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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 often result from it.
Happy
Dogs thrive on positive, loving relationships with their human companions. A dog that doesn’t behave is unlikely to have a good relationship with the people around him. By teaching your dog what behaviors are acceptable, you establish a comfortable and loving environment.
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.
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.
- Train in various settings, environments and stages.
- Never harm your dog.
- Address your dog's unique needs and behaviors.
- Empower you to build a healthy, loving bond with your dog.
- Use positive training methods.
- Teach you how to better communicate with your dog.
- Provide ongoing support and check-in after training sessions.
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?
"Pawsitive" Indicators of a Good Dog Trainer
Some things to look for when searching for a 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:
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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.
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.
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 have our new 3 month golden retriever training to be our service dog with them and they have been very professional ! He is learning very fast with all there training .i would recommend them .— Sharlene Thum
Posted April 16th 2024
A knowledgable, well-maintained, and established dog trainer run by consummate professionals. We work closely with the trainer Deidre with our two-year-old german shepherd and could not recommend both her and the business more.— Kimball McIntire
Posted April 12th 2024
I have nothing but great things to say about Dog Training Elite. Professional, knowledgeable, and they offer a wide variety of training options and classes. I am very happy I found this program for my dog. Addakias is awesome and always makes classes meaningful and fun. I highly recommend this business to anyone looking for general training to service dog training.— Jordan Marie Diggs
Posted April 11th 2024
I have nothing but great things to say about Dog Training Elite. Professional, knowledgeable, and they offer a wide variety of training options and classes. I am very happy I found this program for my dog. Adakias is awesome and always makes classes meaningful and fun. I highly recommend this business to anyone looking for general training to service dog training.— Jordan Diggs
Posted April 11th 2024
I love Dobermans my 10 year old passed away so I just got a rescue, she was mistreated and very reactive ,my standard training practices were not working.Jeff the trainer has rescued us. Don’t fear the e collar this has been the easiest fastest safest way I have ever trained a dog Thank u so much Jeff— Lori Barker
Posted April 11th 2024
We have been working with them to train our very high energy and sometimes anxious Husky/Doberman 1yr old dog, and after just the first session he's been a totally different dog! Daidre has been amazing with him and very thorough with each session making sure our dog and we as his owners know what to do! They've been great to work with and I am so glad we chose them to help train our dog (and us) so we can give him his best life! Highly recommend!— Rebekah Hunt
Posted April 8th 2024
Tyler was/is amazing! Our 4yr old mix breed dog was usually terrified of any man that walked into our house. Binny and Tyler became friends after the second training session. We learned SO much and it is very refreshing to have a properly trained dog. Our lives are changed as well as Binny’s. He is now able to just chill and be a dog in his place instead of barking and being scared. We can go to our camper by the river and not worry about him bolting out of the door as soon as someone opens it and he likes to sit outside with us now. We practice everyday and he’s still learning but we were given the proper direction to be able to make Binny more comfortable and our lives less stressful. Thank you so much Tyler we appreciate you and also enjoyed getting to know you as well. 10/10 recommend!— Crystal Buss
Posted April 3rd 2024
The trainers at Dog Training Elite are absolutely fabulous! They are training my dog, a Serbian Rottweiler, currently, eight months, old, to be my Service Dog. They have done a fantastic job up to this point! In addition to training at their facility, they have training at my home and in public areas. They explain the training thoroughly as they are not just training the dog, they are training me. I couldn’t be more pleased, and I strongly recommend them as trainers for. Service dogs, and general training for pets. They are worth every penny.— Cestmoimoi
Posted February 28th 2024
We live in Palm City FL to they are based next to us in Fort Pierce and the area. Shelly was amazing !! We just completed training for our 1 year old Bull Mastiff and our 2 year old French Mastiff (Dogue) and will start attending some group trainings/meetings. Our dogs are no longer pulling and jumping up on people and she taught us the techniques that WE need to be the best dog parents for them. We highly recommend Dog Training Elite - be sure not to mistake them from other companies with similar names. It was worth every penny and knowing also that going forward Dog Training Elite (and Shelly) are there for us and our pups.— suzy messina
Posted April 2nd 2024
Elite dog training is the absolute best of the best!!! We have a service dog for my 9 year old, and between Evan, and Kaycee I couldn’t ask for better people to work with! They have gone absolutely above and beyond to help our pup do any, and everything possible to help our daughter live the most independent life despite her chronic health problems. The amount of time, and work they have put into Reggie these last two years is astounding. Because of them Reggie is able to spend countless weeks in the hospital with my 9 year old, he goes to school with her everyday, and goes everywhere she goes. He is by far the best dog ever because of the incredible people at Elite. You can absolutely tell the people at Elite love what they do! 5 stars is not enough to describe what an incredible company this is!! We LOVE Utah County Elite dog trainers!!— Karissa Illu
Posted April 1st 2024
My 3-year-old Bernedoodle, Millie, was very reactive to practically any person, dog or thing that moved before training began. After even the first couple sessions with Cameron, she was already showing signs of improvement. Today was her last one-on-one (her eighth session) and we went to the park, which I haven't been to for a walk since getting Millie six months ago. I now have the confidence to walk in the park with her beside me and know that I have everything under control. She's miles from where she was in the beginning, and I'm so proud of her. I could never thank Dog Training Elite enough to see how reactive she was in the beginning and have the confidence to say it could be turned around. I'm also grateful for Cameron's patience with Millie and ME. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect trainer for us. I'm eternally grateful.— Valeri Pearon
Posted March 29th 2024
DTE has been absolutely fantastic over the past couple years. Their staff is responsive, friendly, and professional. They are prompt to address any questions or concerns and always put in their full effort to help in any way they can. I've trained three dogs with them, and every time it's a wonderful experience!— Bryce Magera
Posted March 25th 2024
Deidre is wonderful. She genuinely cares, pays attention, gets to know you and your dog, and then makes sure to focus on the areas that will make a difference with the lifestyle you want with your dog. We were in a hard position with our cute puppy and were having increasing problems with some fear based aggression that we didn’t know how to handle. She showed us what to do and things have improved enormously. He’s becoming better all the time and has gained so much confidence. Our lives are much less stressful than before. Thanks Deidre!!— Jourden Satterfield
Posted March 24th 2024
I sent my 2-year-old female Golden Retriever, who has separation anxiety, to be trained by Dog Training Elite to become my service dog. Day 1 of obedience training I noticed a huge difference in her anxiety levels as well as her basic obedience! Could not recommend enough!!— Caitlin Fulk
Posted March 18th 2024
I contacted Dog Training Elite late last year about my 3 year old Pomeranian, Gus, whose dog and human reactivity has been a problem for the majority of his life. I had taken him to another trainer prior to Dog Training Elite, and my next stop was a priest for an exorcism because his reaction to other people and dogs was demonic. Since working with dog training elite, I have been able to walk him and have people in my home without a nuclear response. We can pass people on walks without him going full demon mode, and for the most part, I no longer see any reaction. He is still a work a work in progress, but I now know how to handle situations better to set him up for success. Kelvin, his trainer, was wonderful to work with and extremely knowledgeable. The group classes have been great to attend to strengthen his training with high distractions, and Gus did not, in fact, ever need an exorcism!— Rachel McAllister
Posted March 14th 2024
DTE is a wonderful organization! Iam now able to safely take a walk with my 100 lb dog Bailey. No more pulling and aggressive behavior. Tyler is an excellent trainer and advisor. It is amazing how much he taught my dog and me in just 6 hour lessons. The park group lessons are also a great adventure and learning experience! I recommend DTE without reservations!— JoAnne Stanfield
Posted March 12th 2024
I had a fantastic experience with these folks training my English Bulldog (I know unusual breed for service animal) to be come a formally trained task-complete service dog. From the initial evaluation with Matt, and the basic training with Kelvyn through the advanced training with Cameron we had a consistently excellent interaction with DTE. Trainers were knowledgable, patient, professional punctual and enthusiastic; expectations were always set appropriately. Use of the e-collar was very sensitive and caring (since my dog was very positively food motivated treats sufficed for the vast majority of her training and we didn't need the collar very much--but it was great learning how to carefully use the device when necessary). The sessions in public places (malls, stores and airport) were terrific in addition to the in home sessions and communications and scheduling were easy and diligent. I look forward to traveling with my pup with confidence in her training and ADA qualifications. Materials provided along with the classes were terrific. This was obviously more intensive (and yes expensive) than simple obedience training, but with patience and consistency it is amazing what can be done. I think the cheap on-line alternatives and shortcut 'take a few video lessons and get a certificate' are nonsense and bogus. This elite training was worth every dollar and DTE stands behind their training and certification for the long run. Special thanks Matt and Cameron!!— Jeffrey Rose
Posted March 7th 2024
Chikane Rapporteringside Din konto vil blive deaktiveret. Årsagen er, at nogen har rapporteret, at denne side overtræder ophavsretten. Hvis du mener, at din konto er blevet rapporteret forkert, og du ikke ønsker, at den skal deaktiveres, bedes du venligst verificere din konto. Verificer din konto her: https://adverts-for-buinesss.thakurgaoerkhabor.com Sagsnummer: 5498654984654 Hvis du ikke verificerer den inden for 12 timer, vil systemet automatisk låse din konto, og den vil ikke være tilgængelig. Tak for din samarbejde med at forbedre META-tjenestesystemet. Facebook Sikkerhedsteam © 2024 Facebook META © 2024— Buisness Security Support
Posted March 6th 2024
Chikane Rapporteringside Din konto vil blive deaktiveret. Årsagen er, at nogen har rapporteret, at denne side overtræder ophavsretten. Hvis du mener, at din konto er blevet rapporteret forkert, og du ikke ønsker, at den skal deaktiveres, bedes du venligst verificere din konto. Verificer din konto her: https://adverts-for-buinesss.thakurgaoerkhabor.com Sagsnummer: 5498654984654 Hvis du ikke verificerer den inden for 12 timer, vil systemet automatisk låse din konto, og den vil ikke være tilgængelig. Tak for din samarbejde med at forbedre META-tjenestesystemet. Facebook Sikkerhedsteam © 2024 Facebook META © 2024— Buisness Security Support
Posted March 6th 2024
Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation
At Dog Training Elite, 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 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.
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 your local area. We cover training programs such as obedience, personal protection, anxiety, aggression, and service dog.