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Labradors have been the No. 1 most popular dog breed in America for close to three decades. It’s not hard to understand why – Labradors are playful, energetic, smart and friendly. They make great companions for individuals and families and generally get along with children and other pets.
Although high-energy, Labradors are laidback and easy going, unfazed by the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Bred originally to be working dogs, their intelligence also makes them a great option for service or therapy dogs.
If you are starting out with a brand new Labrador puppy, Dog Training Elite Greater Philadelphia’s personalized in-home training programs can help you develop a strong bond with your new puppy and harness all of the incredible benefits of the breed.
Labradors are a highly intelligent breed that loves to please, making Labrador puppy training in Lancaster a breeze. Working in your own home, a Dog Training Elite Greater Philadelphia trainer will create a personalized training plan for you and your puppy, addressing any unique needs or issues your puppy may have.
Socialization is also important for your new puppy. Once your puppy has completed obedience training, Dog Training Elite Greater Philadelphia offers puppy group classes which is a great way to help your puppy socialize with other dogs and people, as well as learn to obey you in a distracting environment.
While beginning Labrador puppy training at an early age can be important and extremely helpful for dogs, if you adopt an older Labrador dog don’t worry! Dog Training Elite Greater Philadelphia’s training methods work with older dogs too, and Labrador training will still be a snap with your Labrador’s eager-to-please attitude.
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Greater Philadelphia location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
Silver
$1,295
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 3 Sessions
- Group Park Training Sessions 3 Months
- 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
$1,795
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 5 Sessions
- Group Park Training Sessions 6 Months
- 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
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.
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 8 Sessions
- Group Park Training Sessions Unlimited
- 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 Jog or Bike Ride (off-leash)
- *Emotional Support Dog Training(ESA)
- *Control Aggression(dog & human)
- *Calm Extreme Anxiety(behavioral modification)
What Makes Labradors Unique?
There are many reasons to love Labradors. Here are just a few:
- Labradors Love the Water
- They were Bred as Hunting Dogs
- Labs Come in Three Colors
- Labs can do Almost Anything
You may have already known this fact, because Labs are pretty famous for loving the water. They’re actually made for it! A Lab can use their thick tail – sometimes referred to as an “otter tail” – as a powerful rudder. They also have wide, webbed feet to help them swim fast and waterproof coats that help them stay comfortable even in cold water.
Initially, Labs were bred as duck retrievers, and then later as game-hunting companions. They tend to excel in retriever field trials and retriever hunting tests. They’re incredibly versatile as sport dogs, excelling in agility, rally and obedience sports.
Labrador coats come in three colors – black, yellow, and chocolate.
Their intelligence, energy and affectionate nature makes them a popular choice for service and therapy dogs, as well as for search and rescue teams, and bomb and drug detection. Suffice to say, all Labradors are very good dogs who do very good jobs.
Keeping Your Labrador Happy and Healthy
Although Labradors are famously laid back and friendly, that doesn’t mean they don’t require attentive care. If you’re considering adopting a Labrador, or you already have one and want to learn more about how to keep your pup happy and healthy, consider the following:
- Labradors Need Plenty of Exercise - Although Labs are easy going, they need plenty of exercise – even up to two hours a day. This can be made up of long walks, training sessions, playing fetch or going to the dog park. Though it’s important to make sure they get enough exercise, you also need to be careful you don’t let your dog overdo it, especially as a puppy why their joints and bones are still growing.
- Groom Your Lab Weekly - Labradors have short, smooth coats that are prone to shedding. Combing them weekly with a comb or bristle brush, or combing daily during shedding season, can help keep shedding under control. Make sure you have a good vacuum!
- Manage their Diet - As big, energetic dogs, Labs need to eat a lot – but they can be prone to putting on pounds, as well. Follow the recommended amounts on dog food packaging, or consult with your vet.
- Make sure Your Labrador Gets Lots of Attention - Labradors are very social. Socialization with other dogs is important, so trips to the dog park, doggy play dates or group training classes at Dog Training Elite Greater Philadelphia can be beneficial for both you and your dog. If your Lab has to be home without you for long stretches of time, be sure to have stimulating dog toys, puzzles and chew toys available for them, and consider hiring someone to check on and play with them during the day.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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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.
clas·si·cal con·di·tion·ing PSYCHOLOGY noun
A learning process that occurs when two stimuli are repeatedly paired; a response that is at first elicited by the second stimulus and is eventually elicited by the first stimulus alone.
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!
We had the best experience with Elite Dog Training! I could not be happier! Our trainer, Toni, was amazing to work with. We have seen great improvement in our dogs behavior. Worth every cent!!— Emma Cooper
Posted November 7th 2023
I can not say enough about Toni and Betsy! I have had dogs all of my life and this is the first time that I am so Proud to have a really well behaved dog. I get compliments about my dog Sadie all the time. She is our first service dog that we trained through dog training elite and we are very pleased with their program! I now have the tools for life! I highly recommend Dog Training Elite Philadelphia/Lancaster! Thank you so much Toni and Betsy! Rachelle and Bryan Storm— Rachelle Storm
Posted October 15th 2023
My GSD is aggressive with other dogs and children. The only dog training company I could find to work with her was Dog Training Elite! Lizzy is flowing the commands that were taught to us in our one on one sessions, has now started group sessions and did so well in her first session and climbed up and sat with the grandson for the first time! The trainers are so knowledgeable with dog training and they care about the dogs and families they help!! The best investment I ever made!! I highly recommend Dog training Elite with Betsy and her trainers!! All I can say is thank you for saving our dog!!!— Ramona Lunger
Posted August 21st 2023
I contacted many different dog trainers in the Lancaster area, but none of them was willing to work with dogs that had aggression issues with the exception of Dog Training Elite! I was afraid I would have to give up Lizzy my GSD because of her aggression toward children and other dogs. Then Betsy and Audra showed up at my door, assessed Lizzy and agreed to take her on!! Lizzy is doing so well with the commands and her confidence level has grown so much that she was playing with our grandson for the first time! These trainers are professional and know what they are doing!! And they love the dogs they train! I am no longer worried about losing Lizzy! All I can say is thank you for saving my dog!— Ramona Lunger
Posted August 21st 2023
This was one of the best investments I’ve ever made. I have a Bernese Mountain Dog who used to pull on walks, wouldn’t come, would only listen to commands when he wants to, he is now public access certified and we get compliments all the time on how well behaved he is for a one year old puppy. Not only is he a well trained dog, I feel like my relationship with him is so much stronger because we worked and still work together on training every day. I tell everyone with dogs about Dog Training Elite. Could not recommend this company enough!— Brittany Ritter
Posted July 23rd 2023
I rescued my hound (we live in Philadelphia) about a year ago and it had been a rollercoaster with behaviors, anxiety and scary runaways. Choosing Dog Training Elite has greatly improved all of these issues. With Rubies patience, knowledge and guidance I can whole heartedly say that my girl is better than I could have ever hoped for. She has so much more confidence, the mental stimulation from training and having a job makes her happy and tired, and I feel like we have developed a stronger bond based on trust and obedience. In just a couple of months my once runaway can be trusted off-leash and is hyper focused on me and my commands. The e-collar has been incredible. When I put it on my dog in the morning before we walk she immediately understands that is it time to “work” aka listen. I could not be happier with our training experience or more grateful for Rubie!— Samantha Ortolano
Posted July 9th 2023
These trainers are absolutely amazing! Toni worked with Teddy our station dog and now he serves his community! Thank you ladies!!— Kristen Kovacs
Posted July 3rd 2023
Betsy and Audra have been incredible. We are working with them to train our young husky as an autism service dog for our daughter. Their professionalism and kindness is beyond compare. They go the extra mile for their clients, even calling us “family.” They incorporate all of us in Layla’s training and makes sure we are comfortable before moving onto the next phase. We are so thankful for them and would recommend them to anyone!— Zak Adams
Posted May 5th 2023
We are training two of our dogs to be service dogs, one of whom is a complex guy. Betsy has done an outstanding job with them. She is highly knowledgeable, sensitive, intuitive, friendly, super responsible, and works with our specific needs. We have seen instant and dramatic improvement, which makes our lives so much easier and enjoyable with the dogs. And they are having fun, too--they just love her, and so do we. We all look forward to training sessions! We're so grateful to Betsy for this huge improvement in our lives.Highest recommendation.— Kristin Witbeck Lee
Posted April 20th 2023
I highly recommend training with Dog Training Elite Lancaster! Betsy has an incredible knowledge base on dog behavior and how to train them with a caring attitude. I had such a hard time getting my dog to listen to be in public, but with Betsy’s methodology, we were able to have my pup listen to me 100% of the time! On top of advanced obedience training we went through the service dog training package. Her empathetic and strategic approach to successfully train my dog to do the tasks I need was incredible. Seriously life changing and I am so grateful for her help!!! 10/10 recommend!!!!— Rubie Nathanson
Posted April 20th 2023
I adore Betsy and Dog Training Elite ! She has trained our pitbull mix. When we started , she was an out of control pup that was driving me crazy !!! After the training, I can keep her under control - fabulous manners and comes every time I call her ! Sounds minor - but this has been a total life changer. I plan to train with Betsy with my next pup and all future ones. Thank you Betsy !!!!— Rachael Morinelli
Posted April 16th 2023
Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation
At Dog Training Elite Greater Philadelphia, 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 Greater Philadelphia work's with the Malinois Foundation to heal and empower these individuals with a specialized service animal, a partner in life, and a new best friend.
Labrador Training With Dog Training Elite Greater Philadelphia
The Dog Training Elite Greater Philadelphia training method is based around classical conditioning with an emphasis on positive reinforcement. Classical conditioning means developing conditioned or automatic reflexes to commands, so when you say “sit,” your dog will sit automatically. Labradors respond especially well to positive reinforcement, but Dog Training Elite Greater Philadelphia trainers will tailor the Labrador puppy training method and programs to suit any individual dog’s needs.
While all dogs share qualities of kindness, loyalty and intelligence regardless of breed, Dog Training Elite Greater Philadelphia recognizes that every dog is an individual and may require different training methods. Dog Training Elite Greater Philadelphia stands out by taking into consideration what breed your dog is when making training goals.
Whatever your dog’s breed, Dog Training Elite Greater Philadelphia can help you and your dog overcome any obstacles related to obedience and socialization. Our unique techniques ensure our program is a success no matter what behavior we encounter.
Ready to turn your Labrador into the best companion for you or your family? Contact us today to receive a free in-home assessment or Labrador training demonstration.