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FAQs

Dog Training Elite in Port Charlotte, FL

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Frequently Asked Questions

General
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 Port Charlotte.
To effectively resolve specific issues, we need to start with a solid foundation in obedience. This approach helps you become a confident leader for your dog, which is key to addressing and preventing behavioral problems.
Nope. Those are dangerous grounds to tread upon. We'd much rather train a vicious dog!
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.
Yes. Working with and controlling aggression is one of our specialties in Port Charlotte.
We focus on training companion dogs for veterans and individuals with PTSD and other psychological conditions. In addition to service animals, we also train therapy dogs that visit hospitals, nursing homes, and treatment centers.
To be a service dog, your dog needs to have an even temperament. Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Standard Poodles, Goldendoodles, etc. typically have a great temperament for service work. For some types of service work, your dog will need to have AKC certifications (such as Canine Good Citizen or Community Canine) which we are able to certify. As always, we would be happy to assess your dog's aptitude for service work for free!

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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!

About Dog Training Elite of Port Charlotte

Dog Training Elite of Port Charlotte - Meet Our Elite Team. Dog Training Elite in Port Charlotte

Meet the Team

Dog Training Elite of Port Charlotte - Our Reviews. DTE in Port Charlotte, FL

Reviews

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In the Community

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Sarah Milburn
    Nov. 3, 2025
    Jessica has the smoothest moves. She is like the dog whisper. DJ has learned so much as well as I. Im thankful for my friend recommending me there.A+++
  • crand1234
    Nov. 14, 2025
    Jessica is awesome !!! Made my dog do things I thought i would never see, can’t wait for my next lesson. If your have a dog that needs training call them
  • TERRI MCNAMARA
    Nov. 7, 2025
    Jessica came to our home for first training lesson and we all learned quite a bit. She was very informative and we are confident our Teddy boy (year and a half mini schnauzer) will learn to be a well trained dog. We also will be well trained! Jess was exceptional in her guidance on what we need to do to get Teddy on the right path and us too! Happy we found DTE to help us teach our dog obedience training. 2nd lesson, Jess taught us lesson on Place and Break. I am amazed how she teaches our pup how to listen and obey these commands. She has so much patience with our Teddy pup and us. We are making progress!
  • Laurie Biblis
    Oct. 13, 2025
    We had a Great Training Day with Jessica!!
  • Andrea Marlow
    Nov. 5, 2025
    Jessica was awesome and we greatly appreciate her time today. She clearly loves her job and has great understanding of dog behavior. She did an outstanding job educating us on the device. We look forward to starting the in-facility training next week.
  • Pat Coderre
    Oct. 28, 2025
    Jessica is a great trainer. She is teaching us how to bring our little rescue out of his scared state and letting him know he is loved!
  • Martin Jarmulowicz
    Oct. 27, 2025
    Our dog is a student at the Venice campus of Dog Training Elite. The attention they give to the dogs and the training portal with a video recap of the training frlor the day and the assigned homework for Zoey lets us become part of the training.
  • shari jansen
    Oct. 27, 2025
    Excellent morning of training. She gave us confidence that 3 1/2 year old dogs could be trained ( finally ) to be polite and obedient.
  • Heidi Easton
    Oct. 24, 2025
    Very friendly staff. Very good dog training as well as training the dog owner. Take as long as needed for training, no rush. Cost is on the higher end but worth it if owner/dog needs more time than usual.
  • Anthony Colonna
    Oct. 22, 2025
    Great experience with Jessica. Honest and helpful
  • kuka rose
    Oct. 15, 2025
    We loved ever session & learned so much
  • Riley Couto
    Sep. 5, 2025
    Jessica is doing a great job with our doggies! 👍
  • Mary Jo Linscott
    Aug. 18, 2025
    My dog, Ms Beasley, and I just completed our 5 week training program with Jessica. I am so impressed by Jessica’s professionalism, patience, and care for Beasley and I. She is available at all times when I have questions or concerns. She has prepared us well to be successful in our next step…service dog training. This is the most successful program in which we have invested. Many thanks to Jessica and all of the amazing people at Dog Training Elite. They have gone above and beyond by helping to set up our training in another city for the holidays. They are truly elite!
  • Itz Statik
    Sep. 18, 2025
    Jessica was awesome very helpful and a very good teacher
  • Pat Coderre
    Sep. 17, 2025
    Jessica of Dog Training Elite has been amazing! She has helped us to understand our rescue and helped us learn how to help him feel safe and loved in our home. He has a long way to go but we would have been totally lost without her help! Thank you!!!
  • Bobbi Edmonds
    Sep. 10, 2025
    Jessica was awesome! Knowledgeable and showed me exactly what I need to do.
  • NE Erickson
    Sep. 10, 2025
    Jessica is a great trainer. She is patient with the dog (as long as they obey… kidding). I would highly recommend her and the Dog Training Elite SW Florida team.
  • Melanie Corbett
    Aug. 26, 2025
    Jessica is the best! Not only does she work in a loving and professional way to my pup. She also communicates very well with me.
  • Deb Hollis
    Sep. 6, 2025
    Jessica is very professional. She is extremely knowledgeable and understands the task at hand while handling our girl. After 2 lessons our girl is concurring her commands.
  • Mike Stevens
    Aug. 28, 2025
    Great first session. Jessica loves dogs and obviously training them. Having two is a huge challenge and she is up for the challenge. Looking forward to homework and our next session.

Our Team

Denise Yenchochic - Chief of Pack OPS
Denise Yenchochic
Chief of Pack OPS

🐾 Meet Denise and Tanner 🐾

Hello, I'm Denise, and this is my exuberant Goldendoodle, Tanner. As an AKC Certified Trainer, I specialize in various advanced training techniques, including Puppy Development, Service Dog Training, Fetch and Mobility Training, as well as Scent and Diabetic Alert Training.

Driven by a deep passion for giving back, my mission is to help people foster a stronger bond with their canine companions. There's nothing more rewarding than witnessing the positive impact we can create together, transforming not just the lives of the dogs but also the owners and their families.

I thrive on being goal-oriented and am dedicated to making a lasting difference. Through the proven methods of Dog Training Elite, I ensure clear and consistent training, sticking to a process that delivers remarkable results. And here's the best part – I believe in having fun during training sessions, because building a better relationship with your dog should be an enjoyable journey!

Join me in the wonderful world of dog training, where every day brings new opportunities to make a positive change.

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Alisa Kellington-Welsh - Chief of Pack Training
Alisa Kellington-Welsh
Chief of Pack Training

This is Alisa and her partner, Cash. Cash is a 3-year-old, enthusiastic Aussiedoodle rescued from Zanesville, Ohio. Alisa graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2001 where she earned her B.S. in Biological Sciences and M.A.T. in Instruction and Learning. She dedicated 21 years teaching underprivileged students in the public-school system where she helped students grow educationally and personally. Alisa has been an animal lover her entire life and often used her love of dogs as an escape from the grind of her professional career. Eventually her passion for teaching students shifted into a passion for training animals.

Alisa’s training philosophy is deeply rooted in the science of animal behavior and how animals learn. Her positive energy and calm approach will quickly put you and your dog at ease. She maintains that developing and fostering trust between you and your dog is the key to successful training. Alisa’s instructional clarity, patience, and adaptability teaches you and your dog reciprocal skills needed to nurture a resilient bond, clear communication, and a happy and healthy lifetime together.

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Danielle Kellington-Welsh - PAWSitive Support
Danielle Kellington-Welsh
PAWSitive Support

Danielle and Carter (7-year-old loyal and loving Goldendoodle) moved to southwest Florida from Pittsburgh, PA. Danielle studied business marketing at the University of Phoenix and proceeded to work in the demanding, fast-paced, corporate setting, shaping campaigns for several iconic brands. As a beer and spirits ambassador, she created ads for Guinness, Sam Adams, Absolut, Patron, and many more. Then switching industries, she boosted Pillsbury, Cheerios, and YoPlait sales, growing annually during her tenure at General Mills. Danielle jokes, “I went from destroying livers to ‘healthying’ hearts!”.

Danielle helps people fall in love with brands because of her creativity and results-oriented personality. Danielle has a proven track record of achievements in developing new social media strategies and creating original social media content. Allow Danielle photos and videos of your dog in training, and you’ll be amazed at the content she creates for you!

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Deene Yenchochic - Chief of Bark & Order
Deene Yenchochic
Chief of Bark & Order

My name is Deene and this is my rescue mix, Tucker. As a child, I was scared to be around dogs because I was bitten by a German Shepherd. As an adult, I have fallen in love with every dog I have met! I learned that a well-trained dog becomes a treasured companion who is safe around people and who also has a pretty darn good quality of life themselves!

I spent most of my career in higher education and marketing/management consulting. For 16 years, I found myself owning and operating a KOA campground that was located along a rails-to-trails bike trail. During that time, I learned a lot about how dogs react and behave on a trail with many other dogs and people around-plus wildlife to add some mystery.

I am amazed every day with just how brilliant a dog can be and how quickly they learn new behaviors. I look forward to seeing you and your dog achieve great success!

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Renee Juliano - Pack Leader (Elite Training Camp)
Renee Juliano
Pack Leader (Elite Training Camp)

This is Renee and her staffy mix, Nash!

Renee was born and raised in New Jersey, graduating with a BA in Communication from Rutgers University. She spent 8 years as an educator, teaching children from preschool to 6th grade. She became interested in dog training after adopting Nash. Training helped Nash overcome her fears after having lived life as a stray, and allows her to live life more fully and confidently!

Training dogs professionally blends Renee’s passion for helping animals with her love of educating others. She believes that training helps dogs become the best version of themselves, and she loves being part of that journey with them! Renee is proud to help teach owners how to strengthen their bond with their furry family members. 

Renee has experience in board and train, group classes, and in-home sessions, working with dogs of all ages on both obedience and behavioral issues, such as reactivity, aggression, and fear.

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Jessica Higdon - Elite Trainer (In-Home & Elite Training Camp)
Jessica Higdon
Elite Trainer (In-Home & Elite Training Camp)

Jessica is an experienced dog trainer with 10 years of experience in training dogs, beginning her journey at the age of 15 when she started training horses. This early experience with horses laid the foundation for her transition into dog training. Jessica currently lives with three dogs: Guardian, Raya, and Bex. Jessica is passionate about strengthening the bond between dogs and their owners through patience, consistency, and clear communication. As an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator (CGC), Jessica believes that with regular, consistent handling and obedience training, all dogs can thrive and live happier lives. With a focus on all stages of a dog’s life, from puppies to adults, she has provided private and group lessons and has experience working with a variety of breeds and temperaments. Jessica's training philosophy centers around building trust, respect, and mutual understanding, creating lasting relationships between dogs and their families.

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Kelsie Johnson - Elite Trainer (In-Home & Elite Training Camp)
Kelsie Johnson
Elite Trainer (In-Home & Elite Training Camp)

Meet Kelsie Johnson, Peanut and Houndoom! Kelsie has a passion for training service dogs and has worked with dogs for about 10 years. Before this, she studied game art and design at Ringling College and taught math, science, and art in elementary and middle school—which probably explains why Kelsie loves creatively turning big goals into clear, doable steps. At home, her crew keeps her inspired: Peanut, a rescued Husky–Doberman mix who kicked off Kelsie's training journey and is now enjoying a well-earned retirement; Houndoom, a Native American Indian Dog stepping in as Peanut’s replacement; and Eevee, her tiny Chihuahua with a big personality.

Kelsie's approach is blended and balanced—always humane, always tailored to the dog-and-handler team in front of her. “All things service dog” is Kelsie's happy place, from task training and public-access prep to the everyday manners that make life smoother. Kelsie is constantly reading and researching dog behavior, psychology, and training styles, and she brings the best of that back to her clients. Kelsie has been curious about training since she was a kid (early experiments even included teaching a family cat to walk on a leash). Kelsie's goal is simple: help people understand their dogs more clearly so they can move through the world together with trust, joy, and independence.

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