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Labradors have been the No. 1 most popular dog breed in America for close to three decades. It’s not hard to understand why – Labradors are playful, energetic, smart and friendly. They make great companions for individuals and families and generally get along with children and other pets.
Although high-energy, Labradors are laidback and easy going, unfazed by the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Bred originally to be working dogs, their intelligence also makes them a great option for service or therapy dogs.
If you are starting out with a brand new Labrador puppy, Dog Training Elite St. Petersburg’s personalized in-home training programs can help you develop a strong bond with your new puppy and harness all of the incredible benefits of the breed.
Labradors are a highly intelligent breed that loves to please, making Labrador puppy training in St. Petersburg a breeze. Working in your own home, a Dog Training Elite St. Petersburg trainer will create a personalized training plan for you and your puppy, addressing any unique needs or issues your puppy may have.
Socialization is also important for your new puppy. Once your puppy has completed obedience training, Dog Training Elite St. Petersburg offers puppy group classes which is a great way to help your puppy socialize with other dogs and people, as well as learn to obey you in a distracting environment.
While beginning Labrador puppy training at an early age can be important and extremely helpful for dogs, if you adopt an older Labrador dog don’t worry! Dog Training Elite St. Petersburg’s training methods work with older dogs too, and Labrador training will still be a snap with your Labrador’s eager-to-please attitude.
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite St. Petersburg location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
Silver Obedience
$1,495
Training Equipment Included: E-Collar
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 3 Sessions
- Come
- Heel (walk with you, loose leash no pulling)
- Sit (next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Place (go to bed)
- Quiet (stop excessive barking & whining)
- Off(furniture when desired)
Gold Obedience
$1,995
Training Equipment Included: E-Collar
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 5 Sessions
- Group Park Training Sessions 12 Sessions
- Come
- Heel (walk with you, loose leash no pulling)
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Place(go to bed)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Off(furniture when desired)
- Down(lay next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Load Up (go into kennel, car, or dog house)
- Manners, Safety & Boundaries
- Calm Anxiety & Build Confidence
- Housebreaking / Potty Training
- STOP Jumping on People
- STOP Mouthing & Nipping
- STOP Chewing & Digging
- STOP Begging & Stealing Food
- STOP Bolting Through Doors & Running Away
- STOP Chasing Animals, Cars & Bikes
- STOP Reactivity (dog & human)
Platinum
$3,595
Platinum offers advanced obedience/behavioral modification with a goal of off-leash control. Includes additional training options and offers more one-on-one and group sessions than Gold.
Training Equipment Included: E-Collar
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 8 Sessions
- Group Park Training Sessions Limited Lifetime
- After-Training Tune Up Sessions 1 Session
- Come
- Heel (walk with you, loose leash no pulling)
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Place(go to bed)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Off(furniture when desired)
- Down(lay next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Load Up (go into kennel, car, or dog house)
- Manners, Safety & Boundaries
- Calm Anxiety & Build Confidence
- Housebreaking / Potty Training
- STOP Jumping on People
- STOP Mouthing & Nipping
- STOP Chewing & Digging
- STOP Begging & Stealing Food
- STOP Bolting Through Doors & Running Away
- STOP Chasing Animals, Cars & Bikes
- STOP Reactivity (dog & human)
- *Stay With You on a Job or Bike Ride (off-leash)
- *Emotional Support Dog Training(ESA)
- *Control Aggression(dog & human)
- *Calm Extreme Anxiety(behavioral modification)
What Makes Labradors Unique?
There are many reasons to love Labradors. Here are just a few:
- Labradors Love the Water
- They were Bred as Hunting Dogs
- Labs Come in Three Colors
- Labs can do Almost Anything
You may have already known this fact, because Labs are pretty famous for loving the water. They’re actually made for it! A Lab can use their thick tail – sometimes referred to as an “otter tail” – as a powerful rudder. They also have wide, webbed feet to help them swim fast and waterproof coats that help them stay comfortable even in cold water.
Initially, Labs were bred as duck retrievers, and then later as game-hunting companions. They tend to excel in retriever field trials and retriever hunting tests. They’re incredibly versatile as sport dogs, excelling in agility, rally and obedience sports.
Labrador coats come in three colors – black, yellow, and chocolate.
Their intelligence, energy and affectionate nature makes them a popular choice for service and therapy dogs, as well as for search and rescue teams, and bomb and drug detection. Suffice to say, all Labradors are very good dogs who do very good jobs.
Keeping Your Labrador Happy and Healthy
Although Labradors are famously laid back and friendly, that doesn’t mean they don’t require attentive care. If you’re considering adopting a Labrador, or you already have one and want to learn more about how to keep your pup happy and healthy, consider the following:
- Labradors Need Plenty of Exercise - Although Labs are easy going, they need plenty of exercise – even up to two hours a day. This can be made up of long walks, training sessions, playing fetch or going to the dog park. Though it’s important to make sure they get enough exercise, you also need to be careful you don’t let your dog overdo it, especially as a puppy why their joints and bones are still growing.
- Groom Your Lab Weekly - Labradors have short, smooth coats that are prone to shedding. Combing them weekly with a comb or bristle brush, or combing daily during shedding season, can help keep shedding under control. Make sure you have a good vacuum!
- Manage their Diet - As big, energetic dogs, Labs need to eat a lot – but they can be prone to putting on pounds, as well. Follow the recommended amounts on dog food packaging, or consult with your vet.
- Make sure Your Labrador Gets Lots of Attention - Labradors are very social. Socialization with other dogs is important, so trips to the dog park, doggy play dates or group training classes at Dog Training Elite St. Petersburg can be beneficial for both you and your dog. If your Lab has to be home without you for long stretches of time, be sure to have stimulating dog toys, puzzles and chew toys available for them, and consider hiring someone to check on and play with them during the day.
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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.
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!
We began a search for a service dog about 2 years ago. About a year ago, by a stroke of luck, we were directed to Dog Training Elite Suncoast where we met Ryan. Ryan started a search and quickly found the perfect dog for my wife. They developed an instant bond. Then Ryan, Kim and Aaron went to work with Shadow’s training. Since then, Shadow has attained the service dog certification and has been busy at work working with my wife and giving her advance notification of an oncoming episode. We feel blessed with the results of the entire process and there is no way that we could have accomplished this on our own. We are continuing to attend group sessions and strengthening his skills. I would 100% recommend Dog Training Elite Suncoast to anyone.— Anthony Cistone
Posted March 1st 2024
I am so pleased with the training. Both the in home and group sessions have taught me and my dog so much. The trainers are patient and also make it fun for my dog. Aaron was so kind in including our older dog who wanted to learn as well. I wish I started the training years ago when my dog was a puppy.— carolyn james
Posted January 5th 2024
I can't imagine a better experience! Dog Training Elite St. Petersburg will improve the relationship between you and your dog by training you (the owner) how to communicate effectively with your fur baby. Not only will they teach you how to train commands, but they will challenge you how to take those commands to the next level. So, your dog can sit or down for 30 seconds? Great! Can they sit for 5 full minutes with a bicycle, runner, ball, and squirrel going by? With Dog Training Elite, you can train them to do this and more. Truly exceptional! They will take your dog's obedience and manners beyond where you ever thought possible.— Tonya Stafford
Posted September 24th 2023
The BEST dog training program in all of St. Pete! Professional, knowledgeable, and friendly trainers that customize to you and your dog’s needs! Can’t believe the remarkable transformation! If you’re looking to take your dog out for leisurely walks without pulling and lunging, call DTE! If you want to welcome guests to your home without barking and rushing the door, call DTE! If you want a well-mannered and behaved dog no matter the situation, call DTE! JUST CALL DTE! You won’t regret it!— Alisa Kellington-Welsh
Posted September 24th 2023
Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation
At Dog Training Elite St. Petersburg, 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 St. Petersburg works with the Malinois Foundation to heal and empower these individuals with a specialized service animal, a partner in life, and a new best friend.
Labrador Training With Dog Training Elite St. Petersburg
The Dog Training Elite St. Petersburg training method is based around classical conditioning with an emphasis on positive reinforcement. Classical conditioning means developing conditioned or automatic reflexes to commands, so when you say “sit,” your dog will sit automatically. Labradors respond especially well to positive reinforcement, but Dog Training Elite St. Petersburg trainers will tailor the Labrador puppy training method and programs to suit any individual dog’s needs.
While all dogs share qualities of kindness, loyalty and intelligence regardless of breed, Dog Training Elite St. Petersburg recognizes that every dog is an individual and may require different training methods. Dog Training Elite St. Petersburg stands out by taking into consideration what breed your dog is when making training goals.
Whatever your dog’s breed, Dog Training Elite St. Petersburg can help you and your dog overcome any obstacles related to obedience and socialization. Our unique techniques ensure our program is a success no matter what behavior we encounter.
Ready to turn your Labrador into the best companion for you or your family? Contact us today to receive a free in-home assessment or Labrador training demonstration.