Empowering Owners
We work with dogs of any breed, size or age - and we empower owners with lifelong skills to continue successes.
- Leash & potty training
- Staying & coming
- Destructive chewing & digging
- Stealing food, clothing, or other objects
- Barking, howling & whining
- Food guarding & begging
- Mouthing, nipping & playing rough
- Anxiety & submissive urination
- Jumping up & hyperactivity
- Aggression & anxiety
We strongly believe that the key to sustained obedience and training is to empower owners to be an integral part of the training experience.
Dog obedience classes are held on a consistent basis and are included in most packages. Our dog obedience training classes are designed to place yourself and your dog in public places (surrounded by other dogs, people, smells, and sounds)!
Request your own
FREE In-Home Assessment
from Dog Training Elite!
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Dog Training Elite Upstate SC Featured on WSPA
Dog Training Elite believe all work we do should reflect our values. Dogs have an extraordinary healing power that can significantly benefit those with physical or mental health struggles.
That healing power can be found in pet ownership and animal work.
Take the story of Dog Training Elite owner Jared Smearman. A veteran who struggled with the transition of leaving the military and joining the corporate world, Smearman found the prospect of becoming a Franchise Owner exciting and motivating.
Smearman military experience turned out to be the perfect background for becoming a dog trainer and franchise owner. Helping owners with their furry companions and providing help and support to veterans who need it has given Smearman personal fulfillment and business success.
Dog Training Elite believes in the healing power dogs can provide to owners and those who work with them. Whether you’re looking for an opportunity to give back to your community or to find professional, quality service dog training, Dog Training Elite is here to help.
Popular Services
Award Winning Dog Training Services in the Greenville / Spartanburg, SC Metro Area
Welcome to Dog Training Elite Upstate SC! We are a professional, family owned Greenville / Spartanburg, SC-based dog training company with over 40 years of experience that specializes in strengthening the bond between your dog and your family, with a strong emphasis on teaching your dog the highest level of obedience, despite even the toughest level of distractions. Our Greenville / Spartanburg, SC dog training programs are certain to meet all of your training needs. Unlike a lot of other dog training companies, we understand that each client has different needs, so we tailor our dog training programs to accommodate your unique situation. Dog Training Elite Upstate SC also trains service animals and dogs ready to volunteer in the community as therapy dogs and companions to those with special needs.
Se habla español!
Meet Our Trainers
(Click photo for full bio)
Jared Smearman
Owner/Trainer
Elizabeth Smearman
Office Manager/Trainer
Mackenzie
Trainer
Sydney
Trainer
Danny
Trainer
Casey Watkins
Trainer
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.
Dog Training Services in Greenville / Spartanburg, SC
and The Following Surrounding Areas
Come Meet Us!
We are often at home shows in your area! Our passion for dogs and service sets us apart. All of our local dog trainers are trustworthy, willing to be there for our clients and love what they do. We want to build a community for our clients that love their dogs just as much as we do and once you begin the training process with us, you become a part of the Dog Training Elite family.
![Dog Training Elite Upstate SC has award winning in-home dog trainers and top rated dog training programs.](/oak/files/images/puppy.jpg)
Why Dog Training Elite Upstate SC?
Lifetime Investment
We follow up & are invested in the owner's success long-term.
Value Priced
We pride ourselves on being able to offer our professional services at prices that are budget friendly.
Local Trainers
All of our local dog trainers are trustworthy, willing to be there for our clients and love what they do.
Simplified & Customized
We plan training around the owner's schedule and require only 15 min/day follow-up practice.
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!
DTE did a terrific job with my German Shepherd. They were patient and extremely helpful with training me how to help my best friend. I highly recommend them to help you with training— Charles Carriger
Posted September 8th 2024
We could not be more thankful for Dog Training Elite! We started with their puppy classes, and we absolutely loved them! They helped socialize our puppy through the classes, and also started working on a few commands with us at our house. This made puppyhood such an amazing experience, and we would have been lost without the trainers’ help. We loved puppy class so much that we decided to enroll our puppy in their advanced obedience camp, and this was a game changer! Most of our one-on-ones were with Sydney and our puppy is obsessed with her! She is always so excited to see her. All of the trainers are so knowledgeable and you can tell how much they love dogs. Everyone we meet compliments how well behaved our puppy is, and she really listens so well thanks to the trainers’ hard work. I cannot recommend Dog Training Elite enough!— Maya Nagelberg
Posted August 31st 2024
When looking for a trainer for my pup, we were very wary of signing up with the wrong crew. After doing a little research and calling around in our area, DTE was one of the few that actually seemed to care about the training, the dogs, and the handlers - not just getting paid. My pup loved going to sessions and even after long days of training was excited to go back for more! The things my pup and I both have learned were well worth the money. The DTE crew knows what they're doing, and most importantly CARES! Thank you DTE. 11 out of 10, would recommend!— createdthis justtoleaveareview
Posted August 30th 2024
We can not recommend Dog Training Elite highly enough! This summer, we had the pleasure of working with them to help teach our dog some manners and how to behave in public, and the results have been amazing. The trainers were incredibly patient, compassionate, and dedicated. It was clear they genuinely cared about our dog’s well being. Our dog has made incredible strides, learning so much and becoming a happier and well behaved member of our family. We are thrilled with the progress she has made! The team works hard, always reply’s to questions promptly and were flexible with scheduling. We highly recommend Dog Training Elite.— Megan Witrick
Posted August 28th 2024
Callie spent a week with Dog Training Elite and we've ALL learned so much!— Craig Leduc
Posted August 26th 2024
Words cannot express the feelings of gratitude we have for DTE. We are 6 weeks into our training and today was the ultimate pay off. While conducting some off leash training, our Shiba decided to go her own way. She trotted around a bend in the trail and was gone! I called for her and searched the area for 20 minutes, all the while using the commands and estem controller provided by DTE. As I continued calling and walking back the way we came, I walked over a small hill and here comes Nemo, running towards me, tail in the air just as fast as she could! Without the training provided by DTE, she would have been list! No words can describe the feeling of hopelessness and despair, and have them replaced with joy when I saw her coming back to the commands and following her training! If you are thinking about this type of training...do it! The price is worth it!— Jonathan suthard
Posted August 26th 2024
I haven’t had a dog since I was a little kid and I decided to get the same breed that I had when I was younger. I have a miniature schnauzer and she is so sweet but I didn’t realize how vocal she was. I reached out to DTE and they were so sweet! They came in and did an inhome assessment and then she started camp with them two weeks later. From day 1 I could tell a difference. My puppy is stubborn but DTE did not give up on her! Of course it will be an ongoing training process. But DTE trainers are AMAZING! I can reach out to them if I have any questions or concerns and they are always willing to help. And they truly love and care for each dog they come in contact with. So glad that I chose them! THANK YOU SOOO MUCH!— Tori Franklin
Posted August 18th 2024
Jared, Elizabeth and their crew have given me the tools to have the dog I have always wanted! He is incredibly well behaved and desires to work. When Maverick (my golden doodle) is timid Dog Training Elite were able to show me how to work with him. I can’t recommend this group enough. They are the dog whisperers!!— Michele Holder
Posted August 17th 2024
Dog training elite is absolutely amazing. Each of the trainers were always so excited to work with Nala. They were very supportive and wanted Nala and myself to be successful. Always had quick and helpful responses to texts. 100% would recommend to anyone who wants to train their dog. Worth every penny. Nala was so happy when she graduated obedience training. I am adding to my previous review from obedience training since we have now graduated from therapy training. Five stars is not enough to express what Dog Training Elite has done for Nala and I. The only thing I have hated about having a dog is leaving her at home alone while I go to work. Dog Training Elite has helped make it so that does not have to happen anymore. Nala is going to be my schools therapy dog. I am so grateful for everything they have done from answering my texts with any questions or concerns to showing immense love for my dog. I will forever recommend Dog Training Elite with anyone who has a dream for their dog because they made mine come true.— Michael Adams
Posted February 29th 2024
Words can NOT do these amazing people justice, but I’m going to try. Our first visit, the owner and another trainer couldn’t come close to Sully. He was extremely protective of me and had recently even put his mouth around the vet tech reaching towards me at an appointment. The first visit with the trainers took all of my strength, a muzzle, a strong leash and serious awareness to keep him from attacking them. I couldn’t have guests over in my own home. I was terrified they’d turn him away. Instead, they embraced him. They explained how he had self assigned this duty to protect me (I’m disabled) and just needed to learn to trust my lead. Throughout the next couple of months, I met various trainers and we kept introducing new commands. I saw my big baby blossom. He’s always been a lovebug with me, but he started to have what he truly needed. He now had a job. From sitting, to learning how to stay to learning how to be on a leash - these wonderful trainers kept us both inspired to grow and do more. Today was exhilarating. We took Sully into PetSmart and my once reactive dog to people coming near me, especially men, stayed at my side while I was in my wheelchair. From loud people to barking and excited dogs, we went through the store with ease. He walked slowly at my side and watched as every distraction went by us. It was surrral. I could NEVER have done this before. WE couldn’t have done this without the encouragement, love and guidance of every single person at Dog Training Elite. They not only love your pet as their own, but they teach you BOTH how to be different. Do different. And your bond with your dog gets even stronger as a result. I didn’t think I could be any closer to Sully, but I am. We have learned how to trust EACH OTHER. I finally have my companion do to everything with me. I can take him to get pup cups. He can go to PetSmart to pick out his toys. I can have people over in our home. I can’t thank everyone here enough. From the bottom of my heart I feel EVERY SINGLE PERSON here has a passion for helping dogs AND humans. They come to you with genuine love. Their excitement as your baby learns makes their hearts just as full as your own. They’ve become family and I’ll never use another trainer for Sully’s continued growth and for any future fur babies. Thank you guys for making Sully and me whole. ❤️❤️❤️— Danielle Sundby
Posted August 9th 2024
They have helped my good girl become even better and supporting me on our journey to having her be a therapy dog for our school!— Sheri Price
Posted August 6th 2024
I started training with Dog Training Elite when my golden retriever puppy was around 9 weeks. I chose the Alpha Den Puppy Package and it was the best decision I made to lay a foundation for his training and obedience. Not only did the wonderful trainers teach my pup different commands but they also taught me valuable training skills and gave me advice on any issue we were having. Sadly we moved before I could get him in for full training camp through them. I still get so many compliments on his behavior in public - I HIGHLY recommend DTE to anyone getting a dog.— Kaylee Coleman
Posted August 5th 2024
My 1 yr old 50 pound adopted stray was totally unruly when we started and is gentle as a lamb, and totally controllable now. Well worth the investment.— Rev. Jenny Pratt
Posted August 2nd 2024
The trainers are amazing! Every single one truly cares and is passionate about what they do. The best part are the results are real, never would have thought my dog would be able to behave so well anywhere we go. This place is LEGIT! Book them now you won’t regret.— angiel loza
Posted July 30th 2024
Jared and Elizabeth are great people and solid business owners. I highly recommend them to anyone wanting to change the behavior of their dog! Update: 7/17/24 Our two mini schnauzers have thrived because of the training they received from DTE Upstate! We no longer feel like we can’t control our dogs and they are happier when they are obedient! I can’t say enough amazing things about this team and their care for our dogs. We are so thankful and grateful to know such great people at DTE! We have referred so many friends because of our tremendous results. Still highly recommend! Thank you Jared and Elizabeth for all you do!— Shelly M
Posted February 1st 2022
Jared and Elizabeth trained our two dogs, and we couldn’t be happier with the experience. From start to finish, they were committed to helping us achieve our training goals and were always willing to help and answer questions. They clearly explained everything which helped us feel informed and confident throughout the whole process having never hired a trainer before. But beyond their expertise, they were just incredible to work with—passionate, positive, and genuinely care about the dogs they are training and how this training can help the pet and their owner. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a dog trainer!!— Caitlin Thomson Sexton
Posted July 16th 2024
Jared and Elizabeth trained our two dogs, and we couldn’t be happier with the experience. From start to finish, they were committed to helping us achieve our training goals and were always willing to help and answer questions. They clearly explained everything which helped us feel informed and confident throughout the whole process having never hired a trainer before. But beyond their expertise, they were just incredible to work with—passionate, positive, and genuinely care about the dogs they are training and how this training can help the pet and their owner. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a dog trainer!!— Caitlin and Robert Sexton
Posted July 16th 2024
I inquired about training for my girl, who likes to jump and “paw” to get your attention. The owners were very thorough in explaining every step of the way for training and how each session would look. I would highly recommend them just based off the thoroughness and kindness they show! You can tell they really love dogs and it shows in their work.— K B
Posted July 16th 2024
My dog had a wonderful experience with the trainers and owners of Dog Training Elite Upstate SC! Sadie was 7 years old when she started training. The staff was very knowledgeable, warned me of things to be mindful of, and offered their expertise and advice 24/7! I never once sent a text or made a phonecall without hearing back within a hour or less. They answered all of my questions from before training began, the start of training, and at completion. All of the trainers loved my dog and every other dog I saw them engaging with, as if they were their own dogs. My dog had surgery on one of her legs years ago and they made modifications and adjustments to any exercises or prompts when we could tell it was too difficult for my dog. My dog lives a happier and healthier life and I experience less stress thanks to the wonderful individuals and effective and kind training at Dog Training Elite!— Shannon Edmunds
Posted July 15th 2024