You are at Dog Training Elite serving the Cleveland area Choose Location
You are at Dog Training Elite serving the Cleveland area
Choose Location

Elite, Award Winning Dog Training in Cleveland, OH

All Breeds. All Sizes. All Ages.

Pricing Programs Free Assessment

Se habla español!

Request A Free Assessment

Contact Dog Training Elite in Cleveland today!

Empowering Owners

We work with dogs of any breed, size or age - and we empower owners with lifelong skills to continue successes.


  • Leash & potty training
  • Staying & coming
  • Destructive chewing & digging
  • Stealing food, clothing, or other objects
  • Barking, howling & whining
  • Food guarding & begging
  • Mouthing, nipping & playing rough
  • Anxiety & submissive urination
  • Jumping up & hyperactivity
  • Aggression & anxiety

Learn More! Free Assessment

We strongly believe that the key to sustained obedience and training is to empower owners to be an integral part of the training experience.

Dog Training Elite in Cleveland offers expert in-home dog training near you in Cleveland.
In-Home Training

Dog obedience classes are held on a consistent basis and are included in most packages. Our dog obedience training classes are designed to place yourself and your dog in public places (surrounded by other dogs, people, smells, and sounds)!

Dog Training Elite in Cleveland offers professional group dog training programs near you in Cleveland.
Socialized Group Training

Request your own
FREE In-Home Assessment
from Dog Training Elite!


Se habla español!

Please Enter Your Zip Code to Find the Facility Closest to You

Award Winning Dog Training Services in the Cleveland, OH Metro Area


Welcome to Dog Training Elite in Cleveland! We are a professional, family owned Cleveland, OH-based dog training company with over 40 years of experience that specializes in strengthening the bond between your dog and your family, with a strong emphasis on teaching your dog the highest level of obedience, despite even the toughest level of distractions. Our Cleveland, OH dog training programs are certain to meet all of your training needs. Unlike a lot of other dog training companies, we understand that each client has different needs, so we tailor our dog training programs to accommodate your unique situation. Dog Training Elite in Cleveland also trains service animals and dogs ready to volunteer in the community as therapy dogs and companions to those with special needs. We also offer a fun and challenging personal protection program as well!

Se habla español!

Request an Assessment Se habla español

Meet Our Trainers

(Click photo for full bio)


Andrea Johnson

Owner & Trainer

Kevin Johnson

Owner & Trainer

Jimmy Morelli

Trainer

Josh Lopez

Owner / Lead Trainer

Deacon

Training Dog - Yellow Labrador Retriever

Minnie

Training Dog - Yellow Labrador Retriever

Scooby

Training Dog - Boxer

Ava

Training Dog

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.
Dog Training Elite in Cleveland has award winning in-home dog trainers and top rated dog training programs.

Why Dog Training Elite in Cleveland?

Lifetime Investment

We follow up & are invested in the owner's success long-term.

Value Priced

We pride ourselves on being able to offer our professional services at prices that are budget friendly.

Local Trainers

All of our local dog trainers are trustworthy, willing to be there for our clients and love what they do.

Simplified & Customized

We plan training around the owner's schedule and require only 15 min/day follow-up practice.

Come Meet Us!

We are often at home shows in your area! Our passion for dogs and service sets us apart. All of our local dog trainers are trustworthy, willing to be there for our clients and love what they do. We want to build a community for our clients that love their dogs just as much as we do and once you begin the training process with us, you become a part of the Dog Training Elite family.

Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation

At Dog Training Elite in Cleveland, 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 in Cleveland 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.

Learn More

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!

The Puppy Package was just what I needed to set my little guy up for success! Even with all of my research, I still needed some help! Josh was awesome and patient and gave me the tools to train my puppy. I plan to continue my training with Josh to help build on Winston’s (and my) skills! I would recommend this for any dog owner!
— Christy Gearo
Posted March 25th 2024
google
I can honestly wish I could give more than 5 stars. As Josh and Lexi are amazing. I couldn’t ask for a better set of training. Josh is absolutely incredible and I am proud to support him and anyone who works with or for him. I admit if I wanted to stop what I’m doing and become a dog trading this is certainly the organization that I would be part of. By far this has been the greatest training I have ever been a part of. I am motivated and so is my pup as we look forward to our next class every week.
— Josh Pallardy
Posted March 25th 2024
google
Josh helped our dog, Rossi, learn so much! He was very experienced, knowledgeable, and answered all our questions and assisted with all our concerns. Would absolutely recommend him for any training!
— Alarra Jordan
Posted February 24th 2024
google
Josh from Dog Training Elite is a fantastic trainer. Josh has helped us with the whole process of training our dog. From helping us select the best puppy to all of the training we have needed. With all of the hands on in depth training our dog has learned so fast and is excelling at public access and the group training. Josh has answered every question we have had and is training our dog to be a service dog and helping us through the whole process. I would 100% recommend Josh and Dog Training Elite Greater Cleveland for anyone who wants their dog trained.
— thomas hartline
Posted February 22nd 2024
google
We rescued a 6mo aussiedoodle while having a 6mo baby, 3yo and 8yo. We were immediately overwhelmed and knew we needed support to have the family dog we dreamt of. Josh and his team are amazing. They are so professional, calm and collected. Their attitude toward our dog is that she can do it. She wants to know the ropes and to be a good dog. In just a few sessions, we noticed improvement in her obedience. Two months ago, we could hardly walk her on a leash as she pulled and chewed the line. Now, I can walk her and my double stroller with ease. I cannot recommend this team enough! She can hangout on our porch while the kids play and other dogs walk by, no problem at all. It is money SO well spent to invest in this training.
— Mary Breslin
Posted February 22nd 2024
google
Andrea has helped us train our golden retriever to be a service dog for my child. She and her team are incredibly phenomenal and I would highly recommend them. Kiddo was admitted to hospital and Andrea even met us there to work with him on some hospital specific skills. They’ve become part of our family!
— Tonya Knowles
Posted February 13th 2024
google
Josh and his crew are some great trainers. I appreciate everything they did with my dog Rhys, I’ve seen a dramatic change in Rhys’s behavior since working with them. Highly recommend working with them, make it easy to learn with them by breaking everything down and explaining what we did and how we did it. I can’t thank them enough.
— Colin Ransom
Posted January 28th 2024
google
We have been working with Josh since our dog was a puppy. We started with the puppy training and transitioned into the adult program. Josh has been amazing! We have tried other trainers with previous dogs (including board and train) and this has been by far the best experience we’ve had. Josh teaches you and your dog at the same time. Not only do you learn the fundamentals but he teaches you so that you can teach your dog anything outside the scope of the class. I would recommend Josh to anyone!
— Tony Sileo
Posted January 7th 2024
google
We are completely blown away with the "magic" that Josh brings to the training sessions. He is articulate and knowledgeable and shares that knowledge in a way that makes it easy to understand and follow. We saw an immediate change in our weimaraner after just the first session. It's made visiting friends and family so much easier.
— Jeff Harbin
Posted December 23rd 2023
google
After going through 5 other trainers, we are super-grateful to have found Josh Lopez and DTE. He’s experienced, creative, dependable and committed to helping us resolve all our dog-training challenges. Having an older dog with established long-standing issues makes it more challenging, but he doesn’t give up. We’ve seen great success in several areas (dog aggression, not coming when called) and anticipate a long-term ongoing relationship with Josh. I recommend DTE highly
— Beth Schuster
Posted December 23rd 2023
google
Josh has been fantastic at helping us get our puppy Nugget to a place where he is much better behaved. We went from a mindset of, "oh no we might have to rehome this new puppy that won't stop chasing our cats and kid," to a point where he listens to basic commands and is now a happy, welcome part of our household. Thank you so much, Josh, you're appreciated more than you know!
— Sonya Acosta
Posted December 23rd 2023
google
Josh is awesome to work with and gave us all the tools to train our Bernese puppy to be better behaved. By far the best trainer I've used!
— Andrew dutt
Posted December 23rd 2023
google
Josh has been training my shepard Emma, ( and myself) for a while now. His training techniques and attitude before, during and after classes FAR exceeds any and all expectations that I had. Emma is a very stubborn dog at times and he will give tips and tricks to help me. I really enjoy the group classes. Emma and I have both learned a lot and also made a couple of friends along the way.
— Bill Pawloski
Posted December 23rd 2023
google
Training is amazing, Josh has worked with our dog and it is amazing how well behaved our dog is now.
— Michael Hogan
Posted December 23rd 2023
google
My wife and I have a new puppy who was causing tons of stress in the home. Dog Training Elite has helped tremendously. Our dog, Nugget has improved a lot since we started the training. He is more obedient and confident. He also enjoys the training sessions. We highly recommend Dog Training Elite to anyone who wants to have a well-behaved and happy dog.
— Jaime Acosta
Posted December 23rd 2023
google
Josh is an amazing trainer and makes you feel heard and helps with any question you have regardless of the time. He makes all the time for you and takes the time to get to know each person and dog individually. I highly recommend.
— Olga Pierce
Posted September 5th 2023
google
I love my dog but he is a wild boy. One giant puppy. I have been trying to find the right trainer to get him started on his road to being a service (PSA) dog. We started with the Gold Obedience package and the difference the 5 weeks of training have made are night and day. Josh was a joy to work with. Kratos really liked him and worked well with him. I would recommend Josh to anyone looking for a experienced good trainer that cares. We look forward to group sessions and the continuing training over the next few months! Update: Kratos is now a fully trained (PSA) service dog. His obedience is amazing and lots of times even anticipates my next command or what I need him to do. He has learned behavior interruption, watch my six (we use this one a lot), and orbit. I couldn't be more pleased and would recommend Josh to anyone.
— David Gilham
Posted May 13th 2023
google
Dog training elite did a great job with my Zeus! He listens now, understands his commands and much easier to walk now. Josh is great at what he does and I noticed a difference after our first class. He not only trains your dog he trains you to do exactly what you need to do to get results.
— Stephanie Mackey
Posted December 6th 2023
google
Josh and Sean are great! Our puppy was having tremendous difficulty and they were able to set him straight even after the first session! Their program has helped us tremendously, we weren’t sleeping and their detailed schedule helped us get his potty training and crate training situated in about 1 week. He learned commands quickly and easily with practice and correct use of his collar. Highly recommend.
— Tom Rumsey
Posted September 26th 2023
google
Josh and his staff are the best trainers. They are passionate about helping dogs change behaviors. Our Aussie Doodle had behaviors such as barking, jumping and pulling that were a distraction and safety concern for our family. The home teaching sessions were great and designed for our home and yard setting. We noticed a noticeable change after each session beginning week #1!!!!! The group classes which we are currently attending are invaluable. The dogs practice their new skills amongst other dogs and their family. The program is awesome! Our home is peaceful!
— Sandra Harris
Posted September 26th 2023
google

All Reviews Set Up an Assessment Today!