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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!

Colby has really some a great job helping me train my service dog. Pyrenees are notoriously independent dogs and with her guidance we have a near flawless recall and obedience. She is very good at making the training concepts clear and is good about reminding you to use the correct tools.
— Amanda
Posted May 16th 2024
google
Loved everything about this experience with my golden retriever! The staff was incredible - always available to answer any questions, provided me with clear instructions after every training session and they were patient, kind and a pleasure to learn from! My dog is so well behaved ..and I am a more confident dog mom now too! Thank you.
— Monica Hoekstra
Posted May 16th 2024
facebook
I recently had the pleasure of working with Dan at Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan to train my dog. I couldn't be more satisfied with the results. From the very first session, it was clear that Dan had a deep understanding of dog behavior and a genuine passion for helping dogs and their owners. They are incredibly patient and used positive reinforcement techniques that made the training sessions enjoyable for both my dog and me. They tailored the training program to address specific issues we were facing. One of the things I appreciated most was Dan’s ability to explain the reasons behind each technique and provide practical advice that I could easily implement at home. This not only helped improve my dog’s behavior but also strengthened our bond. In a few short weeks, I saw remarkable improvements. My dog is now more obedient, confident, and well-behaved, both at home and in public. I am truly amazed at the progress we've made and grateful for the support and guidance provided by Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a professional, knowledgeable, and compassionate dog trainer. They truly did wonders for my dog, and I’m confident they can do the same for yours. Thank you, Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan for your outstanding work!
— kristi jorns
Posted May 16th 2024
google
Great staff with a ton of knowledge and our experience couldn’t have been better. Ive had the pleasure of working with Felicity & Kyler. Both very knowledgeable and fun to work with. I cant thank the team enough. Special shout out to Kelly. Kelly wears many different hats. From receptionist, scheduler, trainer and yes videographer lol. Got some great videos that will last a lifetime. Tra & Yuni are okay too. Only teasing! These two run an amazing operation and I’ve had the pleasure of meeting both of them. Couldn’t ask for a better team! Brandon says hi!
— Michael Connors
Posted May 16th 2024
google
We have enjoyed our experience so far with Dog Training Elite Lowcountry! Dexter is learning and progressing so much with their training. Baeleigh has been a joy to work with. She is very knowledgeable, and it is so easy to see her care for your pet! She wants to set you up for success and encourage you along the journey!
— Chance Hicks
Posted May 16th 2024
google
Excellent experience training our autism service dog! Very professional and knowledgeable. Highly recommend!
— Ashley Kirven
Posted May 16th 2024
google
Choosing elite dog training for my service dog and regular obedience classes for my other dog was one of the best decisions I ever made! The trainers are knowledgeable and are not only good at training your pets but also helping you as an owner feel empowered and learn the proper techniques so that you don't confuse your pup. They are very knowledgeable in traditional training but also are adaptable. What I mean to say is that they really do look at the individual dog and family to evaluate the needs and best Best way to meet the ne meet those meet those needs.
— Alex McDaniel
Posted May 16th 2024
google
“Get a puppy” they said. “It’ll be fun” they said. While it is fun, it’s not all fun. The barking, the jumping, the chasing (him after everything…me after him), the nipping… was too much for me manage. Insert Justin and Dog Training Elite Midlands. Not only has Milo (the lab) learned boundaries, respect and how to follow commands consistently but he has also learned some really cool tricks and made friends along the way. Justin is timely, communicative and personable in a way that makes both you and your pup comfortable. Worth every single penny. Don’t know what we did before but sure don’t want to go back. 5 stars!!!
— Heather Bowers
Posted May 16th 2024
google
My puppy is a rescue. She had been through another company's training and came back after 10 days and learned only how to sit, which I'd already taught her. I called Elite. They are the best ever! They came to my house for 5 sessions and trained me how to train my puppy. What a difference it is when the dog mom/ dad is involved! I can't say enough wonderful things about this place. Any questions I ever had, I was able to text them and get my answers promptly. My dog is almost perfect at this point. Thank you Elite. We will next be doing service dog training to make my Anna more perfect. The first photo is her cap and gown graduation photo.
— Michele Watson
Posted May 16th 2024
google
Our sweet little shihpoo Sophie has had a serious issue with stranger aggression due to lack of socialization during Covid. We grew tired of her barking, growling and nipping at people all the time, so we decided to call Dog Training Elite. I'm so glad we did! After just a few sessions with Dan, Sophie's whole demeanor has changed. She is learning and responding to commands, and we can easily quiet her when people come to the door. We can't wait to see how she progresses!
— Brianne Geetings
Posted May 16th 2024
facebook
Our sweet little shihpoo Sophie has had a serious issue with stranger aggression due to lack of socialization during Covid. We grew tired of her barking, growling and nipping at people all the time, so we decided to call Dog Training Elite. I'm so glad we did! After just a few sessions with Dan, Sophie's whole demeanor has changed. She is learning and responding to commands, and we can easily quiet her when people come to the door. We can't wait to see how she progresses!
— Brianne Geetings
Posted May 16th 2024
google
All of the trainers at Elite Dog Training are amazing! They gave us so many helpful tips and tricks for our puppy, Bella. Bella is so far ahead of other dogs her same age in regards to following instructions, thanks to these wonderful trainers. They truly love what they do and are dedicated to helping clients and their dogs develop self-confidence in their training abilities. I can’t say enough about how pleased I am with the program and the people who run it. They really care and want you and your dog to be successful.
— Trisha Slaughter
Posted May 16th 2024
google
When your dogs best friend, other than his parents, is his trainer,Kyler…, you know you are working with the right company. Dog Training Elite and Kyler came into our lives and not only did amazing with Senna’s puppy training. Kyler also observed and knew that Senna was meant to have a greater job in life, Therapy Dog. We continued Senna’s training with Kyler and Senna now goes to work with Mama, as a Therapy Dog for children with Autism and other developmental disabilities. Thank you Kyler for helping us have the Bestest Boy!!! Not only have you taught us how to work with him to reach his highest potential but you and Dog Training Elite have become part of our family.
— Laura Iglesias (Lozano)
Posted May 15th 2024
google
I’m a first time dog owner and came across dog training elite on google. I saw Kyler was a veteran like myself and I highly recommend him. He’s and excellent trainer and explained everything well for me
— sam
Posted May 15th 2024
google
If you're struggling with leash-pulling, look no further. Dog Training Elite doesn't just train dogs, they educate owners! I spoke on the phone with the owner Jon, to learn a bit about the services they offered and was able to schedule an in-home session the following week. Clayton was the trainer that came to our home and our dog went from a pulling machine to a perfect walking companion in a single session. He also empowered us with the knowledge and skills to continue the training journey. We appreciate this personalized approach and commitment to our dog's long-term success.Thank you Jon, Clayton, and Dog Training Elite!
— Cindy Q
Posted May 15th 2024
google
We have done puppy, obedience and service with this company and I would highly recommend them they are very knowledgeable, engaging and make you feel like family!!
— Jennifer Champlain
Posted May 15th 2024
google
I highly recommend Kyler W., he’s amazing, good with communication and it’s great seeing a fellow veteran handling dogs!
— Angel G.
Posted May 15th 2024
google
Kyler Wittwer has the heart to work with dogs. Gentle. Yet, firm. My 5 dogs are ranch dogs and don’t really take to people. Kyler is amazing with them. I have 1 dog that’s frightened of storms, Kyler soothed her little soul. Kyler is amazing! And I wouldn’t trust anyone to train my dogs than him.
— Jenni Lee
Posted May 15th 2024
google
I worked with Kyler from Dog Training Elite and he was amazing. My dog was very reactive towards other dogs and scared of people. Since working with Kyler, her confidence has grown immensely. Kyler was very patient with my dog while working with her. He also helped me a ton on how I should be interacting with her and expectations. Not only did he help in Katie’s training, but mine as well! She went from barely knowing sit to now knowing all the basics and how to heel. It’s like night a day and I am so appreciative! Definitely worth working with him and dog training elite! She is a much happier, confident, well behaved dog!
— Ashley Nagy
Posted May 15th 2024
google
Kyler was so helpful with my little Sofia! As a German shepherd she was reactive and almost impossible to walk around the neighborhood. Now with Kyler’s persistence and determination I can take my sweet girl anywhere I go. Thank you Kyler for your kind help and patience as we navigated these issues!
— Anika Martin
Posted May 15th 2024
google

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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 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.

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