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Many dog owners express frustration when their dog returns from obedience school and has not learned one command successfully. While obedience school trainers teach your dog simple commands, effective training is best done at home with the owner. Each dog is unique, with its own temperament and behavioral issues. Full-scope training is not possible to achieve without an in-home dog training program.
During in-home sessions, trainers get to know the dog and its environment. There are often particular issues- chasing the mailman or barking at the neighbor’s cat - that are not observed in an out-of-home setting. Bringing a professional dog trainer into your home creates a personalized training experience, that addresses your dog’s particular issues.
In-home dog training is more successful than group classes because it minimizes distractions. Basic obedience and behavioral issues must first be addressed with one-on-one private training, and then these lessons can be tested in a more distracting environment. Dog Training Elite Richmond takes a comprehensive approach, pairing in-home training with group lessons to ensure your dog fully retains every command and can respond appropriately regardless of the environment.
In-home dog trainers can address a variety of issues, such as:
- Housebreaking
- Leash pulling
- Aggression
- Anxiety
- Ignoring commands
- Excessive barking
- Jumping on people
- Destructive behaviors
Positive Training Methods
At Dog Training Elite Richmond, we understand that you want the best for your dog, and our goal is to ensure all training experiences are positive for you and your furry friend! Our team of trainers has learned that positive reinforcement and classical conditioning are the most effective training methods. We never use punishment - we love dogs and we want them to learn in a positive, safe environment! By rewarding dogs for good behavior rather than punishing negative behaviors, our trainers effectively teach your canine companion how to behave.
In Home Dog Training Goals
While our professional dog trainers will be taking the lead, you, and any other family members who interact with your dog will be a part of the training process as well. In-home dog training empowers you and helps you build a positive relationship with your dog.
Benefits of Positive In-Home Training Techniques
Develop a Strong Bond
Dogs enjoy training sessions if they take place with the person they love. Listening, learning, and acting on commands is a way for your dog to show you that he cares! The praise you bestow your pup (and the tasty treat you give) makes him happy, and this experience of learning is a great bonding activity.
Sending your dog off to obedience school removes you from the training process and prevents this special bonding from occurring. When you choose Dog Training Elite Richmond, we ensure you are part of the training process. All in-home training programs involve you and any other family members that care for your dog. Our trainers’ goal is to teach you how to train your dog.
Quickly Teach Obedience
Obedience commands are essential to any full-scope dog training program. These commands ensure the safety of your dog and prevent any undesired problems. Obedience is the core of successful training, and your dog must learn these commands before he can progress.
Our in-home training program focuses on ingrained obedience and our trainers ensure your dog learns essential commands, such as sit, place, come, stay, lay, off, drop it, and more. Once these key lessons are taught, our trainers will work with you and your pup on more advanced topics.
Correct Problem Behaviors
Does your dog jump up as a greeting, or charge the door anytime visitors announce their arrival with the doorbell? Or perhaps he begs from the table with wide, puppy eyes? These problem behaviors are easily corrected with the right training techniques.
Group classes or “puppy essentials” training programs cannot address most problem behaviors, as these issues are more likely to occur at home where your dog is most comfortable and confident. Bringing a trusted trainer into your home is the best way to address these behaviors!
In-Home Dog Trainers in Richmond
Searching for a professional dog trainer is stressful. Thankfully, Dog Training Elite Richmond has various locations and experienced professional dog trainers ready to assist you and your pet. Besides basic obedience issues, our trainers are experienced in service dog training, therapy dog training, and any other specialized training your pup may need. If you are looking for in-home dog trainers in Richmond, then look no further than Dog Training Elite.
We never use shock collars or punishments; our training method focuses on positive reinforcement, which has proven successful. We combine this positive reinforcement with an electronic vibration collar for optimal results. The vibration collar is not a shock collar nor does it cause pain - it is used to get your dog’s attention, like the tug of a leash. Our techniques have proven successful over the years, and we are proud to be a trusted provider of dog training services in the Richmond area.




Our Balanced Theory
We base our training around the "Classical Conditioning" model (a.k.a. "Pavlovian" or "respondent conditioning"). This includes developing conditioned or automatic reflexes to commands. In its simplest form (after proper conditioning), when the owner says "sit," the dog automatically sits without thinking about it. Our unique techniques ensure our program is a success no matter what behavior we encounter.
Empowering Owners
We empower owners to train so their dog knows who to obey at all times.
Personalized
We deal with problem behaviors on a personal basis.
Environment Specific
We train wherever issues tend to arise (i.e. jogging, park, home).
Supportive
We support owners in the off-hours (when training is "not in session").
Involved
We work with all members of the household.
Simplified & Customized
We plan training around the owner's schedule and require only 15 min/day follow-up practice.
Continued Training
Additional programs / group sessions offered after in-home training.
Lifetime Investment
We follow up & are invested in the owner's success long-term.
Satisfaction Ratings
Our high client satisfaction rating sets us apart from competitors.
clas·si·cal con·di·tion·ing PSYCHOLOGY noun A learning process that occurs when two stimuli are repeatedly paired; a response that is at first elicited by the second stimulus and is eventually elicited by the first stimulus alone.
Why Choose a Professional?
DIY training often fails because most dog owners do not know how to communicate with their canine companions. A professional trainer teaches you how to communicate with your dog, making training easier and results long-lasting.
Dog Training Elite Richmond’s in-home training program is highly personalized as opposed to most other programs available to dog owners. Together, owners and canines create stronger bonds along with sustained obedience. Contact us today for a free in-home evaluation!
In-Home Dog Training FAQs
For full package details (with disclaimers) please reference our pricing page.
Silver
$1,149
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 3 Sessions
- Group Park Training Sessions 8 Sessions
- Come
- Loose Leash Walking
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Off(furniture when desired)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Place(go to bed)
Gold
$1,749
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 6 Sessions
- Group Park Training Sessions 26 Sessions
- Come
- Loose Leash Walking
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Off(furniture when desired)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Place(go to bed)
- Heel(walk with you, no more pulling)
- Down(lay next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Load Up (go into kennel, car, or dog house)
- Calm Anxiety & Build Confidence
- Housebreaking / Potty Training
- Manners, Safety & Boundaries
- STOP Jumping on People
- STOP Biting & Nipping
- STOP Bolting Through Doors, Running Away & Chasing Animals
- STOP Begging & Stealing Food
- STOP Chewing & Digging
Platinum
$2,399
Platinum offers advanced obedience/behavioral modification with a goal of off-leash control. Includes additional training options and offers more one-on-one and group sessions than Gold.
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 9 Sessions
- Group Park Training Sessions 52 Sessions
- Come
- Loose Leash Walking
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Off(furniture when desired)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Place(go to bed)
- Heel(walk with you, no more pulling)
- Down(lay next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Load Up (go into kennel, car, or dog house)
- Calm Anxiety & Build Confidence
- Housebreaking / Potty Training
- Manners, Safety & Boundaries
- STOP Jumping on People
- STOP Biting & Nipping
- STOP Bolting Through Doors, Running Away & Chasing Animals
- STOP Begging & Stealing Food
- STOP Chewing & Digging
- *STOP Aggression(dog & human)
- *Stay With You on a Job, Hike, or Bike Ride
- *Therapy Dog Training
- *Emotional Support Dog Training(ESA)
- *Other Custom Command Approved by Trainer
For full package details (with disclaimers) please reference our pricing page.
We help your dog become a valued companion and beloved member of the family. Read what our customers have to say and then give us a call!
Our two-year old schipperke was half-trained, but would frequently test the limits or be defiant and stubborn at times. We have him in public frequently and worried for his safety if he ever got away from us. After his in-home sessions with Paul, he now listens all the time and with time and practice is becoming the well-trained companion we knew he could be.— Stuart Flinn
Posted January 31st 2023
This is truly the last dog trainer you'll ever need. The in home, the site visits and the group classes -- they're fantastic. The best part? They teach YOU how to teach YOUR dog ANYTHING. Once you know the foundation, your dog can learn anything. Why does this work? The correction and praise are so clear that your dog learns quickly-- and without the need for treats. That means that your dog listens when it counts, not just when you have a goodie bag. I recommend them to everyone I can!— Katie Zacherle
Posted December 10th 2022
We are so happy with this group! They were very professional and tailored their training to our dog's personality and needs. Our dog has learned so much and most importantly, how to relax! She is a happier dog because of it. Thank you.— Mareena Clotfelter
Posted December 6th 2022
Fantastic program! Very systematic, sensible and clear. My dog and I found it easy to commit to the 15-20 minutes of practice a day and the results are life changing! THANKS Paul!— Carol Straus
Posted November 29th 2022
Paul is absolutely wonderful! Empowering me as the owner to be an important part of the process. My family and I are very happy with the results! Thank you Paul And DTE!— joesph williams
Posted November 17th 2022
I'm so grateful for Paul and DTE. The progress my dog has done in these last couple of months has been amazing. I'm looking forward to my dog's service dog training after completing her obedience training. She's been great to me so far and has helped me through tough times, but I know Paul with DTE can make sure she's doing the best she can and help me better than she is now.— Natalia Segarra
Posted November 9th 2022
I definitely recommend Dog Training Elite! Paul is very friendly, patient and informative. He sets you and your pup up for success with hands-on instruction as well as giving you a better understanding of how dogs think. I'm looking forward to seeing my pup's progress continue!— Christina Marie
Posted October 25th 2022
Paul has been great with my German Shepherd! He doesn't pull on a leash and is well behaved in public.— Becky Carmean
Posted October 6th 2022
Paul with DTE was absolutely wonderful to work with! We all feel lucky to have found him and incredibly pleased with our investment in our fur babies. You most certainly CAN teach an old dog new tricks! Patience and consistency are virtues you will need through this endeavor, but the satisfaction and pride you'll feel both for your own perseverance, as well as your pups, is so worth all of the time and hard work!! We're looking forward to group sessions and are excited to see what new adventures we'll enjoy as a family. Buster, Mae, and Goose fell "in love" and "in line" when Paul entered our home and we'll be forever grateful for his knowledge and expertise. Many people are quick to judge when discussing e-collars but we truly feel that if they took the time to go through even one training session with Paul, their perception WILL be shifted, especially after witnessing the power of redirection and repetition first hand. Dogs love structure and they love pleasing their humans, so if you're in need of some excellent training with the option to gain a lifetime friend, give Paul with DTE a call! ~M&M— Megan O'Leary
Posted July 9th 2022
We were at the end of our rope with our dog and were extremely frustrated with his misbehavior. Dog Training Elite changed our life and our relationship with our dog. Thank you for helping us save our dog!!!— Christie Pitsinger
Posted June 24th 2022
I highly recommend Dog Training Elite! From their training methods to the care and respect they show towards the dogs and owners, you can’t go wrong!— Cassie Frank
Posted June 16th 2022
I had just about lost hope for my overly excited but super loving pup. We had tried other training methods to no avail, but meeting Paul Hearn was a game changer! In just six weeks she went from excessive barking, bolting out doors, jumping, etc to super chill and well behaved. We appreciate you so much, Paul!— Jen Ferguson
Posted June 13th 2022
We got Paul to help us with our two year old lab so she would come and stay when we needed. He helped teach her a new command every visit so she could understand and we could understand what to do so she would be better behaved.— Jon Dossie
Posted June 12th 2022
Paul will undoubtedly take amazing care of your dog. Don’t hesitate to call him if you are in need. He’s a great guy and a great trainer!— Nadia Summo
Posted June 3rd 2022
I 100% recommend Dog training elite Richmond Paul has done wonders with my once rowdy German shepherd tremendous results in just a little bit of time! I really look forward to continue to use them for dog training! If you are looking for a dog trainer look no further!💗— Shelby Taylor
Posted May 25th 2022
I 100% recommend Dog training elite Richmond Paul has done wonders with my once rowdy German shepherd tremendous results in just a little bit of time! I really look forward to continue to use them for dog training! If you are looking for a dog trainer look no further!💗—
Posted May 25th 2022
Paul is a great guy! He is professional, punctual and committed to delivering results. Paul is very family forward with excellent customer service skills. He is passionate about giving back to the community and driving quality results. Highly recommend if you are looking to improve your relationship with your furry friend!— Kyle Christie
Posted May 12th 2022
Paul and Elite training has been a great help with my two year old westie. Being able to work in my own home on a one to one basis is a real plus. His explanations are easily understood by the dog and owner!— Robert Fischer
Posted May 10th 2022
Good training starts with understanding how dogs think and how to integrate their needs into a schedule. Consistency is key. We appreciated having help in our own home to make sure we got off on the right foot with our puppy. Service was professional and friendly!— Fronkie L'Heureux
Posted May 9th 2022
Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation
At Dog Training Elite Richmond, we believe that Service Dogs save lives. It is our mission to make these life-saving companions available to our Veterans, First Responders, Women Survivors, and Children with Medical Needs. Whether it be for PTSD, Mobility Support, or Special Needs, Dog Training Elite Richmond work's with the Malinois Foundation to heal and empower these individuals with a specialized service animal, a partner in life, and a new best friend.
Proud local partner with Chesterfield Gives Back Charity
Chesterfield Gives Back was established to provide a means for our community to give thanks to those who serve us, our First Responders. Dog Training Elite Richmond partners with Chesterfield Gives Back to accomplished this by taking charitable donations and funding events, such as the First Responder Appreciation Day, that are free to First Responders and their families. In addition, we facilitate many other means of recognition and thanks for those who serve our community and those in need."





