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FAQs

Dog Training Elite in Raleigh / Cary, NC

Request Free Assessment


Request Free Assessment


Frequently Asked Questions

General
A free assessment is all about understanding your unique situation with your dog. One of our trainers will come to your home and discuss what you’d like life with your dog to look like – what problems you need help solving or what skills you want your dog to have. We’ll explain how our training works and guide you through the options so you can choose what feels like the best fit for your family. It’s simple, helpful, and designed to give you clarity and confidence. We will also usually introduce you to one of our dogs so you can see the type of manners and behavior you can expect after training. Many families tell us they feel stuck or overwhelmed, but after just the assessment they finally feel hopeful.
What makes us different is how we teach you to communicate with your dog in a way that’s clear and fair and effective. We train you and your dog in your home, using balanced training – lots of praise and positive reinforcement, balanced with appropriate and gentle corrections and consequences. The same way most good parents raise their kids – make sure they know what expectations are, praise and reward them when they do what they should, and help them recognize when they’ve made a mistake so they can make better choices going forward. Families tell us they used other methods and still struggled. What they love about our method is that it focuses on communication and trust, not just quick fixes. We address your dog’s unique needs, build their confidence, and teach them how to make better choices. This results in lasting changes, not just temporary obedience.
Absolutely! Many families tell us their dog listens perfectly to one family member but completely ignores everyone else. That’s where we come in. We’ll show you how to work together so your dog listens consistently to everyone in the home. You’ll practice about 15–20 minutes a day, 5–6 days a week, to both reinforce and strengthen what your dog learns during training sessions, and to build a stronger bond. By involving the whole family, we make sure the results stick—because your dog doesn’t just live with one person; they’re part of the entire family!
Depending on the training program and your progress, we typically meet about once a week or so. The schedule is flexible and depends on both your availability and ours, as well as how quickly the person and dog learn, and how much they practice. As your dog finishes obedience, with most of our training programs you’ll also have access to group sessions where your dog can practice outdoors around lots of distractions to solidify their skills. This approach ensures we tailor the training to fit your needs while keeping your dog on the path to success.
Many families come to us thinking they just need help with a few specific behaviors, like jumping or barking at the door. What they often discover is that these issues are just symptoms of a bigger challenge: a lack of clear communication and leadership. Our training starts by building a strong foundation in obedience, which makes it easier to address specific concerns and prevent new ones from popping up. Once your dog understands how to follow your lead, what the family’s behavior rules are, and how to communicate clearly with you, those problem behaviors tend to fade away—and you’ll have the tools to handle anything new that comes up.
We could… but we’d probably need hazard pay! Husbands leave socks on the floor, wives rearrange the dishwasher their way, and kids? Well, they’d want snack breaks and TikTok tutorials in between lessons. We’ll stick to training dogs—they’re less likely to argue and much quicker to learn. But who knows? A well-trained dog might just inspire the rest of the family to step up their game!
Absolutely! Many families tell us they were worried their dog’s breed or size might be a challenge—whether it’s a tiny Chihuahua with a big personality or a massive and sweet Great Dane with a strong stubborn streak. We train them all! And while younger dogs can often learn more quickly than older dogs, you absolutely CAN teach old dogs new tricks and behaviors. Every dog is unique, and we customize our approach to fit their needs. So, whether your pup has long legs, short legs, puppy fur, grey hair, a big bark, or a quiet demeanor, we’re ready to help them succeed.
Yes, we do! Many families come to us feeling overwhelmed or even embarrassed because their dog has shown signs of aggression, like growling, snapping, lunging, or even biting people. They often tell us they’re worried about what might happen if things don’t change. With aggressive dogs, we focus on getting to the root of the behavior. We try to understand the real triggers, and by building obedience and trust, we help dogs learn to stay calm in stressful situations while we teach owners how to confidently handle their dogs. No dog is too challenging—we’re here to help you and your pup find a better path forward.
Service dogs change people’s lives. Many families come to us looking for a service dog to help with PTSD, psychiatric support, autism assistance, medical alerts, or mobility challenges. Each of these service dog roles can be life-changing, and we specialize in tailoring training to meet your specific needs. We work with you to train the dog in the tasks that would be most helpful for your specific situation. We also train therapy dogs that bring comfort to hospitals, nursing homes, and treatment centers. Service dogs aren’t one-size-fits-all, so if you’re unsure whether your current dog is a good candidate, or you need help choosing a dog to be trained for service, or you have any questions about the process, give us a call. We’d love to help you figure it out!
A service dog needs a calm, even temperament and the ability to stay focused in different environments. Sometimes families worry their dog might not be the right fit, and we’re here to help you find out. Breeds like Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and Poodles often do well, but the right temperament matters more than the breed. Some service roles (typically therapy dog roles) may require AKC certifications like Canine Good Citizen, which we can help you achieve. If you’re unsure about your dog’s potential, give us a call. We’d be happy to assess them for free and guide you on the next steps.

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!

About Dog Training Elite Raleigh

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Meet the Team
Get to know the dedicated professionals behind Dog Training Elite Raleigh. Our team of experienced trainers is passionate about helping dogs and their owners build strong, lasting bonds. Learn about their backgrounds, expertise, and what drives them to deliver the highest level of training in the industry.
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Reviews
Our testimonials showcase the success stories of dogs and their owners who have benefited from our training programs. From basic obedience to advanced service dog training, see how Dog Training Elite Raleigh has transformed the lives of countless dogs and their families!
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Careers
Join the Dog Training Elite Raleigh family! If you’re passionate about dogs and interested in making a difference, explore career opportunities with us. We are always looking for dedicated individuals who share our commitment to excellence in dog training and customer service. Discover how you can grow with us and become a part of a team that truly cares about dogs and their owners.
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Gallery
Our gallery features photos and videos of dogs in training, successful graduates, and highlights from community events. See what Dog Training Elite Raleigh can offer your dog and get a glimpse of the work we’re passionate about.
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In the Community
At Dog Training Elite Raleigh, we’re proud to be an active part of the community we serve. Check out recent events in our area where we’ve had the privilege to participate in local events, support fellow small businesses, and promote responsible dog ownership.

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Denise Gutschmit
    Dec. 12, 2024
    I could not have had a better, more personal experience than what we received from Cindy at Dog Training Elite. Communication was always responsive (at all kinds of hours and packed with helpful information!), and she made scheduling a breeze. Most notable though was Cindy’s ability to see the dog and handler as a team and as separate individuals — each of the 3 with their particular training challenges. She was quick to recognize when reframing would be helpful, and she was creative in applying those strategies with clarity and patience. My pup and I flourished under her coaching, and I remain grateful for all that we have learned. Thank you, Cindy!
  • Sarah Melville
    Nov. 17, 2024
    Elite dog training is an exceptional dog training organization! I love working with Cindy, she is an excellent trainer! She is very patient and kind while also assertive with my dog. I love that with this program we do a lot of the training in my home where my dog is most comfortable and then as she learns new skills, we take her outside and then with a group. Groove training is available every Saturday and you are invited to meet with them even if you have graduated. I recommend training your dog with elite dog training!
  • liz scheltinga
    Jul. 15, 2024
    Dog elite is absolutely wonderful dog training experience. I was looking for an affordable dog training company and found dog elite they are very accommodating and easy to work with! Teddy has home so far so fast. I mainly work with Alexx and she is very kind, professional and seems to love what she does!
  • Robyn Bemis
    May. 19, 2024
    Dog Training Elite is an amazing company with amazing people! They helped me train my dog Odin as a Service Animal and there isn't a single negative thing I can say. They're all very friendly and Alexx is an amazing trainer!!! She is very knowledgeable, kind, and personable. I 100% recommend them to anyone - whether you're looking for service dog training or basic obedience.
  • Taylor Gustafson
    Nov. 16, 2023
    We’ve had our dog with DTE for the past 6 months and seen huge improvements as he is a poodle puppy and we needed him to be a service dog. Alex is the all-star team member and the trainer you’d want to prepare your family. Alex makes herself available for questions we have outside our sessions, is on time, friendly and goes the extra mile during Saturday classes at the park where our dog learns from other dogs/handlers.
  • Darren Pierce
    Aug. 25, 2023
    This training saved our poor dog! Virginia was always so anxious. We tried everything we could think of including local dog training where you go to their facility. It wasn’t until Alexx came to our home that the light bulb went off for us as owners. She needed to be taught what she was supposed to do. Once Alexx started training Virginia, everything clicked. Now she is so happy to lucky and rarely shows signs of anxiety. She goes to her designated “place,” she doesn’t bark, she walks on a leash without pulling, and is very well behaved. In home dog training is the way to go and we highly recommend Dog Training Elite!
  • Carolyn Allen
    Jul. 15, 2023
    Cindy and Alexx are very responsive and helpful! Our “pandemic puppy” had become a terror and was extremely reactive around other people and dogs. When our teen wanted to get a service dog, we knew we needed help with our current pup before we could even consider bringing another dog into the household. Once our family started working with Alexx, we noticed a difference right away. Our pup started responding to commands and visitors to our home noticed how much calmer she had become. Our pup is still a work in progress but Alexx always has helpful suggestions to help us work through every issue. Cindy helped us find a reputable breeder for our daughter’s service dog in training and we will be working with Alexx again to train the new pup! I am so thankful that we found them!

Our Team

Cindy Skocik - Owner - DTE NC Triangle
Cindy Skocik
Owner - DTE NC Triangle

Cindy’s love for dogs runs as deep as her passion for helping people. Growing up in the countryside of southwestern Pennsylvania, Cindy had a tender heart for every stray she encountered, often carrying them home and then crying when her mother wouldn’t let her keep them all. Her childhood dog, Sunshine, was her best friend, a source of joy and companionship as they danced together to “You Are My Sunshine,” a memory that still warms her heart today. Cindy spent decades in corporate leadership roles. Her true fulfillment always came from work that allowed her to connect her head and heart to a greater purpose. Her most meaningful role was with a company dedicated to treating eating disorders, where she saw firsthand how compassion and dedication could change lives. Mental health challenges touched her own family, deepening her empathy and commitment to making a positive impact on others with similar challenges.

After leaving corporate America, Cindy decided to follow her lifelong passions, founding Dog Training Elite in the NC Triangle. Here, she can combine her love for dogs with her drive to help people overcome challenges and live fuller, happier lives.

Cindy and her team really care about every client’s journey, treating each dog as if it were their own and every family as part of their extended community. Cindy is passionate about helping dogs find their place—whether as cherished family members, service animals, or therapy companions—and empowering owners to communicate with and understand their dogs in a way that brings peace and happiness to their lives.

When you work with Cindy, you’re not just hiring a dog trainer—you’re gaining a compassionate partner and a trusted guide, committed to helping you and your dog live your very best life together.

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Roxie - Co-Owner
Roxie
Co-Owner

Roxie was born in Rougement, North Carolina on October 15, 2021, about 20 miles from her current home. She is a moyen poodle (“moyen” is French for medium) and she's about 50 pounds. She looks like a doodle because of her haircut (mom likes her fuzzy face!), but she's a poodle.

She’s a sweet ginger girl who loves making new friends, both canine and human. She is happy that she will have a modern life with both a career and her family. She is excited to be the co-owner of Dog Training Elite of the NC Triangle, where her primary responsibilities will be demonstrating how a good dog behaves and spreading happiness. Her hobbies are taking hikes, traveling, and playing with friends, leaves, and pinecones. She loves a good ear rub and a bully stick.

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