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Getting a new puppy can be an exciting adventure, especially for new puppy owners. The love and joy a dog can bring are genuinely impressive. Dogs become such an integral part of the family. However, the most common mistake new owners make is underestimating the knowledge, commitment, and effort needed to train a new puppy.
Once a puppy begins to grow, its energy can quickly feel unmanageable. It’s all too common that a well-meaning and loving family takes on a puppy lacking the knowledge and skills to train correctly. This often results in overwhelmed owners rehoming or taking these puppies to local shelters, feeling the puppy’s disposition is bad or simply that they are not cut out to be dog owners.
Start Puppy Training Early
First-time dog owners are often unsure of when to begin training their dogs. For the best results, it’s essential to start training your puppy as soon as possible. You can start socialization and basic commands as soon as you bring your new puppy home. Puppies are open to new experiences and people and learn quickly while they are young. It is beneficial to take advantage of this stage. Start with basic commands like "sit," "come," and "stay." If you are searching for puppy trainers near you , Dog Training Elite offers puppy obedience classes.
Obedience Training for Puppies
Obedience puppy training is an excellent option for first-time dog owners or busy individuals who don't have the time necessary to devote to training. Obedience classes are a great way to expose your young puppy to other dogs, people, new sounds and sights. Combining obedience classes with training at home ensures a well-behaved puppy that learns quickly. For puppy training near you, Dog Training Elite offers classes, personal in-home training and other training packages.
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 15 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.
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.
The Dog Training Elite Approach
Dog Training Elite has developed a highly successful and unique positive puppy training program empowering dog owners to train. Hence, their dog knows who to obey at all times, in all situations or environments. We offer personalized training to deal with specific issues and behaviors. Dog Training Elite even offers customized training schedules to offer you the support you need as a dog owner.
Involvement is Key!
Most dog training programs don’t allow for the involvement of owners and families. Dog Training Elite puppy trainers greatly encourage owners and their families to be involved in the training process. Why? This ensures you and your family know what’s expected, allows for continued education and means all the progress isn’t lost. Your puppy won’t come home and forget everything he’s learned.
Our puppy training program consists of two phases, early training and advanced training. Puppies as young as eight weeks can begin learning with Dog Training Elite. Our process allows us to efficiently complete in-home puppy training services at your home or within the environment where behaviors manifest - such as in the park or around other dogs in the neighborhood.
FAQs of Our Puppy Training Program
If you are interested in our puppy training program, but still have some questions, read the answers to our most commonly asked questions below!
We accept puppies as young as 8 weeks old. Puppies this young are still able to learn, but their training must occur in short bursts to ensure optimal results. Phase 1 is for younger puppies and is defined by treat-training. Our trainers will teach your puppy basic commands, prompted by treats. Once your puppy has reached 12 weeks, more involved training can take place and treats will be removed from the program.
- Sit
- Stay
- Come
- Down / Lay
- Place / Bed
- Heel (no leash pulling)
- Off (the couch, bed, etc.)
Your trainer will also give you tips for housebreaking and crate training. If your puppy shows signs of aggression or anxiety, the training program will be adjusted to address these issues.
Yes! At Dog Training Elite, we use in-home training programs. This encourages a healthy bond between owner and pet and helps you participate more fully in your pet's life. In-home training provides better results than obedience classes as your puppy feels more comfortable in his own environment.
We use modern technology that utilizes TENS unit technology. In essence we are using the surface level stimulation to communicate with your dogs (equivalent to tapping them on the shoulder for attention) and create a conditioned response. "Shock Collars" were traditionally used for correction only and we never train in this way believing that dogs need a balanced approach.
If you still have questions about our puppy training program or would like to enquire about our pricing, contact us today.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
So thankful for Hunter and DTE! I was worried that Tater would have been deemed as an actual “aggressive” dog but a few minutes with the owner, Matt, and he knew that she did not deserve that label and she was able to be helped. Within 1 session she was already on her way to becoming more comfortable in herself as a dog and relax. Thank you Hunter and DTE!— Bree White
Posted February 25th 2023
We have been working with them to train a diabetes alert dog for the last 9 months as first time dog owners and it has been amazing! They are been there every step of the way and quick to answer questions. The staff is very knowledgeable and communicates well with us about what we need to do to have a well trained service dog and family pet. They have been there from choosing the right puppy to coming to our home for training sessions to group park classes to quickly responding to questions and concerns. They have given us the tools to train the humans and the dogs, since it takes a lot of time and consistent efforts to reach the goal of a well trained handler and dog. Would highly recommend them to anyone, whether you're wanting a well-behaved pet or a highly trained service dog.—
Posted February 25th 2023
We have been working with them to train a diabetes alert dog for the last 9 months as first time dog owners and it has been amazing! They are been there every step of the way and quick to answer questions. The staff is very knowledgeable and communicates well with us about what we need to do to have a well trained service dog and family pet. They have been there from choosing the right puppy to coming to our home for training sessions to group park classes to quickly responding to questions and concerns. They have given us the tools to train the humans and the dogs, since it takes a lot of time and consistent efforts to reach the goal of a well trained handler and dog. Would highly recommend them to anyone, whether you're wanting a well -behaved pet or a highly trained service dog.— Diana Thomas
Posted February 25th 2023
Best decision I ever made…huge changes within a few days…and continued improvement even months after starting— Salim Rezaie
Posted February 21st 2023
We worked with Ryan for our in home sessions with our two Malamutes! One malamute is 4 years old and the other is 10 months old. Ryan was awesome to work with! We’ve had a great experience and seen major changes in the behavior of both our dogs. We highly recommend Dog Training Elite. They were always on time, professional, and eager to answer any questions! We work at least 15 minutes a day with our dogs on their training. Some weeks are better than others, but it’s surprising how fast they picked everything up! The only issue that we’ve run into is that the dog collars are very inconsistent when it comes to having a thick coat like our malamutes have. We switched to longer prongs and have ordered some winged tipped prongs to see if it can make better contact with their skin. A lot of the frustration we had with our dogs behavior has completely disappeared. We can’t wait to continue working with them at group classes!— Cody Ward
Posted February 19th 2023
How Puppy Training Works
Dog Training Elite uses a positive puppy training method paired with an electronic collar - not a shock collar. Unlike shock collars, electronic collars do not hurt or harm the pup. They are used only to obtain their attention, not to punish bad behavior. We believe in using constant praise to encourage good behavior. The difference becomes apparent when comparing a puppy trained out of fear to a puppy who truly desires to please.
Positive Reinforcement for Positive Pups
Positive reinforcement is the best option in puppy training. Punishments will only scare your dog, and fear can lead to aggression problems later in life. The Dog Training Elite puppy trainers in your local area use a classical conditioning program focusing on positive reinforcement of basic commands.
Dogs are eager to please. When they learn following basic commands results in affection or a treat, they will be happy to do as you ask. With patience - and the assistance of a professional puppy trainer - you'll be rewarded with a lifelong loyal pal.
Dog Training Elite bases training around the "Classical Conditioning" model, also known as the "Pavlovian" response or "respondent conditioning." This means developing conditioned or automatic reflexes to commands, so when the owner says "sit," the dog automatically sits without thinking. Our unique technique ensures our program is a success no matter what behavior we encounter.
What Does My Puppy Learn?
During puppy training, your dog will learn a lot more than “sit,” heel,” and “down.” As their owner, you will learn a great deal about what it means to have a dog.
Our skilled puppy trainers will help you and your dog with the following:
- Leash and potty training
- Staying and coming
- Destructive chewing and digging
- Stealing food, clothing, or other objects
- Barking, howling and whining
- Food guarding and begging
- Mouthing, nipping, and playing rough
- Anxiety and submissive urination
- Jumping and hyperactivity
- Aggression and anxiety
Our trainers also encourage crate training, which helps with house-breaking and teaches your puppy he has a safe place to sleep at night.
Come to Dog Training Elite
Dog Training Elite has more than 40 years of experience specializing in teaching your puppy to be obedient to you and your family. Early training and socialization are fundamental in obedience training with puppies, and our skilled puppy trainers are equipped to meet your basic and advanced training needs. Unlike other dog training companies, we understand each client has unique needs, so we tailor our dog training programs to accommodate your situation.
We want you and your puppy to be prepared for all the excitement life has to offer. What better way to be ready than getting a jump start on puppy training.
Come to your local Dog Training Elite location and start your puppy training journey today!
Puppy Training
If you are interested in our puppy training program, but still have some questions, read more about our specific training categories!
While crate training is not necessary for house breaking, it certainly makes the process easier. Those who choose to housebreak without use of a crate will need more time and more patience when it comes to cleaning up accidents.
Crate training can also improve other aspects of your pet's life. A dog that is used to a crate will feel more comfortable when traveling and have a safe place to retreat during thunderstorms or noisy guests. At Dog Training Elite, we believe that crate training can enhance the life of both dog and owner when done properly.
Once a puppy is brought home after spending the first eight weeks of its life with its mother, obedience training can begin immediately. While Dog Training Elite works with dogs of all ages, beginning puppy training as soon as possible is the best way to go. Beginning puppy training early can help prevent unwanted behaviors such as chewing, whining, nipping and accidents in the house.
Bringing a new puppy home and making them part of your family can be exciting! Puppies are adorable, cuddly, playful and all-around lovable. However, it's not all fun and games if and when that puppy starts showing unwanted behaviors like chewing, begging, or getting onto furniture.
Start off on the right paw with Dog Training Elite puppy obedience training to quickly address behavior problems. Beginning obedience training early will help you create a lifelong bond with your new puppy and get rid of those unwanted behaviors. Find a trainer near you today!
Biting, or “mouthing,” is part of how a puppy learns about the world. It’s often meant to be a playful behavior, but those sharp little teeth can hurt! With some simple, consistent training, puppy biting can be over for good. Check out our tips on how to stop puppy biting, even in a playful way.
Are you tired of words like potty cue, potty place, or pee pads? Are your cabinets overflowing with carpet and upholstery cleaners and odor eliminators? If so, let Dog Training Elite and our professional dog trainers help. In a matter of weeks we will help to get your dog trained in the way best suited for you and your needs. Our comprehensive approach will be customized to you and your family to prevent loss of obedience. Sign up for your free in-home evaluation and experience the difference for yourself.
There are a few things you'll want to get before beginning training. Some of these things might include rewards, a treat pouch, a clicker, and a leash to name a few. Our professionals at Dog Training Elite are excited to help you get all the puppy training essentials you'll need to be successful!
Bringing home a new puppy to the family is an exciting and memorable time with a lot of things to do! One of the most important things you can do with your puppy during the first few weeks they are home is socialization, and our guided puppy socialization classes are a perfect way to do so!
You may be wondering if training your puppy is something you can do on your own, or if it's something you should pay for. You can stop your research on puppy training classes prices right now, because Dog Training Elite has the answer.
Dog Training Elite offers a free in-home evaluation to start your puppy on the right track and help you figure out what direction you want to take, training wise. From there, Dog Training Elite offers training packages that include the equipment you need like an electronic collar, in-home training sessions, group classes and everything from basic obedience training to more advanced training.
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.
