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Dog Training Services


Obedience Training for Dogs in Howard County, MD

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240-459-0004


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Contact Dog Training Elite of Central Maryland

Or Call to Schedule FREE In-Home Assessment

240-459-0004


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Behavior Training vs. Obedience Training for Dogs


If you are in the market for dog training, you may run across a few terms like "behavior training" or "obedience training." But what's the difference between the two? And which one is best for your dog?

Here at Dog Training Elite of Central Maryland, we have been in the dog training business for over 40 years, so we can explain the difference between behavior and obedience training for dogs. We'll also help you determine which is right for you and your four-legged best friend. If you are interested in hearing more about Dog Training Elite training programs, call us today for a free in-home consultation!

Dog Training Elite offers expert obedience training for dogs in Howard County.

Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite of Central Maryland location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.


Platinum

$2,975

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.

Training Equipment Included: E-collar and Accessories

  • One-on One & In-Home Training Sessions 8 Sessions
  • Group Park 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
  • Come
  • Heel(walk with you without pulling)
  • Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
  • Place(go to bed)
  • Off(furniture, if desired)
  • Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
  • Down(next to you & off leash at a distance)
  • Get Into Car or Kennel
  • Build Confidence
  • Manners, Safety & Boundaries
  • Housebreaking / Potty Training
  • STOP Running Away
  • STOP Jumping on People
  • STOP Puppy Biting
  • STOP Chasing Animals
  • STOP Chewing
  • STOP Digging
  • Choose to Address Advanced Concerns: - Control Aggression (dog & human) - Calm Anxiety
  • Or Choose One Tailored Skill Below: *Specialized training options based upon your dog's abilities. - 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

Out on the Town

$2,975

LIFETIME SUPPORT

Out on the Town offers advanced obedience/behavioral modification with a goal of off-leash control.

5 of the 8 sessions are one-on-one and in-home. The final 3 sessions are "out on the town" at dog-friendly locations you select (within our service area). This may be a dog-friendly store, brewery, winery, walk through Downtown Annapolis waterfront, hikes in the park, visit to a marina, and more.

Training Equipment Included: E-collar and Accessories

  • One-on One & In-Home Training Sessions 8 Sessions
  • Group Park 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
  • Come
  • Heel(walk with you without pulling)
  • Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
  • Place(go to bed)
  • Off(furniture, if desired)
  • Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
  • Down(next to you & off leash at a distance)
  • Get Into Car or Kennel
  • Build Confidence
  • Manners, Safety & Boundaries
  • Housebreaking / Potty Training
  • STOP Running Away
  • STOP Jumping on People
  • STOP Puppy Biting
  • STOP Chasing Animals
  • STOP Chewing
  • STOP Digging

Gold

$2,225

Training Equipment Included: E-collar and Accessories

  • One-on One & In-Home Training Sessions 5 Sessions
  • Group Park Sessions 12 Sessions
  • Come
  • Heel(walk with you without pulling)
  • Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
  • Place(go to bed)
  • Off(furniture, if desired)
  • Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
  • Down(next to you & off leash at a distance)
  • Build Confidence
  • Manners, Safety & Boundaries
  • Housebreaking / Potty Training
  • STOP Running Away & Bolting Through Doors
  • STOP Jumping on People
  • STOP Puppy Biting
  • STOP Begging & Stealing Food
  • STOP Chasing Animals
  • STOP Chewing
  • STOP Digging

Silver

$1,375

  • In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 3 Sessions
  • Come
  • Place(go to bed or designated spot)
  • Off
  • Sit(next to you)
Best In-Home Dog Trainers Near Me in Howard County
Highest Rated Dog Obedience Trainers Near You in Howard County
Top Dog Trainers Near Me in Howard County
In-Home Dog Trainers Near You in Howard County

Behavior Training


This type of training aims to correct or rewrite an undesirable behavior. For example, if a dog or puppy whines and cries when the owner leaves the house, the dog may be experiencing separation anxiety and acting out. To fix this behavior, you would need to train this dog to respond differently to being left alone in the house.

With behavior training, the trainer and owner look at the situation that needs addressing, figure out the trigger for the bad behavior, and train the dog to respond differently to that trigger. After consistent training and positive reinforcement, the dog will perform the learned response to the trigger or stimulus even without commands or rewards, essentially rewriting their response to that situation.

Obedience Training


Trainers use obedience training to teach a command and then have a dog obey and perform that command. This training involves teaching a puppy or dog basic commands like “sit,” “come,” “heel,” or “down.” The Dog Training Elite trainers can also use obedience training to teach other commands more unique to your life and situation.

The goal of obedience training is in the name - training a dog to obey commands reliably. Obedience training for dogs can sometimes be lengthy and requires repetition, consistency, and lots of positive reinforcement to achieve lasting results.

When obedience training is employed correctly, it fosters a deep connection between dog and owner that encourages consistent compliance from the dog and positive reinforcement from the owner.

Pricing Programs Free Assessment

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Dog Training Elite is the #1 obedience training for dogs in Howard County.

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.

The Dog Training Elite Training Method


Correct responses to a command or rewriting a reaction to a trigger can be accomplished through many methods. Dog Training Elite uses positive reinforcement, or “classical conditioning,” to achieve the desired results. Years of experience have taught us that classical conditioning is the most effective way to train a dog.

If you are searching for obedience training for dogs in Howard County, Dog Training Elite is the place for you.

What is classical conditioning?

Also known as the Pavlovian model, classical conditioning refers to a learning process that occurs when you pair two stimuli with a command. Studies have proven that classical conditioning is the preferred training method as it offers long-lasting results and teaches deep-rooted obedience. At Dog Training Elite, an electronic collar and positive reinforcement are the two stimuli we use to teach your dog good behavior. The electronic collar is not a shock collar. Like a clicker device, it gets your dog’s attention during training.

Offering rewards and positive reinforcement will yield positive results and a happy and confident dog. In contrast, using negative reinforcement and punishment will result in a dog performing out of fear and lacking trust and confidence. The trainers in Howard County want your dog to be happy and confident and have a deep and lasting connection with you as their owner. That’s why we only use positive reinforcement and classical conditioning.

Pricing Programs Free Assessment

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Which Training is Right For You and Your Dog?


Dog Training Elite offers behavior and obedience training for dogs, but how do you know which is right for you? Suppose your dog is exhibiting behaviors like biting, excessive barking, digging, or more. In that case, they may benefit from some behavioral training to rewrite those responses. If you have a new puppy or your dog has trouble obeying commands, obedience training is the ideal solution. In some cases, your dog may need a combination of both.

If you're still unsure what training is best for you and your dog, Dog Training Elite is ready to help! Find a trainer near you today to get started on your dog's training journey.

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!

Richard and Christy helped get our puppy super well trained..Thank you Dog Training Elite of Maryland
— Veronica D
Posted September 4th 2024
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Christy was awesome with our 2 yr old lab, Tucker. She was very patient with him and we saw great results from her work. They regularly followed up to see how he was doing with his homework and to see if we had any questions or problems. If he was slow to grasp a lesson , they were more than willing to go over the lesson again at the next session. Would highly recommend!!!
— David Schilling
Posted September 3rd 2024
google
I highly recommend Dog Training Elite. My trainer, Christy, was fantastic! I had rescued a pitbull mix (Blue). A few days later, I reached out to Christy about in-home training. Christy came to my home to do an evaluation. I really liked how comfortable and confident she was when handling Blue. I signed up for their in-home training program so that we would be in our normal environment (with distractions) during the training. The best part of the training was that Christy would work with Blue first until he understood the command. Once he knew the command, Christy would than train me on how to use the command with Blue. It allowed me to watch and ask questions before trying the command myself. In addition, I felt that Christy went above and beyond what other trainers would do. I had a lot of dog related questions beyond our immediate training session. Christy patiently answered my questions and provided her insights. Even when I texted her asking for additional help with Blue, Christy made time to help me with my request. Blue is a better dog because of the training. Blue doesn't jump on people anymore, I know how to handle him when he sees rabbits & squirrels, and he knows his commands very well. Blue and I have a better relationship because of the training. Very grateful for Christy and her Team.
— Maria Lee
Posted September 1st 2024
google
What a great experience we had with Dog Training Elite of CM! They took the time to understand our pooch and worked with us to help her overcome her impulsiveness and reactivity. We never dreamed in a million years that we would be able to take a walk around buses, trucks, bikes, scooter and runners let alone other dogs. We can't recommend them enough and would definitely use them again if the need ever arises.
— KarenSue Dean
Posted July 17th 2024
google
We have had nothing but great experiences with Dog Training Elite for the last few months. The trainers are honest, set realistic expectations, and are dedicated to helping their clients reach their training goals. The one-on-one sessions really helped set my puppy up for success for our first group session. We have seen significant improvement with every session and I highly recommend Dog Training Elite for anyone who is looking for obedience, consistency, and overall a more well-behaved dog.
— kasey thomas
Posted April 27th 2024
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Christy and Richard have both been amazing. Helped train my not so well behaved older dog.
— Ishita Rahman
Posted May 10th 2024
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We absolutely love, love, love Dog Training Elite. They were so patient training our very nervous puppy. The in home training is phenomenal & we really enjoy the group sessions. The group sessions have been so helpful in socializing our puppy. It’s worth every penny & we have been so happy with the training.
— Kellina Nolan
Posted May 6th 2024
google
A great experience and worth every penny! We are first time dog owners and this was exactly what we needed.Stanly follows all commands off, sit, down wait and finally free when he can end the commands. Walking actually became dangerous as Stanley went from 2 to 6 months we were the ones being walked or pulled down the street. We now love walks our arms are relaxed and the walks are a pleasure. Dinners are normal again as Stan will PLACE and stay down until he is told to “free” Stanley loves to please so he enjoys it also. Christie the owner is great following up and her trainer Sean is great too. Kevin
— Kevin Dunn
Posted April 24th 2024
google
Dog Training Elite has by far exceeded my expectations when providing guidance for both my daughter's service dog and my personal dog. They worked with us 1:1 to develop a plan tailored to our family's needs and were always available for questions or concerns. Having at home training was perfect for our scheduling and then pairing with group sessions gave us a well rounded experience for our dogs. Highly recommend!
— Carrie M
Posted March 22nd 2024
google
We had the pleasure of working with Christy to train my dog to be a service dog for me. She is so amazing, patient and understanding. My dog has fallen in love with her and lights up while wagging his tail so much when he sees her. I would HIGHLY recommend them for training.
— LaToya Cross
Posted March 22nd 2024
google
Highly recommend. Christy and her team truly know dogs, understand dog behaviour, and are able to help us understand and work with our highly active dog! I have seen so much improvement. The instructions are clear and very doable.
— Rachael Logan
Posted March 20th 2024
google
My Wife & I could not be more pleased with the overall experience we've had working with Christy & Richard from Dog Training Elite! We've seen a tremendous improvement in Baxter's (our 2 year old, German Shepherd Mix) responsiveness to commands, and his general behavior, and we're confident that we now have the tools we need to successfully continue his Training on our own. They came to our home for multiple sessions, addressed all of our concerns, and were very easy to work with! Their passion, communication & flexibility made Training much easier than we ever expected...Highly Recommend!
— Dave Bond
Posted February 5th 2024
google
Excellent business! I can’t say enough about our trainer Christy, she was amazing with our dog Beau and us. He’s a different dog after he completed his training. I highly recommend Christy and her team at Dog Training Elite Central Maryland!
— Cheri Chalk
Posted February 5th 2024
google
This training is a game-changer! I was amazed at how quickly we saw results and how easy it is to follow. I would recommend to anyone!
— Nicole Mazzella
Posted December 11th 2023
google
Excellent trainers and an excellent investment. I made more progress in 6 months with my goldendoodle than I did the previous year of training. Their expertise in service animal training, especially with tasks has been a wonderful help!
— Annie
Posted October 12th 2023
google
Dog Training Elite of Central Maryland is amazing!!! Our Goldendoodle was and is an extremely high-energy dog. We were having such a hard time teaching him not to jump on people and run them over as they came into our home. After just a couple of sessions with Christy, our Oliver is like a new man. Don't get me wrong, he is still super high-energy. The difference is, he now listens to our commands. Going on walks is fun again. Thank you, Christy and Dog Training Elite!!
— Emery Nelson
Posted October 2nd 2023
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Training was excellent!! Experience with trainers were great. Highly recommend this trainer to everyone.
— Kenneth Sarkady
Posted September 26th 2023
google
Dog Training Elite Central Maryland did such a wonderful job helping me to train my puppy. Christy and her staff are top notch, very professional and go above and beyond to help their clients! I definitely recommend them to help anyone training their dog to be the best they can be.
— Stephen May
Posted September 6th 2023
google
Christy did an excellent job training our miniature schnauzer Marty. We saw immediate improvement after the first training lesson, and this was saying a lot since Marty can be extremely stubborn. He listens so much better now, and barely barks or looks at other dogs on his walks like he used to. She taught us how to train our dog, and what tools/ things we can do to continue reinforcing his training. We are very thrilled with the training and happy we invested in DTE.
— Rachel Hall
Posted August 6th 2023
google
We finished our in-house sessions this past week and I’m delighted with the progress we’ve made under Christy’s guidance. The lessons all made good sense and, when I had questions between sessions, Christy gave prompt and detailed responses. I feel I now have the tools to handle just about any training issues that arise. I would certainly recommend Dog Training Elite of Central Maryland to others.
— Joel Kramer
Posted August 5th 2023
google

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