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Training is key to creating a safe, loving environment for your canine companion. Dogs are great learners and always eager to please their owners. With the right techniques, a little patience, and consistency from the whole family, Fido can learn just about anything.
Besides teaching your dog respectful behaviors (like no excessive barking and no begging from the table), training keeps your dog:
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Safe
If your dog knows to come on command, or “stay” in place, both of you will be safer when outdoors. Untrained dogs may dart off into the road, or become distracted by their surroundings and get lost. -
Smart
Consistent instruction is mentally stimulating and improves your dog’s cognitive health. Learning also prevents boredom and the destructive habits that result from it.
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Happy
Dogs thrive on positive, loving relationships with their human family members. A dog that doesn’t know proper behavior is unlikely to have a positive relationship with the people around him. By teaching your dog what behaviors are acceptable, you establish a comfortable and loving environment.
Effective training is key to a positive dog-owner relationship. Learning how to communicate with your canine companion is difficult without assistance, however. If you’ve been struggling with your dog’s behavior, it may be time to find a professional dog trainer near you.
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite of Southwest Florida location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
Silver
$1,495
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 3 Sessions
- Come
- Heel (walk with you, loose leash no pulling)
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Place(go to bed)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Off(furniture when desired)
Gold
$2,295
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 5 Sessions
- Group Park Training Sessions 12 Sessions
- Come
- Heel (walk with you, loose leash no pulling)
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Place(go to bed)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Off(furniture when desired)
- Down(lay next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Load Up (go into kennel, car, or dog house)
- Manners, Safety & Boundaries
- Calm Anxiety & Build Confidence
- Housebreaking / Potty Training
- STOP Jumping on People
- STOP Mouthing & Nipping
- STOP Chewing & Digging
- STOP Begging & Stealing Food
- STOP Bolting Through Doors & Running Away
- STOP Chasing Animals, Cars & Bikes
- STOP Reactivity (dog & human)
Platinum
$3,495
OUR MOST POPULAR PACKAGE!
LIFETIME SUPPORT
Our platinum package offers you training sessions throughout your dog's lifetime! Follow-up sessions to be scheduled once per month as needed, after initial program is completed.
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 8 Sessions + Unlimited
*see above description - Group Park Training Sessions Unlimited Sessions
- Lifetime support via text/email and in-person support sessions *scheduled at trainer's discretion (no more than once per month, after completing initial program
- Come
- Heel (walk with you, loose leash no pulling)
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Place(go to bed)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Off(furniture when desired)
- Down(lay next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Load Up (go into kennel, car, or dog house)
- Manners, Safety & Boundaries
- Calm Anxiety & Build Confidence
- Housebreaking / Potty Training
- STOP Jumping on People
- STOP Mouthing & Nipping
- STOP Chewing & Digging
- STOP Begging & Stealing Food
- STOP Bolting Through Doors & Running Away
- STOP Chasing Animals, Cars & Bikes
- STOP Reactivity (dog & human)
- *Stay With You on a Jog or Bike Ride (off-leash)
- *Emotional Support Dog Training(ESA)
- *Control Aggression(dog & human)
- *Calm Extreme Anxiety(behavioral modification)
Finding Professionals In An Unregulated Industry
There is no regulating body or licensing process for professional dog trainers. Anyone can advertise themselves as a trainer, whether they have the necessary skills and knowledge or not.
Navigating through this unregulated industry can be tricky. As a dog owner, you want a qualified trainer that will:
- Respect you, your dog, and your family.
- Stick to your schedule.
- Use positive training methods.
- Never harm your dog.
- Address your dog's unique needs and behaviors.
- Teach you how to better communicate with your dog.
- Provide ongoing support and check-in after training sessions.
- Train in various settings, environments and stages.
- Empower you to build a healthy, loving bond with your dog.
It takes years of experience and education for trainers to be able to offer all of the above. So how do you find a professional that fits your and your dog’s needs?
Se habla español!
"Pawsitive" Indicators of a Good Dog Trainer
Some things to look for when searching for a Sarasota / Venice dog trainer include:
Training Technique
There are various training methods out there, but the most effective is positive reinforcement. According to the American Kennel Service, positive reinforcement techniques “are based on the science of animal learning and have the bonus of strengthening the dog-owner bond.”
- “Alpha Dog” or dominance-based training techniques. Dominance theory is based on incorrect assumptions of dog and wolf behavior. Dog behaviorists have proven that positive techniques are the only healthy way to communicate with dogs. Dominant, punishment-based training causes anxiety, fear and aggression.
- Trainers that use choke-chains, shock collars, sprays, and other punishment tactics.
Stay Away From:
Personality
You want to enjoy the time spent with your trainer, so find someone with a happy, exciting personality. You’re looking for a professional, of course, but we are all dog lovers here, so light-hearted attitudes are important. Your dog must connect well with a trainer for efficient learning, so pay attention to how your dog reacts to your chosen trainer.
- Trainers that make you feel bad about your relationship with your dog or your dog’s behavior.
- Rude, dismissive attitudes, and trainers that are too uptight.
- Trainers that use harsh words and aggressive tactics.
Stay Away From:
Empowerment
A dog trainer is truly a teacher at heart, and their goal is to teach you how to better communicate with your dog. You need a coach who helps you connect better with your pet, empowering you to build a strong bond. When the trainer is gone, you’ll be the one giving the commands, so make sure you find someone that is understanding, patient, and committed.
- A trainer that does not want to involve you and your family members in the process.
- Programs that only offer board and train -- effective training involves various settings, including classes and inside the home.
- Trainers that cannot explain how dogs learn and cannot teach you how to communicate with your dog.
Stay Away From:
Credentials
Dog trainers do not need a license, but there are various education programs available. Look for a trainer that can prove their credentials with experience, education, and certifications. If you have a specific need, such as personal protection or service training, be sure to find a trainer that is experienced in that area.
At Dog Training Elite, our dog trainers are educated and experienced with training dogs of all breeds, sizes and ages. All locations are registered with the Professional Retriever Trainers Association, the International Association of Canine Professionals, and the American Kennel Club.
Trainers that cannot prove their education, experience, or background.
Stay Away From:
Customization
All dogs have unique personalities and life experiences that shape their behaviors. A well-qualified trainer offers customizable programs tailored to the unique needs of each client and dog. In-home training approaches are preferred, so the trainer can observe your dog in his home environment (where he feels most comfortable acting naughty!).
You should also look for a trainer that covers both basic obedience and advanced programs.
- Trainers that can’t teach more than basic obedience commands.
- A trainer that diagnoses medical issues as reasoning for problem behaviors. Trainers are not licensed veterinarians and should never diagnose a dog. If a medical issue is suspected, a qualified trainer will recommend you speak to a vet.
Stay Away From:
Good References
References and consumer reviews are key to finding a reliable trainer. Ask around at the dog park for good references, and research each trainer or company. Read through customer reviews and take a look at how professional their website appears.
- Trainers that have no website or online references, or trainers that have poor reviews.
- Trainers with reviews that mention aggressive tactics, fear-based techniques, and punishment-based theory.
Stay Away From:
Se habla español!
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.
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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).
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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 20 min/day follow-up practice.
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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.
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!
Anthony at Dog Training Elite helped me get my reactive dog under control. Within just a couple sessions, we saw noticeable differences with our dog, and by the end of our at home lessons, our dog is able to be out in public and completely under control. They are communicative and responsive for scheduling and questions. We highly recommend their team for general training but specifically for reactivity/aggression. If you would have told me a year ago I would be able to walk my dog in the farmer's market, I would not have believed you, but here we are! :)— Molly Lanners
Posted April 29th 2024
When we first got our Rottweiler puppy, we began to wonder if we made a mistake. She was biting, chewing on objects, jumping on people, pulling on the leash, and using the bathroom in the house. Then we hired this amazing company to help us properly train our dog. Our Stella is an unbelievable puppy with an amazingly sweet demeanor. She is so well behaved now, we have a completely different dog! She is 7 months old now, and we constantly get compliments about how well behaved she is. This trainer is worth every single dollar. The best investment you’ll ever make. Anthony is an unbelievable trainer. He understands dogs so well, assists with any questions, and is very attentive to making sure you finish training with the best dog possible. I cannot say enough good things about him and this company. 10/10 all day long!— Tyler Vaden
Posted April 25th 2024
Can't say enough about my trainer and all the help with my stubborn French Bulldog puppy! I was taught the tools to help teach her to be a better dog and am so thankful for your services! Thank you and recommend to anyone with a dog need training.— Jennifer Cunningham
Posted April 24th 2024
I have had an awesome experience with the entire DTE team starting with the initial in-home assessment and continuing through the individualized Service Dog training and group classes. Riley and I both adapted to the lessons and teaching style quickly and found that the pace of instruction was tailored to both of us, ensuring that we were challenged, but not overwhelmed with the process. It was amazing to see the transformation in Riley each week as she learned new skills and became more attentive and focused on tasks. I appreciated that the DTE team was approachable and that I was able to ask questions and receive feedback along the way. Group lessons were probably one of the most intimidating aspects of the program, but after the first one they became one of our favorite activities and we met a lot of great dogs and owners during these learning sessions. Knowing what we know now, we would 100% choose DTE again! Highly recommend Dog Training Elite of SW Florida and their entire team.— Allison Conley
Posted April 21st 2024
Absolutely great. I am closer to my dog and she is close to me. We're not all the way through yet. I'm waiting to do the group lessons.— Paulette Scarry
Posted April 21st 2024
10/10 would highly recommend Dog Training Elite of SW Florida. Anthony was our trainer, and he was awesome! Anthony was very helpful, knowledgeable and patient (with us and our Vizsla pup, Ziggie). He taught us the skills to succeed in training Ziggie (and vice-versa!). Much thanks to Anthony!— Maggie
Posted April 17th 2024
We were very happy with the work that Dog Training Elite staff did with our puppy and us! He truly has become an even better and loving version of himself!— Stephen Scogna
Posted April 16th 2024
We have been having a great experience with Elite! Big shout-out to Anthony! Thank you for working so patiently with Max (and us! 😊)— Joanne Weiss
Posted April 12th 2024
Anthony/trainer is Outstanding . Within the first few minutes of the vet first session he was able to train my then naughty Pug named Pearl. Then he trained me to train her. I was very nervous when Pearl graduated to group training. She did so well Alisa owner/trainer called her a “Rock Star”! Denise owner/trainer even spent extra time with Pearl and me on some issues I was having with her being stubborn. Chris/trainer also spent extra time with us on the down command. It is called Dog Training ELITE for a reason. All the trainers were very patient with me. They are the ones who are truly “Rock Stars”!— Ed Shilney
Posted April 9th 2024
The training sessions were great, our trainer went out of his way to help and instruct. The one thing I’d appreciate more of was more one on one time, like twice the number of lesson for the cost we paid, as the strong willed puppy we have often wore out during the lessons, as did my mother and I, and needed more of that intense and intentional focused training with the professional.— Alys West
Posted January 3rd 2024
I loved my experience with DTE! They were always on time and clear communicators and taught me so much about dog training! My dogs, Nash and Kila, are amazing examples of the hard work that DTE puts into their clients! I love my pups so much and I am so glad we chose to work with Dog Training Elite Southwest Fl.— Andie Haslam
Posted April 5th 2024
We have a reactive dog who has done really well with the training. I appreciate Anthony’s patience and knowledge. He made it fun.— Marjorie Shoobe
Posted April 3rd 2024
Couldn't be happier with Dog Training Elite, and Chris. The first session with Chris we had to chase Parker around the yard for 10 minutes to catch him to get the lessons started. Now I can retrieve him from most anywhere (not-so much if other dogs are involved). Can't wait for the group classes. We might have muddied the waters a bit by bringing a new puppy in the house, but so far all is well.— Russell Gnant
Posted March 13th 2024
We were so lucky to find the most amazing trainers for our puppy Sydney. Chris has been fantastic. Sydney has learned so much and so have we. They are amazing. We are so happy to know that we found the best place to learn and get such great support!!!— Barbara sellinger
Posted March 11th 2024
Our dog has been difficult to train (on the leash with distractions)but the different techniques we have been taught have started to work. Dog training Elite won’t give up until the right method works. The group class is extremely important and helpful. There are several trainers that attend and are willing to help if needed.— Janis Schechter
Posted February 22nd 2024
It has been a great team to work with. They are very knowledgeable and our dog is responding to the training. It's been very easy.— Lorin Cartwright
Posted March 5th 2024
I was impressed by this organization from the first phone call with Denise, to the in home assessment with Alissa to our in home training sessions with Anthony. I have 2 siblings, rescued from the streets of Aruba. Maya is very reactive and cannot sit still and Cooper is just the opposite but they are inseparable. Anthony was very patient and working together we figured out how to train them separately without a lot of drama. It had been an amazing journey to see the progress they have made so far We are looking forward to the rest of our journey. Thank you everyone from Patti, Walter, Cooper and Maya— Patti Baptiste
Posted March 4th 2024
This has been the best investment of time and money. Our Teddy is well on his way to being the perfect dog thanks to Chris’s invaluable training tips. I highly recommend Elite Dog Training.— Margaret Lopez
Posted February 9th 2024
Winston is a new man! He is still making progress and has finished his home training.— Judy Romano
Posted February 5th 2024
Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation
At Dog Training Elite of Southwest Florida, 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 of Southwest Florida works with the Malinois Foundation to heal and empower these individuals with a specialized service animal, a partner in life, and a new best friend.
Trust Your Gut
Choosing a trainer is an important part of being a dog owner, and in the end, you want to choose the professional you feel comfortable with. This is someone that you’ll be inviting into your home and spending plenty of time with! A dog trainer with credentials, experience, and a friendly personality that makes your dog’s tail wag is most likely a great choice.
You also want to make sure you get your money’s worth, so choose a trainer that is invested in you and your dog. At Dog Training Elite, we follow up with our clients even after training sessions have ended. Our goal is to help clients build strong relationships with their pets, and that takes consistent effort. Our professional dog trainers are some of the best in the Sarasota / Venice area. We cover training programs such as obedience, personal protection, anxiety, aggression, and service dog.