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Elite, Award Winning Dog Training in Tampa, FL

All Breeds. All Sizes. All Ages.

Pricing Programs Free Assessment

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Contact Dog Training Elite Greater Tampa 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

Learn More! Free Assessment

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 Greater Tampa offers expert in-home dog training near you in Tampa.
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 Greater Tampa offers professional group dog training programs near you in Tampa.
Socialized Group Training

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FREE In-Home Assessment
from Dog Training Elite!


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Dog Training Elite Greater Tampa

813-755-3332

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Giving Back


10% Military & First Responders Discount

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Whether you are on active duty in the military, a police officer, an EMT, a firefighter, or a veteran, we want to show our gratitude by offering a 10% discount on any training package.

Call to learn more!

813-755-3332

Award Winning Dog Training Services in the Tampa, FL Metro Area


Welcome to Dog Training Elite Greater Tampa! We are a professional, family owned Tampa, FL-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 Tampa, FL 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 Greater Tampa 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)


Tonya Stafford

Owner & Trainer

Luis Rodriguez

Owner & Trainer

Ginger

Training Dog

Bruno

Training Dog

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 Greater Tampa has award winning in-home dog trainers and top rated dog training programs.

Why Dog Training Elite Greater Tampa?

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 Greater Tampa, 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 Greater Tampa 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.

Learn More

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!

Tanya is very skilled in her profession! She had my Bully Dog obeying her commands within 20 minutes! My dog had a problem with jumping with excitement when I received a visitor. She is 70 pounds and her action was painful and annoying. Thanks to DOG TRAINING ELITE, that behavior has stopped.
— E thel Fentzlaff
Posted February 17th 2024
google
Tonya was awesome!! Can’t say enough good things about our experience with Dog Training Elite!! Tonya was timely, efficient and so good with our dog Maverick!!! She truly is the best and has become like family!!
— Mechelle Merrell
Posted February 11th 2024
google
Tonya is an excellent training instructor. She has the patience needed to deal this old guy and also our now 7 month old Mayley. Tonya has always been on time for our training sessions, which are done at our home whether it be done inside or out in the yard. Another plus is the Saturday sessions at a local park where Marley can socialize with other dogs in attendance. There are plenty of distractions be they other dogs being walked or very young toddlers wanting to pet our puppy. Marley still has her moments but she is still a young pup after all. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite. You will not be disappointed.
— John Cerone
Posted February 2nd 2024
google
100% recommend! I hired Dog Training Elite Greater Tampa for my Cane Corso puppy and he is an angel now. The training is tailored to the owner and the pup. It is kept simplistic and tools you can use over and over again. My issue with finding a company was that I could not go to places in the early evening/late morning during the weekday. Tonya and Luis come to your house which is really a force multiplier when training your dog in their own home. If you need your dog trained, this is the place to go.
— Kevin Lowe
Posted January 31st 2024
google
Wow! I can’t say enough about Tonya and Dog Training Elite - Greater Tampa. I was no stranger to training dogs, but my current dog, Scarlett, can be very head strong. She loves people and has no impulse control. She pulled on her lease when walking and rushed the door for visitors. I could tell she knew and understood my commands, but she decided when to follow them. It was a frustrating situation, and I was becoming impatient with Scarlett which was not good for either of us. Tonya to the rescue!! Tonya is extremely patient (with me and Scarlett) and seemed to know exactly what we both needed to get us over our impasse. You can tell Tonya really cares about both her human and dog students. We both had a great experience and Scarlett absolutely loves her. I recommend Dog Training Elite to anyone who is serious about training their dog. Training your dog isn’t magic, you must work at it but having the right tools and trainer is a difference maker. Scarlett now walks beside me, comes when called, sits the first time she is asked and no longer jumps on complete strangers. Thank you, Tonya for everything! It was worth every penny.
— Mechelle Jarvis
Posted January 29th 2024
google
Tonya has helped our dog so much! Being an aussiedoodle she has a lot of energy and can be stubborn. Her behavior has completely changed since working with Tonya and everyone tells us how well behaved she is now. I am so glad I chose them to work with us and Stella. Excited to keep training with them!
— Olivia Price
Posted December 10th 2023
google
I first started looking for training for my puppy because I want him to eventually become a service dog. The training he’s been given has not only improved his behavior, but it’s also given me the tools I need to practice and train with him on my own. My puppy went from not listening and going potty in the house, to behaving even when I’m not giving commands. I was so worried that I wouldn’t be able to handle my new dog, and this service gave me confidence that he could become a well behaved pup.
— Joselyn Hernandez
Posted November 25th 2023
google
Working with you was an incredible experience. Working on a 6 year old dog, I thought was impossible, I was wrong. Now Kooper is amazing and he is my service dog. Kooper learned many new things and lost bad old habits. I can do anything with him, even without a leash. For whatever needs you have with your dog, I recommend Tonya ad Luis, they are amazing.
— Francesca Ciancio
Posted September 15th 2023
google
Very knowledgeable and extraordinarily patient with dog and client. Tailored the training to our specific needs. Always on time with organized lesson plans. Truly a dog-changing experience. Thank you Tonya.
— Ed Mandel
Posted September 14th 2023
google
These words are not enough to thank Tonya for what she did with our beloved Sheepadoodle Teddy! She started teaching him the basics (sit, off, stay, place, heel, down) and being so smart that helped us to teach him a few extra commands like "paw", "watch". "high five". Teddy is a lovable puppy but has TONS of energy which gives him frequent "zoomies" or burst of enthusiastic desire to play, run, and jump over us and being big and heavy, by accident tends to push or pulls us really hard. Tonya has been able to teach him (and us!) to manage these bursts of energy and he is way calmer than before (and at the moment I'm writing this he is still a 8-month old BIG and HEAVY puppy (a bit over 60 lbs). THANKS TONYA for your continuous help, for being so caring and dedicated for your job. She is a natural animal lover so she does her job with that in mind: LOVE. THANK YOU!!
— Steven Padin-Aquino, P.E.
Posted September 1st 2023
google
Took Isla all the way to a fully qualified service animal. All I get is comments on how well behaved she is.
— Kevin E
Posted August 25th 2023
google
Tanya is excellent and has done a great job with Princeton.
— Dee Coop
Posted July 5th 2023
google
Thanks little better
— Stella Jimenez
Posted July 1st 2023
google
Our trainer Tonya is extremely nice. She cares deeply for her client. There has been noticeable progress in the dog’s behavior. Best investment ever!
— Jacob Cummings
Posted April 10th 2023
google
I highly recomment Tonya, Louis and Dog Training Elite Greater Tampa. It is obvious that they are not only very knowledgable, but passionate about what they do. Tonya is calm, patient and caring not just with dogs, but with children and people in general. She is super easy to work with.
— Natalia Brophy
Posted January 9th 2023
google
Tonya and Luis are great dog trainers and awesome to work with!
— Emily Wheeler
Posted November 8th 2022
google
Buen servicio, amables con un amplio conocimiento y están certificados que es lo más importante. Están entrenando al futuro protector de mi hijo con autismo y en mejor manos no puede estar.
— Kamirelis Ramirez
Posted November 4th 2022
facebook
Tonya & Luis care as much about our dogs as they do their own. Kind, compassionate, & patient. They were born to do this!
— Dog Training Elite Greater Cincinnati
Posted September 23rd 2022
google
Tayna is the best! She's professional, intelligent, honest and very caring! Her training methods work! Tayna is outstanding! I absolutely recommend her! Thank you so much Tanya for all your hard work and dedication! Your the best! 💜
— Jacqueline Elbert
Posted September 13th 2022
google
I have known Tonya for a very long time. She has had a lifelong love of dogs. It was only natural that she would want to work with them. She is very good at what she does. I’m sure she will put her heart into helping you with the training of your dog. She knows your dog is a valued family member. Let her and Luis help make them more a obedient family member.
— Monna Davies
Posted September 8th 2022
google

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