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A group of well-trained dogs walking at one of Dog Training Elite's dog training classes in Lexington, KY.

Professional

Dog Training Classes

Dog Training Elite Lexington

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Two Dog Training Elite experts teaching dogs at one of our expert Lexington dog training classes.

Dog Training Classes in Lexington, KY

Dog Training Elite offers top-tier dog training classes in Lexington, KY designed to meet the unique needs of every dog and owner. We use proven techniques and positive reinforcement to shape your dog into a well-behaved, confident pet.

Our classes cater to dogs of all ages and breeds, providing each dog with personalized attention and care. From puppy training to advanced obedience, our programs help your dog thrive in any environment. Join us and see the difference professional training can make in your dog’s life.

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Our Dog Training Classes

Dog Training Elite Lexington -
Camps

Our dog boot camps in Lexington, KY provides an immersive experience for dogs needing focused training. Perfect for complex behavioral issues, this camp has personalized one-on-one sessions that lead to fast, lasting progress.

Dog Training Elite Lexington - Puppy Training Classes in Lexington, KY. DTE
Puppy Classes

Puppy classes in Lexington, KY lay the foundation for a well-behaved dog. Focusing on basic obedience, socialization, and good manners, our fun and engaging classes help your puppy develop positive habits early on.

Dog Training Elite Lexington -
Schooling Your Pup in Obedience

DTE’s dog training school in Lexington, KY teaches essential obedience skills, from basic commands to advanced behaviors. These structured lessons help your dog become more responsive and well-behaved.

Dog Training Elite Lexington -
Academy

Our canine academy in Lexington, KY is ideal for preparing dogs for service work or tackling specific behavioral challenges. With the help of our skilled trainers, your dog will gain the discipline and focus needed to succeed in demanding situations.

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!

A proud, obedient dog with receiving expert training at a Dog Training Elite Lexington outdoor class.

Why Are Dog Training Classes Important?


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DIY dog training often results in frustration and inconsistent outcomes. Without expert guidance, you may unknowingly reinforce bad habits. This can make it difficult to manage stubborn behaviors and leave you with a confused and unruly pup.

Professional training classes offer several benefits, including:

  • Consistency: Professional classes provide a structured environment for consistent dog training sessions. This regularity helps reinforce new behaviors, making it easier for your dog to understand and remember what they’ve learned. With each session building on the last, your dog can develop strong, reliable habits that stick.
  • Expert Guidance: Skilled trainers bring years of experience and understanding of canine behavior. They offer clear, step-by-step instructions and proven techniques to address your dog’s needs. This expert guidance allows you to tackle even the most stubborn behaviors.
  • Positive Reinforcement: Positive reinforcement is a core principle in our professional training methods. This approach rewards good behavior, encouraging your dog to repeat it while building their confidence. By focusing on what your dog does right rather than punishing mistakes, positive reinforcement fosters a happy, well-adjusted pet who is eager to learn.

Investing in professional training classes sets your dog up for long-term success, helping them grow into a trusted family member.

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • dede holman
    Nov. 23, 2024
    Tom is absolutely amazing.. Dog Training Elite has top notch service dog training.
  • Bobbie Richmer
    Nov. 9, 2024
    The experience was wonderful. We love our trainer Tom. He is a great guy. Always there to us with our dog Thor.
  • LINDA SEAY
    Nov. 21, 2024
    Could not be happier with the results!! Highly recommend this organization and Tom is the best!
  • Krzysztof Kleszcz
    Nov. 17, 2024
    Tom and Abby are fantastic! They had so many helpful tips and suggested great practice exercises. The unlimited group classes are especially helpful! My dog is well on his way to getting his service dog certification
  • Angela Brock
    Nov. 12, 2024
    I own a mental health practice in Louisville. My team and I decided to train a therapy dog. I had no idea how much time and attention would be needed. We are about 4 months into her training and it is going well. She is only 7 months old so she still has some puppy energy. Tom has been super patient with me. Anyone can tell you that I am not coordinated at all. Trying to walk, use the training clicker while not tripping over my dog is challenging for me. I have gotten frustrated with myself more than once. We just started group classes and I was so impressed with my girl! We have finally gotten to a place where I feel more confident. Having the support of Tom and Dog Training Elite, has made all the difference. Time and patience are imperative. Thank you Tom!
  • Abigail Wren
    Nov. 11, 2024
    Tom is very knowledgeable and patient, the training methods he uses really do work and it shows! Especially in group class where I can see the progress my dog has made and challenge my dog in new ways!
  • Todd Mitchell
    Oct. 17, 2024
    Tom is a blessing I was ready to give up on our German shepherd Tom has been working with us now she's a totally different will trained pet and I’m happy to be around her and go on walks etc.Tom has done an amazing job teaching us how to train her. Top notch knowledgeable and very patient happy to know him
  • Abigail Morgan
    Oct. 9, 2024
    Tom is amazing! I’ve seen my dog make leaps and bounds in only three sessions. Can’t wait for more!
  • Kelsea Fitzpatrick
    Oct. 8, 2024
    Tom is great! He is knowledgeable, helpful, and an effective instructor. He has helped our dog (a puppy when we started) pass his good canine citizen test and now we are working on him becoming a service dog for our son with various disabilities. We are very thankful for Tom and Dog Elite Training of Lexington!
  • Lee Anne Ater
    Aug. 18, 2024
    When Joe and I started on this adventure of getting a puppy to train to be a mobility support dog for Joe due to his MS, I was a bit unsure of if we could make it happen. As Cole, an English Labrador, began growing into a LARGE puppy who didn’t know his strength I was concerned he would end up knocking Joe or others off their feet! With the wonderful guidance from Tom at Dog Training Elite, Cole (Joe and I) have learned to obey commands, listen to each other, act more appropriate around other people and dogs, and greet others without jumping on them. Joe, Cole, and I look forward to continuing our journey with Tom and appreciate all that he has done!
  • Lee Anne DePaola Ater
    Aug. 17, 2024
    When Joe and I started on this adventure of getting a puppy to train to be a mobility support dog for Joe due to his MS, I was a bit unsure of if we could make it happen. As Cole, an English Labrador, began growing into a LARGE puppy who didn’t know his strength I was concerned he would end up knocking Joe or others off their feet! With the wonderful guidance from Tom at Dog Training Elite, Cole (Joe and I) have learned to obey commands, listen to each other, act more appropriate around other people and dogs, and greet others without jumping on them. Joe, Cole, and I look forward to continuing our journey with Tom and appreciate all that he has done!
  • Georgina Lukoczki
    Sep. 6, 2023
    I started working with Tom about three months after adopting my very anxious rescue, Frannie, who was about 14 months old at the time. I tried other training programs, as well as just figuring things out from YouTube videos on my own but after a few months of nightmarish daily walks and hateful looks when I tried to go out with Frannie who would just bark her head off the moment we stepped outside, well, I decided it was time to get professional help. The very first one-on-one class with Tom was a complete game-changer. No more pulling after just one class with Tom! She is now also able to walk past most of the bunnies hopping around without trying to chase after them and this makes the walks so much safer not having to constantly worry about her taking off after a rabbit or squirrel and run out right in front of a car. Frannie is a smart girl but she is also very stubborn, so there have been several things she has been slow to learn to perform well and Tom is always very patient with her, and of course with me too. The next-level game-changer was when we started attending group classes. The group classes helped tremendously with Frannie’s behavior when we go out. I was always envious of people whose pups just lay next to them quietly while they are able to carry a conversation with other people for an hour or two. Now I constantly get compliments on how well-behaved my dog is. She has improved so incredibly much since working with Tom and I look forward to continuing our work with him.
  • Amber Logan
    Jun. 6, 2023
    Tom is the BEST! When we had our consultation our dog Bella (Cane Corso) was jumping on Tom and his assistant she even got in the couch with them. NOT the behavior we wanted with guests coming over and she is over 100 lbs. We set up training and Bella was nothing short of difficult and did not want to listen or act on any commands. After the home sessions I could see some improvement and changes in her behavior. Next we moved to the group class and I was completely nervous that she would be a class clown. The first session was difficult. Everything was a distraction but as I continued to follow Tom’s instructions on how to work with Bella to establish trust and leadership with her reinforcing it through positive reinforcement. She continually improved. Now she walks next to me and lets me lead, she is no longer afraid to walk on the small wall or complete the obstacle course on command. She is a COMPLETELY different dog. I can take her into pets stores and I have control of her. She no longer jumps on guests when they come visit she sits and allows them to greet her. She is so much more enjoyable when we are out and about. I 100% recommend Tom and Dog Training Elite. He also takes time to train the owners on the proper ways to interact with your pet in a positive way to train without negative reinforcement. I look forward to class now and Bella does too! Thank you Tom!!!!
  • Kathy Parrott
    Jun. 6, 2023
    So I called my small shih tzu, Millie, the “devil child”, as she was 100% an alpha female and wanted everyone to know it and obey her! As a young puppy, she would bite and chew on my arms, nip at the back of my arms to the point I was bloody, scratched, scabbed and bruised! She would not listen to the word “no”, as it just made her more angry. I had to take her to the veterinarian to get medication to calm her at night just to be able to do simple house chores. I met the Dog Training Elite people at the Kentucky Home and Garden show in April! After a phone conversation and a home visit with Tom to meet Millie, I took the plunge to train the “devil child” Millie. After our first at home lesson, Millie obeyed and was so good. She loved Tom and I wanted to cry. Just watching her walk in a leash, stop and sit, was amazing. Since then she has amazed me on what she can learn, she is so smart! We just finished our at home training and in just 5 weeks, Millie is no longer a devil child, but a happier well behaved, smart member of our family!! It is such a blessing to see her listen and follow commands and listen. Tom is so good with her and very patient. He is very knowledgeable and Millie just loved him, and his pocket (that were he keeps the treats)! Thank you Tom for giving me a well trained dog that will be happier and safer in her future. Looking forward to our group classes and see where this little girl can go and what she can learn!!! I highly recommend to get your dog trained, for your sake and theirs!! It made a world of difference in our day!!
  • Gabrielle Castro
    Mar. 2, 2023
    Bottom Line Up Front: Let Tom help you. If your expectation is quality, Tom is unmatched. I came to Tom with an 18-month dog, Woody, that had almost zero manners (I say almost because I want to give myself some credit, haha). There were things I had to untrain because they contradicted what I was expecting from my dog. Hence, my quest to find help and Tom helped me understand what giving a dog a command even means. Tom was patient with Woody. More importantly, he was patient with me. I researched several other companies, but I decided to go with DTE and would recommend them for several reasons. DTE provides in-home training. This was incredibly important to me as I wanted to learn as my dog was learning. Although sending my pup away for a couple of weeks seemed enticing, having it in the home allowed me full access and reassurance of the quality of care. I was learning just as much as my dog was, and we were doing it together, which created a deeper bond. Woody does better when I give him commands, so having him home was essential to me. DTE is patient. Tom’s level of patience is remarkable. There were times when I was becoming frustrated during the training sessions or even during our “homework” sessions, and he never once made me feel like a burden or that I was doing something wrong. He gave me and Woody confidence to keep working. For example, Woody had a hard time on the step ladder. It took Woody weeks to get the confidence to jump on the step ladder. Tom would guide me on specific techniques until one clicked. Now, Woody has no problem with any “place” command. DTE invests in your success. Tom is polite and takes a genuine interest in meeting my training needs. Although I am swamped during the week, he ensures I am set up for success and never overloads my homework. He even checks in. He truly gets to know you and your companion. I have seen a dramatic difference in Woody since we began working with Tom, and we aren’t even finished with his training.
  • Hannah Anderson
    Feb. 10, 2023
    Dog Training Elite has been so wonderful to work with! Any time I have had a question or concern, Tom has been happy to help problem solve with me. He is a clear communicator, and willing to go the extra mile. I am so excited to continue working with him in the future! If you are considering Dog Training Elite of Central KY-you will not be disappointed!!
  • Sophie Lorraine
    Jan. 27, 2023
    Tom is an incredible trainer. He met us where we were at in our journey and we’ve been moving forward so fast ever since! From in-home one on ones to group training sessions, my dog & I always have an amazing experience with Tom and the training he offers. He is always so optimistic with my dog and my abilities with him throughout our training. He’s my #1 and only recommendation for locals asking around about training programs.
  • Haley Tron
    Oct. 1, 2022
    This is one of those instances where I wish Google had 10 stars and not just 5 because I would give D.T.E. 10 stars. Tom and Diane are amazing at what they do and are so passionate about dog training. They have given us our life back. My fiancé and I were at a point where we had no idea how we were going to move forward in life with our Dog acting the way he was. He was so reactive to everyone except us. We couldn't have company over. We couldn't go places for extended periods of time, and honestly we didn't know when or if we would be able to have children. I know that there are dogs that no matter how much you try, they just cant be trained. We weren't going to give up on our boy though. We could see his true self when we were at home with him and we wanted other people to see that side of him. My fiancé looked into basically every dog training place in Kentucky and finally found Dog Training Elite. We've spent the last 10 weeks working with Tom & Diane, doing all our assigned homework, managing our expectations with our dog, and getting out of our comfort zone. The results speak for themselves. The most common thing we hear is "He's like a whole new dog!" and we couldn't agree more. There aren't words to describe our appreciation we have for these guys. They're definitely getting invited to the wedding! LOL If you're looking for great training with great trainers in a great environment, this is your place! #TheProofIsInThePuppy.
  • David Williamson
    Jul. 20, 2022
    Best money I ever spent ! If you have a dog or dogs , you learn with your dog and then teach your other dogs later ! Well worth it !
  • Deb
    Jul. 1, 2022
    For some reason my first post has not shown up and it is important that I leave this review. I have an 8 yr old American Pit Bull, Molly. She is very good girl and I have had no problems with her until we moved to Louisville and to a home with 2 other dogs. She is having trouble “getting acquainted” so after searching for just the right trainer I found Dog Training Elite. We began training 3 weeks ago and I am astounded at the difference in Molly’s level of obedience. Tom customizes the training method to the dog’s personality. That has meant success for Molly. Tom and Diane are incredibly patient and knowledgable about training with many years of experience and it shows. I am particularly pleased with Tom’s level of patience and kindness in training and Molly has already fallen in love with him. I am very excited to attend the classes with other dogs and I know Molly will love it too, Certainly the right choice of trainers for us was Dog Training Elite.

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Benefits of Dog Training Classes

Dog training classes offer a range of benefits for both dogs and their owners. Participating in these classes helps improve your dog's behavior, enhances their social skills, and strengthens your bond.

Here are five key benefits of enrolling your dog in training classes:

Training classes teach essential commands and behaviors, making your dog more responsive and obedient in various situations. This improved obedience leads to a more harmonious household and better control in public spaces.
Classes allow your dog to interact with other dogs and people, helping them develop better social skills. This exposure can reduce fear or aggression and promote friendly behavior.
Training classes offer a structured environment where your dog can learn systematically. Routine helps reinforce positive behaviors and ensures your dog receives consistent training.
Working together in a training class strengthens the bond between you and your dog. As you collaborate on learning new skills, you build trust and improve communication with your pet.
Professional trainers provide valuable insights and techniques that may not be available through self-training. Their expertise can help address specific behavioral issues and meet your dog’s needs.
A dog owner from Dog Training Elite Lexington giving their dog positive reinforcement.

Positive Reinforcement Only

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At Dog Training Elite, we use positive reinforcement because it’s the most effective and humane way to train dogs. Rewarding good behavior helps dogs understand what is expected, resulting in faster and more consistent progress.

Punishment-based training, on the other hand, can lead to fear, anxiety, and even aggression. While it might force temporary obedience, it often breaks trust and makes long-term progress harder to achieve. We focus on positive reinforcement to build a safe, supportive environment where your dog can make lasting behavioral changes.

Science-Backed Training Method

Research supports that positive reinforcement is the most effective way to train dogs. Veterinarians and animal behaviorists worldwide recommend this science-backed approach for safe, successful training.

  • Proven Effectiveness: Studies show that dogs trained with positive reinforcement learn new behaviors faster and retain them longer than those trained with punishment-based methods. This approach taps into a dog’s natural desire for rewards and praise, which results in more consistent behavior overall.
  • Reduces Behavioral Issues: Positive reinforcement decreases the likelihood of developing behavioral issues such as aggression, fear, or anxiety. Unlike punishment-based training, which can create or worsen these problems, this method encourages calm and confident behavior by associating learning with positive outcomes.
  • Encourages a Positive Learning Environment: By focusing on rewards rather than punishment, positive reinforcement creates a stress-free environment where dogs are more motivated to learn and participate in training sessions.
  • Supports Long-Term Results: This method teaches specific behaviors while promoting a general eagerness to learn and adapt. Dogs trained this way are more likely to continue behaving well and responding positively to new challenges, resulting in long-term success beyond initial training.
  • Strengthens the Human-Animal Bond: The trust and communication built through positive reinforcement create a strong bond between dogs and their owners. This method makes training rewarding for the dog, leading to a more positive relationship.
A dog with their owner at a Dog Training Elite Lexington dog training class.

Empowering Owners With Lexington Dog Training Classes

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We empower dog owners with flexible, personalized training programs that fit their schedules and needs. Our training equips you with practical skills to guide your dog’s behavior and tackle challenges, regardless of your experience with dog ownership.

Our approach focuses on clear communication and mutual respect, helping you teach your dog in a way that strengthens your bond. We adjust our methods to fit your dog’s personality and your lifestyle for the most successful results.

As you and your dog progress through our training, you’ll notice a shift in how your dog responds to commands and interacts with you. Everyday situations become easier to manage, walks are more enjoyable, and your home feels more peaceful. The skills you gain will help you and your pup navigate any situation confidently.

Basic Commands That Make Your Life Easier
  • Sit: Teaching your dog to sit on command is one of the most fundamental skills. It helps manage your dog’s behavior during family gatherings, at the door, or in public places, creating a calmer environment.
  • Heel: Training your dog to heel prevents leash pulling and promotes a stronger connection between you and your dog during walks. Your dog will learn to walk calmly by your side, making walks more enjoyable.
  • Come: The come command keeps your dog safe by making sure they return to you when called. Whether at a park or in your backyard, this command prevents your dog from wandering off or getting into trouble.
  • Down: Teaching your dog this commands can help manage their energy levels and behavior in various situations, making them easier to handle during visits, mealtimes, or when you need them to settle down. We train your dog to remain calm until given the appropriate commands like "come", "heel", or "break".
  • Leave It: The leave it command is invaluable for preventing your dog from picking up harmful objects or getting into things they shouldn’t. It helps you keep them safe while teaching self-control.
  • Place: Training your dog to go to a designated spot, like a bed or mat, is useful when you need them to settle down during mealtimes, when guests are over, or while you focus on work.
A group of dogs being trained by the expert team at Dog Training Elite Lexington.
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Educate, Empower, Elevate, Elite

Victory Begins With Elite Education

DTE: the Best Choice for Dog Training Classes

Learn How Training Classes Can Improve Your Dog’s Life


Dog Training Elite is your top choice for dog training. We provide the tools and guidance necessary for lasting success, whether you’re aiming to address specific behavioral issues, improve obedience, or strengthen the bond with your pet.

Our expert trainers use proven techniques for lasting behavior improvements. With a focus on positive reinforcement and personalized training, your dog will learn quickly and retain those skills over time.

Contact us today to start seeing the benefits of professional training!