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Puppy Obedience Training

Puppy Obedience Training in South Bend / Elkhart, IN

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An adorable puppy being held by their owner - get professional puppy obedience training in South Bend / Elkhart, IN with Dog Training Elite today.

Start Training Young with DTE

Puppy Obedience Training in South Bend / Elkhart, IN

Training is one of the most important steps in raising a well-mannered dog. Pups are eager to learn from a young age, and structured training helps prevent unwanted behaviors before they become habits.

DTE offers professional puppy obedience training in South Bend / Elkhart, IN that is designed to meet your needs. Our experienced trainers focus on building strong communication, reinforcing positive behaviors, and preparing puppies for more advanced training techniques as they grow.

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A little puppy sitting in grass, contact Dog Training Elite Michiana today.

Puppy Essentials Webinar

Free 70-Minute video

$45 Value

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Our trusted puppy class is now available "on-demand" from the comfort of your home! This webinar video is designed for owners of puppies age 8-16 weeks old, and will be accessible to you for free after completing the form below or with the purchase of one of our puppy packages!

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Our webinar includes education on the following topics:
  • Introducing a new puppy to your home
  • Health & well-being
  • Veterinary care & vaccines
  • Nurturing a good temperament
  • Scruffing & calming signals (e.g. dog yoga)
  • Basic Treat Obedience Including: Come, sit, loose-leash walking, and down
  • Puppy Corrections (Stop biting, digging, jumping, etc.)
  • Crate Training / Housebreaking
  • Socialization Tips
  • Environmental Hazards
  • Puppy Enrichment
  • Caring for Your Puppy

The Benefits of Puppy Training

Dog Training Elite

Early training shapes a puppy’s behavior for life. Teaching structure, commands, and impulse control early makes daily life easier and sets the stage for a well-behaved dog.

Without proper guidance, puppies can quickly develop habits like jumping, barking, or chewing that become harder to correct over time.
Training strengthens communication and trust, creating a better relationship between owner and dog.
Exposure to new people, places, and other dogs helps puppies become more adaptable and reduces anxiety in unfamiliar situations.
Obedience commands provide control in unpredictable situations, keeping puppies out of harm’s way.
An adorable puppy being trained by the experts at Dog Training Elite - get South Bend / Elkhart puppy obedience training today.

Puppy Training 101

Key Commands For Puppies

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Obedience commands help puppies understand what is expected of them and how to respond in different situations. These skills are fundamental for shaping a well-behaved and responsive dog:

  • Down: The "down" command teaches a puppy to lie down and stay in place until released. This command helps with impulse control and keeps a dog calm in busy environments or when guests visit.
  • Break: "Break" lets the puppy know they are free to move after following a previous command. This command helps structure training by showing the puppy when a command is over and they are allowed to move.
  • Heel: "Heel" teaches a puppy to walk calmly at the owner’s side rather than pulling ahead or lagging behind. Practicing this skill improves leash control, makes walks more enjoyable, and helps the dog stay focused in public settings.
  • Come: A reliable recall command is one of the most important skills a dog can learn. "Come" trains a puppy to return immediately when called, helping to prevent dangerous situations like running into traffic or getting lost.
  • Leave It: "Leave it" teaches a puppy to ignore or drop objects they shouldn’t touch, such as harmful food, household items, or dangerous materials. This command helps prevent destructive behavior and keeps the puppy safe.

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An golden retriever puppy outdoors - recieve expert guidance and training today from Dog Training Elite Michiana.

What to Expect from Dog Training Elite’s Puppy Program

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Training a puppy can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time owners. Professional training makes the process easier by providing clear structure, proven methods, and expert guidance to help puppies learn faster and with better results.

Dog Training Elite offers in-home training programs structured to meet the needs of each dog. When you sign up for our puppy training program, you can expect:

  1. Initial Assessment: Our trainers will provide a personalized evaluation of your puppy’s temperament, behavior, and current skills to create a customized training plan.
  2. Training Schedule: Private, in-home sessions are scheduled to fit your routine, allowing your puppy to learn in a familiar environment with real-world distractions.
  3. Clear Goals: Training focuses on impulse control and basic commands, helping your puppy develop respect and responsiveness.
  4. Owner Involvement: Hands-on guidance ensures you feel confident reinforcing commands at home for long-term success.
  5. Ongoing Support: Additional group classes and advanced training programs are available after puppy training to continue building on your puppy’s progress.

Dog Training Elite gives owners the tools and support they need to raise a well-behaved puppy without the frustration of trial and error.

A dog being trained with Dog Training Elite - book puppy obedience training in South Bend / Elkhart, IN today.

Start Obedience Training with Your Puppy Today


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The first few months of a puppy’s life are the most important for shaping their behavior, but training during this stage doesn’t have to be difficult. With the right approach, even the most energetic dogs can learn obedience and self-control.

Dog Training Elite provides expert guidance to make puppy training effective and rewarding. Our hands-on techniques keeps you actively involved in the process, teaching you how to reinforce good behavior even after the sessions are completed.

Schedule a free consultation today to learn more about our training programs.

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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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.