Dog Training in Sarasota / Venice, FL

🐾 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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.