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Many dog owners express frustration when their dog returns from obedience school and has not learned one command successfully. While obedience school trainers teach your dog simple commands, effective training is best done at home with the owner. Each dog is unique, with its own temperament and behavioral issues. Full-scope training is not possible to achieve without an in-home dog training program.
During in-home sessions, trainers get to know the dog and its environment. There are often particular issues- chasing the mailman or barking at the neighbor’s cat - that are not observed in an out-of-home setting. Bringing a professional dog trainer into your home creates a personalized training experience, that addresses your dog’s particular issues.
In-home dog training is more successful than group classes because it minimizes distractions. Basic obedience and behavioral issues must first be addressed with one-on-one private training, and then these lessons can be tested in a more distracting environment. Dog Training Elite Midlands SC takes a comprehensive approach, pairing in-home training with group lessons to ensure your dog fully retains every command and can respond appropriately regardless of the environment.
In-home dog trainers can address a variety of issues, such as:
- Housebreaking
- Leash pulling
- Aggression
- Anxiety
- Ignoring commands
- Excessive barking
- Jumping on people
- Destructive behaviors
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Midlands SC location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
Positive Training Methods
At Dog Training Elite Midlands SC, we understand that you want the best for your dog, and our goal is to ensure all training experiences are positive for you and your furry friend! Our team of trainers has learned that positive reinforcement and classical conditioning are the most effective training methods. We never use punishment - we love dogs and we want them to learn in a positive, safe environment! By rewarding dogs for good behavior rather than punishing negative behaviors, our trainers effectively teach your canine companion how to behave.
In Home Dog Training Goals
While our professional dog trainers will be taking the lead, you, and any other family members who interact with your dog will be a part of the training process as well. In-home dog training empowers you and helps you build a positive relationship with your dog.
Benefits of Positive In-Home Training Techniques
Develop a Strong Bond
Dogs enjoy training sessions if they take place with the person they love. Listening, learning, and acting on commands is a way for your dog to show you that he cares! The praise you bestow your pup (and the tasty treat you give) makes him happy, and this experience of learning is a great bonding activity.
Sending your dog off to obedience school removes you from the training process and prevents this special bonding from occurring. When you choose Dog Training Elite Midlands SC, we ensure you are part of the training process. All in-home training programs involve you and any other family members that care for your dog. Our trainers’ goal is to teach you how to train your dog.
Quickly Teach Obedience
Obedience commands are essential to any full-scope dog training program. These commands ensure the safety of your dog and prevent any undesired problems. Obedience is the core of successful training, and your dog must learn these commands before he can progress.
Our in-home training program focuses on ingrained obedience and our trainers ensure your dog learns essential commands, such as sit, place, come, stay, lay, off, drop it, and more. Once these key lessons are taught, our trainers will work with you and your pup on more advanced topics.
Correct Problem Behaviors
Does your dog jump up as a greeting, or charge the door anytime visitors announce their arrival with the doorbell? Or perhaps he begs from the table with wide, puppy eyes? These problem behaviors are easily corrected with the right training techniques.
Group classes or “puppy essentials” training programs cannot address most problem behaviors, as these issues are more likely to occur at home where your dog is most comfortable and confident. Bringing a trusted trainer into your home is the best way to address these behaviors!
In-Home Dog Trainers in Columbia
Searching for a professional dog trainer is stressful. Thankfully, Dog Training Elite Midlands SC has various locations and experienced professional dog trainers ready to assist you and your pet. Besides basic obedience issues, our trainers are experienced in service dog training, therapy dog training, and any other specialized training your pup may need. If you are looking for in-home dog trainers in Columbia, then look no further than Dog Training Elite.
We never use shock collars or punishments; our training method focuses on positive reinforcement, which has proven successful. We combine this positive reinforcement with an electronic vibration collar for optimal results. The vibration collar is not a shock collar nor does it cause pain - it is used to get your dog’s attention, like the tug of a leash. Our techniques have proven successful over the years, and we are proud to be a trusted provider of dog training services in the Columbia area.
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.
Why Choose a Professional?
Hiring a professional, in-home trainer will provide you and your dog with the personalized, distraction-free, supportive environment you both deserve. Your four-legged family member will be the star of your sessions, and you will learn how to communicate effectively with your dog to achieve the best results.
Why train at all? Training keeps your dog's mind active and strengthens the bond between you and your dog. Whether you're interested in agility training, learning some tricks or something else, a professional trainer will help you prioritize what is important to you and your dog.
In-home training allows you to make appointments around your busy schedule, eliminating the need to commit to group training sessions. Schedule sessions when you can be present to celebrate all the growth your dog accomplishes.
Dog Training Elite Midlands SC offers the best in-home dog training in Columbia because we understand every dog is different. Our professional trainers will tailor training to your dog's breed, their environment and any other needs they have. They can give suggestions and tips for bonding with your dog and help to translate your dog's behavior. Our trainers love watching the relationships between dogs and their owners grow through this approach.
No one expects you to be an expert. That's what the experts at Dog Training Elite are for! A professional trainer is committed to your growth and can take the time to break things down without rushing you through a session. Your dog will love this style of training, and we know you will too!
In-Home Dog Training FAQs
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Midlands SC location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
Platinum
$2,950
OUR MOST POPULAR PACKAGE!
LIFETIME SUPPORT
Our platinum package offers you training sessions throughout your dog's lifetime! Follow-up sessions to be scheduled once per month as needed, after initial program is completed.
-
In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized
9 Sessions + Unlimited
*see above description - Group Park Training Sessions Unlimited
- Lifetime support via text/email and in-person support sessions *scheduled at trainer's discretion (no more than once per month, after completing initial program
- AKC Canine Good Citizen Testing
- 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 Job or Bike Ride (off-leash)
- *Emotional Support Dog Training(ESA)
- *Control Aggression(dog & human)
- *Calm Extreme Anxiety(behavioral modification)
Gold
$2,275
- 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)
- 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
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Midlands SC location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
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 have had the best experience with Dog Training Elite Midlands! Everyone is so professional and friendly. Justin has been our main trainer and he is patient, knowledgeable and very caring! If you are looking for a dog trainer, I cannot recommend them highly enough!— Erica Reyna
Posted October 21st 2024
Justin and Crystal did a wonderful job training my dad’s dog! I am leaving this review for him because he couldn’t figure out how to but, said he had a great time! We can definitely tell there is a lot more peace in the home already and a lot less barking in the background on our phone calls!— BrennanOMalley
Posted October 16th 2024
Justin was an absolutely amazing dog trainer. He trained my dog Kaden. I had so many issues with Kaden. He peed in the house, lunged at other dogs, didn’t come when called, pulled on the leash, jumped all over guest in my house, and many more issues. Justin solved every single issue I had with Kaden. His training method was fair to my dog. You can tell when someone truly cares about your dog and Justin 100% did. I highly recommend him.— Nick Smith
Posted October 16th 2024
We can’t say enough good things about Justin! From the moment we met, we knew our dogs were in great hands. Not only does he have a wealth of knowledge about dog behavior, but he also has a unique ability to connect with dogs on a personal level. My dogs, who used to be anxious and reactive around other dogs, and people, has completely transformed under Justin’s guidance. Each session was tailored to our specific needs, and I really appreciated the positive reinforcement techniques used, which made the training both effective and enjoyable for my dog. What impressed me most was the patience and encouragement Justin showed both to our dogs and us as pet owners. Thanks to Justin, our dogs are more confident, better behaved, and we all enjoy our time together so much more. We even are able to have one of our dogs working through the process of becoming a therapy dog. If you’re looking for a professional, compassionate, and skilled dog trainer, I highly recommend Dog Training Elite Midlands SC—you won’t be disappointed!— Timothy Kinney
Posted September 18th 2024
We were referred to Justin and his team by a close friend for our Poppy, who 100% lives up to her name. She is smart but we needed training on how to outsmart her and get her to listen. Justin and Crystal have been so patient and supportive, their explanations thorough, instructions clear, and they make training FUN. Poppy adores both of them, and has learned so much. I would recommend this company to anyone looking to train and be trained. They know their stuff, and are just a delight to work with. 10/10 recommend.— Dana Lindsey
Posted September 18th 2024
Justin and his team did an excellent job helping us train our dog, Coco. She is a 5lb feisty Morkie and we couldn’t get control of her “manners”. Justin patiently worked with her (and us) and she is literally a different dog now. We can take her in public without holding our breath and she is really doing well with the commands and understanding her place in our family. We recommend Justin for your dog training needs!!— Anne Brooks
Posted September 18th 2024
Our pup and us absolutely love Justin and his team at Dog Training Elite! They have made training easy and fun! I definitely recommend them to anyone thinking about getting training for their dogs.— Kat Pare
Posted September 9th 2024
Extremely professional and effective service. I could not be happier with the process and results of the Gold training program— Paul Mishoe
Posted September 6th 2024
Justin and the Dog Training Elite crew have been too-notch and have really helped me get my big guy trained and socialized! I would recommend him to anyone who needs training help with their dog.— Pete
Posted September 5th 2024
I just love this company - Justin, Crystal, Darlene and office staff! They are wonderful at what they do, are responsive and so thoughtful! I have used other dog trainers that come to my home and have not gotten the results I have gotten from Justin and Dog Training Elite. Justin is wonderful at what he does. My dog Dixie is a different dog after the training with Justin. He offers group classes on the weekends that solidify training, that I highly recommend. We also went to Lowes to work on training in new environments! I truly know that I can bring Dixie anywhere now! Besides being a great trainer, Justin is just a wonderful person who loves what he does and loves animals. We highly recommend Dog Training Elite for dog training!— Vera Timmons
Posted September 5th 2024
Wishing Justin the greatest of Birthdays (30)!! Justin and his team have trained 2 Golden Retrievers ( Gunner and Murray ) for me and I good not be more pleased !! Highly professional and accommodating in many ways. Thank you for all you have done and doing and best to you and your family! Joe— Joe Edens III
Posted September 5th 2024
Honestly, I don't know where to begin. Day 1 was something like a consultation. My Jetti and I met Justin and Louie for the first time. I knew that day that Justin was the one to train my Jetti and me. We started back in February or March. Justin had a demeanor about himself that made it easy to talk to and listen to him. I am still in amazement of what Jetti and I have accomplished and learned in such a short period of time. Just recently my Jetti, my 2 other furbabies, and I went to petsmart. It was Jetti's first visit there. I was nervous about how it would go with Jetti, but she was the perfect furbaby. A number of people came up to me and shared how she was so well behaved. I felt like the perfect mom. All of this is a result of Justin's ability to train. Jetti now has a play date with a German Shepard during the week days. This is because of the Saturday training with other furbabies. Oh, did I forgot to mention, Jetti is now a 9 months Giant Schnauzer! I promise you, you cannot and will not go wrong with training your furbaby with Justin of Dog Elite Training. Justin is the GOAT!!!— Sonya Kennedy
Posted September 4th 2024
What a Wonderful team! Justin and Krystal are great trainers! Our Lucy is so polite now! We not only trained at our house, the last session we went to Lowes and walked off leash! We will go to the next session and meet other dogs that have been trained by Elite. Just can't say enough positive words about Justin and Krystal...Thank you both so much!😃😃— Dale Donahue
Posted August 28th 2024
They have been so great with my boy Rex. Always very helpful and there to explain and answer questions. Oh and they also put my shelf together for me because I'm having some physical issues at the moment! They definitely go above and beyond for their customers!!— Rachael Mitchell
Posted August 14th 2024
Dog Training Elite has quite literally changed my life! Before working with Justin, my dog was a reactive basket case. Kids, dogs, squirrels, cats - you name it, she was chasing it. Justin gave me all the tools needed to be confident and fully in control, even when Raya is off leash. I get so many comments from family about the before and after difference. We can now have family gatherings without jumping, barking, begging, or reactivity to kids. In turn, Raya gets to live a full and happy life, and she is loving every bit of it! If you've been looking for a team who truly cares about you and your dog- look no further!— Crystal Byler
Posted July 1st 2024
Justin is so knowledgeable about his craft. I was amazed at how quickly Honey responded to his training. He is a great communicator with the dogs and their owners. It’s very easy to continue the training we both learned. I recommend Dog training Elite whole heartedly.— Marshall Carpenter
Posted May 29th 2024
“Get a puppy” they said. “It’ll be fun” they said. While it is fun, it’s not all fun. The barking, the jumping, the chasing (him after everything…me after him), the nipping… was too much for me manage. Insert Justin and Dog Training Elite Midlands. Not only has Milo (the lab) learned boundaries, respect and how to follow commands consistently but he has also learned some really cool tricks and made friends along the way. Justin is timely, communicative and personable in a way that makes both you and your pup comfortable. Worth every single penny. Don’t know what we did before but sure don’t want to go back. 5 stars!!!— Heather Bowers
Posted May 16th 2024
Dog Training Elite is by far the nicest and most amazing dog training company out there! From the moment I reached out to them, Dog Training Elite exhibited professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. They provided extensive guidance through every step of the training process with patience and compassion, ensuring that both my dog and I felt supported and knowledgeable. I rescued a 9-month old Australian Shepard named Beau and Dog Training Elite provided the most wholesome and thorough therapy dog training. My now therapy dog, Beau and I worked with Justin who was incredibly knowledgeable and thorough during the initial assessment and during each training session. His dedication to training therapy dogs is truly remarkable, and I cannot recommend Dog Training Elite enough. If you're looking for a dog training company that truly cares about the well-being of your furry friend and delivers exceptional results, I wholeheartedly recommend their professional dog training services. Thank you, Dog Training Elite, for helping us unleash Beau's full therapy dog potential!— Ansley Hardeman
Posted May 13th 2024
I have to admit I was very hesitant about committing to dog training due to time. However, Dog Training Elite made this the best experience! Justin has a true heart for animals and it shows! My 7 month old puppy is such a joy to be around and friends and family can’t believe how well behaved she is! I have never had a dog that would walk by me off leash and not run off. Dog Training Elite has given me such a precious gift and I have her entire life to enjoy this partnership between my dog and I. I was so appreciative for Justin’s patience. I never felt pressured or a sales pitch when we first met which told me he was the right trainer for my dog! This was one of the best investments I have ever made! Thank you Justin for such an amazing gift!— Heather Shuler
Posted April 16th 2024
Best dog training around! I have worked with several dog trainers with a previous dog and our youngest pup, Bailey. Justin is by far the best! He truly cares about each dog's well being and will end training sessions early if the dog is becoming too tired or stressed. After your 6 in home sessions, you then have the option of attending group classes where you'll receive further instruction, a chance to socialize your pup and guidance to help your dog be the best he can be. My Bailey went from ignoring me in the yard and afraid of anyone at the door to coming when called and remaining in his place while people enter the house. Everyone is amazed at our well behaved pup. Highly recommend Justin and his team!— Brandi Blake
Posted February 3rd 2024