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While dogs are man's best friend, that relationship didn't develop overnight. Creating a strong bond with a dog takes time, patience and lots of training. Dog obedience training is one of the best ways to deepen the bond between dog and owner.
Training a new dog takes a lot of time and effort but the payoff is well worth it. Some dogs may require more training than others due to breed type, past trauma, or just plain stubbornness. However, all dogs can become loyal, friendly and well behaved through dog obedience training with Dog Training Elite Charlotte’s programs, including in-home training!
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Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Charlotte location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
In-Home Training
Dog Training Elite Charlotte has specialized training courses for both puppies and older dogs. For in-home training, dog trainers will observe dog breed, size, temperament and any other factors that will influence training.
Working with the dog and dog owner directly in an owner’s home, dog trainers will develop a personalized training plan for basic commands like sit, stay, come, heel, etc.; as well as to address any unique issues such as anxiety, aggression, fear and so on. Once a dog is trained, owners can sign their dogs up for group classes with more in-depth training.
Starting with in-home training is an unmatched service that provides dogs and dog owners with the opportunity to work together. Not only does in-home dog obedience training free dogs from the distractions of a group class, but ensuring a dog is learning from both their owner and a trainer will help owners and dogs strengthen their bond. Dogs that learn only from trainers may be inclined to disobey when the trainer is not around. Equally sharing the task of training between dog and dog owner leads to the development of trust and deepening love.
Trainers from Dog Training Elite Charlotte seek to not only help train dogs, but empower owners so they can continue training their dogs in years to come. This includes sharing tips and tricks (treats are always a good thing!), as well as pointing out personality traits and behavior issues dog owners should focus on.
The Dog Training Elite Charlotte Difference
There are numerous dog obedience training methods out there, which can be broken down into three main theories: traditional, modern and balanced.
- Traditional training typically relies on punishment for errors, and “low value” rewards such as praise or petting when a dog performs a desired behavior. In recent years traditional training has fallen out of favor.
- Modern training, which is more science-based, focuses more on positive reinforcement when a desired behavior occurs and doesn’t worry about correcting bad behavior. This training method has many benefits, including faster learning for dogs, less stress and anxiety for dogs, ability to teach more complex behaviors, and of course, a better experience for dog owners and trainers.
- Balanced training theory, while it sounds like the best of both worlds, still incorporates the use of punishment as a training tool.
Dog Training Elite Charlotte uses modern training methods focused on positive reinforcement and bonding between dog and dog owner. Dog Training Elite Charlotte never resorts to the use of punishment to help dogs unlearn bad behavior. The difference becomes clear when comparing a dog that is trained out of anxiety and intimidation vs a dog who truly desires to please from the inside out.
The Dog Training Elite Charlotte training theory is mostly based around classical conditioning, also known as the Pavlovian method or respondent conditioning. This includes developing conditioned or automatic reflexes to commands. In its simplest form (after proper conditioning), when an owner says "sit," their dog automatically sits without thinking about it.
Through a combination of commands and an electronic collar, dogs learn to follow commands at once. The electronic collar is not a shock collar; it is a gentle electronic pulse, similar to the tug of a leash, used to get the dog’s attention. Other dog trainers use harsh static collars or spray collars which have been shown to be less effective. Dog Training Elite Charlotte’s method of focusing on positive behavior reinforcement nurtures a dog's loving and naturally obedient nature.
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.
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.
Start Your Obedience Training Journey
Dog Training Elite Charlotte knows the prospect of starting dog obedience training can sound daunting. But with our knowledge trainers and proven, gentle method, you and your pet can conquer obedience training without using any harsh shock collars or demanding training.
Dogs and dog owners can bond and work together to have a successful, enjoyable training process. Contact Dog Training Elite Charlotte today to start your dog obedience training!
Obedience Training FAQs
What age can a dog start obedience training?
The earlier, the better. Puppies are welcome! That being said, old dogs truly can learn new tricks - there is no reason an older dog can’t learn basic commands.
What issues will obedience training address?
Besides basic commands like sit, stay, heel, etc., dog obedience training can address issues such as chewing, whining or barking, jumping to greet others, and begging for food.
Are shock collars used?
No. Pain or punishment is never used in any form during training programs. A combination of positive reinforcement and an electronic collar has proven to be 100% successful. The electronic collar produces a gentle “tug” to get a dog's attention. It is not a shock collar and does not harm or alarm a pet.
Why in-home training?
In-home training is necessary because it allows trainers to focus on the particular issues of individual dogs (like terrorizing a pet cat or chasing the mailman). During in-home training sessions trainers also work side by side with owners and any other family members so the dog understands who is in control.
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!
Absolutely amazing dog trainers who gave our havanese puppy, Tucker, and our family a wonderful training experience! I can truly say it has been life changing for us!— Allison Miller
Posted October 7th 2024
I had my studio dog Louie, a 6 month old puppy at the tine, trained by DTE. Great experience all around, especially since I needed the training just as much as my golden retriever!:) At one year old now, he is a well behaved young dog at the studio and enjoys being around people. I could not have done this alone. The in house and hands on dog training made all the difference in our success. Thank you DTE.— ABsolute Pilates
Posted October 3rd 2024
Dog Training Elite Charlotte is undoubtedly a God-sent help with our puppy. We started noticing that our rather calm puppy was growing too fast and in part, developing bad habits he picked up at other day boarding places. We noticed rough playing behavior, jumping, barking to demand attention, counter surfing among other things. I started looking around for at-home training and DTE was the first contact I made. I submitted an online inquiry and Sharon called back within the hour. After feeling good about our conversation I called others to see what else was out there. Some didn't return my calls and/or voicemails, others had very much a one-size-fits-all approach so overall my wife and I decided to call back DTE and ask Sharon and her team to help us. Shawn was at our home the following week. We can talk all day long about our amazing experience with Dog Training Elite but here are the basic points that I hope drives home our overall experience: -Instantly calmer dog after 1st lesson -No more rough housing -Morning/afternoon walks are much better now -No more counter surfing -Peace around the house while doing daily chores -Calm puppy It's important to note that Shawn loves to educate on the behavioral aspect and psychology of why dogs are the way they are and act. This alone is very helpful because it helps dog owners understand and come up with solutions on how we can best help our dogs. We are still continuing to work with our puppy in all the areas that Shawn, Sharon and Angela have helped us during the 1-1 at home sessions and we understand this isn't a one time thing but rather a lifelong continuation of enforcing the basic rules that these pack animals abide by. This only *truly* works if you (dog owner) work at it continually for the sake of your dog if all else fails.— Byron Penados
Posted September 17th 2024
AMAZINGGG. Would recommend to any and everyone. My dog Mia has transformed right before my eyes!! She’s confident, listening and easier to maintain on a day to day. Sean, Sharon and his daughter are super attentive and passionate about their training. I trusted Mia 100% with them both every step of the way.— Mekkah M
Posted September 4th 2024
Our puppy Veuve spent 10 days training with Elite dog Training of Charlotte. Even though she was only 6months old it was a great foundation for her and us too. She is now 1 year and is still learning and growing but we feel like we have a better dog because of our lessons. Highly recommended— Kate Sudikoff
Posted August 23rd 2024
Shawn is amazing and has helped our dogs and family so much! Our two dogs are now confident and great listeners. Even if you think your dog is perfect they is still so much they can learn. Cannot recommend Shawn and his training method enough!!!— Kat Billesdon
Posted July 19th 2024
My experience with DTE Charlotte was absolutely exceptional! Shawn and Sharon went above and beyond in many ways. My dog was dealing with a lot of issues and Shawn came in and was so informative and helpful with all the questions we could ever think of, and we never felt he was rushing us through any of our (sometimes very difficult) training sessions. He is calm and steady- exactly what you need for dog training! Sharon was always quick to respond to any questions we had and was always so kind and understanding. My dog is so much better after having this training. Shawn understands dogs so deeply, and really helps you understand how a dog’s mind works and why they do what they do. My dog and I have learned so much through this experience, and have became so connected since. We use our training everywhere we go! The group classes are extremely helpful to keep up with the training, while having fun with other dog owners and spending quality time with your dog. People compliment me on my dogs behavior quite a lot and that’s all thanks to ‘Dog Training Elite Charlotte’!— Breezyday57
Posted July 17th 2024
Highly gifted and perspicacious group. I completely entrust them with my beloved pet. They are leading us forward to a life of service to others. Thank you Elite!— Rita Vogel
Posted July 2nd 2024
Dog Training Elite Charlotte is the most FANTASTIC organization of its kind...!!! The whole family truly cared about our pup and gave their all to make sure they answered all our questions, were exceptionally kind and caring to our family and our loving dog, Charlie!!! Angela, our main trainer , has to be the best of all there is!!!! Sharon, who answered the phone was so kind ALWAYS and had our best interests at heart...Shawn came first and had to make sure our puppy had the best match and fit.....and he was RIGHT!!!! Both my husband, Pat and I feel Dog Training Elite is the best there is..I have had 26 dogs in my life and I have found that Elite is the BEST ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I thank them sooooo much!!!! They deserve more than 5 stars.....Perhaps all the stars there are!! Fondly, Sharon Yaskin— Sharon Yaskin
Posted July 1st 2024
These guys are great! Very professional and they understand dogs really well. They helped us with our service dog training. Amazing results in just a few months.— Coty Metz
Posted June 29th 2024
We adopted our dog, Finney, from the shelter in February. As a shelter dog, he came with challenges such as nipping, pulling when walking, and severe dog reactivity. We tried what seemed like everything to resolve the issue on our own, but after many failed attempts we called Dog Training Elite and signed up for their behavior modification training which included 7 one on one sessions coming to our home and then 20 group sessions. We saw HUGE improvements with our pup after just one session. By the end of our one on one sessions we no longer have a dog who nips, pulls or barks at other dogs. We have a calm dog who looks to us for direction on what to do when he feels anxious. We went from being scared taking Finney on walks for fear of how he would react to other dogs to being able to confidently take Finney on walks with our new skills learned. We cannot thank the dog training elite team enough for everything they have taught us and continue to help us with!— Cristin Sulfridge
Posted June 21st 2024
The trainers are extremely knowledgeable and have helped me turn my hyper puppy into my service dog in less than a year. I will be taking my service dog with me to college and can’t wait for all of the fun adventures we will be able to go on thanks to her wonderful training!— Grayson Askew
Posted June 21st 2024
Dog Training Elite is truly exceptional! Shawn and Angela are not only incredibly skilled trainers but also incredibly compassionate individuals. Their dedication to helping dogs reach their full potential is unmatched. With their guidance, my dog has transformed into a well-behaved therapy companion, ready to bring joy and comfort to those in need. Sharon's organizational skills ensure that every session runs smoothly, making the entire process a breeze. I can't thank Dog Training Elite enough for their amazing work and highly recommend them to anyone looking for top-notch training services.— Ashley Liberto
Posted June 12th 2024
Dog Training Elite has been an absolute game-changer in my journey to prepare my dog for therapy work at my school. Shawn and Angela are phenomenal trainers who have guided us every step of the way with expertise and patience. Their dedication and knowledge are evident in every session, making the training process smooth and enjoyable for me and my dog. Sharon's behind-the-scenes work is remarkable, ensuring everything runs seamlessly. They've transformed my dog into a confident and well-behaved therapy companion. I couldn't recommend Dog Training Elite highly enough for anyone looking to embark on a similar journey or to have a well-trained dog!— Ashley Liberto
Posted June 12th 2024
I'm so glad I chose Dog Training Elite Charlotte as my dog trainers! They helped me train my girl all the way from puppy camp to now a graduate of their service dog program! They are fanastic with communication, teaching, and helping you understand your dog better. The group classes are a huge bonus and are so fun! Watching other clients of DTE grow in confidence with their dogs at classes was an awesome experience. Because of DTE helping me train my girl to become my service dog, I've been given more freedom and comfort by having her than I have had in years. I highly recommend DTE for any of your dog training needs, no matter the circumstance! Therapy dog, service dog, or even just a family dog, they are the ones to call! It could be truly life changing! Thank you DTE Charlotte for ALL you do!— Chandler Hudson
Posted May 25th 2024
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
Our puppy Navy is around a year and 2 months and desperately needed some help, she would constantly pull on walks and bark at every person and dog that walked by. She would always jump on people when they came inside and that’s where I started looking for training and I found dog training elite! They have completely transformed my dog into a respectful sweet pup that listens to all the commands I give her! I’m so grateful to have worked with them and it’s been life changing to have a dog who now respects boundaries and who can walk beside me on walks! Definitely recommend them if you need some training!!!— courtney zenger
Posted May 10th 2024
The at home sessions were great! Looking forward to the group sessions!— Michelle Woolard
Posted May 10th 2024
Before the training, my dog was barking at any sound, any movement in the house, never listened to commands. He was already pretty good with walking on the leash but would pull on occasion. Now that he’s completed his training, I almost don’t recognize him, in a good way of course. He is a completely different dog now, he obeys commands in the house and stops barking after the initial alert to someone at the door. I am beyond grateful for Shawn and Sharon for the training provided for me and my dog. I will always recommend them to anyone that has behavior issues. The price for the training is definitely worth what you get in return, the initial in home training as well as the lifetime help with any future issues or questions as well as the group training on the weekends. 100% recommend!!— Michelle Lacey
Posted May 6th 2024
Wonderful service and people! My (formely) crazy dog is a new, obedient girl. Couldn’t be happier, highly recommended!— A.M.C.
Posted May 3rd 2024
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