Professional

Dog Training in Nashville


How to Bond With Your Puppy

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Develop a Stronger Bond Through Training


Bringing home a new puppy can be a fun and special time. Puppies are cute and playful and bring a lot of joy into a home! They can also bring a lot of chaos and messes. Early days spent with your puppy are important for both bonding and training. In fact, if you’re wondering how to bond with your puppy, training can be a great way, as they look to you for guidance and direction. Dog Training Elite Central Nashville is here to help.


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.


Dog Training Elite in Nashville can help teach you how to bond with your puppy.
Dog Training Elite Central Nashville In-Home Puppy Training

Dog Training Elite Central Nashville’s offers comprehensive in-home puppy training. For the first 4-6 weeks, trainers use “treat training” before moving onto more advanced puppy training. Puppies will learn the following behaviors:

  • Come, sit, loose-leash walking, and down
  • Puppy corrections (Stop biting, digging, jumping, etc.)
  • Crate training/ housebreaking
Trainers will also help owners learn about the following:
  • Socialization tips
  • Environmental hazards
  • Puppy enrichment
  • Caring for your puppy
  • And more!

Training a puppy can feel overwhelming. By pairing you with a professional trainer, not only will your puppy learn quickly, but you will feel confident and empowered to continue training your puppy after the sessions are completed. Training in your own home will help you bond with your pup so even after the professional trainer leaves, you and Fido can continue to progress together.

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.


Dog Training Elite Central Nashville is the top company near you that uses professional positive dog training methods.
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.

See Our Pricing

In-Home Puppy Trainers


Working with a trainer and your puppy in your own home will help your puppy stay focused. Dog Training Elite Central Nashville dog trainers create personalized training plans for individual puppies that will also address any unique needs or issues.

Once a puppy has completed in-home training, Dog Training Elite Central Nashville offers puppy group classes for further training. These group classes are a great option for exposing a young puppy to other dogs, people, new sounds and sights so they become well socialized.

Positive Reinforcement Training Methods


The Dog Training Elite Central Nashville training method focuses on encouraging proper behaviors with positive reinforcement. Punishment is never used as a form of training as it can lead to aggression and fear in dogs. Dog Training Elite Central Nashville does use an electronic vibration collar (not a shock collar) to help puppies stay alert, and treats for extra encouragement.

Positive reinforcement teaches a puppy that performing obedient behaviors wins love and affection from their owner. Dog Training Elite Central Nashville’s professional puppy trainers include owners in the training process so that puppies learn who is in charge. Working with professional trainers of Dog Training Elite Central Nashville, your puppy will not only develop deep-rooted obedience, but working alongside these trainers will help you and your puppy build a strong, healthy relationship founded on loyalty and trust.

Elite Dog Training in Nashville All Breeds. All Sizes. All Ages.

Pricing Free Demo

Tips on How to Bond
With Your Puppy

Training is a great way to establish a deep, loyal bond with your puppy. Outside of your training sessions, there is more you can do to strengthen your bond. Here are some more tips for how to bond with your puppy:

Your puppy may not understand the words you’re saying, but he or she will understand your tone of voice. Speaking in an excited tone of voice will get your pup excited and motivate them to do what you want them to. Speaking in a low, calm voice can help soothe and relax your puppy.

Puppies thrive on routine. A consistent schedule will help your puppy adjust to their new home, and to you and your family. A puppy’s schedule needs to include eating, playtime, puppy training, potty breaks, and nap times.

As mentioned above, playtime is an important part of your puppy’s schedule. Playing with your puppy will help strengthen your bond and stimulate their brains. Walks are an easy and great way to give your puppy much-needed exercise. Start small, walking around in your yard or driveway and gradually extending the distance around your neighborhood.

Creating boundaries in your home for your puppy helps strengthen your bond because your puppy will look to you for direction and guidance. It will also help your puppy avoid bad habits. Baby gates and playpens are a useful way to create physical boundaries.

Puppies can become overwhelmed about all the new things they’re exploring. Crate training is a perfect way to allow your puppy to have their own space where they feel safe and comfortable and help them develop some independence so they grow into a well-adjusted dog.

The most adorable way to bond with your puppy is by cuddling them! Snuggling with your pup can help him or her feel comforted and safe. The best time to get a cuddle session with your puppy is when they are sleepy. Cuddling also helps puppies get used to having their paws, belly, face, etc. handled, and can be a good time to introduce light grooming practices like brushing their fur.

It’s OK to be nervous about bringing your puppy home. But with the professional dog trainers and programs at Dog Training Elite Central Nashville, plus these tips on bonding with your puppy, you will develop a rewarding relationship with your new best friend.

Schedule a free training demo today!

Pricing Programs Free Assessment

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Learn training tips on bonding with your puppy with help from Dog Training Elite in Nashville.

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
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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
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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
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The absolute best in the biz!! 10/10 recommend!
— Brooke Taylor
Posted February 20th 2024
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The dogs they've trained are the most well-trained dogs I've ever seen!
— Katie Gurney
Posted February 20th 2024
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Wonderful staff and fun and engaging learning skills!! Can’t recommend enough!
— Mary Davis
Posted December 19th 2023
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Izabel was the most patient and amazing trainer I have ever experienced! Super knowledgeable on everything she does!
— Jolene Fredrich
Posted December 15th 2023
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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
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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
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Isabel is amazing
— Jodi Hunt
Posted December 8th 2023
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We love Izabel and the Elite team. Our daughter and pup are thriving and we document be happier.
— Kami Harold
Posted December 8th 2023
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.

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