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A German Shepherd laying on the floor - Dog Training Elite offers aggressive dog training in Richmond, VA thats designed to help your dog's anxiety and build confidence.
Dog Training Elite

Aggressive Dog Training in Richmond, VA

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Our Anxiety & Aggression Training Could Help:
Excessive barking
Growling or snapping
Lunging
Pacing or restlessness
Trembling or shaking
Destructive chewing
Nipping or biting
Resource guarding

Helping Dogs Feel Calm & Confident

Aggressive Dog Training in Richmond, VA

One of the most difficult, necessary, and rewarding behaviors to correct in a dog is anxiety and aggression. These behaviors can be learned, genetic, or innate. When a dog feels threatened, their natural response is either fight or flight.

Most dogs will try to distance themselves from the perceived threat; if that's not possible, they may resort to aggression or submission. Some dogs, particularly those who see themselves as confident pack leaders, may turn to aggression as their first response.

Both of these reactions are rooted in anxiety and can be effectively addressed with Dog Training Elite's balanced aggressive dog training in Richmond, VA.

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An adorable pitbull outside on the grass - Dog Training Elite helps dogs of all breed manage their anxiety with our Richmond aggressive dog training.

Understanding Aggressive Behaviors in Dogs


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Aggression is one of the most concerning behaviors your dog can exhibit. If left unchecked, an aggressive dog can pose a serious threat to family members, strangers, other dogs, or even themselves.

Many dog owners struggle with how to recognize early warning signs of aggression or how to effectively address these tendencies. Identifying and managing aggressive behavior early on is crucial in preventing it from escalating into more dangerous situations.

Common signs of aggression in dogs include:

  • Growling or bearing teeth
  • Threatening barks
  • Standing rigid and/or taller
  • Raised fur
  • Nipping and biting

Aggression often stems from underlying issues like fear, anxiety, improper training, or negative environments. Dogs that have been rescued from poor situations or found on the street are particularly susceptible to developing aggressive behaviors.

At Dog Training Elite, we specialize in professional dog training for aggression, helping your dog transform from fearful or aggressive to a happy, friendly, and loyal companion.

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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

  • Lisa McCall
    Jan. 4, 2026
    Dog Training Elite Richmond is the perfect place to go for excellent dog training. My 2-year-old golden retriever is training to be a working therapy dog. Our trainer, Matt, has been working with Charlie, and we have seen so many improvements. Paul worked with us at the beginning to determine where to place Charlie, as he had completed puppy training classes in NC before moving to VA and had already passed his Canine Good Citizen Test. Matt worked one-on-one with Charlie at our home, then a few sessions at various community locations. Charlie is now attending group classes, and he is doing a fantastic job. I love how Paul and Matt look at each dog and focus on what the dog needs. They are patient, they give great advice, and my dog absolutely loves them! I highly recommend Dog Training Elite Richmond! Lisa McCall
  • Carole Bourgeacq-Hardt
    Dec. 23, 2025
    Paul and his staff were very helpful with the training of our chocolate lab, Max. At the beginning the sessions happened in a calm environment by patient and knowledgeable trainers. Then, Max was exposed to busy surroundings like Lowe’s. I feel like Paul took the time to know Max and his needs. He always has helpful comments and pointers pertinent to Max.
  • Ralph Condit
    Dec. 22, 2025
    I can’t say enough good things about Dog Training Elite and especially Paul. I needed a service dog and after being told by numerous organizations that I would have to wait several years I purchased a puppy and found DTE to help me train him. Paul was amazing and flexible when it came to where we would do training because where I lived was out of the area they could do in home training. With Paul’s great training and mentorship of working with my dog I was able to get him to his Canine Good Citizen and Advanced Canine Good Citizen and Public Access in almost record time. This was a life saver for me and helped with my ability to be out in public and just live a happier life. Paul’s continual support and group classes are a great place to work my dog around other well-behaved dogs but to be able to showcase to newer people how well the training works. Ralph
  • Kylee Nicole
    Dec. 21, 2025
    After careful consideration, hours of scouring reviews and best training programs in the area, we were brought to DTE Richmond. I called Paul and set up our training—it was SO easy and Paul was so informative and welcoming. Matt has been training our dog Samson over a stretch of months now, we still have more sessions to go and Samson was already turning into a completely different dog after our first couple of sessions. Matt has been a godsend for Samson & my husband and I. We needed a good foundation to help us help our dog learn his manners and Matt has shown us how to do that. We take everything we learn and put the work in daily. Again, cannot say enough amazing things about Matt. Samson absolutely adores him and gets so excited to see his car pull up. I highly recommend DTE, especially their platinum program. We’re very excited to start group classes and love that this is a lifetime thing we can be a part of.
  • Laura Quintero
    Dec. 21, 2025
    Matt was thorough and patient with my son and his dog, Colby. He is 8 yrs on 12/22 and he flunked the beginner session at a local pet store. He passed the repeat and didn’t finish the second. He is strong willed but as time went on we tried to use what we learned and he did have a few successes. Our big issues with the Colbmyster was excessive pulling combined with never knowing when. We decided to try DTE. The change has been pretty remarkable. Our problem now is the human element. Consistency consistency consistency 🤦🏼‍♀️
  • Samantha White Cook
    Dec. 21, 2025
    We currently use them and they are amazing are puppy is 8 months and already passed his AKC and we are starting his service training in January! All thanks to Dog training elite Richmond! Our trainer is Matt and he is very thorough and explains step by step if you have a concern not only does Matt help but the owner Paul does too ! It’s hard finding a company where the owner is involved but Paul definitely is him and Matt take turns doing the weekly group classes! The structure is great and honestly the pricing is amazing too ! And the equipment is high quality. We are so glad we went with them ! Also very family oriented !
  • Alexandra Kerlin
    Feb. 7, 2025
    Matt was professional, nice, and knowledgeable at our free home assessment for my dog Butch! I'm excited to start scheduling training sessions to help with Butch's separation anxiety behaviors and basic training. Thanks Matt! Update! We've been through our in home sessions and 6 months of group classes and DTE was phenomenal! Matt was our trainer and was always on it to help with any issue that popped up with Butch and Paul and Megan are always great! We love them and hope to come back for therapy dog training some day!
  • Cliff Gregory
    Nov. 26, 2024
    Matt handled Ponyo so smoothly, and she learned so much this week. He helped us learn to walk her better. They are the very best.
  • John R. Smith
    Dec. 2, 2025
    My Bernese Mountain puppy was thoroughly trained by Matt and Paul. They took a special interest in him and we appreciated that. I recommend DTE to anyone interested in such training. It pays off and is worth the money because it is an investment that keeps on giving.
  • justin barnes
    Nov. 14, 2025
    Paul brings the highest level integrity to everything he does. Couldn’t recommend him more!
  • Chris Owens
    Nov. 9, 2025
    Dog Training Elite Richmond has been fantastic for Champ and myself! We did the in-home program with Matt and the results have been above and beyond what I expected. Champ was a very reactive dog that had trouble focusing. It was a challenge to get him to go on walks around my apartment complex with out being overly exited about other dogs, constantly pulling. I was hesitant to take him out to other places. Matt was able to provide both me and Champ the correct way to handle these situations and the walks are now so much fun for both of us! We now know all the commands, sit, down, come, off and place. My own anxiety about some of the previous ways Champ use to act has gone down tremendously and it has been wonderful for both of us. I cannot say enough good things about Matt's approach and instruction how to address situations and his training methods. We have attended the group classes with both Matt and Paul as well which are a must. This really allowed Champ and myself to gain the confidence and experience needed in an interactive environment with other dogs. Overall, Dog Elite Training Richmond has been fantastic and I could not be more please or recommend enough!
  • Ben Lever
    Oct. 20, 2025
    Matt did a great job training our dog. He is very knowledgeable about dog behavior and personalities. He is very friendly with the dog and vice versa. The dog seemed to like him very much
  • tara boyle
    Oct. 15, 2025
    Matt took the time to listen to my concerns and address them…hopefully Otis the wonder dog will find some zen!
  • Nancy Smith
    Jul. 11, 2025
    From the moment Matt arrived to our home we felt so comfortable with his energy. He is incredibly knowledgeable. His calm and positive approach ensured us we have chosen the right person to move forward with training for our anxious german shepherd. Thank you Megan and 'Matt!
  • Joshua Kidd
    Jul. 11, 2025
    Very knowledgeable! Great first experience! Excited to continue classes
  • Georgia Delamar
    Jul. 10, 2025
    Matt answered all my questions and was very informative!
  • Jeannie Friedrich
    Jul. 10, 2025
    Matt just left after the initial assessment. I am blown away. He had Chloe calm within 20 minutes. Can’t wait to work with him!
  • Kristine Adams
    Jun. 19, 2025
    I believe we are on our third in home and Matt has been amazing!! Our rescue that has gone thru severe abuse has grown to not be afraid in a short period of time and Matt has been amazing with me to answer all my questions each visit and again the most patient. I’m so happy that Elite is whom I have chosen to help us and my sweet rescue. Thank you is not enough
  • Nicole Nikolis
    Jun. 24, 2025
    Matt was awesome. He was punctual, polite and talked us through their approach. He also told us what to expect when he was introduced to our pack. We were able to see right from the beginning how the approach worked with them!
  • Aaron Swart
    Jun. 23, 2025
    Great experience with Matt today- knowledgeable, calm, and kind. Jocko can’t wait to be a therapy dog!
A dachshund in their home - contact Dog Training Elite today for in-home anxiety and aggressive dog training in Richmond, VA.

Our Personalized Aggressive Dog Behavior Training

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At Dog Training Elite, we understand that every dog is unique, and we have developed a comprehensive training program specifically to eliminate aggressive behaviors across various breeds.

  1. Initial In-Home Assessment: We begin with a free in-home assessment where we meet your dog to understand the underlying causes of their aggression, anxiety, or fears. During this session, we identify triggers and gather the necessary information to develop a personalized training plan.
  2. Personalized Training Plan Development: Based on the assessment, we create a customized training program tailored to your dog’s specific needs. This plan targets the unique behaviors and triggers that contribute to their aggression.
  3. Building Confidence and Establishing Leadership: Our trainers work closely with you to establish your role as the pack leader in your home. For fearful and anxious dogs, we focus on building confidence and reducing the fears that trigger aggressive behavior.
  4. Desensitization and Obedience Training: For overly aggressive dogs, we use desensitization techniques to reduce reactivity to triggers and anxieties. Obedience training are key components of this stage.
  5. Group Class Integration: Once your dog reaches a safe baseline of obedience, we gradually introduce them to group class settings. These classes are designed to help your dog reintegrate into social environments successfully. For safety, a muzzle is required during these sessions to protect all dogs involved.
  6. Ongoing Support and Reinforcement: We continue to support you and your dog throughout the training process, offering guidance and reinforcement to ensure lasting success. Our goal is to help your dog become a loving, loyal, and well-behaved member of your family.

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An adorable dog outside - Dog Training Elite offers training for all kinds of dog breeds.

Why Choose Dog Training Elite?

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At Dog Training Elite, we approach aggressive dog behavior with the utmost care and attention. Here are some key aspects of our methods that set us apart:

  • Trainers Who Care and Listen: Our trainers are genuinely invested in the well-being of both you and your dog. We take the time to listen, understand your dog’s unique needs, and provide personalized, long-lasting solutions that truly make a difference.
  • Commitment to Excellence: We stand behind our work with a strong commitment to delivering the highest quality training. At Dog Training Elite, we strive for excellence in every session, ensuring your dog receives the best possible care and that you are completely satisfied with the results.
A group of dogs being trained by the expert team at Dog Training Elite Richmond.
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Educate, Empower, Elevate, Elite

Victory Begins With Elite Education

An adorable golden retriever and their owner - get your Richmond aggressive dog training consultation today and take the first step towards a long-lasting relationship.

Take the First Step Today

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Aggression is a complex behavior best handled by professional trainers like Dog Training Elite. We love dogs and believe that punishment should never be used in our training programs. We rely on proven, balanced training methods to achieve consistent and long-lasting results.

For elite aggressive dog training, contact our team and schedule your free consultation today.