DTE is now partnering with Scratchpay to provide simple, friendly payment plans for your dog's education!
Learn More!
Two dog owners and a group of pups in our dog socialization classes in South Bend / Elkhart, IN - contact Dog Training Elite to schedule your free consultation today!
Dog Training Elite

Dog Socialization Classes in South Bend / Elkhart, IN

Request Free Assessment

Request Free Assessment

Our Socialization Dog Training Could Help:
Reduce anxiety
Improve dog and other animal interactions
Build confidence with people
Reduce fear-based aggression
Encourage calm behavior in public
Teach proper responses to distractions
Strengthen bond with owner
Foster positive play

Dog Training Elite

South Bend / Elkhart Dog Socialization Classes

Socialization is crucial for a dog’s development, significantly impacting their anxiety levels, aggressive tendencies, and overall well-being. At Dog Training Elite, we recognize this importance and offer socialization training to help your pup feel comfortable around different people, animals, and unfamiliar places.

We introduce socialization in a controlled and structured way. Once you and our trainers are confident in your dog’s obedience training, we gradually introduce them to our dog socialization classes in South Bend / Elkhart, IN and public settings. By prioritizing obedience first, we ensure your dog has a strong foundation of self-control and responsiveness, making the process smoother and more successful.

At Dog Training Elite, we are committed to minimizing stress for both you and your dog. We use proven techniques and involve you from the very beginning. Whether you’re out for a walk, visiting a friend, or navigating a busy public space, you’ll have confidence in your abilities and your dog’s behavior.

Call us today to schedule your free consultation!

See Training Packages

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!

Three lab puppies experiencing new things together at Dog Training Elite's South Bend / Elkhart dog and puppy socialization classes.

Dog Training Elite Michiana

When to Socialize Your Puppy

Read More
Read Less

Socialization for dogs should be happening throughout their lifetime. Still, getting a good start as early as possible is always best.

Socialization for puppies starts at just three weeks old as they begin to engage with their littermates and the world around them. The “sensitive period of socialization,” when puppies are primed and ready to try new things, is from 3-14 weeks of age. Because puppies can go to new homes at around eight weeks old, you only have a small window to get that necessary socialization training done.

You can start puppy socialization classes in South Bend / Elkhart, IN with DTE as soon as you bring your puppy home at eight weeks old! Our classes are puppy safe and provide an excellent opportunity for your puppy to meet new dogs and people while having new experiences outside your home.

Multiple dogs sitting on a bench during a group class with Dog Training Elite, contact us for puppy socialization classes in South Bend / Elkhart, IN.

Dog Training Elite

What Do Our Puppy Socialization Classes in South Bend / Elkhart, IN Look Like?

Read More
Read Less

Puppy and dog socialization is not about teaching new commands or obedience but creating a positive experience around new stimuli. Socialization can look like taking them around your neighborhood, letting them hear and smell things at their own pace, and offering plenty of soft treats. It can also look like introducing them to a friend's healthy dog in a safe place and allowing them to greet the dog and learn about social cues and behavior from them, all while offering treats and praise.

Our socialization classes teach your puppy or dog that even if something is new, it can be safe and fun to explore! We create opportunities for your pet to safely meet new dogs, smell new things, hear new sounds, walk on different surfaces, and meet new friendly people.

Socialization is all about removing fear and entering new situations with curiosity.

Additional Behavioral Training

Dog Training Elite Michiana - Dog Training Elite. How to Stop Puppy Biting South Bend / Elkhart

Biting

Dog Training Elite Michiana - Reactive Dog Training in South Bend / Elkhart, IN. DTE

Fear & Reactiveness

Dog Training Elite Michiana - Destructive Chewing & Digging Training in South Bend / Elkhart, IN

Destructive Chewing & Digging

Dog Training Elite Michiana - Separation Anxiety Training for Dogs in South Bend / Elkhart, IN

Separation Anxiety

Dog Training Elite Michiana - Excessive Barking Training in South Bend / Elkhart, IN. DTE

Excessive Barking

Dog Training Elite Michiana - Staying and Coming Training in South Bend / Elkhart, IN. DTE

Staying & Coming

Dog Training Elite Michiana -

Stealing Food, Clothing, or Other Objects

Dog Training Elite Michiana -

Resource Guarding

Dog Training Elite Michiana -

Food Guarding & Begging

Dog Training Elite Michiana -

Mouthing, Nipping & Rough Play

Dog Training Elite Michiana -

Anxiety & Submissive Urination

Dog Training Elite Michiana -

Jumping Up & Hyperactivity

Dog Training Elite Michiana -

Excessive Licking

Dog Training Elite Michiana -

Leashing

Dog Training Elite Michiana -

Abnormal Repetitive Behaviors

Dog Training Elite Michiana -

Escaping

Dog Training Elite Michiana -

Heeling

Dog Training Elite Michiana - Dog & Puppy Potty Training in South Bend / Elkhart, IN. DTE

Potty Training

A group of dogs at our South Bend / Elkhart dog socialization classes.

Dog Training Elite Michiana

Discover the Benefits of Socialization Classes Today

Read More
Read Less

Proper socialization from a young age offers many benefits as dogs grow. It teaches puppies about the world from a place of safety and curiosity instead of fear and anxiety. Doing this allows them to enter any situation confidently, which grants you the freedom to bring them along for the ride as you both experience life.

Whether you have an older dog or a brand new puppy, our South Bend / Elkhart dog socialization classes will give them the tools to be comfortable with new sights, sounds, smells, and experiences.

Give your furry companion the best chance at a happy and exciting life with our elite training. Schedule your free consultation today!

A group of dogs being trained by the expert team at Dog Training Elite Michiana.
Dog Training Elite Michiana light star icon.

Educate, Empower, Elevate, Elite

Victory Begins With Elite Education

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Julie Lauck
    Sep. 23, 2025
    Awesome training today!
  • Brandon Chaffee
    Nov. 7, 2025
    My dog has been thru the formal dog training which was excellent and is now in service dog training. This training is beyond great, I love them like family, they are the best around
  • Candie Books
    Oct. 22, 2025
    Rich did a wonderful job assessing and listening to my goals for my 2 new pups. I’m excited to learn and train as well as be a part of the elite family
  • Amanda Groeneveld
    Oct. 11, 2025
    Absolute best training! I never thought I could get my min pins aggression towards strangers under control. They fixed that issue plus some. I look forward to the group classes and continued training. 💕
  • Carm Kinslow
    Jun. 26, 2025
    Saran deserved 5 stars! She is an excellent trainer. Sarah is knowledgeable and has developed a great rapport with Rosie. She answers all My questions snd makes very clear, good suggestions as to what I can do to help Rosie be successful. We are very happy with our sessions ends and we are sad to see the one in one sessions coming to an end. We look forward to the group sessions.
  • Daviana ._.
    Sep. 22, 2025
    Loved the information provided. Definitely had me hooked and ready to sign up 🙂
  • Greg Miller
    Sep. 18, 2025
    Chloe did an excellent job work with our dogs, she is kind and friendly and very knowledgeable.We highly recommend this team.
  • Brittney Peffley
    Sep. 15, 2025
    We had and amazing experience with rich. He came in our home and met our dog, he gave us awesome tips and tricks to help Jack and we are going to be signing up for the platinum package with all the amazing skills it will teach not only jack but us.
  • Virginia Warsco
    Dec. 20, 2024
    Demon adores Sarah and responds well to her energy. We love her and how much better our relationship is with our boy since starting training with Dog Training Elite. I adore her and enjoy our training sessions. When I met with Rich I was like many people who didn’t understand the way that each training tool works when used properly and under their guidance I became the owner demon needs to be his best self with the help of Sarah and she has to help me at times adjust myself but it makes me eternally grateful we signed up for platinum because now he has a trainer for life! They continue to support me as I run into things that overstimulate him which always makes me appreciate being a platinum customer.
  • Nicci Hurcomb
    May. 27, 2025
    Rich and Sara are awesome! Really recommend for therapy dog training. Meatball passed his therapy dog testing in about 6 months! Best part was that they come to you for training. Great experience.
  • Geralyn Bracey
    Aug. 12, 2025
    Amazing work even only after 2 sessions. We love Sarah 🫶🏾 Great trainer
  • Kevin Lange
    Aug. 4, 2025
    Both trainers that I have dealt with are extremely good and patient. This program is definitely worth it if you are willing to put the time in as an owner. They gave me the tools and insight to dog behavior I wasnt sure of and the transformation of my dog is amazing. I have a large/stubborn dog that I felt I was losing control of as we had a couple bad encounters with other dogs (my dog being attacked). The trainers helped me regain leadership of my dog and I have never in my life had such a well behaved dog and get compliments everytime I take him on a walk or out in public. If you are willing to put the time and effort in, it is 100% a game changer and works.
  • Kristen Canfield
    Jul. 17, 2025
    Very personable. He made us feel like what we are dealing with is completely doable and not abnormal or unable to be fixed. Our dog warmed up to him and gave us home. Then he demonstrated with his dog what things look like. I really appreciated that. We are new dog owners and the visual was very beneficial!
  • gwen kijak
    Jul. 16, 2025
    I am so pleased with Sarah for her experience and patience with my doggo. She explains all the techniques thoroughly making it easy to continue with his training between sessions.
  • Susan Loth
    May. 13, 2025
    Only had 1 session so far but I can see a difference. Looking forward to more!! People have noticed the difference in her. 2nd session and I can't believe she can do a place!!! Rich and Sarah are wonderful!!!! Can't wait until the next one!! I need more training than the dog does!! She is doing great, but I need to make more time to work with her and to remember to use the correct words with her. She is a different dog. Her bad habits are disappearing!!! Can't wait for the next lesson!!! Lesson #5!!! Sarah can get her to do anything!!! We like Sarah very much!! She does everything in a very calm environment for the dog. Never raises her voice or gets frustrated. We are done with our lessons now and we could not be happier with the whole experience and the outcome. Having a trained dog makes everyday so much more enjoyable!! You might at first think it's a little pricey, but the one on one training and doing it at your house where the dog is most comfortable and you also, is the best experience. I can't say enough good things about our experience. I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone. Both Rich and Sarah are great!! They don't rush anything, they explain everything as many times as you need it. Today being the last lesson, our dog was giving Sarah kisses. She enjoyed the experience too!!! Thank you Rich and Sarah!!!
  • Christina Boal
    Jul. 16, 2025
    Rich was very kind , and professional he took time to explain stuff to my mom and I and show us his dog tink which I thought was very cool .
  • Hannah Weinreich
    Jul. 10, 2025
    We just had our first session and couldn’t be happier. This is going to mean such a higher quality of life for both us and our puppy!
  • Mark Ellis
    Nov. 20, 2024
    My dog, Madigan, has completed her Basic Obedience, and I am very pleased with the results. Today we finished up some service skills with Richa and Sarah at the Mall. We are also attending group classes. Also, Madigan is being trained as my Service Dog and when finished will bring her in periodically for "refresher" courses. Looking forward to continuing with Dog Training Elite Michiana.
  • Melissa LaPlace
    Jul. 7, 2025
    Sarah is wonderful. She is relatable and oozes her passion for animals. In 6 short visits we accomplished so much with my very active puppy.
  • Tracy Barr
    Jun. 18, 2025
    Great training for me and my Dogs. I'm thrilled and can't wait until the next session.