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 of Central Maryland has the top in home dog trainers near you in Annapolis.
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 of Central Maryland offers award winning group obedience dog training classes near you in Annapolis.
Socialized Group Training

Request your own
FREE In-Home Assessment
from Dog Training Elite!


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


Dog Training Elite of Central Maryland has award winning in-home dog trainers and top rated dog training programs.

Why Dog Training Elite of Central Maryland?

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.

Award Winning Dog Training Services in the Annapolis, MD Metro Area


Welcome to Dog Training Elite of Central Maryland! We are a professional, family owned Annapolis, MD-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 Annapolis, MD 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 of Central Maryland 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 Team


Christy Dugan

Owner

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.

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!

We could not be happier with Dog Training Elite! We got our Boston Terrier (Ruthie) from a rescue organization after she spent 7 years of her life as a puppy mill mom. She had never lived in a house before and we wanted some help with getting her trained to help her transition into our family. Christy has done an excellent job not only training Ruthie, but educating us on how to continue her training during the week. She’s great on the leash and does great on the soccer fields now—exactly what we were hoping for!
— Thomas Hathaway
Posted October 11th 2024
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I'd highly recommend Dog Training Elite. More than just the training, Christy really took the time to help us understand why our dogs act in certain ways and what will motivate them. Just be prepared to receive a lot of compliments about your dog's obedience in public!
— Alex Adler
Posted September 24th 2024
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Our training program with Dog Training Elite was a huge success. Christy and her team (Samantha for us) were really easy to work with, and seem to have a strong, intuitive connection with doggies. Annie is a changed dog. Significantly less pulling on the leash, (almost none) comes when we call, stays in her "place" when told, and much more. We are so grateful and look forward to the play groups.
— Lyn Hopkins
Posted February 8th 2023
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I did the 5 week training plan with Dog training elite and could not be happier with the results. My 9 month old lab was disobedient in just about every way. Christy and Sean did an amazing job transforming my dog into a great obedient pet . Come , sit , lay down , heel and place ,are just a few of the commands that I now have at my disposal. I would highly recommend Dog Training Elite to anyone considering training .
— Rick Clow
Posted January 17th 2023
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Christy and Sean did an amazing job with my 9 month old puppy Koda . I went from chasing my dog around the yard to bring him back , to having him respond to my every command. The whole experience was very informative and enjoyable. Christy was very flexible with the in home training . I had to reschedule a couple appointments and it was no problem at all. I would highly recommend dog training elite to anyone looking for dog training.
— Rick Clow
Posted January 17th 2023
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I contacted Dog Training Elite to help with training purposes as well as anxiety with my dog. I have a black lab who I started with them when she was about 10 months old. She struggled with anxiety ever since this past summer with fireworks, as before that she had no problem! Ever since working with Dog Training Elite, they have instilled many great training qualities in her, and us as owners that has really helped her confidence and anxiety in situations. When we notice something may scare her and she cowers back, we always resort back to the commands and she has no problem. I highly recommend Dog training Elite if you not only want your dog trained to a high standard, but for yourself to also learn how to train your dog and know what to do in certain situations!
— Jara Matlick
Posted January 9th 2023
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Dog Training Elite was a life changer for me and my dog. This training method is very practical and makes my life so much easier. My dog listens so well to the commands he was taught and I can take him anywhere and know I will be able to maintain control. I needed to have this with such a large breed.
— Emily Kellen
Posted January 7th 2023
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We love Dog Training Elite Annapolis! They have been flexible with training times and made training our newfypoo an enjoyable experience. He is on his way to being a PSD dog for our daughter and we are forever grateful for their continued guidance.
— Danielle Clark
Posted December 30th 2022
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Our dog is now enjoyable to be around. She is much better behaved, listens to commands, and is easy to walk. All thanks to Christy and Sam at Dog Training Elite Annapolis.
— Amy Hetherington
Posted December 29th 2022
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