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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Mouthing, Nipping & Rough Play

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

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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.

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Jumping Up & Hyperactivity

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

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Excessive Licking

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

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Leashing

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

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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.

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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?


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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

  • David Trent
    Jun. 5, 2026
    Her and her dog were great! Lilly leared along today!!
  • Hannah Laws
    Jun. 7, 2026
    Dog Training Elite Nashville has been fantastic! Aiden, Parker, and Reina all did a fabulous job with us, and we’ve seen such a dramatic difference with Gus. They were patient, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in helping both us and Gus succeed. It’s truly an investment in yourself and your dog, and the results are so worth it. The progress has been incredible, and we’re so grateful for their guidance and support. Highly recommend!
  • Jeremy Sanders
    Jun. 6, 2026
    Rhett is great! Cares about the animals and it shows.
  • Molly Poss
    Jun. 6, 2026
    Trey was The BEST!! What I thought would be impossible with teaching out pup he handled with ease and made it happen!! And our little dog wagged his taiol the whole time! He was loving learning and gave Trey all the kisses and thanks after!
  • Becca Alexander (Hannah)
    Jun. 5, 2026
    I’ve been working with Dog Training Elite for 2 months. I’ve seen incredible improvement in my dog’s behavior, temperament, and resource guarding. I’ve worked with Austin and Trey, both of which have been wonderful. They’re encouraging and very professional. Absolutely worth the money.
  • Pam Judd
    Jun. 3, 2026
    Parker took time to answer all of my questions and gave a positive first impression of the company. I am eager to get started with my puppy’s (and my) training!
  • Sara Petetabella
    Jun. 3, 2026
    Rhett was very professional, and knowledgeable. He was able to explain pricing, and services clearly, and efficiently. I feel as if Elite Training would be an amazing fit for us.
  • Debbie McCreary
    May. 31, 2026
    The trainers were all great & so good with Marco!
  • Madonna Archer
    May. 23, 2026
    Best dog training experience of my three. Red is kind, considerate, and well-trained. On our eighth lesson, we took my 60-lb dog to an antique mall. We walked in the areas for 50 minutes, and Memphis didn’t touch anything. He also was approached by several people and was a perfect gentleman. Five stars all the way.
  • HEGO
    May. 22, 2026
    We have loved working with Dog Training Elite! We have two young children – and being able to work with these trainers has really helped our Portuguese water Dog, Arthur, be such a great little member of our family. They are so responsive, professional, and knowledgeable!
  • Christina Maria
    May. 21, 2026
    We are so happy we found and entered a training program with DTE! When we started, our pup, Tarkin, was high energy and difficult to handle. Now, he is a respectable member of society and very good boy 😊 As a concerned owner, I really appreciated their style and approach to his training. It was very easy for us both to understand and the progress he made speaks for itself.
  • Annie Reagan
    May. 21, 2026
    This training has been so vital to enjoying our dog/yard/walks again. Shoko has made incredible strides. This program has allowed us to feel secure again and empowered with the training. Red, the trainer, has been fabulous every step of the way. *pic of Shoko at her last outing prior to group lessons and her laying calmly in place outside.
  • Jennifer Patten
    May. 11, 2026
    Great experience with Red! He is very knowledgeable on different training methods. Definitely recommend!
  • Vicki Mead
    May. 11, 2026
    We’ve been working with Red on Bernie’s therapy dog skills. We always benefit from his professional and knowledgeable teaching. Plus, he makes it fun!
  • Darian Keith
    May. 6, 2026
    Enjoyed working with Parker and Montana. Both were very knowledgeable. Nova’s behavior at home has improved! Appreciate the flexibility with scheduling lessons
  • Bert Mathews
    Apr. 30, 2026
    They have been prompt and professional. My dog has enjoyed each person. He has been calm and performed well which is hard for an English Bulldog.
  • Tess Wiltgen
    Apr. 13, 2026
    Red is an extraordinarily kind and patient person, my 3 year old frenchie Zeppelin has come so far in the 4 months since we started training with Dog Training Elite. Not only has my boy learned solid commands, but walking on a leash and interacting with other dogs has been a night and day difference. Our trainer Red not only provides support and praise, but has provided me with peace of mind and assuages all fears/concerns still to go with furthering our training goals. He’s a genuine asset to your organization, and we look forward to our next lessons with him in group classes. Thank you for all that you do!
  • Tammy Parmentier
    Apr. 3, 2026
    Red is a very professional and excellent trainer for our pup. He always gives great tips and encourages both me and my pup during our sessions. I highly recommend him for all your puppy training needs.
  • Kelly Acker
    Apr. 3, 2026
    Red from Dog Training Elite is the BEST! We truly cannot sing his praises enough. He helped turn our crazy puppy into such a well behaved dog. We love how communicative Dog Training Elite is - they have made this such a smooth training process.
  • Paige Miller
    Mar. 25, 2026
    Gus has been training with Red, Raina, and the Dog Training Elite team since he was 9 weeks old. We could not be happier with the puppy training Gus has received, and we are looking forward to starting group classes soon. He has transformed from a crazy, often frustrating puppy to a companionable and trustworthy friend in just a few short months with their help. He’s ready to keep learning and growing under their steady and gentle training.

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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

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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

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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.
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Educate, Empower, Elevate, Elite

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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!