An image of a happy pitbull - contact Dog Training Elite for your pitbull training in Tampa, FL.

Professional Training For

Pitbulls

Dog Training Elite in Tampa

Request Free Assessment


Request Free Assessment


Our Pitbull Training Could Help:

Jumping on people
Destructive chewing
Excessive barking
Separation anxiety
Leash pulling
Territorial behavior
Stubbornness

Pitbull Training in Tampa, FL

At Dog Training Elite, we can tailor our training method to work with any dog breed. We also understand that some dog breeds may require more training in some areas than others. Generally, all dogs share qualities of loyalty, intelligence, and compassion—regardless of what breed they are. Additionally, some breeds may have traits that require more attention and training than others.

For example, dogs within the pit bull family might possess some qualities that need training and correction that aren't an issue with other dog breeds. Whatever the case and dog breed you have, the trainers at Dog Training Elite in Tampa can create a breed–specific training plan to help you and your dog. Request a free in–home assessment and start your Tampa Pitbull puppy and adult training today!

See Training Packages
A well-trained pitbull - contact Dog Training Elite today for Tampa pitbull puppy and adult training.

What is a Pitbull?


Read More
Read Less

A pitbull is not just one breed of dog but a collection of breeds created by crossing bulldogs and terriers. The common dog breeds that fall under the “pitbull” umbrella are:

  • American Pitbull Terrier
  • American Staffordshire Terrier
  • Staffordshire Bull Terrier
  • American Bulldog
  • English Bull Terrier

At one time, pitbulls were prized family dogs, nicknamed "nanny dogs" for their attention and care around children. Unfortunately, they were also bred for cruel and inhumane "sports" like bear–baiting and dog fighting for many years. Because of that history, their breeds have been considered aggressive and intimidating. However, pitbull owners know their dogs are highly affectionate and loyal, and this stigma is outdated and harmful.

Get Your Free Assessment

You and your canine companion really can have it all. See how easy it can be to become a member of the elite pup society by requesting a free consultation today!

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Sierra Larsen
    Dec. 19, 2024
    Marissa and Tonya are life savers, literally. Our pit mix puppy was really not getting along with our older dog and struggling with guarding, to the point we were afraid we were going to have to surrender him. Being a fearful pit mix, that is rolling the dice and we love him. He’s family. They were able to train them and teach us how to get them to coexist. It’s amazing how supportive and loving they are; both dogs get excited when either of them came… well for pets, compliments, and treats. Their expertise is vast and they even sent follow up videos and articles to further our knowledge. Plus individual and group classes! All around training from every angle including socializing with other dogs and them as distractions. If anyone is looking for a trainer, there is no question, they are the best. Best money we ever spent!
  • Leslie Sanchez
    Dec. 17, 2024
    Dog Training Elite has been amazing. They have definitely made the process easy and explained everything thorough. Marissa has been a great trainer, and my pup loves her. Marissa has helped me and Hazel build confidence in being in public as we continue on our journey to get my dog as a service dog. I would recommend them to anyone 😊
  • Jeremiah Johnson
    Dec. 16, 2024
    Marissa is great with helping us learn how to manage our high energy dog, Sam. He is scared of new people, bounces off furniture and never settles, especially when nervous. After each in home training session with Marissa, Sam's behavior improved; not a little, but huge improvements. You can tell Sam is happier now as he knows what is expected of him and his anxiety is almost gone. He is still scared meeting new people, but calms down quickly and is their new best friend in a few minutes. He will stay in place when he is told for as long as we ask of him, no more constant pacing. As a 1 year old puppy, Sam is still learning, but with the techniques Marissa taught us; he is well on his way to being a well mannered and happy adult dog. I highly recommend, Marissa and Dog Training Elite. We couldn't be happier with the results.
  • Grant Kinley
    Dec. 16, 2024
    Trained my service dog with this group and had an amazing experience. They tailored training to my type of dog being small and non traditional for service dog but for my PTSD he is perfect. Encouraged both trainer and dog to be consistent. Group classes are great and the program i chose has lifetime support so if he starts a behavior or i need additional training they will be on board. Harley met his training within 1 yr with is astounding. We BOTH focused on each other and the needs he would serve and this training company was amazing to work with.
  • J C
    May. 28, 2024
    Kim, Jana, and Ryan have been great to work with. They have turned Benny's behavior around and are helping me to get him trained as a service dog. They have been very considerate and helpful with my physical limitations. We look forward to every session with them.
  • Kelly Kelly-Fritz
    Dec. 6, 2024
    DTE are the 2nd dog training co. I've used. The first was for my son's dog - and DTE for my own. I'm so happy with the personalized experience DTE have offered me. Kim, Aaron & Ryan are all excellent folks to work with. My Pepper has learned so much and I look forward to completion of the program so she will have a full-on Service Dog credentials. This has been a great experience.
  • Deb Barrett
    Jul. 5, 2023
    Kim, Ryan, and Aaron are the best dog trainers. They are very patient both with my Frenchie and me! If you need a specific area that needs work, they are there for you and your dog. People continually comment on how well behaved my little Frenchie. He will be 3 years old in a couple of weeks. He began his training when he was 9 months old & I take him to group glass to reinforce what he has learned & to keep him on his paws!!! Jackson is a certified service dog and it's all thanks to Dog Training Elite Suncoast.
  • Linda Kelly
    Dec. 6, 2024
    Ryan, Kimberly and Aaron are the absolute best at what they do. I adopted Luna from the humane society and she is a BIG girl; I knew I would need help training her if I ever hoped to be out with her successfully. Kim came to interview us and believed in Luna's potential. She gave us homework and I truly believe she, Ryan, and Aaron trained me as well as Luna. The classes are small, ensuring that each dog gets personalized attention. This is such a key factor in fostering a real bond between you and your dog. Every session felt tailored to Luna’s needs, and the trainers were always available for follow-up questions or advice. The trainers keep the classes engaging with games and activities that help reinforce key skills. Under their excellent tutelage at home, in group sessions, and in public places, Luna achieved her Service Dog certification. I can’t recommend Suncoast Elite enough! Luna is now a happy, well-behaved dog, and our walks are something I look forward to. The experience and dedication of these highly skilled trainers and their training philosophy are unsurpassed in my opinion.
  • Heather Vicioso
    Oct. 6, 2024
    I cannot speak highly enough of Dog Training Elite Suncoast and their exceptional work in training my service dog, Sammy. From the moment we began working with them, it was clear that their expertise and dedication were unparalleled. The team at Dog Training Elite Suncoast transformed Sammy from a loving companion into an indispensable service dog. Their training methods were not only effective but also compassionate, ensuring that Sammy's natural personality shone through while developing the skills necessary for her important role. Thanks to their thorough and professional training, Sammy has become an integral part of my daily life. She's mastered a wide range of tasks that help me navigate my day-to-day challenges with confidence and independence. The impact of their training extends far beyond our local community - Sammy has since accompanied me on travels around the world, adapting seamlessly to new environments and situations. What truly sets Dog Training Elite Suncoast apart is their ongoing commitment to Sammy's development. They continue to work with us, teaching her new tasks and reinforcing her existing skills. This dedication ensures that Sammy remains at the top of her game as a task-trained service dog, constantly evolving to meet my changing needs. The bond I share with Sammy, and the freedom and security she provides me, are testaments to the incredible work of Dog Training Elite Suncoast. They haven't just trained a service dog; they've given me a loyal partner and a new lease on life. I wholeheartedly recommend their services to anyone in need of professional dog training, especially for service animals. They truly are elite in every sense of the word.
  • Erin Weigel
    Dec. 4, 2024
    I reached out to Tonya to help me train a service dog for my son with Autism. When we started the platinum obedience training, our mini bernedoodle was about 6 months old. Tonya was amazing through this process and included our son in the training at every step. Once our pup graduated the obedience training we added the service training tasks. She took the time to talk with us and make the best decisions as to which specific tasks would be most helpful for our son. These tasks included deep pressure therapy, crowd control and blocking. Tonya always provides clear instructions during the appointment and exactly what to work on each day until the next visit. The training she provided along with lots of practice and hard work in between visits has allowed our mini bernedoodle to become a service dog which has made a huge positive impact on our son. I can’t recommend or thank Tonya enough for all of her kindness, caring, and help in this process.
  • SILVER ROOTS SENIORS MOVING AND REAL ESTATE
    Nov. 30, 2024
    Finnley is training to be a service dog for me personally and to help with my senior customers. We started with a At Home training classes and then moved to Group classes. The public park group classes where there are distractions have proven beneficial and enjoyable for him and I. The training at the airport was amazing, preparing him so that he will be able to travel with me. I have mentioned to Kim that I was struggling with him listening when the Grandchildren and are over, Kim quickly said let’s schedule a date for me to come over and have the grandkids there. Identifying problems and actually working with you Is one of the best parts of working with this team. I look forward to continuing to work with Kim and the team as Finnley progresses.
  • Kinley Sf
    Nov. 10, 2024
    I am so grateful to Elite Suncoast Dog Training for changing my relationship with my dog, Sunny. I came to them with a very leash-reactive dog. Walks were stressful ~ I would scan the block ahead looking for other dogs ~ I would pivot and turn around when I saw them: I even started driving to Glencliff or Baybridge Park to avoid my neighborhood, with its close houses and small yards. The first transformation came when Aaron evaluated and demonstrated to me that my dog had a strong protective drive (there is a positive side to his leash reactivity). The second transformation was in taking the group classes and seeing how capable Sunny was in following my direction in close proximity to other dogs. It has given me confidence in my abilities to command the situation with other dogs. Sunny is not cured of his reactivity, but it has diminished it, to the point where I don’t feel completely embarrassed and discouraged in taking walks with him again. If you are in my shoes, ask for a free consult with Aaron ~ learn what your dog needs ~ and go from there. I hope this can help anyone else who is in my shoes. ~ Eva
  • Alexis Hackworth
    Nov. 9, 2024
    Amazing experience! I was so excited to have a professional trainer to help and these guys don’t disappoint!! Copper is now an official therapy dog and he loves his work! I so appreciate the time the trainers took with Copper to understand him and the best ways for us to communicate! We’ve loved our experience and I recommend this company to everyone I know who’s looking for a well mannered pup! Best money we’ve spent on our dog hands down!
  • Anya Terrill
    Nov. 9, 2024
    Great choice, they really helped with my dog goose. No more jumping on people when they come over. Places very well and stays. And has more confidence in himself. All around glad I chose DTE suncoast.
  • Kaitlyn Thornhill
    Sep. 19, 2024
    We cannot say enough good things about Dog Training Elite and Tonya. We recently rescued our sweet boy and quickly realized that he has reactive tendencies due to his rough past. We seeked out Dog Training Elite after reading reviews about success with Tonya. We just finished our in-home sessions and wow, our pup has done a 360. With daily training and hard work, we have been able to gain confidence in him and feel more comfortable in public places. He has nailed commands such as sit, place, quiet, down, leave it, and the biggest one, heel! He seems to look to us for guidance now instead of reacting on his own terms which is huge! Thank you Tonya, we are forever grateful for your teachings, time, and patience.
  • Kalie Irwin
    Sep. 12, 2024
    We reached out to Dog Training Elite when our golden was about 3 months old. He was jumping over everything, peeing when he would encountered new people and trying to eat anything he could get his mouth on. The trainers were so helpful with their suggestions and we really felt like our concerns were addressed. After 6 weeks of one on one training, we have seen a huge improvement in his behavior at home and we have the tools to correct any unwanted behavior and we are really able to see his potential and know how to motivate him. We look forward to attending group sessions and using the skills we have learned to take him out into the community. I cannot recommend them enough.
  • Samantha Young
    Sep. 10, 2024
    Marissa has been great with my little pug Lucy! She has taught me so much and has helped us have a calmer dog. She’s very informative and takes the time to explain everything that she is doing and why. She is flexible with appointment times and is very accommodating. It’s been great having her help!
  • Casey Mortensen
    Aug. 22, 2024
    Both myself and Yoshi (1 year old German Shepherd) have had the most wonderful experience with Dog Training Elite. Marissa was our trainer and we couldn’t have picked anyone better for the task! Yoshi went from just about dislocating our arms from pulling on his leash, being terrified of other people, not listening at all, potty in the house on purpose, you name it. Marissa worked perfectly with him showing the ins and outs of the e-collar. Now here we are 2 months later and he’s a perfect gentleman, walks perfect at my side and is able to go places with us. I’m so grateful ❤️
  • Rozette
    Aug. 21, 2024
    Wonderful experience for both me and my dog! Marissa is well educated and knowledgeable about what each individual dog needs to succeed. Patient and willing to take the time to explain so you can be prepared to meet your dogs needs.
  • Kimberly Gillin
    Aug. 20, 2024
    We just moved to Tampa in an apartment complex and my 2 year old Hamilton became reactive and anxious. After 5 lessons I have a totally different fur baby. Ryan, Kimberly and Aaron are the best. I can now walk Hamilton in our complex with no reaction to other dogs and people.
A happy, obedient pitbull with Dog Training Elite in Tampa training.

Common Pit Bull Personality Traits

Read More
Read Less

Because of their tumultuous breeding past, pit bulls get a bad reputation for being mean, loud, and fierce. But if you have ever met a well–trained pit bull, you'll quickly learn that most do not possess those qualities. Below are a few common pit bull personality traits you may not know about.

  • These breeds are often easier to train than other breeds because of their loyalty and desire to please their owners.
  • Pit bulls are highly energetic and love to be active.
  • Because these dogs are usually misunderstood and consequently given up, pit bulls are the most adoptable breed in need of loving homes.
  • Pit bulls have a lifespan of 8–15 years.
  • These breeds usually don't bark a lot. However, if there is a barking problem, it's probably due to boredom or anxiety, which the trainers of Dog Training Elite in Tampa can address!
  • Pit bulls are highly affectionate, making them great family and service dogs.

Additional Breeds We Train

Dog Training Elite in Tampa - German Shepherd Training in Tampa, FL. DTE
German Shepherd
Dog Training Elite in Tampa - Labrador Training in Tampa, FL. Dog Training Elite
Labrador
Dog Training Elite in Tampa - Goldendoodle Training in Tampa, FL. Dog Training Elite
Goldendoodle
Dog Training Elite in Tampa - Beagle Dog Training in Tampa, FL. Dog Training Elite
Beagle
Dog Training Elite in Tampa - Doberman Training in Tampa, FL. DTE
Doberman
Dog Training Elite in Tampa - Border Collie Training in Tampa, FL. DTE
Border Collie
Dog Training Elite in Tampa - Golden Retriever Training in Tampa, FL. DTE
Golden Retriever
Dog Training Elite in Tampa - French Bulldog Training in Tampa, FL. DTE
French Bulldog
A group of dogs being trained by the expert team at Dog Training Elite in Tampa.
Dog Training Elite in Tampa light star icon.

Educate, Empower, Elevate, Elite

Victory Begins With Elite Education

A well-trained pitbull walking with their owner.

Tampa Pitbull Puppy and Adult Training

Training for Pitbulls with Dog Training Elite

Read More
Read Less

If your pitbull is exhibiting problems with aggression, barking, or does not socialize well with other dogs or people, the trainers at Dog Training Elite in Tampa can help! We have years of experience addressing behavioral problems with various dog breeds. We can create a specialized training plan with you using our proven training method.

Because pitbulls are loyal and have a high desire to please, the Dog Training Elite training method works exceptionally well for them. In all our training, we employ positive reinforcement—we reward correct, desired behaviors and ignore incorrect ones. Research shows that punishing a dog will not yield positive results and instead result in a dog obeying out of fear. We focus on building a positive, long–lasting relationship between dog and owner. Pitbulls are eager to please, and if you reward them for good behavior, they'll stick to good behavior, and you'll gain a loyal, dependent friend for life.

Our training method works with any dog because we base each training on a foundation of consistency, positive reinforcement, and creating a lasting bond between dog and owner. If you and your dog need Tampa Pitbull puppy or adult training, find a Dog Training Elite in Tampa trainer near you today!