A well-trained dog with training from an expert Dog Training Elite dog behaviorist in Nashville, TN.
Dog Training Elite

Dog Behaviorist in Nashville, TN

Request Free Assessment

Request Free Assessment

A happy leash trained dog walking with their owner - if you are in need of Nashville dog behavior training, contact Dog Training Elite today!

Nashville Dog Behavior Training

Does your dog chew on things, pee indoors, or bark excessively? If so, your dog may benefit from a dog behaviorist in Nashville, TN, and DTE is here to help. Our experienced trainers specialize in correcting unwanted behaviors and can address various issues your dog may face at home.

Behavior-focused training differs from basic obedience training and requires knowledgeable, experienced trainers. DTE trainers can identify and address the root causes of problematic behaviors, such as separation anxiety or excessive barking, and teach your dog to respond more appropriately to those triggers.

Through consistent training and balance, your dog can learn new, desirable behaviors that last.

See Training Packages

Our Behavioral Solution Programs

Dog Training Elite Central Nashville - Dog Socialization Classes in Nashville, TN

Socialization

Our Nashville dog socialization classes teach dogs to maintain control and obedience around other dogs, people, and various distractions, reducing fear and aggression while promoting calm, confident behavior.

Dog Training Elite Central Nashville - Dog Training Elite. How to Stop Puppy Biting Nashville

Biting

Through targeted puppy biting training in Nashville, TN, we address aggressive tendencies and teach dogs to inhibit biting, helping them develop better self-control.

Dog Training Elite Central Nashville - Reactive Dog Training in Nashville, TN. DTE

Fear & Reactiveness

Our reactive dog training in Nashville, TN, focuses on managing and reducing fear-based reactions to common triggers, helping dogs be more relaxed and well-adjusted.

Dog Training Elite Central Nashville - Destructive Chewing & Digging Training in Nashville, TN

Destructive Chewing & Digging

Our destructive chewing and digging training in Nashville, TN addresses your dog’s destructive chewing and digging by redirecting these behaviors toward more appropriate and constructive outlets.

Dog Training Elite Central Nashville - Separation Anxiety Training for Dogs in Nashville, TN

Separation Anxiety

Our separation anxiety training in Nashville, TN helps dogs overcome the stress of being alone, which curbs destructive behaviors and makes departures easier for everyone.

Dog Training Elite Central Nashville - Excessive Barking Training in Nashville, TN. DTE

Excessive Barking

We address the root causes of barking with our excessive barking training in Nashville, TN, teaching your dog to communicate appropriately and reduce unnecessary noise.

Dog Training Elite Central Nashville - Staying and Coming Training in Nashville, TN. DTE

Staying & Coming

Our staying and coming training in Nashville, TN focuses on improving your dog’s reliability in following essential commands like down and come, ensuring they respond promptly in any situation.

Dog Training Elite Central Nashville -

Stealing Food, Clothing, or Other Objects

Our trainers work with your dog to curb the habit of stealing items, teaching them to respect boundaries and avoid problematic behaviors.

Dog Training Elite Central Nashville -

Resource Guarding

We tackle resource guarding behaviors by addressing the underlying causes of your dog's insecurity. Our training helps your dog feel more secure, which reduces aggression over food, toys, or personal spaces.

Dog Training Elite Central Nashville -

Food Guarding & Begging

Through consistent and focused training, we teach dogs to eat politely and reduce persistent begging behaviors. This approach creates a more peaceful and enjoyable mealtime experience for everyone involved.

Dog Training Elite Central Nashville -

Mouthing, Nipping & Rough Play

Our program teaches dogs to play gently, reducing the risk of injury and making playtime safe and enjoyable.

Dog Training Elite Central Nashville -

Anxiety & Submissive Urination

We work with anxious dogs to build their confidence. This program will help to reduce incidents of submissive urination and make your dog feel more secure.

Dog Training Elite Central Nashville -

Jumping Up & Hyperactivity

This program helps dogs learn to greet people calmly and manage their energy levels, reducing hyperactivity and inappropriate jumping.

Dog Training Elite Central Nashville -

Excessive Licking

We address compulsive licking behaviors, helping dogs find more appropriate ways to express themselves and reducing skin issues.

Dog Training Elite Central Nashville -

Leashing

Our leashing program teaches dogs to walk politely on a leash, making walks more enjoyable and less stressful for you and your dog.

Dog Training Elite Central Nashville -

Abnormal Repetitive Behaviors

We help your dog break free from compulsive actions like spinning or tail chasing, focusing their energy on healthier habits.

Dog Training Elite Central Nashville -

Escaping

We train your dog to respect boundaries, significantly reducing the risk of escape and keeping them safe at home.

Dog Training Elite Central Nashville -

Heeling

Our training improves your dog’s ability to heel, keeping them close by your side during walks and improving their overall leash manners.

Dog Training Elite Central Nashville - Dog & Puppy Potty Training in Nashville, TN. DTE

Potty Training

We help dogs learn to relieve themselves outdoors with our Nashville dog potty training, reducing accidents in your home and fostering good habits that last a lifetime.

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 dog with expert behaviorial training from Dog Training Elite Central Nashville.

What is Behavioral Training?


Read More
Read Less

Behavioral and regular obedience training serve different but equally important roles in shaping a well-behaved dog.

Obedience training teaches your dog basic commands like sit, heel, and come. This training helps your dog follow instructions in different situations and builds clear communication between you and your pet.

Behavioral training, however, goes deeper by addressing the root causes of problematic behaviors like aggression, anxiety, or excessive barking. While obedience training tells a dog what to do, behavioral training focuses on changing undesirable habits and reactions.

Combining obedience training with targeted behavioral solutions helps dogs overcome specific issues, resulting in a more balanced and adjusted pet.

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Vicki Stephens
    Jul. 2, 2026
    We contacted them . We had lost hope of our dog being trained. The dog ,was displaying what we considered aggressive behavor . However that was not the case .The dog had way too much energy and he was being confined to much . Meaning he was on a leash ,and crated at night . The company came to make an assessment . We was assured the dog trainable . Austin ,came .what a transformation ‼️‼️‼️ We call. Austin The Dog Whisperer. The dog loves Austin . We highly recommend Austin . .
  • Antonio Banuelossanchez
    Jun. 18, 2026
    This was our 3rd week with Austin training Murry and he has been so amazing and patience with our dog that I would highly recommend him to anyone that want their dog training, the expertise and patience with our dog has been nothing but fenomenal.
  • Brady ORourke
    Jun. 30, 2026
    I have trained two dogs with Elite. It’s been truly life changing for me and the staff is always so kind and knowledgeable. Dublin passed today and she is so excited!
  • Kane Cox
    Jun. 27, 2026
    Aiden did a great job explaining the process, expected results, and timeframe. He listened to my concerns and answered all of my questions.
  • Ava Aldridge
    Jun. 27, 2026
    10/10 she was super nice im saving up to do this now! Very excited to start hopefully in a few months ill have enough
  • Donna Hall
    Jun. 27, 2026
    There are no words to describe how great Rhett is with our little Lulu. She has learned so much since beginning her training at Dog Training Elite. She is always very obedient whether it be at home or in public. She is already doing service task for my husband and continues to learn so much from Rhett. Rhett is so knowledgeable and so kind. If you want your dog trained, you really need to check out DTE!!!
  • Tina Ford
    Jun. 26, 2026
    Rhett was wonderful Very knowledgeable And very respectful
  • Patricia Holdridge
    Jun. 23, 2026
    Red did a great job today. Coco is learning quickly. Thanks.
  • Jack Bunzow
    Jun. 15, 2026
    Life savers for my dog and me especially. Everyone I’ve spoken with and I have had a training session with has been incredible, and knows exactly what is best for my dog. I am not even done with all my sessions and my dog Cosmo has already become so well trained. Couldn’t recommend them enough.
  • Anj Schoeff
    Jun. 17, 2026
    Very knowledgeable and left us feeling confident in the skills to continue with our puppy.
  • maison etzler
    Jun. 22, 2026
    Red does a great job. Fully explains what to do and why you do it. Strongly recommend him
  • Amanda Genco
    Jun. 22, 2026
    Great first training session!!
  • Beatrice Schneider
    Jun. 21, 2026
    Rhett was great! His knowledge about dogs(all breeds) and their tendencies was amazing. The man was full of knowledge and the best part was he answered all our questions about issues we are having with our pups with an explanation that made sense and phrased where we understood it. He explained their training packages and how they worked but never pressured us to sign up. My sister and I decided immediately after his evaluation of our pups, answering all our questions and explaining how the training will work that this was the right company and trainer for us! Can’t wait to work with Rhett on training us “humans “ on how to train our dogs! Don’t know if our babies Essex and Morris are excited but us humans are. After we have done some training, I will be back with another review from our dogs as to how things went. 😂
  • Alixandra Rieck
    Jun. 17, 2026
    We have been having the best experience with Red from Dog Training Elite. The format of the lessons are great and we feel so supported through this whole experience. Red made us feel like we can achieve our goals and he helped with any question we had. I always felt comfortable asking any questions and Red always had a helpful answer that really worked! He’s so knowledgeable and we cannot thank him enough for the happy doggies we have!
  • LOBO
    Jun. 18, 2026
    Reina is fire, Dog Training Elite is dope.
  • Your worse nightmare
    Jun. 18, 2026
    Austin is an excellent instructor he will guide you through all your lessons and you will learn more from him than you can ever imagine. He is also amazing with the dogs.
  • Kathy Buckles
    Jun. 18, 2026
    Enjoyed Austin very much.
  • The Lighthouse
    Jun. 17, 2026
    Rhett with Dog training Elite in Knoxville is great at breaking steps down, advocating for the client and the doggy, and great at boosting confidence. I had a bad run with a positive only trainer who didn't know what to do with an anxious dog and on top of that they weren't positive only with humans and totaled my confidence. Rhett came in and raised my confidence back and has helped my dog become more confident. I can wait to see what the 8wks has in store.
  • Heather Smith
    Jun. 16, 2026
    Very happy with our training with Rhett! We are learning so much!
  • grace blunt
    Jun. 16, 2026
    Rhett is the best! His love for dogs shows through all he does . The dogs love him back. We start task training today I love the knowledge he has and the calm and understanding way of teaching that makes sense. Thank you Rhett and DTE!

Photo Gallery

See An Elite Dog in Action

Behavior Training Techniques

At DTE, we use proven techniques to encourage lasting behavior changes in dogs.

Here’s how we do it.

We use a clicker to mark the exact moment your dog performs the correct behavior. The click signals a coming reward and helps your dog learn which actions are worth repeating.
Similar to clicker training, this method uses a specific word or phrase like "yes" or "good" to mark the behavior. This verbal cue reinforces positive behavior and strengthens the communication between you and your dog.
By demonstrating correct behaviors with a "model" dog, other dogs in the group learn through observation. This method taps into dogs' natural tendency to imitate, making it easier for them to adopt behaviors.
Building a strong bond between dog and owner is key. We build trust and understand your dog's needs to create a cooperative training environment where your dog is more likely to respond positively.
A stick or specific spot is used to guide your dog to the desired behavior, encouraging them to touch or follow the target. Once they succeed, we reinforce the action with a reward. This technique is ideal for teaching complex behaviors and improving focus.
An owner and their happy, healthy dog with expert training from Dog Training Elite Central Nashville.

Classical Conditioning, or the Pavlovian Model

Read More
Read Less

Classical conditioning, pioneered by Russian physiologist Ivan Pavlov's work, is a fundamental principle in dog training. Pavlov’s study showed dogs could learn to associate a neutral stimulus, like a bell, with food, prompting them to respond to the bell alone.

At Dog Training Elite, we apply this principle in our behavioral training programs. We pair a command with two stimuli: a clicker (or marker word) and a reward like a treat or praise. The clicker signals the correct behavior, and the reward reinforces it. This method helps dogs quickly understand what’s expected and encourages them to repeat desired behaviors.

Unlike punishment-based methods, classical conditioning shapes behavior effectively and creates a well-adjusted, happy dog.

A dog with classical conditioning training from Dog Training Elite Central Nashville.

Your Expert Dog Behaviorist in Nashville, TN

Read More
Read Less

Our certified, experienced trainers are experts in solving various behavior problems, from aggression and anxiety to excessive barking and destructive habits.

We focus on understanding your dog’s personality, environment, and behavior triggers to develop customized training plans. Our trainers will work to resolve these issues and their root causes to prevent them from returning.

What Makes Our Trainers Stand Out?
  • Certified and Experienced: Our trainers are certified professionals with years of experience handling behavioral challenges. With a proven track record of success, they’re equipped to deliver the best results for your pet.
  • Breed-Specific Knowledge: We understand the unique traits of different breeds and customize our training methods to match your dog’s natural behaviors, making the training more effective.
  • Friendly and Understanding: Our trainers are approachable and empathetic, working closely with you to build trust and create a supportive training environment for your dog.
A group of dogs being trained by the expert team at Dog Training Elite Central Nashville.
Dog Training Elite Central Nashville light star icon.

Educate, Empower, Elevate, Elite

Victory Begins With Elite Education

Why Choose Dog Training Elite?

Proven Methods for Successful Dog Training


If you're looking for a top dog behaviorist in Nashville, TN, Dog Training Elite is the top choice.

Our experienced trainers handle various issues, including aggression, anxiety, excessive barking, and more. With a personalized approach, we help dogs overcome their challenges and build stronger, happier relationships with their owners.

No matter how challenging your dog’s behavior may seem, there is hope. Whether your dog’s behavioral issues are minor or more serious, we’re here to help.

Reach out today for a free consultation!