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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 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 Central Nashville’s programs, including in-home training!
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Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Central Nashville location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
In-Home Training
Dog Training Elite Central Nashville 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, stay, 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 Central Nashville 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.
The Dog Training Elite Central Nashville Difference
There are numerous dog obedience training methods out there, which can be broken down into three main theories: traditional, modern and balanced.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 Central Nashville uses modern training methods focused on positive reinforcement and bonding between dog and dog owner. Dog Training Elite Central Nashville 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.
The Dog Training Elite Central Nashville 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 Central Nashville’s method of focusing on positive behavior reinforcement nurtures a dog's loving and naturally obedient nature.
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.
Start Your Obedience Training Journey
Dog Training Elite Central Nashville 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 Central Nashville today to start your dog obedience training!
Obedience Training FAQs
What age can a dog start obedience training?
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.
What issues will obedience training address?
Besides basic commands like sit, stay, heel, etc., dog obedience training can address issues such as chewing, whining or barking, jumping to greet others, and begging for food.
Are shock collars used?
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.
Why in-home training?
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.
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!
Izabel has been amazing! Great with me and my dog. She has been patient and has greatly improved my dog's behavior.— Elizabeth Jacobs
Posted April 8th 2024
i love elite so much!! we’ve seen so much progress in our dog and i just know he’s going to be a great service companion. we love izabel and everything she’s done for us— partygore
Posted March 30th 2024
What a difference a well behaved dog is to take in public areas! Thanks to Dog Training Elite my 3 year old Cavapoo heels and does not tug on leash, lays quietly under table without begging for food, greets people at my command on all four paws no more jumping on visitors. I would suggest if you are dealing with behavior problems and need an obedient dog then grab your dog and leash and RUN DON't WALK to your first training session with Dog Elite Training. You and your dog will not be disappointed!!— Gail Petty
Posted March 3rd 2024
The dogs they've trained are the most well-trained dogs I've ever seen!— Katie Gurney
Posted February 20th 2024
Parker’s training saved my dog’s life. I feel very comfortable with him again and he does commands that I never thought I would be able to get him to do. Highly recommend and worth every penny.— Erik Halbig
Posted February 13th 2024
I am so so grateful for all of the trainers at Dog Training Elite. My dog, Penny, started puppy training around 12 weeks, and started Service Animal training at 6 months. I cannot even imagine having trained her to do everything without the trainers at DTE. She's an 11 months old German Shepherd and she's impressively well-behaved. A couple weeks ago, she passed her Public Access Test, and now she's starting Task Training. The best part of all this is that she and I got to do it together, thanks to guidance and tools from the trainers. It may seem expensive, or inexpensive depending on your presumptions, but this is the best possible place to get your companion trained.— Lizzi Riordan
Posted January 22nd 2024
After just a few sessions of training I was able to take my Laszlo to our local dog park on my lunch break or before a meeting, due to finally being able to recall him and leave the dog park rather than embarrassingly chasing him or bribing him. The trust built between us now after learning and practicing basic commands is priceless. We both look forward to the weekly group sessions.— Jennifer Dalton
Posted January 13th 2024
Superb training session today with Parker. Both dog and owner were smiling at the end of an intense hour of learning— Nikki Dalton
Posted January 11th 2024
I cannot express how grateful we are to have used Dog Training Elite Nashville. From day one of training with Izabel, Sam, our Border Terrier, has been learning so quickly. She evaluated Sam’s strengths and weaknesses along with me and my husband to find the best way to train all of us. We can take our dog anywhere in any situation and he’s extremely well behaved.— APRIL MCVAY
Posted January 2nd 2024
Wonderful staff and fun and engaging learning skills!! Can’t recommend enough!— Mary Davis
Posted December 19th 2023
Izabel was the most patient and amazing trainer I have ever experienced! Super knowledgeable on everything she does!— Jolene Fredrich
Posted December 15th 2023
Izabel is such a wonderful trainer! My fur baby Toothless would just get overly excited and with her help she really was able to give us both some calmness and a better understanding of each other! He’s a pitbull mix and although I love breed I haven’t owned one myself so I’m thankful for her skills and education with us both! Thank you Izabel!— Emily Cooper
Posted December 9th 2023
Amazing staff and care, my pit mix was the most stubborn pup and now she is the most well behaved girl.— Timothy Ochoa
Posted December 9th 2023
We love Izabel and the Elite team. Our daughter and pup are thriving and we document be happier.— Kami Harold
Posted December 8th 2023
Izabel Gray is a caring and knowledgable trainer, and her dog Rubie is proof that she knows what she's doing. This company's service is top notch and well worth your time. Request Izabel for sure! :)— Chris Galloway
Posted December 8th 2023
Izabel Gray really knows how to make dog owners feel confident, Her knowledge is so helpful when learning how to have a well behaved dog.— Jennie Galloway
Posted December 8th 2023
My dog, Tucker, was lucky to have Isabella from Elite for his training. We have learned so much and look forward to continuing with our training so Tucker can be the best dog ever. I would recommend both Isabella and Elite for your training. Thanks! Ginny Johnson— Ginny Johnson
Posted November 28th 2023
Our cockapoo has grown so much with dog training elite. Barley needed some commands to keep him safe when off leash. Our trainer helped him know all the commands and allowed my husband and I to feel safe with him while outside the house. He knows when to come, knows what to stay off of, and is a much safer dog being trained by dog training elite!— Jaryn Jones
Posted November 27th 2023
Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation
At Dog Training Elite Central Nashville, 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 Central Nashville 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.