Professional

Dog Training in Asheville


How to Bond With Your Puppy

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Develop a Stronger Bond Through Training


Bringing home a new puppy can be a fun and special time. Puppies are cute and playful and bring a lot of joy into a home! They can also bring a lot of chaos and messes. Early days spent with your puppy are important for both bonding and training. In fact, if you’re wondering how to bond with your puppy, training can be a great way, as they look to you for guidance and direction. Dog Training Elite Asheville is here to help.


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


Dog Training Elite in Asheville can help teach you how to bond with your puppy.
Dog Training Elite Asheville In-Home Puppy Training

Dog Training Elite Asheville’s offers comprehensive in-home puppy training. For the first 4-6 weeks, trainers use “treat training” before moving onto more advanced puppy training. Puppies will learn the following behaviors:

  • Come, sit, loose-leash walking, and down
  • Puppy corrections (Stop biting, digging, jumping, etc.)
  • Crate training/ housebreaking
Trainers will also help owners learn about the following:
  • Socialization tips
  • Environmental hazards
  • Puppy enrichment
  • Caring for your puppy
  • And more!

Training a puppy can feel overwhelming. By pairing you with a professional trainer, not only will your puppy learn quickly, but you will feel confident and empowered to continue training your puppy after the sessions are completed. Training in your own home will help you bond with your pup so even after the professional trainer leaves, you and Fido can continue to progress together.

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 Asheville 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 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.

See Our Pricing

In-Home Puppy Trainers


Working with a trainer and your puppy in your own home will help your puppy stay focused. Dog Training Elite Asheville dog trainers create personalized training plans for individual puppies that will also address any unique needs or issues.

Once a puppy has completed in-home training, Dog Training Elite Asheville offers puppy group classes for further training. These group classes are a great option for exposing a young puppy to other dogs, people, new sounds and sights so they become well socialized.

Positive Reinforcement Training Methods


The Dog Training Elite Asheville training method focuses on encouraging proper behaviors with positive reinforcement. Punishment is never used as a form of training as it can lead to aggression and fear in dogs. Dog Training Elite Asheville does use an electronic vibration collar (not a shock collar) to help puppies stay alert, and treats for extra encouragement.

Positive reinforcement teaches a puppy that performing obedient behaviors wins love and affection from their owner. Dog Training Elite Asheville’s professional puppy trainers include owners in the training process so that puppies learn who is in charge. Working with professional trainers of Dog Training Elite Asheville, your puppy will not only develop deep-rooted obedience, but working alongside these trainers will help you and your puppy build a strong, healthy relationship founded on loyalty and trust.

Elite Dog Training in Asheville All Breeds. All Sizes. All Ages.

Pricing Free Demo

Tips on How to Bond
With Your Puppy

Training is a great way to establish a deep, loyal bond with your puppy. Outside of your training sessions, there is more you can do to strengthen your bond. Here are some more tips for how to bond with your puppy:

Your puppy may not understand the words you’re saying, but he or she will understand your tone of voice. Speaking in an excited tone of voice will get your pup excited and motivate them to do what you want them to. Speaking in a low, calm voice can help soothe and relax your puppy.

Puppies thrive on routine. A consistent schedule will help your puppy adjust to their new home, and to you and your family. A puppy’s schedule needs to include eating, playtime, puppy training, potty breaks, and nap times.

As mentioned above, playtime is an important part of your puppy’s schedule. Playing with your puppy will help strengthen your bond and stimulate their brains. Walks are an easy and great way to give your puppy much-needed exercise. Start small, walking around in your yard or driveway and gradually extending the distance around your neighborhood.

Creating boundaries in your home for your puppy helps strengthen your bond because your puppy will look to you for direction and guidance. It will also help your puppy avoid bad habits. Baby gates and playpens are a useful way to create physical boundaries.

Puppies can become overwhelmed about all the new things they’re exploring. Crate training is a perfect way to allow your puppy to have their own space where they feel safe and comfortable and help them develop some independence so they grow into a well-adjusted dog.

The most adorable way to bond with your puppy is by cuddling them! Snuggling with your pup can help him or her feel comforted and safe. The best time to get a cuddle session with your puppy is when they are sleepy. Cuddling also helps puppies get used to having their paws, belly, face, etc. handled, and can be a good time to introduce light grooming practices like brushing their fur.

It’s OK to be nervous about bringing your puppy home. But with the professional dog trainers and programs at Dog Training Elite Asheville, plus these tips on bonding with your puppy, you will develop a rewarding relationship with your new best friend.

Schedule a free training demo today!

Pricing Programs Free Assessment

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Learn training tips on bonding with your puppy with help from Dog Training Elite in Asheville.

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!

Had a great experience with DTE they went above and beyond to get my Rosie trained for service work. She has been everywhere with me since.
— William Frady
Posted September 24th 2024
google
We had a great experience! David and Nicole are very personable and you can tell how passionate they are about this work. They were great with our dog and we can already see a difference in his confidence. The best part is that they took the time to teach us how to train our dog so it felt very hands on and we learned a ton. We are looking forward to taking him to the group classes next to practice what we learned.
— Pauline Minnaar
Posted September 20th 2024
google
What a great experience they went through all the steps of being a service dog and in a few months my Rosie is now a service dog thanks 😊
— David Frady
Posted September 14th 2024
facebook
High Praise and Big High Fives to David and Nicki WEBB at Dog Training Elite! On Day one with them, they came inside our house and explained lots of how and what they do to train the wild new puppy (Laddie) who is in our life now. And then, we went outside to the back yard. And this is where it really began. They "broke" Laddie that day and I say this in the nicest and best way/meaning possible. They showed Laddie that he is not his own boss and that he must learn to listen and obey ME. This changed us and since that day Laddie is listening and learning every day. We just finished Day 6 of in home training, at Lowes, with all new stimulations and people and dogs. Laddie was confidant and comfortable in that brand new space. On we go with David and Nicki, next step is Group Sessions and we look forward to that. If you are looking for help with your current dog or are wanting a puppy, do not waste a minute and check out Dog Training Elite, I am so happy that I found them!
— Jill Goldie
Posted August 25th 2024
google
This technique allowed me to have an awesome relationship with my baby girl, Trixie. Elite dog training is fantastic, friendly and fun! We both learned the skills we needed to enjoy new trix and communicate skillfully. Nicole made it easy.
— Chrissy Wilkof
Posted August 13th 2024
google
If your dog needs a lot or a little, it is worth every penny to work with this wonder group. They are patient, kind and easy to work with. Thank you so much
— Lisa Sherlin
Posted August 13th 2024
google
My wife and I loved working with David and Nicole in training our Springer Spaniel. They were both wonderful to work with, they met all our expectations and goals, were extremely knowledgeable, and you could tell they loved what they do. We highly recommend them.
— mark fairman
Posted July 12th 2024
google
Great trainer. They have had a harder time training the humans than the pup. We have a rottie and he is much improved. He still has a way to go but is well on the way thanks to David and Nikki!
— Tabatha Clark
Posted July 30th 2024
google
David is amazing! My Basenji, Avele, is pretty stubborn but when she sees David, she takes all of what she learned from him and is the perfect puppy. David helped us determine the best training for her when she was only a few months old. His method works. I love that he came to our house... and our cats learned some of the training too as they decided to attend Avele's classes. I don't recommend often, but I cannot recommend Dog Training Elite Asheville enough.
— Cindy T
Posted July 29th 2024
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I can't say enough about David and Nicole and Elite Dog Training!!! We were literally about to give our 3 year old up out of frustration. The training is amazing and works. David knows what he's doing and cares sooo much!!!! Don't look any further! Call them!!!
— Minda Dwyer
Posted July 28th 2024
google
Game changer! If you are even considering a dog trainer look no further. DTE is professional, results driven and 100% the best decision we made for our sweet girl. You will not be disappointed!
— Carrie Patrick
Posted July 28th 2024
google
I recommend Dog Training Elite Asheville to anyone as they've helped me all around with my Chow Chow and his behaviors. They provided me the skills and knowledge of how to take control My 6 year old Chow Chow. Immediately they saw one of his problems was that my pup did not respect/listen to me and they showed me how to be Alpha. Also, my dog started becoming a leash reactive and reactive to other dogs that I started to avoid going to the park and socializing him because I was afraid of something he might do. The group training aspect of this really has helped him and I've seen a major improvement in his behavior that I feel comfortable now with my pup!
— Alexandria Welch
Posted July 27th 2024
google
Excellent to work with, trained 2 therpay dogs for mental health provider. Highly reccommend!!!!
— Denise Austin
Posted July 26th 2024
google
Aspen needed some fresher training; training on things she never learned; as well as stopping some new bad habits she recently developed. David was awesome, very clear instructions and fantastic follow up. Aspen is doing great and is enjoying her training. We would recomment Dog Training Elite Asheville to everyone.
— Anna Paiewonsky
Posted July 20th 2024
google
Both Loki and I needed this training. He came from big pack and an overwhelming birth home to us and not much interaction with other people or dogs. He is my Velcro dog and scared of everything. I was also a bit scared as well to be honest. Didn't want anything to happen to him or for him to get into with other dogs. We are both doing well now! I really enjoyed the one on one training at the house so I could also focus my energy and attention to get confident which helped him be more confident as well. This training is a much for the owner as it is for the dog. Then following up with the group practices has been great as well. We get to continue to see how well Loki is doing and he really is doing well! I highly recommend this dynamic duo (David and Nicole) to help you and your dog to have a more fulfilling life together.
— Yanke Grl71
Posted June 29th 2024
google
Both Loki and I needed this training. He came from big pack and an overwhelming birth home to us and not much interaction with other people or dogs. He is my velcro dog and scared of everything. I was also a bit scared as well to be honest. Didn't want anything to happen to him or for him to get into with other dogs. We are both doing well now! I really enjoyed the one on one training at the house so I could also focus my energy and attention to get confident which helped him be more confident as well. This training is a much for the owner as it is for the dog. Then following up with the group practices has been great as well. We get to continue to see how well Loki is doing and he really is doing well! I highly recommend this dynamic duo to help you and your dog to have a more fulfilling life together.
— Cari Mueller
Posted June 29th 2024
facebook
David and Nicole are Amazing!!! What a difference in our Yorkie with just the first visit!!! He has came such a long way with the 3 visits and helped us with the understanding on how to train our baby. HIGHLY RECOMMEND !!!! You will not be disappointed!!! A Hugh Difference
— Anita Hazelwood
Posted June 14th 2024
google
David was an amazing character in my life. He showed me how to install and manipulate essential behaviors of a legitimate working animal associated with medical help. I am a caring, gentle and responsible handler of a fine tuned and elite fur baby named Maurly. She has become such a better more satisfied dog after this training and I personally believe you will be a more humane dog owner for the rest of your life after tuning in to your animals’ life and sensitivities with the help of an elite professional.
— JCM
Posted June 5th 2024
google
David & Nicki are phenomenal! I highly recommend them!
— Amber Branham
Posted May 29th 2024
google
Ok…. I feel like a little backstory is required before our review. We are a full-time RV family, and we travel with three kids and three dogs. One of our dogs loves to run out of the RV and run off and she absolutely would not come back to us. It was a game. Last year, she ran off THREE TIMES while we were on our drive up to Alaska. She ran off In a field next to an interstate in Montana. She ran off when we were out in the boondocks outside of Valdez, Alaska. And she ran off when we pulled off to the side of the road to get something in the middle of nowhere on the Cassiar highway in Northern British Columbia. It was incredibly dangerous. Not only that, but she was fear aggressive towards literally every other dog she saw and she was very skittish around other people. We purchased the training at Dog Training Elite while here in Asheville. It has been a night and a difference with our dog, Roxy. By the end of the first session, she was going up to David for attention. That was unheard of before. And now, we could let her go run around all she wants, and call her back and she will come right back to us. We have been very, very pleased with the training that we did here. She is a completely different dog. We are still working through a few things with her, but we definitely feel like now we have the tools to handle it. We can’t thank them enough.
— cliff millender
Posted May 22nd 2024
google

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