A golden retriever holding a grocery bag, our obedience training for dogs in Madison, WI can help with these daily tasks.

Professional

Dog Obedience Training

Dog Training Elite Madison

Request Free Assessment

Request Free Assessment

Our Obedience Dog Training Could Help:

Basic commands
Improved behavior
Socialization
Leash manners
Bonding
Mental stimulation
Confidence building
Impulse control
Good manners in public

Dog Training Elite

Obedience Training for Dogs in Madison, WI

While dogs are man's best friend, that relationship didn't develop overnight. Creating a strong bond with a dog takes time, patience and lots of training. Dog obedience training in Madison, WI is one of the best ways to deepen the bond between dog and owner.

Training a new dog takes a lot of time and effort but the payoff is well worth it. Some dogs may require more training than others due to breed type, past trauma, or just plain stubbornness. However, all dogs can become loyal, friendly and well behaved through dog obedience training with Dog Training Elite Madison’s programs, including in-home training!

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A golden retriever puppy laying on the floor with its owner, contact us today for dog obedience training in Madison, WI.

In-Home Training


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Dog Training Elite Madison has specialized training courses for both puppies and older dogs. For in-home training, dog trainers will observe dog breed, size, temperament and any other factors that will influence training.

Working with the dog and dog owner directly in an owner’s home, dog trainers will develop a personalized training plan for basic commands like sit, down, come, heel, etc.; as well as to address any unique issues such as anxiety, aggression, fear and so on. Once a dog is trained, owners can sign their dogs up for group classes with more in-depth training.

Starting with in-home training is an unmatched service that provides dogs and dog owners with the opportunity to work together. Not only does in-home dog obedience training free dogs from the distractions of a group class, but ensuring a dog is learning from both their owner and a trainer will help owners and dogs strengthen their bond. Dogs that learn only from trainers may be inclined to disobey when the trainer is not around. Equally sharing the task of training between dog and dog owner leads to the development of trust and deepening love.

Trainers from Dog Training Elite Madison seek to not only help train dogs, but empower owners so they can continue training their dogs in years to come. This includes sharing tips and tricks (treats are always a good thing!), as well as pointing out personality traits and behavior issues dog owners should focus on.

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!

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FAQs

One of our trainers will visit your home to meet you and your dog and discuss any issues you're facing. We will then demonstrate one of our model dogs so you can see what you can expect after hiring our trainers. From there, we will discuss the various packages we offer and which we feel best suit your (and your dog's) needs.
We provide full obedience training that covers all basic commands, both on and off-leash. Our in-home visits target specific issues like counter-surfing, digging, and more. Unlike some trainers, we work with all breeds, including those often considered challenging.
Yes. You (and anyone in your family who wants to be involved) are integral to your dog getting trained. We need you to practice 5-6 days a week, about 15-20 minutes a day for optimal results.
Once a week. We come to you (with the silver, gold and platinum packages) once a week to start your dog off, then you come to park sessions which are held once a week in Madison.
We train dogs of all breeds, sizes, and temperaments. Whether your dog is a tiny Chihuahua or a large Mastiff, we have the experience and expertise to work with them.

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Herbert Davis
    Nov. 14, 2024
    Jan has worked with my German Shepherd for 2 months now and the experience has been great! Very informative, helpful and the results have been noticeable from the start! I would absolutely recommend the training that your dog or pup will receive from dog training elite. Trainers and staff are very kind, patient and will work through all problems or concerns you bring to their attention.
  • NICOLE RODRIGUEZ
    Oct. 28, 2024
    Fantastic place for dog training and worth the money.
  • ST
    Oct. 24, 2024
    WE LOVE DOG TRAINING ELITE DENVER! Before I go into how successful our time has been with my puppy's obedience and service training, I'd like to respond to a negative review I was beyond shocked to see. This review was from "Chelsea Trouten" listed a day ago. I'm not typically one to post, but felt it was necessary to protect the integrity of a hardworking, local, family business who has done SO much good for community members, including myself. I was present at the group training session where she accused the owner, Bert Ballard, of being abusive to her dog "with the e-collar." Her detailed accusation couldn't have been further from the truth. Chelsea's dog Leo was struggling severely during group class and it was evident that she was struggling to calm him, but that's okay...learning how to navigate/change these behaviors is why training like this exists. It wasn't until Leo aggressively went after my dog, that Bert decided to step away from the class and focus his attention on Leo. I watched the entire interaction. He was understanding, calm, helpful to Leo, and reassuring to the handler. After some work, Leo's behavior leveled out, and at the end of class I heard Chelsea go as far as *thanking* Bert and Sarah for all their help. Zero abuse. It's a shame that a one star, exaggerated and dishonest review can hurt the future of a small business. At the end of the day, Dog Training Elite Denver gets 5 stars from me and my boyfriend. My puppy is well on her way to becoming a service dog, all thanks to the hours of training these knowledgeable professionals put into each session. We love DTE and highly recommend them to everyone who is in need of training for their dog. Special shout out to Bert, Sarah, Adria and Jared. We appreciate the work you do.
  • Ashley Upton
    Sep. 2, 2024
    Gosh, I can't love this place more. Jan is FANTASTIC. He trained our service dog, Leia, and I have zero negative things to say. He is thorough, patient, and so knowledgeable. If we ever get another dog we will 100% come back here and request him. You won't be disappointed in using DTE!
  • Janine Barrett
    Aug. 30, 2024
    Dedicated trainers with wonderful customer service.
  • John Heister
    Jul. 21, 2024
    Excellent staff who is very knowledgeable and caring of you and your dog. You do have to pra tice though i it won't stick
  • Heather Kennedy
    Jun. 8, 2024
    We have been having an incredible experience with Dog Training Elite with our high energy Aussie. Our goal is to make him a therapy dog and after a ton of research, I landed on Dog Training Elite. There were some scheduling issues in the beginning, however they acknowledged this area of opportunity and were transparent with some turnover in their scheduling department. This has since not been an issue and our Aussie has been progressing so well through the program. Fallon is the BEST trainer. She explains each command and demo in a way we fully understand so we can be confident and successful. I can’t recommend this company enough. It is on the expensive side, but you get what you pay for. Nothing compares to seeing my reactive, high energy Aussie become confident in our relationship and learning so fast!
  • Kristin C.
    Jun. 5, 2024
    I love DTE, they have done so much for us and I can’t thank them enough.
  • pamela elliott
    Apr. 16, 2024
    Dog Training Elite, with Alex and Talia, has worked wonders with my.dog Jack and myself. Talia has pushed, prodded and pulled Jack & I to where we are a pretty good team about to take our Public Access Test!!! Wish us luck. If you have a Jack in your family, this is the place for you! Terrific training, professional and friendly 🐶🐶
  • suzy messina
    Apr. 2, 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.
  • TRACIE ROSSMAN
    Mar. 20, 2024
    Working miracles with my Cane Corso
  • Bailey Oteri
    Feb. 25, 2024
    Absolutely love the folk here, they have made such a big difference in mine and my dog’s life and he’s not even done with his training program yet. They clearly love what they do and take such good care of the dogs and want the best for every single one! I have recommended them to everyone I know for both dog training and service dog training.
  • Terry Restorick
    Feb. 4, 2024
    Great place to have your bog trained
  • Samantha Christina
    Jan. 11, 2024
    I am thrilled to share my incredibly positive experience with Dog Training Elite services. After just three weeks of in-facility training, my beloved dog Freya has transformed into an outstanding service animal, exceeding all expectations. I couldn't be more delighted with the results, and I wholeheartedly give Dog Training Elite a well-deserved 5-star review. From the moment we enrolled Freya in their program, the professionalism and dedication of the team were evident. Talia tailored a comprehensive training plan specifically for Freya's needs, ensuring a personalized approach that addressed her unique qualities. Talia exhibited a genuine passion for her work, creating a positive and supportive environment that fostered Freya's development. One of the most remarkable aspects of Dog Training Elite is their ability to achieve results quickly without compromising the well-being of the animals. Freya's newfound skills, include nudging, cover, and 6 showcase the effectiveness of the training methods employed by Talia. Not only did Freya exhibit remarkable progress during the in-facility training, but she also successfully passed her service dog test with flying colors. This achievement is a testament to the expertise and commitment of the Dog Training Elite team. I am immensely grateful for the positive impact this has had on Freya's life and, consequently, on mine. Thanks to their exceptional services, Freya is now officially my service dog, providing invaluable support and companionship. The bond between us has deepened, and I credit Dog Training Elite for facilitating this transformation. In summary, if you are looking for top-notch dog training services that yield remarkable results, look no further than Dog Training Elite. Their commitment to excellence, personalized approach, and quick, effective results make them the go-to choice for anyone seeking professional dog training services. I wholeheartedly recommend Talia and Dog Training Elite and award them a well-deserved 5 stars!
  • Adam Inman
    Dec. 31, 2023
    I'm very fortunate to be able to see the well-trained dogs that get trained here.
  • Caroline Vangi
    Nov. 20, 2023
    I brought my rescue dog, Logan, to DTE after we have been struggling with some pretty severe anxiety and fear aggression. While Logan and I both still has a lot to work on and learn, the trainers at DTE have given us the tools to work through Logan’s issues. Even though I currently go to veterinary school out of the country, I have never had a problem reaching out to DTE for help. They are always very quick to respond and always willing to set up a phone call where I can tell them what I’m concerned about and they help develop a plan to help overcome what ever the issue is. I feel like people believe that they can drop their dog off at the trainer and get a completely different dog back at the end of the day. The truth is that having a well trained dog takes time and dedication. The trainer’s just help build the foundation for the owners to expand on. DTE has given me the necessary tools to help my boy be as happy and safe as he can be and I know that it is now my job to use those tools to make it all worth it. I would recommend DTE to anyone with a dog and especially to anyone with a dog with any kind of behavioral issues.
  • Alyssa McCluskey
    Nov. 15, 2023
    Can't say enough wonderful things about this company. They helped my 14 yr old son train his service dog starting at 16 weeks. Each trainer we worked with was extremely friendly and patient with my son. They are very knowledgeable about everything to do with having a service dog (including helping me, the mom, what all the dog could and should do). They answered all our questions and helped us navigate the school system. They even have a monthly airport training so we did a 'trial' run before flying. From private sessions through the group classes, we always had great support and never felt like we were a bother. The trainers are great, the owners are wonderful. I highly recommend DTE to all my friends.
  • Ivonne Tostado
    Nov. 4, 2023
    My Doberman puppy and I have had great success with their training program. The instructors are professional dog trainers with an incredible amount of patience and experience with all types of dogs. My 8 month Doby is now 56lbs and I'm 5'1. Without their help I would not be able to walk my dog without being dragged by her, she's can already over power me, but she doesn't. Highly recommend their dog training services.
  • Claire Janet
    Oct. 31, 2023
    Went here for the dog open house haunted house. It was really cute and we had a great time. I would consider coming to this to get my dog trained, but something didn’t feel right. There was a guy, presumably, one of the owners of the company, walking around ominously with several guns and knifes hanging off him. I’m a gun girl, so normally this would not bother me, but it just kind of gave me a creepy vibe and made the experience quite uncomfortable for me and obviously other potential customers there too. I understand everyone has a right to carry fire arms, and if it is your own business, you may choose to carry then as well, but it seemed weird for an open house, where they are trying to attract customers.
  • Tyler Anderson
    Aug. 11, 2023
    DTE has been an amazing help for our rescue dog. From the first at home visit, we knew that the trainer, Alex, would be great for helping our dog with aggression issues and socialization. The one on one, at home training sessions that occur before group training give a perfect foundation and ample time for practice before joining group training sessions. Alex brought one of his dogs, Delta, who is immaculately well trained, to our house for our last at-home session to help socialize our dog and practice being around other dogs in as low-stress an environment as possible. We have really enjoyed the sense of community with group training each week and have seen wonderful changes in our dog's temperament and socialization. After a stray dog attack shortly after we adopted him, we feared he would never be able to be near other dogs, but he has many friends now that he happily sniffs and interacts with. I cannot recommend DTE highly enough!
A Dog Training Elite Madison owner smiling with his dog in Madison, WI.

Dog Training Elite Madison, WI

Our Difference

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There are numerous dog obedience training methods out there, which can be broken down into three main theories: traditional, modern and balanced.

  1. Traditional training typically relies on punishment for errors, and “low value” rewards such as praise or petting when a dog performs a desired behavior. In recent years traditional training has fallen out of favor.
  2. Modern training, which is more science-based, focuses more on positive reinforcement when a desired behavior occurs and doesn’t worry about correcting bad behavior. This training method has many benefits, including faster learning for dogs, less stress and anxiety for dogs, ability to teach more complex behaviors, and of course, a better experience for dog owners and trainers.
  3. Balanced training theory, while it sounds like the best of both worlds, still incorporates the use of punishment as a training tool.

Dog Training Elite Madison uses modern training methods focused on positive reinforcement and bonding between dog and dog owner. Dog Training Elite Madison never resorts to the use of punishment to help dogs unlearn bad behavior. The difference becomes clear when comparing a dog that is trained out of anxiety and intimidation vs a dog who truly desires to please from the inside out.

A golden retriever playing with its owner during a Madison dog obedience training class.

Effective Training Through Positive Reinforcement and Classical Conditioning

Dog Training Elite Madison

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The Dog Training Elite Madison training theory is mostly based around classical conditioning, also known as the Pavlovian method or respondent conditioning. This includes developing conditioned or automatic reflexes to commands. In its simplest form (after proper conditioning), when an owner says "sit," their dog automatically sits without thinking about it.

Through a combination of commands and an electronic collar, dogs learn to follow commands at once. The electronic collar is not a shock collar; it is a gentle electronic pulse, similar to the tug of a leash, used to get the dog’s attention. Other dog trainers use harsh static collars or spray collars which have been shown to be less effective. Dog Training Elite Madison’s method of focusing on positive behavior reinforcement nurtures a dog's loving and naturally obedient nature.

Additional Obedience Training Info

Dog Training Elite Madison - Classical Conditioning Dog Training. DTE
Classical Conditioning Training

Classical conditioning dog training, also known as Pavlovian or respondent conditioning, is a dog training method that involves creating automatic responses to specific commands. This approach taps into a dog’s natural reflexes, making training more effective and instinctive.

Dog Training Elite Madison - Positive Reinforcement Dog Training. DTE
Positive Reinforcement Training

Positive reinforcement dog trainers focus on rewarding dogs for good behavior to encourage them to repeat it. Using treats, praise, or play, these trainers help your dog learn quickly and happily, building a strong bond and creating a well-behaved, motivated companion.

Dog Training Elite Madison - Puppy Obedience Training. DTE
Puppy Obedience Training

Taking advantage of our puppy obedience trainers is crucial for setting your puppy on the path to becoming a well-behaved and confident adult dog. Early training helps instill essential commands and good behavior, preventing future issues and strengthening the bond between you and your puppy.

Dog Training Elite Madison - Off Leash Dog Training. Dog Training Elite
Off Leash Training

Our off-leash dog training helps your dog achieve complete freedom and control, even in distracting environments. With expert guidance, we’ll teach your dog to follow commands confidently without the need for a leash, giving you both greater flexibility and trust in your dog's behavior.

Dog Training Elite Madison -
Agility Through Basic Obedience Training

While we don't offer formal agility dog training, our basic obedience training can significantly enhance your dog's agility. By focusing on essential commands and improving coordination, speed, and focus, your dog will develop the skills and discipline that naturally improve their agility and overall physical abilities.

A godlen retriever at a show demo with Dog Training Elite in Madison, WI.

Dog Training Elite Madison

Shelter Rescue Dog Obedience Training

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With a little extra love and care, a shelter or rescue dog can be a great addition to your family. While not every dog that comes from a shelter has a traumatic past, there is really no way to know what your new dog has been through. You will need to be patient as your new pet adjusts to his new environment. It is common for shelter or rescue dogs to display aggression, anxiety, and/or disobedient behaviors. If you’re having difficulty training your new pet, a professional training program can help make the transition easier for both you and your dog. At Dog Training Elite in Madison, WI, we offer aggressive dog training and other programs designed for shelter or rescue dogs. Our personalized home training programs are developed to solve the particular behavior issues that your pet has. We work directly with you and other members of the household to ensure bonding and positive training sessions. From basic dog obedience training to customized programs, Dog Training Elite Madison offers the most professional dog training services in the area.

Dogs from a shelter or those that have been rescued from a bad situation can still lead healthy and happy lives. As a rescue dog owner, it is up to you to ensure that your new pet feels comfortable in your home.

Contact us today to learn more about our dog obedience training for rescue animals.

A Dog Training Elite Madison owner with her black lab dog, our obedience training for dogs in Madison, WI can help strengthen your bond.

Start Your Obedience Dog Training in Madison, WI Today

Dog Training Elite Madison

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Dog Training Elite Madison knows the prospect of starting dog obedience training can sound daunting. But with our knowledge trainers and proven, gentle method, you and your pet can conquer obedience training without using any harsh shock collars or demanding training.

Dogs and dog owners can bond and work together to have a successful, enjoyable training process. Contact Dog Training Elite in Madison, WI today to start your dog obedience training!

A group of dogs being trained by the expert team at Dog Training Elite Madison.
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Dog Training Elite Madison

Common Questions About Obedience Training

Still have questions about obedience training? We’ve got you covered! Below are some frequently asked questions that might help clarify any remaining concerns you have. At Dog Training Elite Madison, we're here to ensure you and your dog have the best training experience possible.

The earlier, the better. Puppies are welcome! That being said, old dogs truly can learn new tricks - there is no reason an older dog can’t learn basic commands.
Besides basic commands, dog obedience training can address issues such as chewing, whining or barking, jumping to greet others, and begging for food.
No. Pain or punishment is never used in any form during training programs. A combination of positive reinforcement and an electronic collar has proven to be 100% successful. The electronic collar produces a gentle “tug” to get a dog's attention. It is not a shock collar and does not harm or alarm a pet.
In-home training is necessary because it allows trainers to focus on the particular issues of individual dogs (like terrorizing a pet cat or chasing the mailman). During in-home training sessions trainers also work side by side with owners and any other family members so the dog understands who is in control.