Dog Training in Willard, MO

When I signed up for classes I wasn’t sure if anything would work or help me and my dog. She was impossible to walk on a leash comfortably or to have a leisurely walk. Very reactive when a person or dog would walk by. She was way too crazy. Hard to just walk by anyone without wanting to jump up and pull toward them. Just overly excited. But it really has made a HUGE difference. It’s actually amazing to me the difference, even in the first 2 days. From being dragged into the building by my dog the first day to an easy walk to the building the next. We are both much happier now. It’s been a great experience.

I highly recommend Dog Training Elite (DTE). Truman is my 25 pound Mini Bull Terrier that was extremely reactive to other dogs on the other side of fences or on a leash with their owners. Walks would get stressful and needed a lot of active avoidance of situations where another dog could get within 10-12 feet of Truman. Not a good life for a dog or fun for me. After two weeks of focused doggy "boot-camp" and homework, Truman's behavior was an order of magnitude better. His first hour long outdoor group class after "graduating" involved about twenty other dogs and their owners. Truman kept his cool (ie., making good doggy decisions), with Truman and numerous other dogs walking or weaving by. That would have been literally impossible with even one dog three weeks earlier. He is much, much better with the basics like recall, sit, down, heel, door manners, etc.. Truman and I still have a lot of work to do to get all his much better behaviors solid, but I think DTE has given us the tools we need to be successful at getting Truman to his best life as a well behaved little dog in the outside world.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I was desperate for my dog to change. Walter was very dog reactive. A lot of his anxiety had turned into aggression, I couldn’t have people over at my house, and I constantly worried that he was going to react to the wrong dog, the wrong situation, or honestly just be his own demise. 😂 I knew there was a fun-loving, adventurous dog in there somewhere, but I had no idea how to get to him. I sat in Kristi's office crying, thinking there was no hope for Walter, no hope for me, and maybe no hope for all the dreams I had of having this fun-loving companion I could take places and actually enjoy life with. He was 12 lbs of unpredictable terror. And in the middle of all that desperation, I spent way too many hours of the night talking to ChatGPT. Somewhere in the middle of my 2 a.m. spiral, the algorithm sent me straight to Dog Training Elite. And honestly? THANK GOD IT DID. Walter went through their Platinum Camp, and now to group classes, and the change has been absolutely incredible. He is still Walter. Still goofy. Still ridiculous. Still convinced the world revolves around him. 😂 They didn’t take away his personality or turn him into a robot. They taught him how to exist in the world—and taught me how to communicate with him. Now he is obedient. I can trust him. He trusts me. He can come to the office. He can be around people. He can be around other dogs. Things that once felt completely impossible are now just… normal. The difference is truly night and day. Was it an investment? Absolutely. But it is an investment that has set Walter and me up for success for the rest of his life. And when I think about that girl sitting in Kristi's office crying, wondering if she would ever get the dog she dreamed of having, I could never have imagined where we'd be now. I could not be more thankful to Dog Training Elite for helping me find the dog I always knew was in there. ❤️🐾 Five stars, easily. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

We came to Dog Training Elite with Berg, a 70lb 1 year old Sheepadoodle who we loved dearly, but he had taken our home hostage. Our evenings were spent with us trying to keep him off of our countertops. He would walk into a room and immediately look for things he could steal. We had already paid for a stomach surgery to remove a sock he swallowed without chewing it. Our home had to be spotless and all doors had to be closed. He couldn't settle and relax with us, so we were either constantly entertaining him, or he had to be locked up for his safety. He was great with our son, but there had been many times that he attacked me and my husband if we weren't doing what he wanted us to do. I couldn't take him on walks because he pulled me everywhere and was reactive to other dogs. We were at our wits end. DTE took Berg for the two week Platinum Program, and within two days he was already behaving differently. By the end of the two weeks he had stopped jumping on countertops, and we were able to keep doors open. Almost three months later, and we have the (almost! He's still a dog, lol!) perfect dog. He is able to calmly relax in the evenings, and he finds his own entertainment. We go on walks in the evenings and he remains in a heel the whole time. We even get to go to the Farmer's Market! We joke that we took Berg to DTE and he got a lobotomy, because he is an entirely different dog. We loved him before, but the ability for us to relax around him has increased our relationship with him 100%. Bergie is part of our family, and a joy to be around every day! Thank you DTE for everything you've done for our family!

I have had a wonderful experience with Elite Dog Training. We started our 6 month old Doberman puppy in their top level basis training. It went great and he learned quickly. We have continually worked on our skills and we attend the weekly class at the park. He is able to go with me most places in public and behave with good manners. People in public often comments on how well behaved he is. He is currently 18 months. The skills we have learned, have made us a very happy dog family. He loves learning and minds all the commands (most of the time). But when doesn’t mind, I have the skills to solve the issue. We decided to take things to the next level and have Rocky become a service dog. My folks are getting older, need more assistance and live out of state. I want him to be able to fly with me and do all the other things I do. We are in our second week of training and we have learned so much! Kristi and Jeremy know their stuff!!!!! We have been very impressed with their knowledge, skills and ability to teach a variety of people and dogs the most important training dogs need. If you use EDT you will be excited to take your dog out in public and have guests over. They will no longer rule your life. They will be the well mannered dog you’ve always dreamed of having. I can’t say enough good things about this company. They love dogs and training dogs. It’s not just a business to them - it’s a passion!!!

I cannot speak highly enough of the folks at Dog Training Elite Springfield! I got Archie as a puppy last year and he was (still is) a wild man full of personality and energy. I was definitely overwhelmed and trying to train him using YouTube videos which just gave me conflicting information. We did the puppy school and the adult dog training program and go weekly to the group sessions. The support and care the staff show to the dogs and their owners is so impressive and has helped me and Archie build better communication and a deeper connection as a team. Every time we are in group class I notice Kristi and Jeremy remember all the dog’s names and the specific things they are working on and check in to offer personalized support. They also really seem to have a great time doing it! It has been worth every penny!

I purchased my 2 mini (9 weeks old) doxies mainly to relieve the sadness of having had to put my 2 adult doxies (14 and 17) to sleep. I was going to train these 2 puppies myself. After 2 months of self training (it was not much of a training schedule mainly not knowing how to train them) , I decided to get some professional help . I contacted Dog Elite Training and as a result of an excellent interview of what they do in the 2 week training program , I signed them both up at the same time. The program is not only excellent in every aspect (fits your schedule in dropping off and picking up) in what they teach, but the trainers are an absolute delight and they truly love your puppies. I can’t say anything more complimentary than to say I would sign them up again 100%!!!

The training was excellent. Each day I was told what training would be covered and when I picked Orla up the trainer spent time with me about what was accomplished. In other words, trained me on how to reinforce the training. Each day there were videos made that I could watch at home. The training provided a foundation to build on. I would recommend Elite to anyone wanting to build a positive, well behaved and happy relationship with their dog.

This company is amazing ! We have a goldendoodle that we are training to be a service dog for my son who has CP, autism, SPD. The Trainers are very skilled and personal. You will feel like Family in class and they are very personal with every dog and handler. We have put our dog through their daycamp course, we have and are continuing group class, and have started Public access class and we are working on direct task commands to assist for my son. Our Goldendoodle is only 18 months old and we have been so blessed with everything she has learned and retained in all of the classes. She is a completely different dog from where she started.I highly recommend if your looking for a training company for your dog for any service even if just for basic obedience, go to Dog Elite Training. They are amazing!

We are so impressed with Dog Training Elite and the difference they have made with Maple! She has made such amazing progress. She can now walk nicely on a leash without pulling, goes to her place when we ask and stays there until we release her, and she waits at the door until we tell her it’s okay to go. Most importantly, she actually comes when we call her—something she wasn’t doing before! Maple is such a well-behaved and happy dog now, and we couldn’t be happier with the results. Dog Training Elite did an amazing job, and we would absolutely recommend them to anyone looking for a great dog trainer!

Camping has always been fun for us, and a big part of our retirement. That is except for one issue….our Australian Labradoodle, Maddie. Disruptive would be a considerable understatement. She barks, lunges, jumps at any dog or person who walks by our campsite. I was at a point where I was loosing my joy for camping because all my energy was being used up by constantly trying to contain Maddie. One day while camping we met a nice couple who had the cutest seven month old doodle, who looked exactly like our Maddie. The difference being that their dog was well behaved. Long story short, they handed us a business card for Dog Training Elite, where we enrolled Maddie as soon as we got home. Maddie did her work as well as Brian and I. Two weeks of intensive training. We saw improvement every day; especially her ability to contain her over abundance of energy. She graduated from her training. It wasn’t until our first group class in the park with many other dogs right next to her, that my tears started flowing. There was Maddie, calmly sitting by my side, walking along a path with twenty dogs she had never met. Doing a down command…walking a weave between all the other dogs. No barking, no lunging….this was my new Maddie. I was such a happy and proud momma. I don’t know whose world has changed more, ours or Maddie’s. What I can tell you is life is good and we owe our new peace to the wonderful trainers at dog Training Elite. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Everyone was professional, committed, and wonderful to work with. My 4 month old bordoodle is now well behaved and fun to be with. Great place!

Dog Training Elite has been one of the greatest investments we could have made with our Golden Retriever Ellie. Ellie was the most challenging puppy my wife and I have ever experienced. Our goal was to have a sweet companion that could go with us on our outings to farmers markets, breweries, and hikes. Ellie was overreactive around strangers and dogs, ignored simple commands, and was high risk for ingesting sticks and rocks which prevented her from being included in our adventures. Kristi is an amazing trainer and person that gave us the tools and training to enable us to exceed our training goals. We were at first intimidated of the thought of an e-collar, but Kristi quickly educated us by showing us how it doesn’t hurt and explains the significance of safety from far greater dangers of disobedience. She gave us a toolbox of commands for every situation and introduced them in a way that built on an easy to follow curriculum. Kristi was so patient, motivating, and caring to transform Ellie into the sweetest and well mannered dog anywhere we go now without losing any of her playful, loving, and happy personality. Jeremy also does a fantastic job in the weekly group classes that are included in our plan. He gives great advice and creates a safe simulation for everyday situations we find ourselves in so we are educated on how to best handle Ellie as encounters new experiences. We appreciate he holds owners and dogs accountable to create a safe environment for learning. We truly feel blessed to have found Dog Training Elite. Strangers consistently compliment how polite our little girl is and we recommend Kristi and Jeremy to everyone.

We cannot recommend Dog Training Elite highly enough! When we first started training, we loved our golden retriever Ellie dearly, but it often felt like we weren't speaking the same language. She was energetic, curious, and eager to explore every sight, sound, smell, and dog she encountered. What Dog Training Elite gave us wasn't just obedience training—it gave us a way to communicate with Ellie and help her understand what we were asking of her. Thanks to Kristi's incredible guidance, patience, and expertise, Ellie has transformed into a confident, well-adjusted dog that we can truly take anywhere. We can now bring her to places like the farmer's market, where she stays calmly by our side despite all the distractions around her. Loud noises, other dogs, exciting smells, crowds—things that once would have completely captured her attention no longer overwhelm her. She has learned how to remain focused and composed in new environments. What I appreciate most is that Ellie is still 100% Ellie. Dog Training Elite didn't take away her personality; it helped her learn how to navigate the world without overreacting to it. She's still our lovable, goofy, silly golden retriever who makes us laugh every day. The difference is that now she has the skills and confidence to handle situations calmly and appropriately. The training didn't stop after the initial program, either. Every Saturday, we attend classes led by Jeremy, and those sessions continue to strengthen and reinforce the behaviors we've worked so hard to build. The ongoing support from the entire team has been invaluable and has helped make these behaviors a lasting part of Ellie's life. Kristi taught Ellie, but just as importantly, she taught us. Looking back, I realize that successful dog training is really about learning a shared language between you and your dog. Dog Training Elite helped us build that language, and it has completely changed our relationship with Ellie for the better. We are incredibly grateful for everything Kristi, Jeremy, and the Dog Training Elite team have done for our family. The confidence, freedom, and joy they've helped create for both us and Ellie are truly priceless. We will forever be thankful.

Hey any one that is looking for a dog training facility this is the place to go.These trainers are amazing.If I could give a 10 star rating I would.

I called Kristi the day after we got our Golden Retriever puppy. For the first year, we did some intensive service dog training, which was equal parts dog training and owner training. This included several public access visits to places like Costco and Menards. The result: I have the absolute best dog I've ever owned, and I can take her anywhere with confidence. Kristi and Jeremy taught me how to be a "dog whisperer" to my dog's behavioral nuances, and to correct the unwanted stuff effectively. I have such a special bond with this dog because we've done the work together and have mutual trust. She knows that obedience gets her a seat under the table with us at a nice restaurant, a shop around Home Goods (her favorite), or hotel stays with us. Yes - this is possible for a 2 year old Golden! We still attend weekly group classes, and appreciate the ongoing support and training. The investment we made with Dog Training Elite is worth every penny for our Penny!

I cannot say enough good things about DTE. The staff is amazing and are so good with the dogs. Larry loved going and we saw improvement after the first day. They are so knowledgeable and want you and your dog to have success after the training. If you are serious about getting your dog some help don’t look any farther.

JoJo was a handful of unlimited energy and his cattle dog instincts fueled the fire. He is no longer the goodest naughty boy, he is just the Goodest Boy. The best part is how much bigger his world can be now! His human sister was excited he was able to join her hanging out at the salon while she got her hair done. Is there work to continue, always! But now I have confidence we can go in public and show off our new manners. JoJo has received so many compliments on his behavior, even after the first week of camp. So worth it!

It is incredible the difference that I see in our 2 Great Danes after their time at Dog Training Elite. Jasper was a jealous bully and I didn’t feel comfortable at all taking him anywhere. And Kronk was just very excited and chatty boy. But now Jasper listens and checks in and I can take him out with confidence. And Kronk is a still a happy guy but he doesn’t overwhelm you with his excitement anymore. They’re both just little gentlemen now. And knowing that we can go to the group classes and ask DTE for advice still is very reassuring.

Dog training Elite review My wife and I rescued a small dog after her previous dog (Abby) passed away. He (Charlie) was a cute dog, but young (about 1 year old) and very rambunctious. Charlie had no boundaries or manners; he would walk all over you and jump on you the second you walked into the house. We knew he needed professional training, so we took him to Dog Training Elite. To be honest, we were a little skeptical of the E-collar procedure at first. However, after attending the training sessions, we started seeing real results. Charlie has come such a long way because Amber and Maddie did a wonderful job with him. Charlie now has great manners and follows his commands, all thanks to the team at Dog Training Elite. Hats off to Christie, Jeremy, and their trainers, Amber and Maddie, for doing such a great job with Charlie. Thank you!