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Three lab puppies - Dog Training Elite offers the best puppy classes in South Bend / Elkhart, IN.
Dog Training Elite

Puppy Training Classes in South Bend / Elkhart, IN

Request Free Assessment

Request Free Assessment

Our Puppy Training Classes Could Help:
Teach basic obedience commands
Improve socialization skills
Reduce unwanted behaviors
Strengthen the bond with your puppy
Build confidence in new environments
Encourage proper leash manners
Promote calm behavior around distractions
Prepare for advanced training

Professional Training with Dog Training Elite

Puppy Classes in South Bend / Elkhart, IN

Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting time for any family! Puppies love to cuddle, play, and explore, but they also have much to learn before becoming well-behaved companions. Puppies can start training as soon as they come home at eight weeks old, and the benefits of training young will last their whole lifetime.

If you’re searching for professional puppy training classes in South Bend / Elkhart, IN, Dog Training Elite is your top choice.

We offer free in-home consultations to get your puppy on the right track from day one. Our experienced trainers work closely with you to customize a program that meets your goals and your puppy's needs.

From basic obedience to socialization classes and advanced service training, Dog Training Elite is here to guide you every step of the way.

Learn more about our specialized puppy training programs and give us a call to start your puppy’s journey toward a happy, confident life!

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!

A girl hugging her pup - deepen your bond and more when you choose South Bend / Elkhart puppy training classes with Dog Training Elite.

Dog Training Elite Michiana

The Benefits of Puppy Training

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Our classes help your pup grow into a well-behaved dog. Here are a few benefits you can expect from choosing our elite training:

  • Deepen Your Bond With Your Puppy: Training your puppy – and continuing training with new tricks as they get older – is a great way to bond closely. Puppies have a natural desire to please and will learn to rely on you for guidance and direction, establishing a foundation of trust and love.
  • Socialize Your Dog: Obedience training, especially with group classes, helps dogs become comfortable and well-socialized around other dogs and people. This is important for when you want to take your dog on walks or invite people into your home.
  • Improve Your Dog’s Safety: Training your dog to listen and obey your commands will help them stay safe in any situation. Learning commands like “down,” “leave it,” “stop,” and “wait” can keep your dog safe from messing with dangerous things like electrical cords and other situations outdoors.
  • Provide Mental Stimulation: Good dogs can become bad dogs if they don’t have a way to work out physical and mental energy. Training as a lifelong pursuit is a great way to challenge your dog mentally and keep them engaged.
A puppy in training with Dog Training Elite professionals.

Dog Training Elite Michiana

Puppy Training Class Prices

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When you train your dog with Dog Training Elite, you get the most bang for your buck. Not only do we offer a variety of programs, but Dog Training Elite trainers are building on over 50 years of experience.

At Dog Training Elite, we are dedicated to open communication, clear timelines, and providing transparent, honest puppy training class prices. Dog Training Elite trainers love what they do and aim to build a community for clients who love their dogs just as much as we do

We specialize in strengthening the bond between your dog and your family. With our focus on positive reinforcement and classic conditioning, we create dogs who truly desire to please from the inside out.

More Classes We Offer

Dog Training Elite Michiana -

Schooling Your Pup in Obedience

Dog Training Elite Michiana -

Academy

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.

Dog Training Elite Michiana

Training Essentials for Your Puppy

Here are a few puppy training tips from the expert team at Dog Training Elite! If you have any questions or want to see these methods in action, give us a call. We are more than happy to show you a demonstration and provide you with a glimpse of what our professional team can do!

At Dog Training Elite, we believe in positive reinforcement and yummy treats do the trick! We recommend a high-quality, berry-sized reward that your puppy will enjoy. Rewarding your dog while training teaches them that you approve of that behavior and maintains their motivation to perform well.
Because you’ll be handing out lots of treats, you will probably want a treat bag or pouch. There are many options out there with different sizes, shapes, and ways to carry. The benefit of getting a treat pouch is the ease of access and the ability to reward your puppy quickly. If you aren’t interested in getting a treat pouch, we recommend getting a small bag to carry you puppy’s rewards.
A clicker is a great tool to have along with rewards when training a puppy. With a clicker, you can immediately provide a positive sound when your dog performs a correct behavior, and then you can reward them with a treat. Pairing a clicker with treats is a great way to instill positive reinforcement because you teach your dog that they get a treat when they hear a click. You can buy many kinds of clickers at your local pet store, and they even have helpful clicker apps.
A good leash is another essential when bringing home a new puppy. We suggest a leash made of a durable material like leather and about 6 feet long to allow for comfortable room for both of you. Training your dog on a leash will set you up for fun walks in the future, keep your dog safe, and prevent them from getting lost while out of the house. It is also beneficial for an excited puppy who wants to run around and play while training.
You'll need a sturdy collar or harness to attach a leash while training. Deciding between a flat collar or body harness is up to your personal preference, but it is good to consider your dog's comfort and demeanor. A collar is necessary while training and for safety while out and about. A collar/harness is also the best place to attach the identification for your puppy. If anything happened to your dog, you'd be glad you had a collar with your information on it!
Getting a dog crate is a great way to housetrain your puppy. You will want to get a durable and safe crate for your dog that has enough room for them to be comfortable. You want the crate to be a place of calm and safety for your dog, not a punishment zone. Getting your puppy crate trained gives you a safe space in your home to keep them while they are unsupervised and also prevents unwanted behaviors like chewing or peeing inside.
A group of dogs being trained by the expert team at Dog Training Elite Michiana.
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Victory Begins With Elite Education

A Dog Training Elite trainer and owner working with a dog in South Bend / Elkhart, IN.

Dog Training Elite Michiana

Start Training Today

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The early months of your puppy’s life are crucial for developing good behavior, confidence, and a strong bond with your family. At Dog Training Elite, we offer specialized training tailored to your dog’s unique needs.

We focus on essential skills like obedience, socialization, and more. Our experienced trainers are committed to helping your puppy grow into a well-mannered companion that will be a joy to have at home and in any environment.

Call us today to schedule a free consultation and get a head start on your puppy’s training journey!