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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 Colorado Springs location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
Silver
$1,595
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 4 Sessions
- Come
- Place(go to bed)
- Heel(walk with you without pulling)
- Sit(next to you)
- Off(furniture, if desired)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
Gold
$2,095
- Group Park Training Sessions 6 Months
- One-on-One & In-Home Training Sessions 5 Sessions
- Come
- Place(go to bed)
- Heel(walk with you without pulling)
- Sit(next to you)
- Off(furniture, if desired)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Down(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Sit(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
Platinum
$2,895
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.
- Group Park Training Sessions 12 Months
- One-on-One & In-Home Training Sessions 7 Sessions
- Come
- Place(go to bed)
- Heel(walk with you without pulling)
- Sit(next to you)
- Off(furniture if desired)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Down(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Sit(off leash at a distance)
- Housebreaking / Potty Training
- Build Confidence
- STOP Running Away
- STOP Jumping on People
- STOP Puppy Biting
- STOP Chasing Animals
- STOP Chewing
- STOP Digging
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Choose to Address Advanced Concerns:
- Calm Anxiety
- Control Aggression(dog & human) -
Or Choose One Tailored Skill Below: *Specialized training options based upon your dog's abilities.
- Therapy dog training
See Details
- Emotional Support Dog Training
- Ride on a Golf Cart, Skateboard, or Wagon
- Stay with You on Jog, Hike, or Bike Ride
- Other Custom Command Approved by Trainer
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?
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"Pawsitive" Indicators of a Good Dog Trainer
Some things to look for when searching for a Colorado Springs 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!
Highly recommend Caroline at Dog Training Elite Colorado Springs. Our dog had become very reactive and aggressive at door knocks and doorbell rings. We needed 100% in-home training sessions to correct this behavior. Caroline was excellent and showed us how to re-train our dog within several sessions. He loved working with her and got excited at every one of her visits. She's amazing!— Laurie Carroll
Posted August 27th 2024
Dog Training Elite Colorado Springs has been absolutely amazing in helping us get our Goldendoodles therapy trained and certified. From day one, their expertise and dedication have shone through. The trainers at Dog Training Elite have gone above and beyond in ensuring that our Goldendoodles are well-prepared to provide therapy. We've been incredibly impressed by their commitment to excellence. One of the standout aspects of our experience with Dog Training Elite is their dedication to real-world training scenarios. Working in parks and businesses has proven to be a brilliant approach. It has helped our Goldendoodles become acclimated to various environments, people, and distractions. This kind of practical training is precisely what our dogs needed to excel as therapy dogs. The trainers at Dog Training Elite Colorado Springs are not only knowledgeable but also genuinely caring and patient with the dogs. They have created a positive and nurturing environment, which has been instrumental in our dogs' growth and development. We couldn't be more pleased with our experience at Dog Training Elite. They have exceeded our expectations in every way, and we are now more confident than ever in our Goldendoodles' ability to serve as therapy dogs. Thank you, Dog Training Elite Colorado Springs, for your exceptional training and support. We wholeheartedly recommend their services to anyone looking for top-notch dog training and certification. Our Goldendoodles are now ready to make a real difference in the lives of those they'll be helping.— Andrea Manuszak
Posted October 23rd 2023
There are hardly enough words to say how terrific our experience has been with CS Dog Training Elite. The entire staff is wonderful, but a special shout out to Lucas and Caroline! They have gone above and beyond anything I could have expected, and their patience and encouragement have been invaluable in giving Murphy and me a completely enjoyable and successful training experience. Murphy passed his service dog certification test yesterday, a testament to this incredible training program and the people who run it. We look forward to continuing attending group classes for "brush-ups" and to stay connected to this wonderful organization. A huge thank you from Murphy and me!— Janet Morris
Posted August 16th 2023
Amazing company! they have been superb and kind! they were able to help train my husky rescue who is my service dog in training! Lucas and Caroline have always gone above and beyond with every step! they are more than willing to answer a silly question even after hours. they have truly shaped my life and my dogs! they are so amazing and truly life changing!— Carrie Monroe
Posted July 29th 2023
Used to be that if my little terrier mix saw a dog anywhere on the block , he would totally lose his mind. now he can be comfortably next to another dog. Awesome results! He's like a totally different dog.— Merrilee Williams
Posted July 24th 2023
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Posted March 20th 2023
Speaking with Lucas today was absolutely awesome! I got all my questions answered in regards of how to go about the process with a service animal. It was a lot of information but very straightforward, which I really liked. The bubbly personality, politeness, and just how awesome the demo went today, I would recommend 100%. I'll definitely be doing business with them. :) Thanks again guys!— Audrey Escobedo
Posted January 19th 2023
We have been training our two goldendoodle puppies to be therapy dogs with Dig Training Elite. They have been amazing and very helpful every step of the way.— Andrea Manuszak
Posted January 7th 2023
Carlos and Trinity have taken our dog, who was half trained, and changed her program to be more disciplined and organized. Since being in their program, she has learned to smell and alert to seizures, behave well in public areas, and do several other tasks (retrieve thing off the ground, anxiety interruption tasks, etc). I can’t recommend them enough.— Hannah Burgo
Posted June 4th 2022
Carlos and Trinity are professional, caring and very knowledgeable. I feel they trained me as a handler as much as they did Anubis in his skills. I hate to see them go, but life moves us around for a reason. Anubis went from a gangly puppy that wouldn’t even sit on command, to an attentive hard working service dog who has become a major asset and my best friend. He continues to astound me by learning new skills with eagerness and with such excitement. I could have never gotten him trough all his training without Elite! Thank you and best to you all as you move to new adventures.— Doc
Posted August 10th 2022
Both Carlos and Trinity are excellent trainers. The last 5 weeks has transformed a bit of an out of control dog into knowing his basic manners! I can't wait to join the weekend group and continue practicing with him.— Markham Performance
Posted May 27th 2022
Who says you can’t teach old dogs new tricks? Our 9 and 10 year old dogs were having difficulty adjusting after an out of state move, we had issues with constant barking, dangerous jumping and a general lack of following directions. This training changed our day to day life in such an impactful way I can’t recommend Carlos and Trinity highly enough!— Rhiannon Billman
Posted April 3rd 2022
The results and dedication of Dog Training Elite Colorado Springs exceed all of my expectations.— linda smith
Posted January 6th 2022
We have nothing but a great experience with this training company since my daughter has received Ocean in December 2020. The staff is helpful and makes you feel like family. Training a dog is hard work, but my daughter with epilepsy and anxiety has been able to train with the help of Elite!! I HIGHLY recommend this company!!!— Dara Lightle
Posted March 11th 2021
Dog Training Elite Colorado Springs Partners
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 Colorado Springs area. We cover training programs such as obedience, personal protection, anxiety, aggression, and service dog.