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Group Dog Training in Sarasota / Venice, FL

Please Note: Group Classes are for Dog Training Elite Southwest Florida Clients Only

Dog Training Elite Southwest Florida offers private dog training classes after obedience training is completed and only once a puppy is fully immunized. Dog obedience classes are held on a consistent basis and are included in most packages. Our dog obedience training classes are designed to place yourself and your dog in public places (surrounded by other dogs, people, smells, and sounds), so that you can train your dog to obey you... regardless of the many distractions screaming for their attention!

Group Class Guidelines

  • Dogs should only attend group class after they've completed obedience training.
  • All dogs must arrive and be on-leash at all times.
  • All dogs must wear their e-collar during class.
  • Be sure to bring plenty of water and waste disposal bags and some treats.
  • All dogs with a history of reactivity or aggression must be muzzled.
  • HAVE FUN!!!

*You must register for Group Class each week.
**We do our best to find locations that are convenient for all clients.
***Group class days/times/locations are subject to change. When changes occur, the registered attendees will be notified in advance.

Mckibben Park Group Class

Select Saturdays @ 9:00 am & 11:00 am

Dog Training Elite offers small group classes after obedience training is completed and only once a dog is fully immunized. Obedience group classes in Sarasota/Venice/Port Charlotte are held on a consistent basis and are included in most packages. Our group classes are designed to place yourself and your dog in public places (surrounded by other dogs, people, smells, and sounds), so that you can train your dog to obey you...regardless of the many distractions screaming for their attention! Classes are a mix of all dog breeds and sizes, and our classes provide necessary socialization skills and practice around high levels of distraction. We like to make our group classes exciting for both dogs and handlers, we have created fun training games and an environment that feels less like a class and more like a social outing. We are building a community, and our dog training groups tend to feel like a family and less like a dog training group. Friends are made, bonds are formed, and both dogs and dog owners look forward to their once-a-week group training sessions.

McKibben Park

5500 Trekell St
North Port, FL, 34287

Directions
*We meet in the large open grass field next to the basketball court.

Payne Park Group Class

Select Saturdays @ 8:30am & 10:30am

Dog Training Elite offers small group classes after obedience training is completed and only once a dog is fully immunized. Obedience group classes in Sarasota/Venice/Port Charlotte are held on a consistent basis and are included in most packages. Our group classes are designed to place yourself and your dog in public places (surrounded by other dogs, people, smells, and sounds), so that you can train your dog to obey you...regardless of the many distractions screaming for their attention! Classes are a mix of all dog breeds and sizes, and our classes provide necessary socialization skills and practice around high levels of distraction. We like to make our group classes exciting for both dogs and handlers, we have created fun training games and an environment that feels less like a class and more like a social outing. We are building a community, and our dog training groups tend to feel like a family and less like a dog training group. Friends are made, bonds are formed, and both dogs and dog owners look forward to their once-a-week group training sessions.

Payne Park

2010 Adams Ln
Sarasota, FL, 34237

Directions
We meet and train in the large grass field adjacent School Avenue.

Adventure Park Group Class

Select Saturdays @ 9:00 am & 11:00 am

Dog Training Elite offers small group classes after obedience training is completed and only once a dog is fully immunized. Obedience group classes in Sarasota/Venice/Port Charlotte are held on a consistent basis and are included in most packages. Our group classes are designed to place yourself and your dog in public places (surrounded by other dogs, people, smells, and sounds), so that you can train your dog to obey you...regardless of the many distractions screaming for their attention! Classes are a mix of all dog breeds and sizes, and our classes provide necessary socialization skills and practice around high levels of distraction. We like to make our group classes exciting for both dogs and handlers, we have created fun training games and an environment that feels less like a class and more like a social outing. We are building a community, and our dog training groups tend to feel like a family and less like a dog training group. Friends are made, bonds are formed, and both dogs and dog owners look forward to their once-a-week group training sessions.

Adventure Park

13326 Adventure Place
Bradenton, FL, 34202

Directions
*We meet in the large open grass field behind the deck hockey rink and next to the basketball court.

Venice Community Center

Select Tuesdays @ 6 pm

Venice Community Center

326 South Nokomis Avenue
Venice, FL, 34285

Directions
*You must enter/exit through the Turin West door and meet in Room F. Do not enter/exit through the main entrance.
*All dogs attending the Venice Community Center group class must be up-to-date with vaccinations (DHPP, Rabies, Bordetella). Vaccination records must be submitted to [email protected].

Laurel Park

Select Saturdays @ 9:00 am & 11:00 am

Laurel Park

509 Collins Road
Nokomis, FL, 34275

Directions
*We meet in the large open grass field next to the pavilion.
Our Group Classes Could Help:
Improve Socialization Skills
Foster a Supportive Community
Strengthen the Dog-Owner Bond
Reinforce Basic Obedience
Prepare for Real-World Distractions
Offer Personal Attention in Private Groups

Please Note: Group Classes are for Dog Training Elite Southwest Florida Clients Only

Expert Group Training Classes

At Dog Training Elite Southwest Florida, our group classes offer an engaging and supportive environment for dogs and their owners. These sessions create an interactive setting where your dog will learn to focus with distractions and develop essential social skills beyond basic obedience training. You can expect a mix of practical training exercises, guidance from experienced trainers, and a strong sense of community with fellow dog owners after signing up for a class.

Our group classes are a perfect blend of structure and socialization, making them an enjoyable experience where dogs can thrive and build lasting skills. Whether you're looking to refine your dog's behavior or simply enjoy a shared learning experience, our group dog training classes in Sarasota / Venice, FL provide the perfect opportunity.

Please note: Classes are open to all dog breeds and sizes, but all dogs are required to be immunized.

See Training Packages
A calm, obedient dog outside on a leash at a Dog Training Elite's group dog training in Sarasota / Venice, FL.

Are Dog Training Group Classes Necessary?

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Dog Training Elite knows dog training is truly a lifelong pursuit. As your puppy or dog masters the basics, you can move onto more complicated tricks and training. Maybe you’ve progressed from “sit” to seeing how long they can hold it, or you’re working on taking your pet through an obstacle course.

It can be hard to come up with new ideas to train your dog, and after months of having structured training one-on-one with your pet it can be especially difficult to know what to do next. What will benefit both you and your dog the most?

We offer dog training classes near you for puppies and older dogs that may be the answer you’re looking for. While group training classes aren’t always necessary, they can be extremely beneficial to both your dog and you.

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!

Call 941-926-6751 Free Assessment

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Jacqueline Liszak
    Oct. 25, 2025
    Kelsie is amazing! We are learning so much from her! Very happy with Maddies progress. Kelsie is patient, focused and has great communication skills.
  • Frank Cioffi
    Oct. 29, 2025
    Kelsie is great! Very patient, caring and down to earth. She makes it all make sense for Rusty and myself.Couldnt ask for a better trainer.
  • Michael Hook
    Mar. 14, 2025
    Working out well😎
  • Gary Byers
    Oct. 23, 2025
    Justin is great! He goes above and beyond with us working with our dog Hoss. He has become more like a good friend since we’ve met him. Five stars for this young man!!
  • Debbie Ellen
    Sep. 17, 2025
    I cannot say enough awesome things about Anthony. He has helped me and my rescue dog Beau tremendously over the last few months. Beau has formed a great bond with Anthony and is very comfortable with him. It was great to have a male trainer because Beau was not comfortable around most men. The picture attached to this post is just a visual of just how comfortable my dog was with Anthony. He would not sit next to me after our session LOL Recently my mother passed away, and as a result I was slacking on my homework assignments. Anthony has been very patient, positive and encouraging with me throughout the process. He is thorough and really has a gift at dog training. I have to say that I have a whole new dog now. He is confident and well-mannered thanks to anthony. I would highly recommend him!
  • Paul Schur
    Sep. 6, 2025
    Anthony is very patient with us humans!
  • Paul Schur
    Aug. 19, 2025
    Anthony is fantastic...if you have any behavior you would like to modify....in my case its "Off" when he gets over rambunctious and place, when I want him to leave the grandkids alone...its well worth it. If you want an obedient and happy dog...the training is great!
  • Albert Doreste
    Aug. 18, 2025
    Jessica was our trainer for Leila, our female Cavapoo. She's truly a dog whisperer. She got Leila to do things we thought were not possible... and in no time!!! We highly recommend her.
  • Ruben Gonzalez
    Jan. 31, 2025
    I've had the pleasure of having Anthony, at the group training several times. Anthony is a professional trainer and I'm very pleased with the training he's given me and my dog sailor. I just had Anthony and the rest of the super trainers at a CGC testing, even though my dog sailor did not pass, it was his first time taking the test at just nine months old. he did get alot of hands-On training. Next CG cgc testing which I'm pretty sure he'll pass. Thank you, Anthony
  • Frank Alessio
    Aug. 13, 2025
    -I absolutely recommended Dog Training Elite.- Short story but here is my situation I had. I adopted my own Belgian Malinois to train. My personal mistake was not doing enough research on the breed beforehand. I then went with a previous trainer who didn't work out so well. Lacked structure and inconsistent results. Life gets pretty busy for me as I have 4 kids and only so much time to train and I couldn't figure out how to move forward. After I hit a point of defeat and self loathing for adopting my dog as I didn't feel I could provide her what she deserved, I contacted DTE once I saw their outstanding reviews. I thought the reviews might not even be real because there were just too many good ones! We'll.... "I'll tell you hwat" There is a reason the reviews are so good. I contacted DTE and told them my story. I'm a disabled veteran struggling to keep up with an amazing dog that's very much intelligent but I lacked proper guidance and structure to really get her to improve on behavior and reliability. Denise and Alisa told me they would work with me and They gave me a foundation of knowledge to build upon. At first I had a dog that couldn't listen to anything except "sit". Now she goes potty on command, does various other tasks, has outstanding behavior in public... she went from not knowing hardly anything to becoming a FULL SERVICE DOG. yes. That is correct. I'm typing this today after her testing successfully and becoming a service dog! I'm very happy with the results and forever grateful for their time and patience. Everyone that worked with me was down to Earth and very polite. Lastly I want to extend my gratitude to Anthony. He was the trainer that continued training with me and my dog to further her talents and obedience. He is an amazing man that has limitless patience and vast knowledge in his field. I would HIGHLY recommend him to anyone who needs their dog to perform tasks and become a service dog. Just remember going into this, as a handler, you must be willing to put in the work. I cannot stress that enough. My dog is so intelligent but nothing would have improved as fast as it did without training her at home with the knowledge and tips given to me after each session. Goodluck to anyone reading this and I wish you the best luck on your journey whether it's improving on your dog's obedience or training your dog to perform tasks and reliability assist you everywhere you go.
  • Kimberly DeYoung
    Aug. 13, 2025
    Anthony is a knowledgeable trainer! He communicates clearly what is needed with me and my dog. He listens to my concerns and gives support and direction. He advocates for a healthy relationship between me and my dog. Very happy to have him as our trainer!
  • Yovary Ortiz
    Jul. 10, 2025
    We are only on our first lesson with our lab puppy, but everything has been great so far. Denise came out first to do the initial assessment and meet our boy. She was informative and her dog, Ella, is a dream! Anthony came out for our first training session. He was thorough and modeled great training while also walking us through each step of the training as well.
  • Kerrie Carrier
    Jul. 2, 2025
    Our phone consult with Denise was great! She was very thorough, informative, professional, and answered all of my questions. We can’t wait to get started with our puppy!
  • Rick Kinsworthy
    Jun. 30, 2025
    Very impressed with Mr Rinehart knowledge, as I see I'm in need of more training than the dog , he walked right in and the dog did everything he asked him to do . Thank you Anthony looking forward to you mentoring me into a good dog handler.
  • Harry Becker
    Jun. 9, 2025
    Anthony is always patient and a good trainer.
  • Sherri Haughton
    Jun. 20, 2025
    Anthony is wonderful with Rebel, he gets so excited to see him
  • Dennis Small
    Jun. 19, 2025
    Anthony was awesome! He took the time to explain the program in a very understandable way. I couldn't be happier about the experience. I'm looking forward to our next session. Hopefully I'll will learn as fast as my dog. She responded well to what she had to do. I need to remember the correct commands, not the ones I've always used with all my other dogs . I'm extremely confident that my dog Mia will excel with her training. Thank you Anthony.
  • Jennifer Peck
    Jun. 19, 2025
    Anthony has been to my house a few times and he has been wonderful to work with! He thoroughly understands my dogs behavior and explains clearly what is going through his head! This has helped so much in my relationship to my boy Ranger. Anthony is very patient in helping us both to understand all the commands, and how to master them!
  • Joann Alexander
    Jun. 18, 2025
    Anthony was amazing , he was patient with my family and the dogs loved him. I would highly recommend him to work with your dog. Thank you Anthony.
  • Heidi Easton
    Jun. 18, 2025
    Anthony is awesome at training my dog Ollie as well as myself. Learning a lot about dog behaviors and how to handle the good and the not so good in my dog. BTW, Ollie is loving his training sessions as well. We are over the top happy with Anthony and of we course highly recommend him.
Reviews & Testimonials
A group of dogs and their owners building community at a Dog Training Elite Southwest Florida group training class.

Building Social Skills and Community

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Classes are a mix of all dog breeds and sizes, and our classes provide necessary socialization skills and practice around high levels of distraction. We like to make our group classes exciting for both dogs and handlers, and we have created fun training games and an environment that feels less like a class and more like a social outing.

We are building a community and our dog training groups tend to feel like a family and less like a dog training group. Friends are made, bonds are formed, and both dogs and dog Owners look forward to their once a week group training sessions.

Three dogs sitting on a bench who are ready for group training with the experts at Dog Training Elite Southwest Florida.

Signs Your Dog is Ready for Training

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Every dog can benefit from training, and it can sometimes be a lifelong pursuit. If you’re wondering if training is right for you, here are some signs your dog is ready for training:

  • Your Dog is Destructive: Whether it’s chewing on furniture or shoes, going to the bathroom in your house, or anything else your dog is not supposed to do -- it’s time to get them trained out of these sorts of behaviors. Even older dogs who were previously well-behaved may develop bad habits later in life and need a training refresher.
  • Your Dog is Aggressive: Aggression can manifest itself in multiple ways; perhaps your dog growls or snaps at you when you get close to his or her food, or toys. Even more concerning is when your dog is aggressive towards other dogs or humans. Yes, sometimes dogs play in a way that seems aggressive, but if your dog is lunging at or snapping at people or other dogs while you’re on walks, it’s time to get a trainer’s help.
  • Your Dog Misbehaves on Their Leash: Walking nicely on a leash does not come naturally to most dogs but it is something that can be learned. Again, even older dogs who previously walked well on a leash may start to act out.
  • Your Dog is Anxious or Fearful: If your dog is dealing with severe separation anxiety, or is fearful in new environments, a trainer can help. For separation anxiety a trainer will work with you and your dog on a routine to reassure your dog. General training, especially in group classes, can help dogs build confidence.
  • Your Dog Ignores You at the Park: Or on walks, or whenever you’re outside. If your dog is obedient when they’re in your home, but loses their mind outside, he or she would benefit from more training. Group classes can be especially helpful because they put your dog in a safe environment with the kinds of distractions you experience outside. Training your dog in situations where there are other distractions helps them learn to obey even when there are other stimulating sights and sounds.

Additional Training Programs

Dog Training Elite Southwest Florida - Dog Obedience Training in Sarasota / Venice, FL. DTE

Obedience Training

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Dog Training Elite Southwest Florida - Puppy Training in Sarasota / Venice, FL. Dog Training Elite

Puppy Training

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Dog Training Elite Southwest Florida - Service Dog Training in Sarasota / Venice, FL. Dog Training Elite

Service Dog Training

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Dog Training Elite Southwest Florida - Anxiety & Aggressive Dog Training in Sarasota / Venice, FL

Anxiety & Aggression

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Dog Training Elite Southwest Florida - Therapy Dog Training in Sarasota / Venice, FL

Therapy Dog Training

Learn More
A happy, well-trained dog and their owner at an outdoor obedience class from Dog Training Elite Southwest Florida.

Group Dog Training in Sarasota / Venice, FL

The DTE Difference

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Regardless of whether it’s an in-home training session or a group class, the Dog Training Elite training method is the same. We focus on “Classical Conditioning” or the “Pavlovian” method. Research has shown this approach as more effective with longer lasting results than other training methods.

We do not use harsh punishments or shock collars and instead pair balanced training with an electronic collar for superior results. An electronic collar is not a shock collar and does not harm the dog. It is a gentle electronic pulse, similar to the tug of a leash, used to get the dog’s attention. It is never used as a punishment for bad behavior.

Other dog trainers use harsh static collars or spray collars which have been shown to be less effective. The difference becomes clear when comparing a dog that is trained out of anxiety and intimidation vs. a dog who truly desires to please from the inside out. Our method nurtures a dog’s loving and naturally obedient nature.

Don’t wait! Join a Dog Training Elite Southwest Florida group dog training class today.

A group of dogs being trained by the expert team at Dog Training Elite Southwest Florida.
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Victory Begins With Elite Education

Call 941-926-6751 Free Assessment Package Details

Benefits of Group Classes

Just like humans, dogs all have their own personalities. Some may receive and respond to all the training they need from private, one-on-one instruction, while others may find great benefit from attending a group class. Group classes can be a great asset to both dogs and their owners, since it provides them with many different situations and experiences they may not otherwise have.

Here are some other benefits of attending group dog training classes:

Group dog training classes have a number of benefits, particularly with socialization. Taking a puppy to group classes once they’re immunized will help them grow into a well-socialized dog comfortable with other dogs and humans. Older dogs who weren’t well socialized as puppies can learn to socialize in a small, safe environment. Trainers will recognize signs of possible conflict between dogs and help owners learn how to diffuse situations and take care of their pets, and dogs will learn how to interact appropriately with each other.

Dog training classes can also be beneficial for owners! If you bring your dog to a group class, you’ll meet other dog owners and become part of a community. Dog Training Elite likes to make group classes exciting for both dogs and their owners, so expect to learn fun training games and enjoy an environment that feels less like a class and more like a social outing. Classes meet once a week, and both you and your dog will look forward to going every week.

Besides the socialization benefits, group classes are a great tool for dogs to learn to work around distractions. If your dog is perfectly obedient at home, but loses his or her mind at the dog park and forgets all they’ve learned, group classes are the way to go. Group classes are a safe way to help your dog learn to listen to you, even when they’re surrounded by exciting sights, smells and sounds.

In a dog training class, you are in control of the training. While your pooch may occasionally be used as the ‘demo’ dog, there will be very few instances where your dog only has to listen to the trainer. With a class, you are the trainer, and the instructor is just acting as a guide. With all of Dog Training Elite’s training options - in-home or through a class - you will always be the No. 1 trainer, not just sitting on the sidelines as someone else takes charge.

Each dog is unique, and the small classes at Dog Training Elite Southwest Florida will allow you and your dog to still receive personalized attention and training. You will also have the opportunity to learn from other dogs and their owners. Imagine the trainer advises another owner how to help their dog learn to play independently. Later, you might remember the advice and apply it to your own dog, away from the class.