Border Collie Training

We've got some
COOL NEWS...

DTE is now partnering with Lending USA to provide low monthly payments for your dog's education!

We are partnering with Lending USA to provide low monthly payments for your dog's education!

Elite, Award Winning Dog Training Services in Springfield

All Breeds. All Sizes. All Ages.

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Contact Dog Training Elite Springfield today!

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

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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 Training Elite Springfield offers expert in-home dog training near you in Springfield.
In-Home Training

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)!

Dog Training Elite Springfield offers professional group dog training programs near you in Springfield.
Socialized Group Training

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FREE In-Home Evaluation
from Dog Training Elite!


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Dog Training Elite Springfield

417-427-3797

We pick up & drop off!

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Award Winning Dog Training Services in the Springfield Metro Area


Welcome to Dog Training Elite Springfield! We are a professional, family owned Springfield-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 Springfield 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 Springfield also trains service animals and dogs ready to volunteer in the community as therapy dogs and companions to those with special needs. We also offer a fun and challenging personal protection program as well!

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Meet Our Trainers

(Click photo for full bio)


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.


  • 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).
  • 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.
  • 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.
Dog Training Elite Springfield has award winning in-home dog trainers and top rated dog training programs.

Why Dog Training Elite Springfield?

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.

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.

Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation

At Dog Training Elite Springfield, we believe that Service Dogs save lives. It is our mission to make these life-saving companions available to our Veterans, First Responders, Women Survivors, and Children with Medical Needs. Whether it be for PTSD, Mobility Support, or Special Needs, Dog Training Elite Springfield work's with the Malinois Foundation to heal and empower these individuals with a specialized service animal, a partner in life, and a new best friend.

Learn More

Dog Training Elite Springfield - AKC STar Puppy Instructor
Dog Training Elite Springfield - Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
Dog Training Elite Springfield - AKC Community Canine
Dog Training Elite Springfield - PRTA Pro
Dog Training Elite Springfield - AKC Member

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!

Christie and her daughter were amazing to work with. We bought a very playful Doberman puppy and with small children we needed a well mannered dog before he’s full grown. He started with puppy training and finished fast as a 7 month old service dog with unbelievable skills. Tell me your dog can sit on a paint bucket. Mine can. Don’t wait to train your dog. Contact them now.
— Bryan Pena
Posted April 15th 2023
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Everyone at Dog Training Elite are very knowledgeable and helpful. The trainers are outstanding. My pup and I have meet with Kristi for several months and we couldn't be happier. The training is not just for your dog to learn but also for the owner or handeler. My pup is training to be a service dog and he is off to a great start. I have learned so much along the way as well. I get stopped and complemented about my pup's good behavior all the time. People can't believe how young he is. They ask me my secret and I tell the "Dog Training Elite Springfield." Thank you DTE Springfield!
— Tora Jones
Posted April 7th 2023
google
There are not enough words to express how much we appreciate and love Kristi and DTE! Before we started training, Daphne (1yr-old, 60lbs, rescue mutt) would constantly demand attention by jumping on you, biting at you, etc. but then she was also too scared of the outside world to go on walks past our block. After our first session with Kristi, we immediately saw a difference in Daphne. And after the 8 sessions it’s like we have a brand new dog! Daphne no longer demands attention like she used to with the jumping and biting, and she’s gained the confidence to go out on real walks around the neighborhood and even on trails with other people and pups! Kristi not only gives you the tools to train your dog, but she also takes the time to explain the why behind them. Every action and command is intentional so you can completely trust that everything she is doing is for the benefit of you and your dog. If you’re in need of dog training, look no further than Kristi and DTE. They are the best!!
— Bekah Wornica
Posted February 23rd 2023
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We first decided to work with Dog Training Elite because we needed some help with our anxious girl, Maisie. Maisie was overall a very good girl but she was so anxious about protecting us that she would bark at anyone, everyone and everything! She's a big girl and she has a big bark and it simply wasn't a good first impression. She has such a big squishy loving personality and it just didn't show when she greeted everyone in that way. Kristi gave us the tools to have that under control in week 1. We've moved on to other commands and Maisie is mastering them all. Kristi has given us a full set of tools and skills to teach our fur girl the best of manners and to increase her safety when out and about. The biggest win for me is that she is so much more relaxed and secure about what is going on around her. She can go anywhere now AND she gets to stay home when there's a party! She knows she's special but now she gets to hear from everyone how she's such a good girl! Call Kristi and then trust her, she knows what she’s doing!
— Linda Renfroe
Posted February 19th 2023
google
If you’re looking for a dog trainer that will take your furry friend from unruly to outstanding, look no further than Dog Training Elite and trainer, Kristi. From the moment we began working with Kristi, it was clear that she was the real deal. Our dog Luke had a history of anxiety, nervousness, and bad pulling habits, not to mention previous issues with biting and nipping. It was a lot to take on and we didn’t know what to do, but Kristi had a plan. In just a matter of months, Kristi worked her magic and Luke has became a true companion dog. He’s now well-behaved, and more obedient. Kristi’s training style is truly remarkable; she’s patient, kind and knows how to get the best out of your dog. We couldn’t be happier with the results we’ve seen in Luke. We still have more training to go, I can’t imagine how far we’ll be in another few months! We’re forever grateful to Kristi for giving us the gift of a well-trained dog. If you’re looking for a trainer that can truly make a difference in your dog’s behavior, look no further than Dog Training Elite and Kristi. She’s an absolute game-changer!
— Brad Jones
Posted January 24th 2023
google
Kristi has been AMAZING. Our rescue baby Mabel started having aggressive tendencies. Kristi gave us tools on how to muzzle train Mabel, and advice on feeling comfortable as a dog parent with a pup in a muzzle, that it’s nobody else’s business! Our sweet baby girl now responds so well to instruction, she is respectful and intelligent. She loves to show off how well she places on fun objects! The entire team is great. We have seen a complete 180 in Mabel’s demeanor. THANK YOU!
— Molly Carter
Posted December 14th 2022
google
Mrs. Kristi is awesome! I'm a chiropractor and have the pleasure of adjusting Mrs. Kristi; we have several service dogs come in the office, but Gidget is different. The quick responsiveness and obedience of commands is noticeably different and the level of respect, trust, and of course love is amazing. I do not currently have a dog but if I did, Dog Training Elite would have my trust in training him. Keep up the great work!
— Jarett Reusch
Posted December 2nd 2022
google
So very pleased! After simply one day working with Kristi, our 1.5 year old chocolate lab is an entirely new dog! I can’t wait to continue to build on his new skills. There is peace in our home and we can enjoy him so much more now. Don’t hesitate to make the investment, absolutely worth it!
— Abby Rodriguez
Posted November 16th 2022
google
Everyone at Elite is fantastic to work with! They have helped me with my schnoodle, Domino. With this training he has gone from a dog I could not take out in public to having a very promising future of getting to go everywhere with me. They take the time to work on his weaknesses so he can get to where he need to be to enjoy his best life. Best experience ever ❤️
— Joanna Cavato
Posted November 14th 2022
google
We are so glad we are taking the time to train our new dog, Finley. Dog Training Elite has helped us get him to listen and obey without feeling frustrated- even when we’re across the room! This was a great investment for our busy family with young kids.
— Alyse Fields
Posted November 12th 2022
google
This is my second session, but it’s already helped my dog so much. It’s definitely worth the money.
— Stacy Butler
Posted October 7th 2022
google
I was so frustrated with my adorable little corgi puppy’s bad habits and oppositional behaviors, I knew I needed to get professional training for us. The change in Denbigh was apparent after just one lesson (Come, Quiet, and Off). He’s continued to progress with each weekly lesson and our daily homework sessions, and is now civilized enough to take walks at Lake Springfield. I highly recommend DTE for you and your dog!
— Jackie Watkins
Posted September 28th 2022
google
Invaluable service. I can't believe how much Kristi has helped up communicate better with our dog. She's advised us every step of the way especially at the beginning when it was a little rough for us. We no longer have a problem with our dog barking continuously or jumping on people. Can I just tell you how much better my back feels now that I'm not being drug down the street by my big boxer/staffie mix. GET YOUR DOG TRAINING FROM DOG TRAINING ELITE!!!
— Christopher Lokovich
Posted September 23rd 2022
google
We have thoroughly enjoyed training with Kristi! She is super knowledgeable, fun, and kind. It is unbelievable the transformation that we have seen in our doggo Squirt, and ourselves. We now have all of the tools that we need to be in public, and around other dogs without having to worry about what the outcome will be. We get to have so much fun with our pup, and we are so thankful!
— Misty Lokovich
Posted September 23rd 2022
google
I heartily recommend Elite Dog Training to anyone who is looking for a good dog trainer. Training with Kristi and Elite has been so rewarding! Elle Mae, my golden doodle puppy, was a rescue pup with many confidence and behavioral issues. The individually structured classes have been very beneficial for both Elle Mae and me. Not only is Elle Mae learning from Kristi, but I am as well. Although we have only had two sessions, the difference in Elle Mae is remarkable. My little girl is extremely stubborn, but Kristi is very patient with her. Thanks to Kristi, we are both learning to enjoy living together!
— Della Sampson
Posted September 14th 2022
google
Our 2 year old Lab just went through her first session, and first day of homework. I have to say I am extremely impressed with her behavior and excitement to work on the things she is learning. Its only been 2 days and she is already proud of her achievements and still my happy pup.
— Edmond Carpio
Posted September 14th 2022
google
I am a travel nurse and came to stay with a friend here in Springfield MO that had a dog that did not like me or anyone for that matter. He tried to bite me several times and we even resorted to buying a muzzle and he was still aggressive! I met Christy and told her about this dog. She and her daughter came and began working with Fortune and his owner. In less than a month Fortune met me at the door wagging his tail and licking my hands!! It was a lot of work but AMAZING results!! You won’t be disappointed if you go with this company!!!!!💕

Posted September 7th 2022
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Kristi and Nerissa have done a wonderful job helping us with our dog Otis. We had to avoid taking him for walks because he was somewhat uncontrollable when we saw another dog. Now after our last of 6 one-on-one classes we can take him most anywhere without fear of him acting up. Our first group class was today and he actually performed extremely well. We are so proud of him and so thankful to Kristi and Nerissa for their help and patience! We would highly recommend Dog Training Elite of Springfield to anyone that wants a better relationship with their dog! Thank you!

Posted August 20th 2022
facebook
We are only 2 sessions in and we have already seen such a positive difference in our Brutus. He's becoming a well behaved gentleman, and he's just 5 months old! Nerissa has been great, she explains why and how to work with him to get the best results. We are very impressed so far, and would definitely recommend Dog Training Elite!
— Linda Roseborough
Posted July 19th 2022
google
Nerissa and Kristi have been phenomenal. Our dog, Loki, is learning so fast. They have so much experience and it shows. They tell us how the dog will react even before he does it. I would recommend Dog Training Elite to everyone that wants their dog to live their best life.
— Christopher Gross
Posted July 12th 2022
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