A happy, well trained dog from Dog Training Elite, your trusted source for dog training in Pittsburgh, PA
Elite, Award-winning

Dog Training in Pittsburgh, PA

Dog Training Elite Pittsburgh - Dog Training Services in Pittsburgh, PA

Obedience Training

We believe sustained obedience comes from empowering owners and their dogs to build strong, lasting bonds through training.

Dog Training Elite Pittsburgh - Service Dog Training in Pittsburgh, PA. Dog Training Elite

Service Dog Training

Built on 40+ years of experience, Dog Training Elite proudly leads the way in professional service dog training tailored to your needs.

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Empowering Owners


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

  • Leash Walking & Heel Training

  • Barking Issues

  • Aggression & Reactivity 

  • Separation Anxiety

  • Jumping & Hyperactivity 

  • Sitting & Stay Commands

  • Destructive Chewing & Digging

  • Recall Training (Come When Called)

  • Boundary Training (Off Furniture or Beds)

  • Vehicle Behavior

  • Training for Specific Tasks

  • And More

Dog Training Elite Shares Tips To Ease Dog Anxiety for 4th of July
4th of July

Dog Training Elite Shares Tips To Ease Dog Anxiety for 4th of July

Training Programs

Flexible & Customized for your Pet

At Dog Training Elite, we go beyond basic obedience and train dogs to excel in real-world situations. Our dog training in Pittsburgh, PA produces dogs that are prepared for real-world challenges and enrich your daily life. We focus on creating lifelong bonds of love and trust, helping your dog become a confident, trusted family member.

Dog Training Elite Pittsburgh - Dog Obedience Training in Pittsburgh, PA. DTE

Obedience Training

Our obedience training for dogs in Pittsburgh, PA is designed to teach essential commands and reinforce good behavior, ensuring your dog is well-mannered in any situation.

Dog Training Elite Pittsburgh - Puppy Training in Pittsburgh, PA. Dog Training Elite

Puppy Training

Our puppy training in Pittsburgh, PA builds a strong bond between you and your new puppy by focusing on early socialization, basic commands, and good behavior.

Dog Training Elite Pittsburgh - Service Dog Training in Pittsburgh, PA. Dog Training Elite

Service Dog Training

Our Pittsburgh service dog training turns dogs into dependable companions, trained to perform tasks like retrieving items, providing stability, or alerting to medical conditions.

Dog Training Elite Pittsburgh - Anxiety & Aggressive Dog Training in Pittsburgh, PA

Anxiety & Aggression

Our Pittsburgh aggressive dog training targets and corrects behaviors driven by anxiety and aggression, helping your dog stay calm and well-behaved in challenging situations.

Dog Training Elite Pittsburgh - Therapy Dog Training in Pittsburgh, PA

Therapy Dog Training

Our Pittsburgh therapy dog training equips dogs with the skills needed to provide comfort and emotional support in various settings. These trained dogs help reduce stress, ease anxiety, and improve the overall well-being of their owners.

Dog Training Elite Pittsburgh - Group Class Dog Training in Pittsburgh, PA. DTE

Group Training

Our group dog training classes in Pittsburgh, PA offer a structured environment where dogs can learn and practice essential skills while socializing with other dogs and their owners.

A well trained dog and their owner posing in front of a Dog Training Elite wall.
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Our Story

Dog Training Elite Pittsburgh

Our programs are flexible and designed to meet the needs of each client’s schedule and their dog’s unique behavior, home environment, and situation. We are a family-owned, professional dog training company with over 40 years of experience specializing in strengthening the bond between you and your dog.

We offer in-home dog training, basic obedience, advanced training, and specialized programs like Service Animals and Therapy Dogs. No matter the breed, size, or behavioral issue, the Dog Training Elite team is here to help. Let our professional Pittsburgh dog trainers help you today.

About Us

Our Team

Vince Conrad - Owner & Trainer
Vince Conrad
Owner & Trainer

Hi, I am Vince. As a youth in rural western Pennsylvania, I learned the special level of trust and bonding that occurs between a well-trained dog and its handler while training and working hunting dogs. When you and your dog understand each other, your relationship is able to reach new levels of confidence and joy that were previously unattainable.

I have always loved dogs but put that interest on hold to obtain an advanced degree in chemistry. As an Analytical Chemist, I developed the problem-solving and customer-services skills necessary to provide innovative and reliable support to energy industry professionals that were experiencing unique operational and environmental issues. Taking the time to understand my client’s needs, communicating clear goals, and accepting accountability for the quality of my team’s services resulted in client relationships/friendships that lasted for decades.

After retiring in 2021, I began to search for a new challenge. The opportunity to obtain a Dog Training Elite franchise, has allowed me to apply the soft skills developed over a 38-year career to a life-long passion, working with dogs and their owners. I am delighted that DTE encourages the owner to actively participate in the training so they acquire the skills necessary to continue to build upon their relationship long after the training is complete. DTE’s emphasis on community service through service and therapy dog training as well as their non-profit Malinois Foundation provided an additional incentive to partner with DTE.

When not working, I can be seen on morning runs with Tess, gardening with Tammy, hunting, woodworking, and finding new ways to spoil grandson, Francis.

Pittsburgh is home Tammy and me. We have lived in the Pittsburgh suburb of McMurray for over 35 years, raising a family that included two wonderful children and a number of unforgettable dogs including the current duo, Tessie, a hyperactive German Shorthaired Pointer and Ollie, a contrary, but loveable, long-haired Dachshund. We are excited to be able to use our DTE franchise to give back to the community that has been so good to us.

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Tammy Conrad
Owner & Office Administrator

Hi, I am Tammy. I grew up in rural Pennsylvania a few miles from Vince.

After college, I spent a year working in New York city before returning home to take a position in banking.

After moving to Pittsburgh, I left the workforce to become a full-time mom to our two children. I was very active in the Peters Township School District, volunteering in classrooms and holding numerous positions in the Parent Teacher Association, including President. My children’s departure for college, left me with time to continue community service, mentoring community youth that had incurred a minor criminal offense and organizing fund raising events for the Peters Township library.

It is hard for me to imaging a day without having our dogs in our lives. They provide so much unconditional love and they never fail to make me laugh every day. In addition to spending time with our dogs, I enjoy walking and caring for my flower gardens.

I am very pleased to be able to continue my involvement in the community through our Dog Training Elite franchise. We look forward to helping you develop an unforgettable relationship with your four-legged companions.

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Tessie
Training Partner

Hi, I am Tessie, a 1-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer. I was born on a farm in western Kentucky and moved to Pittsburgh when I was 11 months old. I am learning new things every day to help me adapt to city life. I have learned the boundaries of our property, to run on a leash without causing Vince to fall, to sit politely while my leash is attached and the door is opened for me to go outside, that counter surfing is not permitted, to curb my barking, and to control my enthusiasm for chasing squirrels, rabbits, birds and other critters. Well, to be honest, I am still working on the last one but I am a GSP after all.

My favorite activities are eating, running, snoozing next to the fireplace, and stalking/chasing critters off our property. I enjoy learning new tricks from Vince. I am still learning new things every day but would love to show you and your dogs what I have learned so far. Hope to meet you all soon.

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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!

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • The English
    Nov. 22, 2025
    Exceptional Results and Unwavering Professionalism from Elite Dog Training! We couldn't be more thrilled with the transformation of our miniature schnauzer after completing the in-home private sessions with Elite Dog Training. From our very first consultation, Vince's communication and professionalism were nothing short of excellent. He meticulously explained the training philosophy, set clear expectations, and consistently provided constructive, easy-to-follow guidance in every session. Crucially, our pup was immediately comfortable and obedient with Vince, which speaks volumes about his effective and humane approach. The results we've achieved are genuinely impressive. Our schnauzer has mastered all the basic commands, but more importantly, she has developed an incredible ability to focus and maintain control even when exposed to high-level distractions. Situations that were previously challenging—like passing other dogs or reacting to passing cars—are now handled with a calmness we didn't think possible. She now has a strong, reliable foundation that we are excited to build upon. Having successfully completed the private training, we are eagerly looking forward to the outdoor group sessions to further solidify her control in complex, real-world environments. I highly, highly recommend Elite Dog Training!
  • lori wilson
    Nov. 10, 2025
    Vince from Pittsburgh Elite Dog Training is an amazing dog trainer. He is so patient, kind and knowledgeable of dog behaviors. Our journey of owning a service dog started a little over 2 years ago when a doctor suggested to my daughter that a service dog might be very helpful to her. She decided she wanted a Doberman Pincher. We never owned this breed and definitely needed help. Vince spent a long time explaining the process of obedience training and service dog training. Vince came to our house weekly and spent time with our dog and my daughter training not only the dog but my daughter to be a handler. After weeks of home training they were ready to introduce distractions and group training. Our experience with Vince will forever hold a special place in my heart. His training enabled my daughter to have her service dog and life a full life. Rowe went to College with Keria full time at 1year old, she is fully off leash and made a trip to Disney with us. Rowe and my daughter now work a full time job and they are both happy and thriving. Thankyou Vince, we could not have done it with out you.
  • Candace Shoenberger
    Nov. 2, 2025
    We have had a really good experience with Vince! Our puppy was a little shy at first and it took her a few days to get used to the e-collar. Vince was very patient and went slow with her and worked with me to be consistent with her. We are hoping to train her as a service dog and she has made so much progress!
  • Sheri Dusse
    Oct. 2, 2025
    We needed a service dog and fast. Finding a dog was easy, finding someone to provide service training was a challenge. I called Tonya at DTE-Tampa as my last chance to find someone who could help. Her first words “don’t worry, I can definitely help”. We now have a dog that helps support my husband through his challenges and is certified to be with him at all times. Tonya was patient and helped us through the process. If you need a trained or certified dog, I highly recommend you contact them.
  • Tina Fletcher
    Aug. 19, 2025
    We cannot thank Vince at Dog Training Elite Pittsburgh enough for the work he’s done with our American Bully, Rooney. When we reached out, we were desperate for answers. Rooney had become very anxious and reactive after we had kids, and we weren’t sure how to help her. Vince came in with so much expertise and a deep understanding of dog behavior. He walked us through every step of the training process and gave us the tools to help Rooney manage her anxiety. His approach not only helped Rooney become more confident and calm, but also empowered us as owners. Thanks to Vince, Rooney has made amazing progress. She listens to us more each day and handles her usual high-stress situations so much better than before. Most importantly, we now understand why she reacts the way she does, and that knowledge has made the biggest difference. We highly recommend Vince to anyone struggling with their dog’s behavior.
  • Tammy Birmingham
    Aug. 16, 2025
    Vince is a kind, patient, and phenomenal trainer. He has certified two service dogs for me, and without his expertise, I could not have had such well trained dogs.
  • Dianne Glave
    Jul. 15, 2025
    Vince did an excellent job training Marley. My dog is much improved reacting to strangers and other dogs. He now know heel, leave-it, place, down, sit, and off. My neighbors have even commented how Marley has improved with his behavior.
  • Emily Stayshich
    Jun. 17, 2025
    Vince is a great trainer. Prior to Vince, my husband and I could not take our dogs for a walk. Now, our dogs are well-behaved and walks are enjoyable. Our dogs are learning better behavior around other dogs. In the process, my husband and I learned how to be better dog owners, too. :-)
  • Amber Morris
    Jun. 17, 2025
    We had a great experience with Vince! Oakley responded very well to the techniques and I was impressed by how quickly she picked up on the training. We will continue to use the lessons that we learned from Vince, and are excited to join the group classes.
  • Margaret Sams
    Jun. 16, 2025
    Our 8-month-old Golden retriever, Henry, was energetically pulling us by the leash and reacting to every person, dog, and squirrel in view. We are not inexperienced - he is our 6th dog over the past 38 years, but we could not get his attention to slow him down! He was so excited to see our grandkids that we were afraid that he would knock them down. Vince showed us how to use an "e-collar" and worked with Henry and with us for 6 private lessons. What a difference! Henry now walks by my side and no longer jumps up on people. We have now attended two of the 12 group sessions with other dogs Vince trains, and Henry is SO much easier to control, even while walking past other dogs and all the distractions in a public park. Vince is kind, patient, and obviously loves dogs. We are so glad that we found him! AND - I have held the e-collar while the transmitter button is pushed, and I could barely feel it. It is more like a tapping - not a shock.
  • Thom Barnes-Wise
    Feb. 26, 2025
    Vince has been fantastic in training our dog. Before Vince, our dog was a well-meaning but poorly behaved 100ib doberman that pulled on leashes and jumped on passing dogs and people constantly. Since training with Vince, he has had a total transformation into a well-behaved, gentle, and thoroughly enjoyable hound. Vince's in-house sessions were thoughtful and highly effective, and his weekly group classes are enjoyable. It has been a real pleasure to watch my dog transform before my very eyes!
  • Nadiya Greaser
    Feb. 26, 2025
    Dog Training Elite was an excellent support and choice for my dog. As a first-time dog owner, Vince made training goals for our dog clear, practicable, and achievable. Our dog is a rescue, and came into our home with jumping, leash-pulling, and inattentive behavior/a hard time responding to commands. With Vince, we have eliminated leash-pulling, had significant progress with heeling, threshold training, and jumping. Our dog loved Vince, we have utilized his group training sessions and plan on training our dog for service with Dog Training Elite
  • Raffy Kramer
    Feb. 21, 2025
    Working with Vince was invaluable. It not only taught my new puppy the building blocks for a great start at a good skill set to improve upon and a solid foundation to continue the next phase of group sessions and then onto specialized training. The in-home sessions were invaluable and very convenient. Learning and training in our own environment was great. I considered other options and tried dropping him off but was unable to leave him due to his initial separation anxiety. In home training was solved that. I start the group sessions next and will follow this up with another narrative on those and the continued specialized training. I would recommend Vince and Dog Training Elite Pittsburgh.
  • Maria Gross
    Feb. 21, 2025
    I highly recommend Vince Conrad as he is top notch, knowledgeable dog trainer. “Wits end” describes me prior to hiring Vince to train my out-of-control Bichon Frise puppy, Dixie. She had very few listening skills and thought she was running our household. Now, thanks to Vince’s patience and expertise and our six in-home training sessions, Dixie is obedient and listens to me! We are looking forward to our outdoor training sessions! Thank you Vince!
  • Nicole Allen
    Feb. 4, 2025
    Vince came out for an introductory visit to meet with us and our dog, Gabriel, and to walk through the training expectations based upon Gabriel’s behavior. Over the course of six weeks, Vince worked one-on-one with our dog and with us to make sure we were doing the proper work with Gabriel. We are exceptionally impressed by Vince’s technique and the positive affect it has had on Gabriel. More importantly, my family now has the tools to continue this training Thanks Vince!
  • M K
    Dec. 28, 2024
    I have had nothing but good experiences with Dog Training Elite. Vince was SO helpful and supportive even before we began working together. He gave me great insight and knowledge as I navigated the process of picking out a puppy to be a therapy dog. We spoke quite a few times before he even met with us. With my busy schedule, traveling to training appointments could have been a major hinderance - Vince came to us! My puppy felt comfortable in her home environment as she learned new skills. At no point did Vince ever make me feel bad or embarrassed about our learning process. He was nothing but supportive every step of the way! His recommendation for training 15-20min/day was very reasonable and I felt like something we could manage. We came a long way and we continued to benefit from the group trainings after we finished the one-on-ones at home. Vince was available via email and phone all throughout the process and has made it worth every single penny. If you are on the fence, you will not regret working with DTE!
  • Lora
    Sep. 7, 2024
    I stopped Vince in South Park’s parking lot after he had just finished a training program out there and asked him a question about an issue I’m having with my new dog. He was so kind, helpful and informative. He gave me multiple suggestions on how to address the issue. He knew a lot specifics about my breed of dog and dog behavior in general. If you are looking for a good, honest person to help you with training your dog Vince is your guy!
  • Allie Creasy
    Sep. 2, 2024
    My wife and I now have our fifth German Shepherd. The first three lived between 10 and 14 years. Number four died unexpectedly at seven. That was 19 months ago. We've had our Long Hair German Shepherd, Teddy, for 18 months now. At four months Teddy completed her basic puppy training. Shortly after that we began looking for a seasoned, mature professional trainer. We found what we were looking for when Vince Conrad of Dog Training Elite came to our house to see if we were all a good fit for each other. We started our six in home training and finished up with Teddy making great progress! Both Teddy and I feel like we both had the best training! I like to think of the in home training as the class room work. We have now completed six of the 12 group training sessions with six more to come. I call the group sessions the "field work". Each session builds off the previous session. Vince is so skilled and patient. He is always firm, with a calming demeanor. When Teddy was about nine months old it was nearly impossible to take her for a walk. At 73 I need a dog that will walk with me without pulling me down the road. Last week we were out for a walk when we came to our neighbors house. They were out at the curb waiting to see Teddy. As we got to the couple I told Teddy to sit, and she did. They spent a bit of time to pet her and to make a fuss. I then told her down to which she got all the way down and stayed there calmly until I commanded her to "come". This couple are trained Greyhound rescue "parents", their son is a professional dog trainer and their daughter is a Vet. Their final comment to me carries a lot of weight. They said that Teddy's progress is remarkable. I hope my experience with Vince helps you make a decision about finding the right trainer. I can't thank Vince enough. Don Creasy Pittsburgh
  • Will Porter
    Aug. 20, 2024
    Wish I could give 10 stars. They are so awesome and amazing at what they do! Tonya was incredible and got me and my dog to exactly where we wanted with the training! Best in the area!
  • Cynthia Desjardins
    Aug. 13, 2024
    I only have good comments about my experience so far with Dog Training Elite. Not only with the knowledge and experience of Vince, but also his patience and generosity. He was able to assess and understand my dog very well and adapted the training according to her needs and behaviors. He was there when I was discouraged and ready to give up, I can’t be more grateful.
A child with their happy, obedient dog with training from Dog Training Elite.

We Train Every Breed

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Each dog breed has different behaviors and personalities due to a combination of genetics, selective breedings, and environmental factors. At Dog Training Elite, we work with every dog. Our team understands canine behavior and the unique challenges of every breed.

We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we apply specific breed training techniques to bring out the best in your dog. From impulse control in terriers to focused mental stimulation for herding breeds, we’ll work with you and your dog to design a personalized training plan.

Local Dog Training Services in Pittsburgh

And Surrounding Areas


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Dog Training in Pittsburgh, PA

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At Dog Training Elite, we’ve seen how DIY dog training can lead to inconsistent results and frustration. Our qualified professionals bring the expertise needed to assess your dog’s unique needs and apply methods that work. Choosing experienced trainers makes a noticeable difference in attaining reliable, lasting behavior changes.

We rely on a balanced training method that delivers lasting results, even with the most challenging dogs. Our trainers are skilled in addressing any behavioral issue and can help your dog to reach their full potential with encouragement and proven techniques.

An obedient corgi on a leash after recieving training from Dog Training Elite.

Professional Pittsburgh Dog Trainers

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Pet owners often have many options when it comes to dog training, including low-cost, quick-fix programs that claim immediate results. However, our training methods stand apart by focusing on sustainable, long-term success rather than temporary fixes. We provide a high standard of expert dog training that is built to last, ensuring that you and your dog benefit from a deeper, enduring bond and advanced obedience that continues over time.

Investing in effective dog training is one of the most valuable choices you can make for your pet’s health, behavior, and happiness. Our trainers are dedicated to delivering personalized training plans that target your dog’s unique needs, going beyond basic obedience to include specialized behavioral work and service dog training. Our goal is to be the last dog trainers you’ll ever need — bringing advanced training quality to the Pittsburgh, PA area for lasting, meaningful results.

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Educate, Empower, Elevate, Elite

Unleash Your Dog's Potential

A dog that has just graduated from Dog Training Elite's award-winning training program.

Award-Winning
Dog Training

With Dog Training Elite

At Dog Training Elite, we are proud to offer training services recognized for outstanding results and effective methods. With skilled trainers dedicated to helping dogs and their owners build strong, lasting relationships, we guarantee your dog receives the best care and guidance.

Our programs cover everything from basic obedience to advanced behavior modification, customized to your dog’s needs. Whether you’re addressing behavioral issues, improving obedience, or strengthening your bond, our methods deliver reliable results.

Experience the difference our award-winning training can make in your dog’s life.