with you, loose leash no pulling)
  • Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
  • Place(go to bed)
  • Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
  • Off(furniture when desired)
  • Down(lay next to you & off leash at a distance)
  • Load Up (go into kennel, car, or dog house)
  • Manners, Safety & Boundaries
  • Calm Anxiety & Build Confidence
  • Housebreaking / Potty Training
  • STOP Jumping on People
  • STOP Mouthing & Nipping
  • STOP Chewing & Digging
  • STOP Begging & Stealing Food
  • STOP Bolting Through Doors & Running Away
  • STOP Chasing Animals, Cars & Bikes
  • STOP Reactivity (dog & human)
  • *Stay With You on a Job or Bike Ride (off-leash)
  • *Emotional Support Dog Training(ESA)
  • *Control Aggression(dog & human)
  • *Calm Extreme Anxiety(behavioral modification)
Best In-Home Dog Trainers Near Me in Knoxville
Highest Rated Dog Obedience Trainers Near You in Knoxville
Top Dog Trainers Near Me in Knoxville
In-Home Dog Trainers Near You in Knoxville

Why DIY Training So Often Fails


No dogs are truly bad. They are just dogs, trying to navigate a human world. What we consider bad behavior is a result of anxiety, fear, or misunderstanding. Dogs are eager learners and can easily be taught the appropriate behaviors to follow. For that reason, disobedience usually stems from improper training techniques.

It can be difficult for new dog owners to train their pets without the proper knowledge or time. Training takes more than a few sessions and treats, and it certainly does not involve punishment, yelling, or aggression. If you’re struggling with your dog’s behavior, you’re not alone. The most common mistake pet owners make is underestimating the knowledge, commitment, and effort needed to train a dog.

Proper training requires:


  • Experience and education
  • A deep understanding of dog behaviors
  • Patience and commitment
  • Knowledge of various training techniques
  • Experience with dogs of various breeds and ages
  • Ability to teach people as well as dogs
  • Detecting emotional changes in dogs (anxiety, aggression, fear)
  • Skills for training in distracting environments
  • Ability to recognize problem behaviors

The average pet owner does not have the above skills. It takes more than a deep love for doggies to know how to train them! Fortunately, professional dog trainers do have these skills. Education, certification, and experience are all marks of a well-qualified dog trainer.

When it comes to dog training, you want to find someone that you can trust. Many dog owners are reluctant to entrust their pets to a stranger. That is why it is important to find a trainer that fits you and your dog’s needs.

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.

What a Professional Dog Trainer Can Do For You

Most people see dog trainers as canine teachers when they are more people teachers. Professional dog trainers teach you how to communicate with your dog. During dog training sessions, you must actively participate to learn how to establish boundaries with your dog. The dog trainer teaches you how your dog learns so that you can give him or her the right cues.

Common areas covered in dog training sessions include:

  • Obedience
    Commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come” form the foundations of training, and most dogs learn them quickly. These cues keep your dog safe and help him or her confidently navigate the world. Once your dog has mastered obedience, more advanced training can take place.
  • Behavior
    While obedience commands are easy for every dog to learn, behavior issues are unique to each dog. Examples of behavior issues include chasing the mailman, jumping up during greetings, excessive barking, and destroying the house when left alone. These behaviors have an underlying cause that must first be addressed before the appropriate behavior can be learned.
  • Pet-Owner Relationship
    The most important part of any dog training program is the bond formed between dog and owner. Without a strong relationship, your dog simply won’t listen. A true professional will work side by side with you to ensure that your dog understands you and responds appropriately.

Pricing Programs Free Assessment

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Dog Training Elite has the best dog trainers near you in Knoxville that provide professional dog training services.

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!

I can't recommend Dog Training Elite highly enough! From start to finish, my experience with them has been exceptional. Andi in the office is an absolute gem - always friendly, polite, and incredibly efficient. She made scheduling around my hectic timetable an absolute breeze, whether it was answering the phone or swiftly returning missed calls. And when it come to Parker, our trainer, I couldn't be more impressed. Parker was punctual and well-prepared for every lesson. His expertise and patience with me and my dog was evident, and I saw significant progress with each lesson. Thank you, Dog Training Elite, for providing the service that you do!
— Alisa Kellington-Welsh
Posted April 19th 2024
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Best trained dog I’ve ever had. Friendly service. Our trainer Nikki is great!
— Daniel Stout
Posted April 19th 2024
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I had a great experience with Nikki! She worked great with Zurii and I during our training sessions. We learned a lot.
— Janet Koontz
Posted April 18th 2024
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What a great experience! We are so happy we chose Training Elite and Nikki was our trainer. Money well spent.
— Sherry Sapp
Posted April 11th 2024
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I’ve had nothing but a great experience with Dog Training Elite! Parker was our trainer and helped my crazy Labrador. My dog is now a better listener and is eager and engaged when it come to training. Thank you so much Parker and DTE! :)
— Lindsay Robison
Posted April 9th 2024
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Parker was very kind and detail-oriented when training my dog. Saw great results, would recommend to anyone!
— Taylor Underwood
Posted April 6th 2024
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Nikki was great to work with. Very skilled in dog training and really helped us with our stubborn dog
— Spencer Hall
Posted April 6th 2024
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AMAZING! Highly recommend Parker. He did wonders with my Golden Doodle during training sessions. His expertise and patience were truly awesome.
— Maddie Lambert
Posted April 5th 2024
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I cannot overstate how amazing our experience was with Parker and DTE! Their training schedule was so smooth and easy. Leaving with me and my dog, Birdie, commands to work on and practice in between each session. Birdie’s growth by the end was crazy! Highly recommend to anyone looking for dog training!
— Tate Weichers
Posted April 5th 2024
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Nikki is amazing! She is so knowledgeable, patient, and a true dog lover! She helped my boy go from extremely reactive to being able to ignore dogs passing by. She gets to know your dog very individually and is able to read their body language perfectly. Couldn’t recommended her or DTE more! Amazing experience.
— Ashley Alba
Posted March 6th 2024
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The best in the business!!!
— Brooke Taylor
Posted February 20th 2024
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These dogs are the most well-trained and behaved dogs I've ever seen!
— Katie Gurney
Posted February 20th 2024
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Nikki is just an immaculate trainer, she made such drastic changes with my dog and I. I will never ever look back, thank you for all the extra effort.
— Bentley Banks
Posted February 1st 2024
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Highly recommend Nikki and Dog Training Elite!
— Chris Kisner
Posted January 1st 2024
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If you are wanting a trainer, I highly recommend Nikki Hynes. I have seen her transform dogs from skittish and fearful to bold and beautiful. A few of her own dogs have gone from shrinking violet rescue animals to NATIONAL level citizens. No dogs want to live in fear. She is a great pack leader that brings them out of their shell and shows them a better way. As long as you are willing to invest the time into your dog and follow her recommendations, you too can have a solid HAPPY, obedient partner. Best wishes to you and your pooch
— Trail or Sport Horse
Posted December 16th 2023
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Nikki Hyne is an experienced, professional dog trainer who loves dogs. Her ability to pinpoint behavior problems, personalities, dog signals and interactions is spot on. She is quick to see health problems that may be causing your pet issues. She keeps your dog active and challenges them to use their mind. Her training is consistent and her dogs really seem to improve in her care.
— Janet Fletcher
Posted December 14th 2023
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Highly recommend this, love the staff! Super friendly and extremely helpful!
— Alexander Simpkins
Posted December 14th 2023
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Super staff, the Knoxville surrounding areas are in great hands with Nikki, a true dog whisper you will love how your dogs respond and become more than just your best friend.
— Tappie
Posted December 11th 2023
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Talk about great staff and amazing training, my Boston terrier pit mix has been quite the handful. But since her time with dog training elite she has been so easy to work. Couldn’t be happier.
— Timothy Ochoa
Posted December 9th 2023
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Dog Training Elite is a lifesaver! Not only are Parker and Eric extremely kind and patient, they are dedicated and truly know what they’re doing. I couldn’t recommend them enough!!! 10/10 experience for me and my pup, Moose.
— Hannah Seegmiller
Posted December 9th 2023
google

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Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation

At Dog Training Elite Knoxville, 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 Knoxville 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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Positive Reinforcement -
The Recommended Technique

While there are various dog training techniques, positive reinforcement is the only recommended method. Trainers that offer programs based on punishment, “alpha dog” methods, and fear should be avoided.

Dogs must be taught which behaviors to perform, not punished for doing something wrong. Our canine companions don’t understand why we are yelling at them, they just fear us. When we catch our dog doing the right behavior and award him for it, he learns which behaviors are acceptable.

At Dog Training Elite, we combine positive reinforcement techniques with a private training setting. Our in-home approach has a high success rate.

Years of training experience have taught us in-home dog training is the most effective as it offers a personalized training experience for both dog and owner.

Pricing Programs Free Assessment

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  • No Distractions
    Your home is where your dog feels most comfortable, and where he is most likely to exhibit problem behaviors. Jumping on guests or destroying the home when you leave are behaviors that only occur inside the home. A private dog trainer that assesses your dog in his or her home environment catch and correct these behaviors on the spot.

    The home is a calm, relaxed place for your pal. There are no other dogs or large crowds to distract him from the lesson at hand. Once your dog has learned the basics at home with a private dog trainer, his or her new skills can be practiced out in public.

  • Family Involvement
    Ingrained behavioral changes only take place when the entire family is committed to training your dog. When a trainer comes to your house, you can take advantage of the times when everyone is home and willing to participate. Once you all agree on appropriate behaviors and the associated cues, your dog can happily learn from everyone.

Dog Training Elite is the top professional dog training company with the best local dog trainers near you in Knoxville.

The Private Dog Trainers in Knoxville That You Can Trust


At Dog Training Elite, we understand your dog is like a family member and that you want the best for your pet. That’s why we use positive reinforcement in all of our training procedures. We never use punishment or pain techniques - training should be an enjoyable experience for your pet. Our combination of positive reinforcement, an electronic collar (not a shock collar), and including family members is a well-rounded training experience. Dog Training Elite stands behind our training programs, and we are focused on empowering owners with our established techniques.

Pricing Programs Free Assessment

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