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An image of a happy pitbull - contact Dog Training Elite for your pitbull training in South Bend / Elkhart, IN.

Professional Training For

Pitbulls

Dog Training Elite Michiana

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Our Pitbull Training Could Help:

Jumping on people
Destructive chewing
Excessive barking
Separation anxiety
Leash pulling
Territorial behavior
Stubbornness

Pitbull Training in South Bend / Elkhart, IN

At Dog Training Elite, we can tailor our training method to work with any dog breed. We also understand that some dog breeds may require more training in some areas than others. Generally, all dogs share qualities of loyalty, intelligence, and compassion—regardless of what breed they are. Additionally, some breeds may have traits that require more attention and training than others.

For example, dogs within the pit bull family might possess some qualities that need training and correction that aren't an issue with other dog breeds. Whatever the case and dog breed you have, the trainers at Dog Training Elite Michiana can create a breed–specific training plan to help you and your dog. Request a free in–home assessment and start your South Bend / Elkhart Pitbull puppy and adult training today!

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A well-trained pitbull - contact Dog Training Elite today for South Bend / Elkhart pitbull puppy and adult training.

What is a Pitbull?


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A pitbull is not just one breed of dog but a collection of breeds created by crossing bulldogs and terriers. The common dog breeds that fall under the “pitbull” umbrella are:

  • American Pitbull Terrier
  • American Staffordshire Terrier
  • Staffordshire Bull Terrier
  • American Bulldog
  • English Bull Terrier

At one time, pitbulls were prized family dogs, nicknamed "nanny dogs" for their attention and care around children. Unfortunately, they were also bred for cruel and inhumane "sports" like bear–baiting and dog fighting for many years. Because of that history, their breeds have been considered aggressive and intimidating. However, pitbull owners know their dogs are highly affectionate and loyal, and this stigma is outdated and harmful.

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!

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FAQs

One of our trainers will visit your home to meet you and your dog and discuss any issues you're facing. We will then demonstrate one of our model dogs so you can see what you can expect after hiring our trainers. From there, we will discuss the various packages we offer and which we feel best suit your (and your dog's) needs.
We provide full obedience training that covers all basic commands, both on and off-leash. Our in-home visits target specific issues like counter-surfing, digging, and more. Unlike some trainers, we work with all breeds, including those often considered challenging.
Yes. You (and anyone in your family who wants to be involved) are integral to your dog getting trained. We need you to practice 5-6 days a week, about 15-20 minutes a day for optimal results.
Once a week. We come to you (with the silver, gold and platinum packages) once a week to start your dog off, then you come to park sessions which are held once a week in South Bend / Elkhart.
We train dogs of all breeds, sizes, and temperaments. Whether your dog is a tiny Chihuahua or a large Mastiff, we have the experience and expertise to work with them.

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Janet Harcek
    Nov. 11, 2024
    Rich is great! Thanks to him, Maisie is the best behaved dog we have ever owned!
  • shane spangler
    Oct. 24, 2024
    I got the puppy platinum package and I had a great experience. My dog Maus is very well behaved and has come a long way. He is much less reactive than he was, and Rich and his team has taught me how to teach my dog how to behave properly. It does require work on my part, but that work really pays off. I couldn't be happier.
  • Josh
    Sep. 29, 2024
    We found Dog Training Elite Michiana through Fetch! and we knew our stubborn pup(German Shepherd) would need serious training due to her grown habits. She had some bad habits that we were struggling to handle and we needed valuable tools and training to correct them. She is an incredibly intelligent, stubborn(strong-willed) and determined dog and we wanted her to be okay around the family. She needed valuable training to and Dog Training Elite was able to provide. We met Rich on our first appointment and he has refused to give up on her ever since. You could tell he was reading the room and her behavior well as he was really good at translating her cues to us. Our dog showed lots of improvements very quickly and we are no longer late to functions. We feel a lot more comfortable with her around the family. Dog Training Elite means serious business and Rich's overall experience was clearly evident as he was able to acknowledge and correct our dog(who was stuck in a rut) and help her become a valuable member of our family. Rich was very determined, worked really well with our dog and read her like a book. We are greatly appreciative for the training to not only our dog, but to us so we can react appropriately to her reactions/actions. We look forward to continuing to work with Dog Training Elite as our beloved dog grows.
  • Michelle Quinn
    Sep. 20, 2024
    Rich has been working with our family and our two dogs…a puppy and a ten yr old dog. We are new to the e-collar technology and it has been an amazing transition in their obedience. Rich is extremely knowledgeable and professional! Always on time and flexible with our schedule! He has helped us become better dog owners and our dogs now actually love each other!!
  • Karli Saner
    Jun. 22, 2024
    The best thing I ever did for myself and my dog was reach out to Dog Training Elite. There are hundreds of dog trainers around, but what this program offers is true support and understands YOUR dog—I mean it. I cried the first day of class watching my puppy become accustom to new things (habits I allowed her into), but four weeks later...I already have a new dog. It just keeps getting better. I couldn't recommend a better program and better trainers. They teach you about their methods, they train YOU as the owner, and they listen. Huge shoutout to Rich who has been absolutely nothing but kind and gracious to me and Aspen. He's a fantastic person and trainer. I've now become the dog owner who genuinely cares about who my dog interacts with and why. She's an amazing 8 month old puppy and she deserves the best life. I will give it to her.
  • Taylor Feeheley
    Jun. 7, 2024
    If you are looking for some training for your dog then Dog Training Elite is your answer! We just completed the last session yesterday and couldn’t be more happy with the progress made. Huge thanks to Rich for being patient and really working with my dog Cass. Cass went from a hyper active bozo to a well mannered boy!
  • Ziebart
    Jun. 6, 2024
    So happy to have Richard working with my dog Elvis. We are six weeks in on classes and he is addressing all behavioral problems successfully. I would highly recommend Dog Training Elite.
  • Echo Higueros
    May. 21, 2024
    Diane is the nicest and best trainer. She found AJ my sdit when I was attending Purdue. He has become such a big part of my world! She is also a big part of his life too! I send her updates all the time about his progress and she'll answer any questions or worries I have. Definitely recommend her to help with any training for a service dog or just obedience training!
  • Gabrielle Fisher
    Feb. 19, 2024
    I have nothing but gratitude for DTE. My dog Bun has gone from a good dog who I adore to an absolute support to me on top of that. I can not wait to continue this journey with Bun and DTE. They have helped me start my journey of creating a relationship with my dog where he is truly a dog who can help me on days where I can't and that is priceless. From getting his basics in to working towards service it has been extremely clear and so easy to follow. They are truly passionate about this work and it shows. Diana has worked with me and all of my issues and how to adapt while working with my dog. I really can't thank them enough.
  • Gabrielle Fisher
    Feb. 19, 2024
    I have nothing but gratitude for DTE. My dog Bun has gone from a good dog who I adore to an absolute support to me on top of that. I can not wait to continue this journey with Bun and DTE. They have helped me start my journey of creating a relationship with my dog where he is truly a dog who can help me on days where I can't and that is priceless. From getting his basics in to working towards service it has been extremely clear and so easy to follow. They are truly passionate about this work and it shows.
  • Chubby Supreme
    Feb. 13, 2024
    My experience with DTE and my trainer Diana has been second to none and totally invaluable. Starting service dog training with my lab Luna has been life changing thanks to Diana providing us with the knowledge and skills we need to be successful. Diana is kind, patient, compassionate, understanding, knowledgeable, experienced— literally everything you could ever want in a trainer. I highly recommend DTE Michiana to anyone looking for dog training services. Thank you Diana for all that you’ve done for us and continue to do!
  • Diane Hyepock
    Nov. 19, 2023
    Great trainers who are passionate about their work.
  • Kristin Basham
    Jul. 5, 2023
    Can't wait to have Diane train my new puppy.
  • Austin Hale
    Jun. 29, 2023
    This service absolutely changed our lives. Our dog used to have sever separation anxiety to the point where we had to kennel her while we were at work. Otherwise, our house would be chewed up when we got home. That's when we met Diana. Through her daily walks and her training sessions, our dog is almost unrecognizable. Utilizing Dog Training Elite Michigan was such a blessing. Thank you for everything!
A happy, obedient pitbull with Dog Training Elite Michiana training.

Common Pit Bull Personality Traits

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Because of their tumultuous breeding past, pit bulls get a bad reputation for being mean, loud, and fierce. But if you have ever met a well–trained pit bull, you'll quickly learn that most do not possess those qualities. Below are a few common pit bull personality traits you may not know about.

  • These breeds are often easier to train than other breeds because of their loyalty and desire to please their owners.
  • Pit bulls are highly energetic and love to be active.
  • Because these dogs are usually misunderstood and consequently given up, pit bulls are the most adoptable breed in need of loving homes.
  • Pit bulls have a lifespan of 8–15 years.
  • These breeds usually don't bark a lot. However, if there is a barking problem, it's probably due to boredom or anxiety, which the trainers of Dog Training Elite Michiana can address!
  • Pit bulls are highly affectionate, making them great family and service dogs.

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A group of dogs being trained by the expert team at Dog Training Elite Michiana.
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A well-trained pitbull walking with their owner.

South Bend / Elkhart Pitbull Puppy and Adult Training

Training for Pitbulls with Dog Training Elite

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If your pitbull is exhibiting problems with aggression, barking, or does not socialize well with other dogs or people, the trainers at Dog Training Elite Michiana can help! We have years of experience addressing behavioral problems with various dog breeds. We can create a specialized training plan with you using our proven training method.

Because pitbulls are loyal and have a high desire to please, the Dog Training Elite training method works exceptionally well for them. In all our training, we employ positive reinforcement—we reward correct, desired behaviors and ignore incorrect ones. Research shows that punishing a dog will not yield positive results and instead result in a dog obeying out of fear. We focus on building a positive, long–lasting relationship between dog and owner. Pitbulls are eager to please, and if you reward them for good behavior, they'll stick to good behavior, and you'll gain a loyal, dependent friend for life.

Our training method works with any dog because we base each training on a foundation of consistency, positive reinforcement, and creating a lasting bond between dog and owner. If you and your dog need South Bend / Elkhart Pitbull puppy or adult training, find a Dog Training Elite Michiana trainer near you today!