A group of well-trained dogs walking at one of Dog Training Elite's dog training classes in Panama City, FL.

Professional

Dog Training Classes

Dog Training Elite Emerald Coast

Booking Request


Dog Training Elite Emerald Coast online booking

Request Free Assessment

Booking Request


Dog Training Elite Emerald Coast online booking

Request Free Assessment
Two Dog Training Elite experts teaching dogs at one of our expert Panama City dog training classes.

Dog Training Classes in Panama City, FL

Dog Training Elite offers top-tier dog training classes in Panama City, FL designed to meet the unique needs of every dog and owner. We use proven techniques and positive reinforcement to shape your dog into a well-behaved, confident pet.

Our classes cater to dogs of all ages and breeds, providing each dog with personalized attention and care. From puppy training to advanced obedience, our programs help your dog thrive in any environment. Join us and see the difference professional training can make in your dog’s life.

See Training Packages

Our Dog Training Classes

Dog Training Elite Emerald Coast -
Camps

Our dog boot camps provides an immersive experience for dogs needing focused training. Perfect for complex behavioral issues, this camp has personalized one-on-one sessions that lead to fast, lasting progress.

Dog Training Elite Emerald Coast - Puppy Training Classes. DTE
Puppy Classes

Puppy classes lay the foundation for a well-behaved dog. Focusing on basic obedience, socialization, and good manners, our fun and engaging classes help your puppy develop positive habits early on.

Dog Training Elite Emerald Coast -
Schooling Your Pup in Obedience

DTE’s dog training school teaches essential obedience skills, from basic commands to advanced behaviors. These structured lessons help your dog become more responsive and well-behaved.

Dog Training Elite Emerald Coast -
Academy

Our canine academy is ideal for preparing dogs for service work or tackling specific behavioral challenges. With the help of our skilled trainers, your dog will gain the discipline and focus needed to succeed in demanding situations.

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 proud, obedient dog with receiving expert training at a Dog Training Elite Emerald Coast outdoor class.

Why Are Dog Training Classes Important?


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DIY dog training often results in frustration and inconsistent outcomes. Without expert guidance, you may unknowingly reinforce bad habits. This can make it difficult to manage stubborn behaviors and leave you with a confused and unruly pup.

Professional training classes offer several benefits, including:

  • Consistency: Professional classes provide a structured environment for consistent dog training sessions. This regularity helps reinforce new behaviors, making it easier for your dog to understand and remember what they’ve learned. With each session building on the last, your dog can develop strong, reliable habits that stick.
  • Expert Guidance: Skilled trainers bring years of experience and understanding of canine behavior. They offer clear, step-by-step instructions and proven techniques to address your dog’s needs. This expert guidance allows you to tackle even the most stubborn behaviors.
  • Positive Reinforcement: Positive reinforcement is a core principle in our professional training methods. This approach rewards good behavior, encouraging your dog to repeat it while building their confidence. By focusing on what your dog does right rather than punishing mistakes, positive reinforcement fosters a happy, well-adjusted pet who is eager to learn.

Investing in professional training classes sets your dog up for long-term success, helping them grow into a trusted family member.

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FAQs

One of our trainers will visit your home to meet you and your dog and discuss any issues you're facing. We will then demonstrate one of our model dogs so you can see what you can expect after hiring our trainers. From there, we will discuss the various packages we offer and which we feel best suit your (and your dog's) needs.
We provide full obedience training that covers all basic commands, both on and off-leash. Our in-home visits target specific issues like counter-surfing, digging, and more. Unlike some trainers, we work with all breeds, including those often considered challenging.
Yes. You (and anyone in your family who wants to be involved) are integral to your dog getting trained. We need you to practice 5-6 days a week, about 15-20 minutes a day for optimal results.
Once a week. We come to you (with the silver, gold and platinum packages) once a week to start your dog off, then you come to park sessions which are held once a week in Panama City.
We train dogs of all breeds, sizes, and temperaments. Whether your dog is a tiny Chihuahua or a large Mastiff, we have the experience and expertise to work with them.

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • DJ Mc
    Sep. 11, 2024
    Second to None! My Belgium Malinois (Scout) is a well-trained, obedient Service Dog thanks to Dog Training Elite. The one-on-one training, group training, compassion, love, and dedication are what set these trainers apart. I'm very confident in taking my service dog anywhere and rely on the training we have received together. The key to success is doing what you love, and the trainers and administration personnel, display it always. I'm very satisfied and will return to them for any other training for future pets.
  • Steve Trythall
    Sep. 11, 2024
    Tina and Lilly have done a great job with our puppy JJ. From the first day we took him to the time training completed was a wonderful experience. They love their dogs and it shows everyday I picked JJ up. JJ looks forward to going to school. He loves it there and he would go everyday if he could. Thank you again to the complete staff at EDT. We are glad we found you and if you are considering dog training, you do not have to look any further. This is the place to go. And no, I am not getting paid to post this. Thank you again.
  • Rio Oros
    Sep. 6, 2024
    Dog Training Elite has helped our dogs reduce their anxiety and become fantastic family pets! They are the only people I would trust with our dogs!
  • Heather Hawthorne Phillips
    Jul. 4, 2024
    Josh was great with our Lab puppy! Very professional, kind and loving to our Croaker. I would highly recommend him and Dog Training Elite!
  • jay g
    Jun. 26, 2023
    I hired them to help me train my service dog. The trainers have been great and have provided good communication and service. I would definitely recommend them for dog training.
  • Susan Balk
    Jun. 28, 2024
    Anthony has been great in training me and my puppy. He’s a wealth of wisdom and is always available for questions, etc. He is able to uncover my dog’s best potential. Strongly recommend!
  • Kathy Swigler
    Jun. 25, 2024
    What was I thinking??? Getting a new puppy at my age??? THANK GOODNESS I stopped in Dog Training Elite here in Panama City to inquire. It had only been 5 days, 6 hours, 22 minutes and 16 seconds since we picked up our Portugese Water Dog from the Breeder. I WAS WORN OUT and he was only 11 weeks old! After talking with Lily about the options of what they could do to 'help'....and of course puppy training, lol, I left to think it over. I had already potty trained him but the puppy obedience course was an investment in time and money. When I got back home, it only took a minute to see our adorable puppy, Buoy, and realize he needed obedience training beyond what I could give him for all of us to be happy. I contacted Lily and signed up, then started the puppy program on the following Monday. Being greeted on Monday morning by Tina was one of the biggest reliefs of my life....and Buoy just layed at her feet like the most obedient dog ever! Was I dreaming? Not at all. Tina has a gift at dog training and Buoy could feel it and I could, too!!! Our new 'baby' spent the week at Dog Training Elite in Panama City, working with both Tina and Anthony, going on field trips, and by the end of the week, our little boy Buoy had some manners! They had familiarized him with the commands of sit, place, come, stay, lay, off, drop it. We sure use "off' a lot as he is still a puppy and needs to be reminded often. I'm not sure who learned the most, Buoy or me??? but I can tell you for sure that Dog Training Elite has changed our lives with a puppy here at home FOR THE BEST! Now they will be coming to our home for 3 visits as part of the program and then we will have some follow up classes. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite here in Panama City, Florida, for dogs of all ages, if they need to learn to behave.
  • Caren Grey
    Jun. 21, 2024
    Josh, our trainer, literally saved my dog's life. Rocco was scheduled to be put down due to severe aggression issues. I was devastated to say the least. Josh came out to our home, free of charge, and on the weekend I might to add, to evaluate and help determine if Rocco could possibly be trained. Josh's ability to help train both my dogs (he trained two of them) exceeded my expectations. Josh continually exhibited an incredible amount of patience and respect with us and the dogs during our training sessions. Josh actively listened to our needs and concerns and worked with them. Rocco has earned a "stay of execution " for now and this is all due to Josh's vast amount of experience and level of expertise he brings to the dog training sessions. We cannot express our gratitude enough to Josh for helping us navigate through this difficult situation with Rocco. Lily, my contact person, and Josh are both wonderful to work with. I would highly recommend Dog Training Elite for all of your dog training needs.
  • Zxj Jb
    Apr. 22, 2024
    Josh our trainer saved our dog's life. Our dog's reactive behavior was out of control. We were provide techniques through behavior modifications, consistency and patience to help our dog overcome his reactivness and become well behaved. Their guidance and professionalism is phenomenal. We could not have done this without Dog Training Elite's stupendous trainer and expertise.
  • Thomas Cox
    Apr. 16, 2024
    Having recently added a Standard Schnauzer to my family, I quickly realized it had been a long time since I had raised a puppy. My experience with Elite Dog Training has been fantastic and fun! Everyone is very knowledgeable and our little puppy Memphis enjoyed his week of puppy training. Everyday he went on a field trip and he made a lot of progress. I am looking forward to continuing to use Elite Dog training as Memphis grows. Thank you so much for helping us!
  • Tiffany VanSant
    Apr. 9, 2024
    I signed my little Schnauzer up for training with dog training elite and I am so thankful for doing it. Schnauzers can have a tendency of being a bully and he was starting to show those traits. They helped me get him under control. Plus, he is a happier puppy because he now has direction. Someone had referred me to Dog Training Elite and I am so happy for it. Thank you so much for helping my puppy. Another wonderful thing about this place is that it is owned in ran by a very kind, loving person that really loves dogs. Tina is always available to answer questions or concerns. Also, once they are done with training, you can do group training for life, Every week if you want. If you need help with a specific issue, just give them a call and they will help you with that even after training. This is not a place that trains and then drops you. They care and for the life of your puppy will be there to help. Best decision we have made with him.
  • Maranda Griffin
    Mar. 26, 2024
    Our almost 3 year old miniature schnauzer barked constantly when around other people and dogs. In addition, he had horrible impulse control. As a puppy we had attended training classes at a local pet store. Those classes centered around treat training, which is fine if you want to carry a bag of treats everywhere you go and constantly feed your dog. For us this was unsustainable. We signed up with Dog Training Elite and have seen amazing results! Anthony is wonderful with dogs and their owners! We can now take our Winston to stores and restaurants without issue (after only 6 in home sessions)! Thank you Dog Elite and Anthony!
  • Sean Eversole
    Mar. 11, 2024
    What truly sets Anthony and Tina apart is their genuine passion for what they do. They’re not just trainers; they’re true dog lovers who are deeply invested in the well-being and progress of every dog they work with. Thanks to their expertise and guidance, not only has my dog Maya made remarkable progress, but I have also been equipped with the essential tools and knowledge to effectively continue her training at home. This empowerment is exactly what every dog owner needs to build a lasting and loving bond with their pet. Anthony and Tina’s approach is both professional and personal, making the entire training experience enjoyable and highly effective. For anyone seeking dog training services, I wholeheartedly recommend Dog Training Elite!
  • Ken Cochran
    Mar. 10, 2024
    We began the training with an energetic, reactive standard poodle somewhat skeptical about what could be accomplished in two weeks, but working with Anthony his behavior has totally changed for the better. Anthony has also worked with us to help us understand how to use the commands and corrections to benefit us and our dog. As a result, our dog walks calmly on a leash is much more confident and less anxious and nervous. We are all much happier because instead of leaving our dog behind, he is a joy to bring along anywhere we go. He is well behaved in crowded environments and around other dogs. He barks less at dogs and strangers and is much easier to control when we are out. We also now understand how to practice and reinforce these commands and behaviors to continue to help our dog improve. The tuition is significant, but worth every penny and I highly recommend this training and Anthony as trainer. 10 out of 10.
  • Leanna Miller
    Mar. 9, 2024
    Anthony is very patient and calm with our five-year-old boxer. He spends a good amount of time in our home showing us how to give commands with rewards and at the same time trains her to be obedient and control her impulses. Very pleased with the company and trainer.
  • Gina B
    Mar. 9, 2024
    Anthony Vick is awesome. He is very passionate and compassionate with not only training my Frenchie Briggs but also very patient with me. He has excellent customer service skills and he is very understanding. I highly recommend DTE. Briggs has come along way with his training and socialization.
  • Renee Larson
    Mar. 5, 2024
    I've been pleasantly surprised with this training at Dog Training Elite Panama City. Professional, personalized and kind. I was leary putting my trust in with anyone regarding my pups. They have been through it as rescues. Both were deemed to not live through treatment, they did. They have my heart. Anthony couldn't have been more on point with them and me. He has years of service with dog training and it shows. The best part for me personally is his directness. Not a sugarcoat reasoning with him. He is clear to reason and approach. In just 2 weeks, both of the pups have learned so much. I can't wait to see them in 10 weeks.
  • A Harris
    Feb. 23, 2024
    Tina & her team have been absolutely FANTASTIC with my two girls! We chose the two week in facility training after searching through multiple obedience schools in our surrounding area. My girls cannot wait to go to school every morning! I would absolutely recommend Tina to anyone who asks. A well trained dog is a happy dog. Thank you Tina, Lily, Josh & Anthony!
  • Gary doll
    Nov. 16, 2023
    Anthony was are trainer for Axel, his delivery was far and above previous sessions as we attended our first group session. Anthony is a true dog whisperer. I hope to have Anthony for all our future Sessions, Axel loved him!
  • Specialists of the South
    Feb. 18, 2024
    Finding Tine Ruffin of Dog Training Elite of Panama City was the best answer to solving problems we faced with our two little dogs (one a puppy!). Our older dog was a runner and had gotten out multiple times ( I fell once trying to capture her with three other people trying to help corral her). In one session my problems on this issue were solved and I have been able to apply my training and get my runner to come to me and get her home when she gets loose! Potty issues, kennel training, anxiety issues and solving problems with walking our dogs are but a few of the other difficulties Tina has helped us master. We are in Pensacola so Tina does travel. I highly recommend Tina and her team!

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See An Elite Dog in Action

Benefits of Dog Training Classes

Dog training classes offer a range of benefits for both dogs and their owners. Participating in these classes helps improve your dog's behavior, enhances their social skills, and strengthens your bond.

Here are five key benefits of enrolling your dog in training classes:

Training classes teach essential commands and behaviors, making your dog more responsive and obedient in various situations. This improved obedience leads to a more harmonious household and better control in public spaces.
Classes allow your dog to interact with other dogs and people, helping them develop better social skills. This exposure can reduce fear or aggression and promote friendly behavior.
Training classes offer a structured environment where your dog can learn systematically. Routine helps reinforce positive behaviors and ensures your dog receives consistent training.
Working together in a training class strengthens the bond between you and your dog. As you collaborate on learning new skills, you build trust and improve communication with your pet.
Professional trainers provide valuable insights and techniques that may not be available through self-training. Their expertise can help address specific behavioral issues and meet your dog’s needs.
A dog owner from Dog Training Elite Emerald Coast giving their dog positive reinforcement.

Positive Reinforcement Only

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At Dog Training Elite, we use positive reinforcement because it’s the most effective and humane way to train dogs. Rewarding good behavior helps dogs understand what is expected, resulting in faster and more consistent progress.

Punishment-based training, on the other hand, can lead to fear, anxiety, and even aggression. While it might force temporary obedience, it often breaks trust and makes long-term progress harder to achieve. We focus on positive reinforcement to build a safe, supportive environment where your dog can make lasting behavioral changes.

Science-Backed Training Method

Research supports that positive reinforcement is the most effective way to train dogs. Veterinarians and animal behaviorists worldwide recommend this science-backed approach for safe, successful training.

  • Proven Effectiveness: Studies show that dogs trained with positive reinforcement learn new behaviors faster and retain them longer than those trained with punishment-based methods. This approach taps into a dog’s natural desire for rewards and praise, which results in more consistent behavior overall.
  • Reduces Behavioral Issues: Positive reinforcement decreases the likelihood of developing behavioral issues such as aggression, fear, or anxiety. Unlike punishment-based training, which can create or worsen these problems, this method encourages calm and confident behavior by associating learning with positive outcomes.
  • Encourages a Positive Learning Environment: By focusing on rewards rather than punishment, positive reinforcement creates a stress-free environment where dogs are more motivated to learn and participate in training sessions.
  • Supports Long-Term Results: This method teaches specific behaviors while promoting a general eagerness to learn and adapt. Dogs trained this way are more likely to continue behaving well and responding positively to new challenges, resulting in long-term success beyond initial training.
  • Strengthens the Human-Animal Bond: The trust and communication built through positive reinforcement create a strong bond between dogs and their owners. This method makes training rewarding for the dog, leading to a more positive relationship.
A dog with their owner at a Dog Training Elite Emerald Coast dog training class.

Empowering Owners With Panama City Dog Training Classes

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We empower dog owners with flexible, personalized training programs that fit their schedules and needs. Our training equips you with practical skills to guide your dog’s behavior and tackle challenges, regardless of your experience with dog ownership.

Our approach focuses on clear communication and mutual respect, helping you teach your dog in a way that strengthens your bond. We adjust our methods to fit your dog’s personality and your lifestyle for the most successful results.

As you and your dog progress through our training, you’ll notice a shift in how your dog responds to commands and interacts with you. Everyday situations become easier to manage, walks are more enjoyable, and your home feels more peaceful. The skills you gain will help you and your pup navigate any situation confidently.

Basic Commands That Make Your Life Easier
  • Sit: Teaching your dog to sit on command is one of the most fundamental skills. It helps manage your dog’s behavior during family gatherings, at the door, or in public places, creating a calmer environment.
  • Heel: Training your dog to heel prevents leash pulling and promotes a stronger connection between you and your dog during walks. Your dog will learn to walk calmly by your side, making walks more enjoyable.
  • Come: The come command keeps your dog safe by making sure they return to you when called. Whether at a park or in your backyard, this command prevents your dog from wandering off or getting into trouble.
  • Down: Teaching your dog this commands can help manage their energy levels and behavior in various situations, making them easier to handle during visits, mealtimes, or when you need them to settle down. We train your dog to remain calm until given the appropriate commands like "come", "heel", or "break".
  • Leave It: The leave it command is invaluable for preventing your dog from picking up harmful objects or getting into things they shouldn’t. It helps you keep them safe while teaching self-control.
  • Place: Training your dog to go to a designated spot, like a bed or mat, is useful when you need them to settle down during mealtimes, when guests are over, or while you focus on work.
A group of dogs being trained by the expert team at Dog Training Elite Emerald Coast.
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Educate, Empower, Elevate, Elite

Victory Begins With Elite Education

DTE: the Best Choice for Dog Training Classes

Learn How Training Classes Can Improve Your Dog’s Life


Dog Training Elite is your top choice for dog training. We provide the tools and guidance necessary for lasting success, whether you’re aiming to address specific behavioral issues, improve obedience, or strengthen the bond with your pet.

Our expert trainers use proven techniques for lasting behavior improvements. With a focus on positive reinforcement and personalized training, your dog will learn quickly and retain those skills over time.

Contact us today to start seeing the benefits of professional training!