“Bringing Structure and Connection to Dogs and Their Families.”

After years of helping dog owners, I have come to understand the questions and concerns that so many share.

• “We’ve tried everything, but our dog still won’t listen.”
• “I’m afraid to have people over, because my dog is out of control.”
• “We feel stuck – our dog’s behavior is making life so stressful!”

If this sounds familiar, you are not alone, and I am here to help.

I’m Tonya Stafford, co-owner and lead trainer of Dog Training Elite Greater Tampa. My goal is to help families like yours build stronger, more rewarding relationships with their dogs through proven training methods with a focus on connection, effective communication, structure, and consistency. Growing up in Pennsylvania, I spent hours hiking with my dogs, volunteering with dog rescues, and learning what I could about how dogs communicate and learn. My passion for dogs seemed to always exist, growing even stronger in adulthood. I am here to teach you what I know about how dogs view the world and how we can help them learn.

From Career Shifts to Following a Dream.

I always wanted to help others and always had a love for all animals (I can’t even kill a spider). I pursued my degree in psychology and worked in social work for several years before moving into the pharmaceutical industry. I spent 15 years in the pharmaceutical industry, during which period I got my M.S. in Training and Development. I worked as a corporate trainer for large corporations where structure, consistency, and clear communication were perceived as valued elements for effective training. I learned how to connect with others, and figure out how they learn best. This is something I carried over into dog training. With our program, our goal is to connect with you and your dog to tailor an approach that will allow your dog to have the greatest success. I am living my dream of helping dogs and people every day. Whether it is helping clients see progress with their own dogs or mentoring my team, I am passionate about teaching, helping others, and creating lasting results.

When I am Not Working:

I have always enjoyed the outdoors. I love hiking, camping, kayaking, shelling, boating, or just lounging on the beach. If my dogs are with me, even better!

Why Work with Me?

• I combine a passion for dogs with professional expertise to create tailored solutions for every client.
• My team is dedicated to building strong, positive, and lasting relationships between you and your dog.
• My team and I are here to support you every step of the way.

Let’s Get Started Together!

Whether you are a new dog owner, need help overcoming challenges with your dog, or wish for your dog to become a therapy dog or a service dog, I am here to help. I am proud to be part of a process that transforms frustration into joy and builds meaningful connections between dogs and their people.

We have heard many issues throughout the years, and understand your questions and concerns.

“Helping Dog Owners and Dogs Communicate”

• “My dog is afraid of everything and reacts to other dogs and people.”
• “I can’t understand why my dog keeps chewing things he shouldn’t.”
• “My dog pulls like crazy on walks!”

If this sounds familiar, you are not alone, and I am here to help.

I’m Luis Rodriguez, co-owner, business manager, and part-time trainer at Dog Training Elite Greater Tampa. My goal is to help owners/handlers learn to communicate better with their dogs, understanding their body language, and helping them reach their potential. I developed my love of dogs through my first dog, Ranger, a Rottweiler trained for protection, but loving and loyal to my entire family and playfully gentle with my daughters, who were toddlers at the time. I have had other dogs throughout the years, but never forgot Ranger who set into motion my love of dogs and the desire to discover the potential that each dog has.

Thinking outside the box.

A Puerto Rico native, I received my B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez and worked in mechanical and validation engineering in Puerto Rico and the United States for over 30 years. In this industry, I was taught to problem solve and think outside of the box. I carry this ability into dog training because one size does not fit all when training a dog. Even dogs of the same breed, age, and gender have individual characteristics, drives, and responses. My goal is to customize a plan for you based on your dog and your goals and to help you achieve and even exceed expectations.

When I am Not Working:

I enjoy building things and working on projects. I also enjoy boating, painting, and watching sports.

Why Work with Me?

• I bring a lifetime of problem-solving experience. I have the patience, dedication, and determination to meet all challenges head on and find a path forward.
• I am passionate about facilitating communication and fostering improved relationships between people and their dogs.
• I am fully bilingual (Spanish and English).

Let's Get Started Together!

Whether you are a first-time puppy parent, need assistance with behavioral issues, or just want a better-behaved dog, I am here to help. My joy is seeing the joy in others when they see what their dogs are capable of!

Born 12/21/2021, Ginger, an American Staffordshire Terrier is a lover who only fights stereotypes. Her favorite things include long walks, cuddles, meeting new people, and wrestling with her younger brother, Bruno. She loves being in the sun and will do just about anything for food.

Born 5/24/2022, Bruno, a goldador (labrador/golden retriever mix) is a sweetheart and an overall chill dude. He enjoys playing fetch, running agility courses, and anything water related. He is always eager to please and would love to meet you!

Born and raised in the dog-friendly city of Tampa, Florida, Marissa has always been a student of animal behavior. Her deepest passion is helping to strengthen the bond between dogs and their people by fostering a positive environment for training and guiding owners and handlers to better understand what their dogs are trying to communicate. Marissa focuses her sessions on each dog's individual needs and works with owners and handlers to create a training plan in which the dog is given the best chance for success. Marissa is a dog mom to a one-year-old American Bully named Asmodeus (Modie), her self-trained service dog.