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Training is key to creating a safe, loving environment for your canine companion. Dogs are great learners and always eager to please their owners. With the right techniques, a little patience, and consistency from the whole family, Fido can learn just about anything.
Besides teaching your dog respectful behaviors (like no excessive barking and no begging from the table), training keeps your dog:
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Safe
If your dog knows to come on command, or “stay” in place, both of you will be safer when outdoors. Untrained dogs may dart off into the road, or become distracted by their surroundings and get lost. -
Smart
Consistent instruction is mentally stimulating and improves your dog’s cognitive health. Learning also prevents boredom and the destructive habits that result from it.
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Happy
Dogs thrive on positive, loving relationships with their human family members. A dog that doesn’t know proper behavior is unlikely to have a positive relationship with the people around him. By teaching your dog what behaviors are acceptable, you establish a comfortable and loving environment.
Effective training is key to a positive dog-owner relationship. Learning how to communicate with your canine companion is difficult without assistance, however. If you’ve been struggling with your dog’s behavior, it may be time to find a professional dog trainer near you.
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Chattanooga location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
Silver
$1,500
Entry-level package for in-home obedience without external distractions.
Upgrade at any time! You don’t have to worry about choosing the “right” in-home training package with Dog Training Elite. Any of our other packages will provide you with a dog that is fully well mannered and behaved in the home and out in public. We are confident that you will love this program and what an impact it will make on your dog in a short period of time. If you want to upgrade, we will simply apply what you already paid to the new package!
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 3 Sessions
- Come
- Place(go to bed)
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Off(furniture when desired)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
Gold - Advanced
$1,950
This package is a solid foundation to achieve a well-behaved dog in any situation. Dogs that complete this course will be well mannered and predictable in the home and in public.
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 5 Sessions
- Group Park Training Sessions 16 Sessions
- Come
- Heel(walk with you, no more pulling)
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Off(furniture when desired)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Place(go to bed)
- Get into Car
- Down(lay next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Go Home(go into kennel or dog house)
- Calm Anxiety & Build Confidence
- Housebreaking / Potty Training
- Manners, Safety & Boundaries
- STOP Jumping on People
- STOP Biting & Nipping
- STOP Bolting Through Doors, Running Away & Chasing Animals
- STOP Begging & Stealing Food
- STOP Chewing & Digging
Platinum - Unlimited!
$3,100
Our platinum package offers you training sessions throughout your dog's lifetime! This package is a behavior modification program designed to give you confidence in your dog whether on leash or off leash. You will be able to take your dog into virtually any environment and have a well mannered, very obedient dog.
*Follow-up sessions are scheduled once per month as needed, after the initial program is completed.
- Group Training ClassesOne-hour sessions Unlimited *see above description
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 8 Sessions + Unlimited *see above description
- Private consultation with a professional dog trainer by phone, text, or Zoom (video) meeting Unlimited *see above description
- Come
- Heel(walk with you, no more pulling)
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Off(furniture when desired)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Place(go to bed)
- Get into Car
- Down(lay next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Go Home(go into kennel or dog house)
- Calm Anxiety & Build Confidence
- Housebreaking / Potty Training
- Manners, Safety & Boundaries
- STOP Jumping on People
- STOP Biting & Nipping
- STOP Bolting Through Doors, Running Away & Chasing Animals
- STOP Begging & Stealing Food
- STOP Chewing & Digging
- Control Aggression(dog & human)
- Choose One Tailored Skill - Examples Below: *Specialized training options based upon your dog's abilities.
- *Ride on a Golf Cart, Skateboard, Kayak, etc
- *Stay with you on a Jog, Hike, or Bike Ride
- *Therapy Dog Training
- *Emotional Support Training (ESA)
Finding Professionals In An Unregulated Industry
There is no regulating body or licensing process for professional dog trainers. Anyone can advertise themselves as a trainer, whether they have the necessary skills and knowledge or not.
Navigating through this unregulated industry can be tricky. As a dog owner, you want a qualified trainer that will:
- Respect you, your dog, and your family.
- Stick to your schedule.
- Use positive training methods.
- Never harm your dog.
- Address your dog's unique needs and behaviors.
- Teach you how to better communicate with your dog.
- Provide ongoing support and check-in after training sessions.
- Train in various settings, environments and stages.
- Empower you to build a healthy, loving bond with your dog.
It takes years of experience and education for trainers to be able to offer all of the above. So how do you find a professional that fits your and your dog’s needs?
Se habla español!
"Pawsitive" Indicators of a Good Dog Trainer
Some things to look for when searching for a Chattanooga dog trainer include:
Training Technique
There are various training methods out there, but the most effective is positive reinforcement. According to the American Kennel Service, positive reinforcement techniques “are based on the science of animal learning and have the bonus of strengthening the dog-owner bond.”
- “Alpha Dog” or dominance-based training techniques. Dominance theory is based on incorrect assumptions of dog and wolf behavior. Dog behaviorists have proven that positive techniques are the only healthy way to communicate with dogs. Dominant, punishment-based training causes anxiety, fear and aggression.
- Trainers that use choke-chains, shock collars, sprays, and other punishment tactics.
Stay Away From:
Personality
You want to enjoy the time spent with your trainer, so find someone with a happy, exciting personality. You’re looking for a professional, of course, but we are all dog lovers here, so light-hearted attitudes are important. Your dog must connect well with a trainer for efficient learning, so pay attention to how your dog reacts to your chosen trainer.
- Trainers that make you feel bad about your relationship with your dog or your dog’s behavior.
- Rude, dismissive attitudes, and trainers that are too uptight.
- Trainers that use harsh words and aggressive tactics.
Stay Away From:
Empowerment
A dog trainer is truly a teacher at heart, and their goal is to teach you how to better communicate with your dog. You need a coach who helps you connect better with your pet, empowering you to build a strong bond. When the trainer is gone, you’ll be the one giving the commands, so make sure you find someone that is understanding, patient, and committed.
- A trainer that does not want to involve you and your family members in the process.
- Programs that only offer board and train -- effective training involves various settings, including classes and inside the home.
- Trainers that cannot explain how dogs learn and cannot teach you how to communicate with your dog.
Stay Away From:
Credentials
Dog trainers do not need a license, but there are various education programs available. Look for a trainer that can prove their credentials with experience, education, and certifications. If you have a specific need, such as personal protection or service training, be sure to find a trainer that is experienced in that area.
At Dog Training Elite, our dog trainers are educated and experienced with training dogs of all breeds, sizes and ages. All locations are registered with the Professional Retriever Trainers Association, the International Association of Canine Professionals, and the American Kennel Club.
Trainers that cannot prove their education, experience, or background.
Stay Away From:
Customization
All dogs have unique personalities and life experiences that shape their behaviors. A well-qualified trainer offers customizable programs tailored to the unique needs of each client and dog. In-home training approaches are preferred, so the trainer can observe your dog in his home environment (where he feels most comfortable acting naughty!).
You should also look for a trainer that covers both basic obedience and advanced programs.
- Trainers that can’t teach more than basic obedience commands.
- A trainer that diagnoses medical issues as reasoning for problem behaviors. Trainers are not licensed veterinarians and should never diagnose a dog. If a medical issue is suspected, a qualified trainer will recommend you speak to a vet.
Stay Away From:
Good References
References and consumer reviews are key to finding a reliable trainer. Ask around at the dog park for good references, and research each trainer or company. Read through customer reviews and take a look at how professional their website appears.
- Trainers that have no website or online references, or trainers that have poor reviews.
- Trainers with reviews that mention aggressive tactics, fear-based techniques, and punishment-based theory.
Stay Away From:
Se habla español!
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.
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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).
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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.
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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.
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've had an incredible experience training with Rod! Our 10-month-old pup was full of energy and quite a handful, but almost immediately after starting training, he seemed to understand exactly what was expected of him. The transformation was truly remarkable. I couldn’t believe how much progress he made in just a few sessions! If you're looking for a trainer who gets results, I wholeheartedly recommend Rod with Dog Training Elite!— Autumn Bhushan TN-Chattanooga
Posted October 2nd 2024
We are so glad we used Dog Training Elite for our rottie! He was a loving 1-year old, with more spirit than we could handle, and his size and lack of recall was getting to be dangerous, for him and us. Thankfully they curbed his stubbornness and now we can all exist safely and happily in the same house!— Jackie Flores
Posted July 23rd 2024
I can’t say enough about Dog Training Elite! Just a few sessions in, and my 5 month old puppy is already fairly consistently obeying several commands. Rod’s expertise on training is impeccable. With each session, I am so amazed on how he can read, handle and train my pup. I must say, it takes much work on my part, but it’s extremely exciting to walk this journey with my puppy. I am so excited that we chose the life time package. I can truly see the value already. I love Rod’s heart for dogs and love that he is always eager to help tweak some of the commands in between sessions. Thank you Dog Training Elite for this already rewarding adventure!— Paula Crowe
Posted July 19th 2024
They are wonderful got my dog where I wan5ed her to be still more work to be done but looking forward to continuing— Ashley McDowell
Posted July 6th 2024
The absolute BEST of the best! We have been so blessed with such an amazing trainer. He and his wife have been by our sides the whole way even through some tough stuff and have been completely supportive through this process. Truly cannot say enough amazing things about them! ❤️— Emily Hamby
Posted June 5th 2024
Rod takes special care and consideration in guidance and training of my service dog for PTSD. As a veteran I feel comfortable knowing that he understands my dog and our needs. Dog Training Elite was even able to help watch my dog for a special occasion while I was out of town and not yet able to travel with her. Dog training elite found and Matched my dog with me based on my desires and needs. My service dog was a special find as she is almost human like and truly a diamond in the "ruff". I would encourage anyone looking for a furry canine companion to work with Rod as my service animal doesn't pull or run while I'm trying to walk her ... this was worked out, easily in the first 3 lessons which really makes or break you in neighborhood reputation for having a friendly, welcoming, safe, dog. My companion is much more than that but without her refined behaviors she would just be a "dog". But she is much more than that because Rod and Dog Training Elite has brought out the best in her. Many people wonder where I found her and how she is so well behaved and I must in fact credit that to Dog Training Elite. I have very basic specifications I desired. Dog Training Elite Found even more than I asked for in specific characteristics. I am so happy with my *new family member* as she will be with me for years to come. I am proud to have her by my side a without her I would still be struggling with my PTSD alone. Please inquisitively ask yourself if you want a companion, or a dog. I have a new family member as a result of Dog Training Elite. ... I cannot thank Rod enough for the care he has put into, selecting my new family member.— Paula S.
Posted February 12th 2024
I have loved my experience with dog training elite! Rod my trainer is very detailed and knowledgeable about all things dog training. He is patient and also willing to answer my questions when they come up. Scheduling is fast and easy and the improvement I have seen in my dog is amazing! I have told my friends about this company and have seen incredible results with my pup.— Michele Chandra
Posted February 10th 2024
My beautiful baby girl, Byrdie Mae, has been training with Rod for the past 8 months. Rod has taught Byrdie as well as me so much throughout this program. She definitely loves her Uncle Rod for sure! Byrdie put up challenges but we all took them on together. This training truly makes everyone a family and we all want nothing more than for her to succeed. I am forever grateful and recommend this program to everyone!— Madison Flowers
Posted December 14th 2023
My job has been very difficult to live with he misbehaves he pulls on his leash he tears up things in the house and going on a walk with him it’s like a race we started working with Rod and it’s as if I have a new dog he is so well behaved he knows the rules and the boundaries and the best part is he’s happier so we are so grateful for all the lessons that haveAllowed both of us such freedom to enjoy one another I encourage you to take advantage of these services— Jan Hardy Fanslow
Posted October 22nd 2023
Dog Training Elite has been training my son's dog to be a service dog since we got her when she was 2 months old. Rod is so patient with our dog, very kind and communicates with you all of the time. He is very interested in how well your dog is doing with the training on days we do not meet. He is a very professional dog trainer, the best of the best. He is ALWAYS HIGHLY RECOMMENDEDABLE as he cares so much about your pet/loved one. You won't regret using him. We are VERY thankful for the work and time he gives to us for our dog.— Hannah hogan
Posted December 21st 2022
Rod is a fantastic dog trainer and very passionate about the work he does!— Kelley Rosequist
Posted May 17th 2022
This is a veteran owned business and Rod who is the owner takes an extremely hard working, professional (yet personable) approach to the business. He's passionate about community work and he truly cares about getting results when it comes to building your confidence and your relationship with your dog. Highly recommend!— Kyle Christie
Posted May 20th 2022
Rod is a natural trainer. The passion he has for helping dogs and their owners is obvious. He worked with us for a couple of weeks and the improvement in our dog’s manners and behavior was amazing. I’d highly recommend Rod to anyone as he is clearly the best dog trainer in Chatanooga!— Audra Larkins
Posted March 28th 2022
Dog training elite has helped me learn to better understand and control my dog Sam. She is strong, strong willed and wasn’t socialized properly. With the help of DTE Sam (and I) have learned to heel well, sit, go to “place” when others come to visit instead of jumping on them in the doorway. I no longer worry that I won’t be able to control my strong dog on our daily walk. Rodney Westmoreland in Chattanooga spent time getting to know Sam and her personal needs, as well as mine. He is encouraging and patient and reminded me that I am the Alpha dog, not Sam. Learning the “off” command has saved many of my friends and family from Sam’s excited (annoying) “hug” upon entering my home. I highly recommend DTE for your dog training needs. – Pat Lewis 3/26/2022— Pat Lewis
Posted March 26th 2022
Dog Training Elite Chattanooga is Proud to partner with quality breeders:
At Dog Training Elite Chattanooga we trust experienced breeders who focus on breeding healthy, well tempered pups in a safe, ethical environments. Check out the breeders below for more information.
Goldenway Retrievers AnnaDoodles
The state of Tennessee has grant funding available for qualified individuals. Contact us or click here to learn more about the Tennessee Family Support Program.
Trust Your Gut
Choosing a trainer is an important part of being a dog owner, and in the end, you want to choose the professional you feel comfortable with. This is someone that you’ll be inviting into your home and spending plenty of time with! A dog trainer with credentials, experience, and a friendly personality that makes your dog’s tail wag is most likely a great choice.
You also want to make sure you get your money’s worth, so choose a trainer that is invested in you and your dog. At Dog Training Elite, we follow up with our clients even after training sessions have ended. Our goal is to help clients build strong relationships with their pets, and that takes consistent effort. Our professional dog trainers are some of the best in the Chattanooga area. We cover training programs such as obedience, personal protection, anxiety, aggression, and service dog.