You are at Dog Training Elite serving the Cleveland area Choose Location
You are at Dog Training Elite serving the Cleveland area
Choose Location

Top

Dog Trainers Near You


How to Choose a Dog Trainer in Cleveland, OH

Call to Schedule FREE In-Home Assessment

Call Us!


Se habla español!

Request a Free Assessment

Contact Dog Training Elite in Cleveland

Or Call to Schedule FREE In-Home Assessment

Call Us!


Se habla español!

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:

  • 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.

  • 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.

Dog Training Elite is proud to have the highest rated professional dog trainers near you in Cleveland.

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 in Cleveland location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.


Silver

$1,345

Training Equipment Included: E-Collar

  • In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 3 Sessions
  • Group Park Training Sessions 8 Sessions
  • Come
  • Heel (walk with you, loose leash no pulling)
  • Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
  • Place(go to bed)
  • Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
  • Off(furniture when desired)

Gold

$1,895

Training Equipment Included: E-Collar

  • In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 6 Sessions
  • Group Park Training Sessions 12 Sessions
  • Come
  • Heel (walk with you, loose leash no pulling)
  • Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
  • Place(go to bed)
  • Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
  • Off(furniture when desired)
  • Down(lay next to you & off leash at a distance)
  • Load Up (go into kennel, car, or dog house)
  • Manners, Safety & Boundaries
  • Calm Anxiety & Build Confidence
  • Housebreaking / Potty Training
  • STOP Jumping on People
  • STOP Mouthing & Nipping
  • STOP Chewing & Digging
  • STOP Begging & Stealing Food
  • STOP Bolting Through Doors & Running Away
  • STOP Chasing Animals, Cars & Bikes
  • STOP Reactivity (dog & human)

Platinum

$2,695

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.

Training Equipment Included: E-Collar

  • In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 9 Sessions
  • Group Park Training Sessions 16 Sessions
  • Come
  • Heel (walk with you, loose leash no pulling)
  • Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
  • Place(go to bed)
  • Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
  • Off(furniture when desired)
  • Down(lay next to you & off leash at a distance)
  • Load Up (go into kennel, car, or dog house)
  • Manners, Safety & Boundaries
  • Calm Anxiety & Build Confidence
  • Housebreaking / Potty Training
  • STOP Jumping on People
  • STOP Mouthing & Nipping
  • STOP Chewing & Digging
  • STOP Begging & Stealing Food
  • STOP Bolting Through Doors & Running Away
  • STOP Chasing Animals, Cars & Bikes
  • STOP Reactivity (dog & human)
  • *Stay With You on a Jog or Bike Ride (off-leash)
  • *Emotional Support Dog Training(ESA)
  • *Control Aggression(dog & human)
  • *Calm Extreme Anxiety(behavioral modification)

Silver

$1,345

  • In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 3 Sessions
  • Group Park Training Sessions 8 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

$1,895

  • In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 5 Sessions
  • Group Park Training Sessions 12 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)
  • 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

$2,695

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 8 Sessions
  • Group Park Training Sessions 16 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 One Tailored Skill Below: *Specialized training options based upon your dog's abilities. - Emotional Support Dog Training (ESA) - Stay with You on Jog, Hike, or Bike Ride (off-leash) - Control Aggression (dog & human) - Calm Extreme Anxiety (behavioral modification)
Best In-Home Dog Trainers Near Me in Cleveland
Highest Rated Dog Obedience Trainers Near You in Cleveland
Top Dog Trainers Near Me in Cleveland
In-Home Dog Trainers Near You in Cleveland

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?

Pricing Programs Free Assessment

Se habla español!

"Pawsitive" Indicators of a Good Dog Trainer


Some things to look for when searching for a Cleveland 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.”

    Stay Away From:
  • “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.
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.

    Stay Away From:
  • 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.
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.

    Stay Away From:
  • 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.
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.

    Stay Away From:
  • Trainers that cannot prove their education, experience, or background.

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.

    Stay Away From:
  • 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.
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.

    Stay Away From:
  • 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.

Pricing Programs Free Assessment

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.


  • 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!

I’ll try to keep it short. I wish I could add videos because these pictures are just a sneak peak of the incredible things he will be able to get your dog or dogs to do! JOSH IS THE MAN!! Listen if you’re looking for a great dog trainer this is the place to go. You truly must be willing to do your part just like you’re paying them to do. This place really knows how to dial your dog in. They also take the time to teach you what they do which is truly amazing ! I would recommend anyone to go here for their dog! Josh is a very genuine human. Very warm kind heart guy. Have absolutely nothing but great respect for that man. Very intelligent when it comes to working with animals. He knows the breeds inside and out knows a lot of great great information. The in facility portion is highly recommended in my opinion if you want those results fast and that good socialization. The at homes are just as good the in facility though man it worked wonders. Feel free to follow me and I’d be happy to share my only 5 month old Rottweilers amazing results !
— Jacob Oberst
Posted October 5th 2024
google
I’ll try to keep it short. Listen if you’re looking for a good dog trainer this is the place to go. You truly must be willing to do your part just like you’re paying them to do. This place really knows how to dial your dog in. They also take the time to teach you what they do which is truly amazing ! I would recommend anyone to go here for their dog! Josh is a very genuine human. Very warm kind heart guy. Have absolutely nothing but great respect for that man. Very intelligent when it comes to working with animals. He knows the breeds inside and out knows a lot of great great information. The in facility portion is highly recommended in my opinion if you want those results fast and that good socialization. The at homes are just as good the in facility though man it worked wonders. Feel free to follow me and I’d be happy to share my only 5 month old Rottweilers amazing results !
— Jacob Oberst
Posted October 5th 2024
facebook
Josh is a great teacher. He is patient and explains everything clearly. Josh clearly loves dogs and enjoys sharing his knowledge with his students.
— Beth Elliott
Posted September 21st 2024
google
Every trainer we worked with to learn what our newly adopted dog had learned was fantastic; patient, kind and thorough. I highly recommend them to work with you and your pup!
— Faye Eishen
Posted September 19th 2024
google
We took our Bernese Mountain Dog/Australian Shepherd mix (Koda) to Dog Training Elite Greater Cleveland. We had the best experience throughout the in-facility training. The trainers were so helpful and pleasant to deal with, and Koda learned a ton throughout the process. He completed the therapy dog training a couple weeks ago and came out of training a new dog. He is still a puppy and never lost his spunk, but we are now able to take him on walks without being pulled around the neighborhood, he knows all of his basic commands, sit, down, place and heal, and also knows how to politely meet a friend. We couldn’t recommend more this facility and are so happy with all of the services provided. We are so proud of our young Koda and he is going to make a great therapy dog one day.
— Alex
Posted September 17th 2024
google
Amazing!! I can’t thank Josh and his team enough for all the help, support and training. My dog and I both learned so much.
— Megan Kelley
Posted September 16th 2024
google
I cannot begin to thank Josh and his wonderful employees for working so hard for our dog Rocky, also known as RJ. And rescue it's very hard for us to see our dogs struggling mentally and not knowing the proper way to be a dog and to share. We had one dog that had resource guarding, and that was Rocky, he worked with him for two weeks and we could not be any more happy if we tried. They went up and beyond what I feel was 2 weeks of training guidelines. I felt very safe knowing my dog was in their hands every day. I knew I would get back the new and improved dog, a happier dog and a well-rounded dog. They did not prove me wrong. It's just so beautiful to see Rocky now thriving in his new home with his new adapters. Thank you Elite Dog Training of Greater Cleveland for giving us a peaceful and loving dog, that we can confidently adopt out. All my best Melissa Daniels-Gelsinger Lake Erie Labrador Retriever Rescue Trustee
— Melissa Gelsinger
Posted September 12th 2024
google
I can’t explain my gratitude of what a great experience me and Romeo have had with Josh at elite dog training. We look forward to going there every week and can’t believe the progress Romeo has made going there. He gets so excited every week when we go there, and there are amazing staff is the best thing I’ve ever done for my dog. 💯💯💯💯
— Anthony Della Vella
Posted August 28th 2024
google
we reached out to Josh from a recommendation of a friend of ours, who had used the services in the past and swore up and down it was a game changer. When I tell you, it’s a game changer please believe me we were at the end of our rope with our dog saw no hope in sight. We finally made that call and got him started with training. By far, the best call and best decision that we made in just a little bit of time we have noticed quite a difference with our dog and his behaviors. We as pet owners have learned quite a few things from Josh and his crew as well. They are very knowledgeable. I am thankful for the training and even more thankful for the outcome, thank you guys! John &Jennifer Morris
— Jennifer Smith
Posted August 28th 2024
google
K9 Elite is top notch all the way. Josh and everyone he hires has exceptional knowledge of dog training using both positive reinforcement & correction. The training is tailored to you & your dog & the end result is a happy, well trained dog that is comfortable in any environment. My goal in choosing K9 Elite was advanced obedience and therapy dog certification. I couldn’t be happier, my dog just passed his certification test & we’re ready to begin work in the community!
— Anne Waters
Posted August 28th 2024
google
Our dog did very well and we were very pleased with the results. The team members are all great with the dogs and we look forward to future training sessions.
— Susan Patterson
Posted August 26th 2024
google
My husband and I are extremely pleased and very happy about learning this unique way of communicating with our boy. Our puppy was a little over 4 months old when we started the training and it took about 8-10 weeks for training. Josh is extremely intelligent, passionate, patient, professional and punctual. He came out to do our puppy’s evaluation and explained everything in detail about the process and different types of packages available, which was very thorough and helpful. We then started the training at our home. Josh always put in 100% effort and would wait patiently until the command is grasped by our puppy. Josh is very friendly and was always available to answer any questions about the training process. We are also very happy about doing the continued group classes with our puppy. You want to work with Josh as it’s very evident that he is passionate, dedicated and truly enjoys what he does!
— Garima Garg
Posted August 14th 2024
google
We rescued a one year old Saint Bernard and when we realized that she is too strong to even walk around the block I said we need to get her trained. The one and only call I made was to Dog Training Elite. From the initial phone call to Josh coming out for our free evaluation I knew it was the right choice. Josh said we would notice a difference after the first session and we were skeptical. When we picked Baby up we were in complete shock, our little girl was listening and seemed like a difference dog. She completed her 2 weeks of Camp and is a totally different dog. We are all happy now and can take her to the park and on walks. Josh and the team are absolutely incredible! We are so grateful for them! Our little girl is so well behaved and so happy. If you need obedience training do not waste another second Josh is amazing and so caring and truly loves what he does! Best decision ever!!!
— Jackie Roff
Posted August 14th 2024
google
I can’t recommend Elite Greater Cleveland enough! I was particularly looking for someone that would come to my home to train my mini aussie doodle. Lexi is a great trainer, very knowledgeable, and patient. She even got me out of the house to try training at different public locations!
— brooke eckley
Posted August 13th 2024
google
Dog Training Elite is a great organization with a truly phenomenal group of individuals. I’ve had the pleasure to be trained by Lexi & Josh on how to properly work alongside Maizy. From the initial free in home assessment to the weekly sessions & public access training, the team has been amazing! Maizy & I are grateful for the team and look forward to getting into the Service training aspect. Highly recommend Dog Training Elite!
— Anthony Winfield
Posted July 24th 2024
google
Thank you to Josh & crew - human and canine! From the initial consultation and demonstration with Lexi & Mocha to our first group class, Josh & crew have been supportive and helpful. I knew this was the right place for Finley. My breaking point was when Finley pulled me down injuring my hand while a jogger went past. I could not take anymore! I signed up Finley for the 2 week program. The first time I picked him up from class, I saw improvement. I was surprised! The best part was being able to practice with Finley what was learned that day before leaving the building. Josh & crew saw a good dog with great training potential when I saw frustration. They truly love training dogs and educating their owners. Like any relationship, the pet-owner bond needs daily work and our walks incorporated all the lessons we learned in the classes. I learned about dog behavior from Josh and his words of wisdom helped me to build confidence in Finley and myself. Attending Josh’s group classes allows me to work with Finley around other dogs in a supervised setting and we continue to learn new things. Does Finley behave perfectly all the time? No - but I now have the tools and knowledge to spot the triggers and correct the behavior. Do I have any regrets? Yes - I wish I called sooner! Seriously. I accepted bad behavior as normal because I did not know how to correct it. Now I know what a behaved dog should be! Thanks again DTE!
— Jennifer Payamgis
Posted July 23rd 2024
google
Josh and his team are remarkable at what they do. Before starting training, my five month old golden doodle Brody had many bad behaviors you would expect out of a typical puppy. After 8 weeks, he is a fully transformed dog. I haven’t even started the group classes yet, so I look forward to seeing even more progress. It is hard to believe what they can accomplish in such a short period of time. I am very thankful I went with Dog Training Elite.
— Bill Michaels
Posted July 19th 2024
google
I can't remark how professional and easy to work with the staff were at Dog Training Elite. They through the process I was kept informed of my dog's progress daily as well as being shown the methodology behind the training. My dog absolutely loved going to DTE and seeing the trainers. I would highly recommend them.
— Ron B
Posted July 12th 2024
google
Josh and his team at the facility are outstanding! There’s a noticeable difference in my dog’s obedience after doing 2 weeks at day camp. They have a clear schedule of each day and they gave updates at the end of each day when I picked my dog up. They get to know your dog and gave lots of one on one training throughout the day. Very geared towards his needs and areas that needed improvement. (Reactivity!) It’s a safe and clean environment and I felt safe leaving my pup knowing he was in good hands. The real testament is that my dog was excited to go in every morning!
— Sara Golden
Posted July 8th 2024
google
Highly Recommend! I can’t express how amazing Josh and his Team are. Endless amount of patience with a crazy pup mom. When I need reassurance, they were all there. The door is always open at Dog Training Elite Greater Cleveland. Definitely, worth it!
— Lissette Neal
Posted July 3rd 2024
google

All Reviews Set Up an Assessment Today!

Dog Training Elite is the top dog training company with the best dog trainers near you in Cleveland.

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 Cleveland area. We cover training programs such as obedience, personal protection, anxiety, aggression, and service dog.

Pricing Programs Free Assessment

Se habla español!