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Puppy Obedience Training

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Common Puppy Behavior Problems

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!

Dog Training Elite has top puppy obedience training programs.

Behavior Problems


Many of the problems listed below are normal behavior for puppies and come with the "puppy stage." However, these behaviors are problematic, and it's not too early to start addressing and correcting them.

More than just addressing the behavior, it's important to try and understand the cause behind it. The trainers of Dog Training Elite can help you determine why a behavior is happening, so you're better equipped to train your dog out of it.

Dog Training Elite is proud to have the highest rated puppy obedience training.

Chewing is a natural part of a dog's physiology and comes built-in. It needs to be addressed if your puppy's chewing is destructive because they're chewing on shoes or furniture. Puppies chew because they are curious, teething, bored, or anxious. Working with a Dog Training Elite trainer will help your pup to learn to chew on toys instead of your slippers!

Puppies will bite or nip to explore their environment and test boundaries. Though your dog may not be play-biting out of aggression, you should address it so that it does not become a pattern in the future. Dogs and puppies may bite or nip because they are afraid, in pain, defending property, or from predatory instinct. Avoid wagging your fingers in front of your pup’s face, as it tempts them to bite, and get help from a professional dog trainer.

Dogs learn to jump from a young age to meet and greet their mother. Jumping in puppies or dogs can happen when greeting you or guests, jumping up to reach or steal food, or when they get excited. It is not an inherently dangerous behavior but can cause injury to your dog if overdone. Depending on how big your dog will get, it can potentially hurt someone else, too. It may seem counterintuitive, but don't respond. This will help them learn that they won't be rewarded for jumping.

Barking comes naturally for dogs; some pups may vocalize by whining or howling. If it starts becoming excessive or done at inappropriate times, puppy obedience training will help you immensely. Barking might happen because your puppy is playing, seeking attention, giving a warning, responding to other dogs, or has anxiety. As with jumping, try to ignore your pup when they are barking demandingly and reward them for being "polite."

Like many other behaviors, digging comes naturally. The instinct to dig may be more intense in some breeds. Most dogs will dig if given a chance, and this can happen because they have excess energy, are trying to escape or access an area, or trying to bury a possession. Try including more enrichment for your dog during the day or longer walks to burn off excess energy.

Separation anxiety can cause significant problems for an owner if not addressed. Signs of separation anxiety in dogs include following their owner around, becoming anxious as their owner prepares to leave, and misbehaving in the first 15-45 minutes after the owner leaves the house. Dog Training Elite are experts at dealing with separation anxiety in dogs.

Every puppy needs to be correctly potty trained; if done incorrectly, it can lead to problems with inappropriate urination and defecation problems. If a puppy or dog is having difficulties with potty training, it can be because of anxiety, territorial marking, and submissive or territorial marking. It's important to never punish your dog for having an accident in the house. At Dog Training Elite, we use positive reinforcement to develop desired behaviors.

Dogs and puppies beg because they love food. Giving your dog table scraps can be fun but lead to further begging and can even be dangerous for your dog's digestive system and health. Don’t give in when your puppy begs for food, no matter how cute they are.

Another instinct for dogs is chasing. Some breeds may have a stronger instinct than others, but in any case, it should be kept in check. Playing chase with your dog can be fun and good exercise for you both. However, chasing at unwanted times can be dangerous for your pup and may have disastrous consequences. A puppy or dog may chase because of their instincts, a desire to play, or out of aggression. The trainers at Dog Training Elite will work with you to train your dog not to chase, so you can help your pup keep up the good behavior even without a trainer there.

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.


Dog Training Elite is the top company near you that uses professional positive dog training methods.
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.

See Our Pricing

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 highly recommended Dog Training Elite Denver for all training needs. I have trained 3 dogs through their service animal program with great success and have first hand the efficacy of their method in resolving all types of behavioral issues. On top of everything, the DTE Denver team has provided over the top personalized support through every challenge I have faced with my precious pups. I’m a big fan - to say the absolute least!
— Alexa Tetzlaff
Posted May 23rd 2023
google
DTE-Denver truly lives up to their tagline. They absolutely are the last dog trainers you'll ever need. I found DTE-Denver after my Goldendoodle was certified as a therapy dog through another trainer, but I didn't feel that her behavior was as reliable as I wanted it to be in order to to feel safe with students in my classroom. After 4 months of training with DTE, my pup passed her therapy test and is as reliable off-leash as she is on-leash. We love all of you at DTE-Denver! Thank you for changing our lives and the lives of the students Kona will continue to help for years to come!
— Catherine Kaminski
Posted May 22nd 2023
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Thank you Dog Training Élite Northern Utah for the work with my puppy Charlie. Charlie has already brought joy to this human near to end of life. Dan, Colleen and your staff have been amazing. Thank you for the patience you show teaching Charlie’s human (me) to be a better handler. You are amazing and I would recommend you to anyone.
— Rosie Holmes
Posted May 13th 2023
google
The trainers at Dog Training Elite are amazing! We are first time dog owners, and really appreciate their expertise and willingness to answer our many questions. They really individualized the training based on our puppy’s personality and abilities and helped us know how to continue and reinforce his training at home. We are so glad we found such fantastic trainers for our cute puppy Scout!
— Sara Margetts
Posted May 6th 2023
google
We've tried dog training before with a different company but gave up due to no results. When we tried DTE we were skeptical but even just the free hour-long consultation with Evan showed us this place cared more than the other. We also noticed results after the first session. We worked with Deidre, Ryan and Evan to train our dog as a service dog for PTSD clients we work with. They are a great team and each of them know how to cheer you on and encourage more from you and the dog. Plus, they focus on building confidence and, when you're the only handler/dog in a public space with good behavior it really goes to show how much hard work the team and us put in. We could not recommend these guys more!
— Zachery Linscott
Posted April 29th 2023
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I contacted Matt at Dog Training Elite because my 6 year old dog was holding me hostage. I couldn't leave him with anyone, I was uncomfortable when company came over. I tried local store Training classes but there were still problems. My dog was dragging me up and down hills, barking and jumping at other dogs and being possessive of furniture and other items in the house. He now plays with other dogs, walks along side of me, sits calmly and waits for commands. He is a happy dog now and I no longer worry about his behavior. Thank you Dog Training Elite.
— Debbie Cooper
Posted April 23rd 2023
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All of the trainers are amazing to work with. They explained things to us in a way that was very easy to understand so that we were confident whenever we did our homework each night with our dog, Jango. It's been so fun watching Jango learn and grow throughout this process, we are so proud of him and are grateful for all of the trainers that worked with us. Jake, Jeff, and McCall, thank you so much! You all are amazing!
— Ashlee Taylor
Posted April 22nd 2023
google
I did a lot of research before picking Dog Training Elite. I am so happy with my decision. My puppy had learned so much in the 6 at home lessons. He had some aggressive behavioral issues that have gotten significantly better since we started training. I couldn’t recommend them more!
— Jane Hodell
Posted April 21st 2023
google
The Ballards have changed my life by training my dog and I to be the best team we can be! If you are looking for service dog training, I would highly recommend. DTE’s training program works fast and it sticks! Han Solo and I have so much fun at group classes. They make things fun and structured. You are not only training your dog! You are finding a like minded community to support you in the process. ☀️That’s a beautiful thing ☀️ Thank you guys for being such a compassionate company!! 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Posted April 13th 2023
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Whitley and her team are professional, intelligent, fun, honest, and kind. You won't go wrong trusting them with your pup! They are excellent teachers that really care. I firmly believe they're making the world a better place, one dog at a time!
— Denise Hall
Posted April 11th 2023
google
I can not say enough about DTE. They are AMAZING. Trevor, Opal, Colleen, Dan and Melaine are super human dog lovers. Not only have they set our dogs up on the road to success they put my family there too.!!! I recommend them completely. They are just amazing.
— Cynthia Volk
Posted April 9th 2023
google
We started the training less than two months ago, and the results have been dramatic! We were dealing with a highly energetic English setter who was constantly barking in our fence to any walkers passing by, plus reactive behavior toward other dogs when walking on a leash. I had tried the usual trainers with a reward-based program with no success. This is not my first dog ownership. My previous experiences were with dogs that were much easier to train. The barking was, for me, a significant problem due to its impact on the neighbors. However, after the first visit with Neal, the barking was gone!! The training immediately corrected the jumping on the couch or at the counter. We have completed the home visits and are participating in the group classes with fantastic success. He is still a happy and playful puppy. The difference now is that he obeys our commands and understands the limits. Neal and his team have been professional, knowledgeable, and friendly. Thank Neal, Ashley, Azure, and the rest of the team for all their help.
— Debora Gama Lima
Posted April 8th 2023
google
I could not be happier. I worked with Ky and he is exceptional in his training program. So happy with the degree of training and instructions. If you follow what your instructor tells you to do your dog will have the best manners which makes awesome service dogs and companion. I can not even express how please I am with my service. Thank you so much I really appreciate everyone and everything.
— Carla Ammons
Posted April 7th 2023
google
George did a fantastic job with Cooper and helped him with his anxiety and fear of new people. Cooper loved working with George and has a lot more confidence thanks to him
— Matt Sumners
Posted April 5th 2023
google
Matt and his team do an incredible job and they all have the best hearts. I reached out to DTE with a fear reactive dog, completely hysterical over a bite incident. Within 30 minutes Matt was at my house for an evaluation, and upon meeting my dog he decided that he did not think the aggressive program was necessary, and we gave the obedience program a try first, and he was right! We met a few trainers before finding one that not only bonded with my dog, but one my dog felt comfortable with, and for the remaining sessions it was him we had the pleasure of seeing once a week. He pushed all of us out of our comfort zone, challenging me to work hard and earn that trust and confidence my dog again. I am happy to say that with DTE’s obedience program we are now able to take the dog with us to eat on the patios of populated bars without so much as a bark or a growl. My dogs trust in me, my trust in him, and my trust in myself have all benefited from working with Dog Training Elite. I now have the tools to keep my dog, and everyone else safe, happy, and comfortable; and not only has the reactivity gotten better but my dog is overall better behaved, more obedient, less anxious, and just all around a better listener. I could not be more pleased or more grateful for my experience with Matt’s team of trainers.
— Mallory Newberry
Posted March 31st 2023
google
Dog Training Elite was just what we were looking for to train our new dog. We did the one on one sessions with McCall and she was fantastic. She was able to be firm and get our puppy to learn new commands while still keeping it fun. She was fantastic at helping us feel empowered and helping us work through the different behaviors our dog had.
— Kassidy Favero
Posted March 30th 2023
google
Five stars to Matt Willis and his staff of Dog Training Elite for their excellent work in training our miniature Australian Shepherd Poodle (Aussiedoodle) to be a psychiatric service dog. At four months they began teaching my small dog along with my husband and me. At age twelve months Maya became a certified psychiatric service dog. She now qualified to accompany us in restaurants, grocery stores, airplanes, public transportation and other public places. Without the expert assistance of Hunter, Dom, and particularly Matt obtaining certification would not have been possible in so short a time with such a young dog. I would recommend Matt and company to anyone wanting his or her dog to be obedient, follow commands and provide comfort, companionship and assistance. They are absolutely the BEST!
— Cindy
Posted March 29th 2023
google
Dog Training Elite San Antonio is an exceptional training center for dogs. Their dedication to service and hyper-care is reflected in their innovative training approach. Their team of local dog trainers, Geneva, Wolf, and Team, at Dog Training Elite San Antonio is made up of skilled and trustworthy professionals who embody the values and mission of the organization. Their commitment to excellence is evident in the quality of training they provided Redford & Sofie, and the results they achieved. Overall, if you are looking for a caring, reliable and effective dog training service in San Antonio, we highly recommend Dog Training Elite San Antonio. Their commitment to service and effectiveness makes them a standout choice for dog owners looking to improve their furry friend's behavior and obedience, ultimately enriching quality of life.

Posted March 28th 2023
facebook
My Boykin spaniel is a smart but stubborn pup. Before training he could accomplish most of the basic in a controlled setting but failed with distractions. He has been doing training now for 3 months and his public outing are now like I have a whole new dog. He is still a work in progress especially when meeting up with other dogs but the group classes are helping immensely with that. We just accomplished walking through hobby lobby for over an hr without any issues. Something I would have never thought possible with his nose/smell drive.
— Kristen Woelfel
Posted March 25th 2023
google
Me and my puppy Napoleon had a great experience with Dom our trainer. He is amazing! I was worried about the collar and he was very gentle yet firm and guided us through it all. I highly recommend this program for anyone who wants to train their puppy !
— Sri kolli
Posted March 24th 2023
google

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Dog Training Elite offers professional puppy obedience training programs.

Trust the Puppy Obedience Training Professionals


It may be tempting to try and correct a puppy behavior problem on your own, but often DIY training can take more work and time than necessary or even go wrong and cause more significant issues. The professional dog trainers at Dog Training Elite are ready to help you and your pup with any behavior problems with our excellent puppy obedience training programs.

Dog Training Elite specializes in in-home training for you and your pup, taking into account your pup’s unique needs as well as the needs of your home and family. Request an in-home evaluation today!

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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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