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Obedience Training for Dogs

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Behavior Training vs. Obedience Training for Dogs


If you are in the market for dog training, you may run across a few terms like "behavior training" or "obedience training." But what's the difference between the two? And which one is best for your dog?

Here at Dog Training Elite, we have been in the dog training business for over 40 years, so we can explain the difference between behavior and obedience training for dogs. We'll also help you determine which is right for you and your four-legged best friend. If you are interested in hearing more about Dog Training Elite training programs, call us today for a free in-home consultation!

Dog Training Elite offers expert obedience training for dogs.

Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.


Bronze

Pricing Coming Soon!

Silver

Pricing Coming Soon!

  • In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 4 Sessions
  • Come
  • Heel(walk with you without pulling)
  • Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
  • Off(furniture if desired)
  • Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
  • Place(go to bed)

Gold

Pricing Coming Soon!

  • In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 5 Sessions
  • Group Park Training Sessions 6 Months
  • Come
  • Heel(walk with you without pulling)
  • Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
  • Off(furniture if desired)
  • Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
  • Place(go to bed)
  • Down(next to you & off leash at a distance)
  • Housebreaking / Potty Training
  • Calm Anxiety & Build Confidence
  • Get into Car or Kennel
  • STOP Running Away
  • STOP Jumping on People
  • STOP Puppy Biting
  • STOP Chasing Animals
  • STOP Chewing
  • STOP Digging
  • Go home(go into kennel or dog house)
  • Wait
  • STOP Begging & Stealing Food
  • STOP bolting through doors

Platinum

Pricing Coming Soon!

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.

  • In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 5 Sessions
  • Group Park Training Sessions 8 Months
  • Community Training SessionsOne-on-one with you & trainer 2 Sessions
  • Come
  • Place(go to bed)
  • Heel(walk with you without pulling)
  • Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
  • Off(furniture if desired)
  • Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
  • Down(next to you & off leash at a distance)
  • Housebreaking / Potty Training
  • Build Confidence
  • Get into Car or Kennel
  • STOP Running Away
  • STOP Jumping on People
  • STOP Puppy Biting
  • STOP Chasing Animals
  • STOP Chewing
  • STOP Digging
  • Go home(go into kennel or dog house)
  • Wait
  • STOP Begging & Stealing Food
  • STOP bolting through doors

  • Choose to Address Advanced Concerns: - Calm Anxiety
    - Control Aggression (dog & human)
  • Or Choose One Tailored Skill Below: *Specialized training options based upon your dog's abilities. - Therapy dog training See Details - Emotional Support Dog Training
    - Ride on a Golf Cart, Skateboard, or Wagon
    - Stay with You on Jog, Hike, or Bike Ride
    - Other Custom Command Approved by Trainer
Best In-Home Dog Trainers Near Me in your local area
Highest Rated Dog Obedience Trainers Near You in your local area
Top Dog Trainers Near Me in your local area
In-Home Dog Trainers Near You in your local area

Behavior Training


This type of training aims to correct or rewrite an undesirable behavior. For example, if a dog or puppy whines and cries when the owner leaves the house, the dog may be experiencing separation anxiety and acting out. To fix this behavior, you would need to train this dog to respond differently to being left alone in the house.

With behavior training, the trainer and owner look at the situation that needs addressing, figure out the trigger for the bad behavior, and train the dog to respond differently to that trigger. After consistent training and positive reinforcement, the dog will perform the learned response to the trigger or stimulus even without commands or rewards, essentially rewriting their response to that situation.

Obedience Training


Trainers use obedience training to teach a command and then have a dog obey and perform that command. This training involves teaching a puppy or dog basic commands like “sit,” “come,” “heel,” or “down.” The Dog Training Elite trainers can also use obedience training to teach other commands more unique to your life and situation.

The goal of obedience training is in the name - training a dog to obey commands reliably. Obedience training for dogs can sometimes be lengthy and requires repetition, consistency, and lots of positive reinforcement to achieve lasting results.

When obedience training is employed correctly, it fosters a deep connection between dog and owner that encourages consistent compliance from the dog and positive reinforcement from the owner.

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Dog Training Elite is the #1 obedience training for dogs.

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.

The Dog Training Elite Training Method


Correct responses to a command or rewriting a reaction to a trigger can be accomplished through many methods. Dog Training Elite uses positive reinforcement, or “classical conditioning,” to achieve the desired results. Years of experience have taught us that classical conditioning is the most effective way to train a dog.

If you are searching for local obedience training for dogs, Dog Training Elite is the place for you.

What is classical conditioning?

Also known as the Pavlovian model, classical conditioning refers to a learning process that occurs when you pair two stimuli with a command. Studies have proven that classical conditioning is the preferred training method as it offers long-lasting results and teaches deep-rooted obedience. At Dog Training Elite, an electronic collar and positive reinforcement are the two stimuli we use to teach your dog good behavior. The electronic collar is not a shock collar. Like a clicker device, it gets your dog’s attention during training.

Offering rewards and positive reinforcement will yield positive results and a happy and confident dog. In contrast, using negative reinforcement and punishment will result in a dog performing out of fear and lacking trust and confidence. The trainers at Dog Training Elite want your dog to be happy and confident and have a deep and lasting connection with you as their owner. That’s why we only use positive reinforcement and classical conditioning.

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Which Training is Right For You and Your Dog?


Dog Training Elite offers behavior and obedience training for dogs, but how do you know which is right for you? Suppose your dog is exhibiting behaviors like biting, excessive barking, digging, or more. In that case, they may benefit from some behavioral training to rewrite those responses. If you have a new puppy or your dog has trouble obeying commands, obedience training is the ideal solution. In some cases, your dog may need a combination of both.

If you're still unsure what training is best for you and your dog, Dog Training Elite is ready to help! Find a trainer near you today to get started on your dog's training journey.

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!

I can not say enough good things about Dog Training Elite San Antonio! The entire team is fabulous! I had no idea how I would go about getting a service dog for myself. They helped me with everything! They evaluated the dog we adopted and the training sessions have been amazing! They are very responsive when I call and super supportive! Love, love them! We have now enrolled another one of our dogs in some basic training. Thank goodness for y’all! 💕🥰💕

Posted March 21st 2023
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Posted March 20th 2023
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Originally came to DTE to help with leash aggression on my GSD puppy. After working with her a couple sessions, they identified that she was leash reactive, not aggressive, and her behavior is now under control between the 1:1 sessions with Hunter and Matt and the group sessions with all of the trainers (can't leave out Dom!). She has been enrolled in the personal protective training and is progressing nicely. The combination of 1:1 sessions and the group sessions at the training facility help the handlers learn proper training techniques and safety. Obedience and control of your K9 is always stressed in the protection classes and combines perfectly with the obedience training offered by DTE. I'm very happy with the knowledge, professionalism and service of the staff and look forward to working with them more in the future.
— Timothy Holdener
Posted March 19th 2023
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We started service dog training with DTE in January 2023. We are now in group classes with Roselle. We cannot say enough great things about DTE STL. We drive an hour and twenty minutes each direction to go to training, and it is worth every minute and mile.
— Natasha Bassett
Posted March 18th 2023
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We LOVE Elite! Matt was incredibly helpful at our initial meeting. He was open and transparent by what we could expect from the dog trainer's, our dog and from ourselves. Freyja, our German Shepherd, has thrived under their training. Our trainer Hunter has been amazing! She went from being terrified of being in a new space to confidently doing all the commands she has learned. Can't wait to see how much she grows and learns.
— Keri Ann Hunt
Posted March 18th 2023
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Dog training Elite is one of the most professional training companies I’ve seen. They trained my German Shepherd Sofia as a service dog. As a disabled combat vet, my service dog was much needed to help me with ptsd and mobility issues out in public and I could not imagine my daily life without her. Dog training elite is definitely your go to for service dogs, they will not only meet your needs and expectations but they will also exceed them!!
— Kyler Witt
Posted March 15th 2023
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Where to begin?!? We had taken our puppy to another training facility, but it was unfruitful. Our puppy had been attacked twice and was extremely reactive to many situations. Since starting classes with Dog Training Elite San Antonio, our puppy has done a complete turn around. She's able to walk along with other dogs she's unfamiliar with, stopped barking and reacting to strangers, is able to play with her 8 week old fur cousin, no longer jumps and bites because of her excitement/anxiety. We have no words to express our gratitude in helping us help our puppy! The entire team has been excellent, especially Adakias!!!!!
— Jessica Draney
Posted March 14th 2023
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Dog training elite did an amazing job with our Doberman puppy! McCall did a great job with creating a safe environment for our pup to learn and be independent. Additionally, we trained our pup with her litter mate, which was fun and challenging. We had a really great experience and would recommend this for anyone who wants to build a better relationship with their dog and become more confident with obedience.
— Alicia May
Posted March 13th 2023
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Love this company and their whole team! We had the pleasure of working with multiple trainers including Neil, Aspen, Mark, and Taylor. They were patient with us as new dog owners and took their time training both us and our dog on their program. Having private lessons followed by group lessons allowed us and our dog to learn the rules and practice them at home before applying them in a controlled environment. This significantly reduced my anxiety about bringing our dog in public and around our friends and family. We consistently receive compliments about how well behaved our dog is and those started shortly after we started the program!
— Jenna Leger
Posted March 13th 2023
google
I have worked with Dog Training Elite with two of my dogs. My first dog Branch who was 6 months when we started the program. Branch was very aggressive towards other dogs. Thanks to the owner Neil and his helper Chris my dog Branch is a well rounded dog who became my Service Dog. Unfortunately, Branch who is 6 yrs old now, has hurt his leg and needed to be retired so I began Training my new dog Felicia who is now enrolled with Dog Training Elite. She is only 11 months old and has past her Service Dog Test. Neil came to our home to evaluate Felicia and assisted in getting the process started. Taylor was the trainer who came to my home to continue training with me and Felicia. Taylor also met me and Felicia for our public training and made sure she was completing the task she will be providing. If there was something I needed to work on or if I had any questions Taylor was always able to provide me feedback. Taylor is very passionate and very knowledgeable with the process for continued training. Aspen was the trainer who completed the Service Dog Test and I appreciate how thorough she was at making sure Felicia was able to complete the task she will provide for me ongoing. I would recommend Dog Training Elite and have given out their information as we have traveled in our RV across country because they are wonderful at what they do. I greatly appreciate how much patience Neil and his Team have with dogs and their families. Especially, when helping us train Branch through his aggressive behaviors. If it wasn't for Dog Training Elite we would not have a second dog.

Posted March 11th 2023
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I have worked with Dog Training Elite with two of my dogs. My first dog Branch who was 6 months when we started the program. Branch was very aggressive towards other dogs. Thanks to the owner Neil and his helper Chris my dog Branch is a well rounded dog who became my Service Dog. Unfortunately, Branch who is 6 yrs old now, has hurt his leg and needed to be retired so I began Training my new dog Felicia who is now enrolled with Dog Training Elite. She is only 11 months old and has past her Service Dog Test. Neil came to our home to evaluate Felicia and assisted in getting the process started. Taylor was the trainer who came to my home to continue training with me and Felicia. Taylor also met me and Felicia for our public training and made sure she was completing the task she will be providing. If there was something I needed to work on or if I had any questions Taylor was always able to provide me feedback. Taylor is very passionate and very knowledgeable with the process for continued training. Aspen was the trainer who completed the Service Dog Test and I appreciate how thorough she was at making sure Felicia was able to complete the task she will provide for me ongoing. I would recommend Dog Training Elite and have given out their information as we have traveled in our RV across country because they are wonderful at what they do. I greatly appreciate how much patience Neil and his Team have with dogs and their families. Especially, when helping us train Branch through his aggressive behaviors. As you can see in the photo Branch is able to lay down beside Felicia. Prior to Dog Training Elite working with him this would have never been possible.
— Tonya Emery
Posted March 11th 2023
google
Professional and knowledgeable group. If you want to learn how to have full control of your K9 companion then Dog Training Elite is well worth the time and investment. Don’t be fooled by others!

Posted March 11th 2023
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Worth every penny!!! The trainers here are very knowledgeable, patient, and understanding. Especially Savanna and Taylor, they have gone above and beyond to help out with our dog. In a few short weeks he has made big changes in his obedience and aggression. I am super impressed and glad to have them as our dogs trainers
— Danielle Geist
Posted March 9th 2023
google
I actually found them by google and boy was I so happy I did. This team is just perfect and full of knowledge on dogs. We went through the Service dog program they have and I can’t begin to explain how grateful I am to now have my own service dog. Each training session was fun and my dog and I learned so much in each class. Group classes with Savanah Taylor and Aspen were insightful and inspirational because we were around others like us. Also so much fun! Service dog group training with Mark, Savanah and Taylor was perfectly designed to help accustom our dogs to so many distractions. I appreciated it. But Taylor was outstanding, knowledgeable, full of energy, kind, patient, if you get to work with her your dog will gain a friend and work with a respectful trainer! Thanks DTE!
— Rachel Fameree
Posted March 9th 2023
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I can’t say enough about the amazing team at Dog training elite! We signed up our two dogs for their programs and it has been worth every penny! Taylor has been amazing and incredibly helpful with our puppy Sunny In our home. Reno took on our Portuguese water dog for the 10 day training at their facility and was amazing as well! Worth it! You won’t regret it!!
— Jill Clark
Posted March 9th 2023
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Excellent training I would recommend anyone
— sharon byrd
Posted January 11th 2023
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I love Dog Training Elite! Finding them was one of the best things I could have done for me and my dog. We started with basic obedience and he did so so well. They were patient with him and us and taught us what to do and how to do it well to succeed. We are now 9 months into our service training and it's going so well too! This has taken more patience and time to learn but we're asking hard things of my dog and myself 😅 but they are very supportive and patient. I love all of their trainers and recommend them to anyone who needs help training their dog whether it's basic obedience issues or reactivity, every penny is worth having Dog Training Elite in your corner. They know their stuff.
— Catherine Belnap
Posted March 1st 2023
google
The Ballards and their staff are amazing people! They truly have become part of our family. They have helped change two of my sons lives raising, training and loving their service dogs. I will 100% use their services for all current and future training needs and recommend anyone who wants top notch training to use them as well.

Posted March 1st 2023
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I cannot express how strongly I am recommending Dog Training Elete. They have helped me deal with some serious dog issues. Not to mention the solid foundations they have established in the fundamentals of dog training. Be assured they will be with you for the whole process of training a well behaved and well adjusted dog.
— Dana Fessler
Posted February 28th 2023
google
We have loved working with Dog Training Elite! We started with a new pup and now have a 2 year old trained psychiatric service dog. Trevor, Colleen and their team have been so helpful and have been there to answer any questions. We would highly recommend them to anyone who needs help with a pup!
— Madi
Posted February 28th 2023
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Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation

At Dog Training Elite, 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 work's with the Malinois Foundation to heal and empower these individuals with a specialized service animal, a partner in life, and a new best friend.

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