Elite

Training Programs


Dog Training in Jacksonville / St. Johns, FL

Call to Schedule FREE In-Home Assessment

904-750-3647


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Contact Dog Training Elite First Coast

Or Call to Schedule FREE In-Home Assessment

904-750-3647


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At Dog Training Elite First Coast, we are also passionate dog lovers! Our program is designed from 40+ years of dog training experience gained by Dog Training Elite's CEO, John Mestas...who has created a positive dog training experience which stands apart from any other programs. What began as a small movement in the dog training world has gained incredible momentum. Dog Training Elite has attracted attention from both clients and trainers with our unique, successful in-home training model.

Dog Training Elite has developed a highly successful Jacksonville / St. Johns dog training program that empowers dog owners and their canines to work together, creating strong bonds and sustained obedience.

Pricing Programs Free Assessment

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


Our Services


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!

Recently we began having trouble with our dog becoming reactive to dogs, even after working with a trainer. We realized the trainer we had wasn’t a good fit. After some research,we found Dog Training Elite First Coast. I was a bit hesitant because of the e-collar use, but we decided to have them come over for a consultation. After talking with Eric, our hesitation diminished. He explained that the e-collar is a way to communicate with my dog, not punish him, and showed us how to use it properly. Once we started using his method, we saw a big difference. Our dog was listening better, especially off-leash, and our training sessions got easier and more enjoyable. It made things clearer for both of us. If anyone is on the fence about e-collars, I highly recommend learning how to use them correctly with a trainer. When used the right way, they can be a great tool for building trust and strengthening your bond with your dog. We highly recommend Dog Training Elite First Coast! They have been great!
— Jason Foor
Posted September 7th 2024
google
Eric was wonderful. We throughly enjoyed working with him to train our mini labradoodle puppy. He is knowledable and very patient - with both my husband, myself and the puppy. We see much improvement in behavior and our dog listens to us now. We highly recommend this company !!
— Julie Albachiaro
Posted August 27th 2024
google
Just finished private lessons with my dog, Annie, this week. Eric was a great trainer! Annie was shy and scared at first. Eric was patient with her, and she warmed up to him quickly! Even without her being treat motivated like most dogs, he was able to teach her a lot in 6 lessons! Annie has improved so much and I’m excited for her to continue to learn in the group lessons.
— Madison Kirkpatrick
Posted August 4th 2024
google
Eric is a great trainer and provides incredible service.
— vince albachiaro
Posted August 3rd 2024
google
So glad I chose Elite to help train my 1yr old chocolate Lab. The trainer ‘Eric’ was very professional and knowledgeable. He has a great understanding of a dog’s behavior and was very effective in training my pup and providing me with the information for continued training.
— Danielle Gooding
Posted July 21st 2024
google
I don't have enough praise for Dog Training Elite! We worked with Eric & Chris training our Yellow Lab puppy Luna, starting with basic obedience and working our way up to so much more we thought we were going to accomplish with her. They made the process enjoyable, simple, and had great suggestions for a few off-challenges we had in integrating her into our house with two other dogs (11y & 6y). Communication was clear, prompt and simple... you can't go wrong with Dog Training Elite with Eric & Chris! 👍👍
— Andrew Connell
Posted July 17th 2024
google
Colby has been amazing in helping train my bernedoodle.
— michael harkey
Posted July 17th 2024
google
I have a 3.5 year old Australian shepherd that I rescued and all this time have tried multiple different trainers, tried training him myself and had pretty much thrown my hands up that he was just “untrainable” until I came across Eric and his business! We are two lessons in and my dog is already more behaved and well trained than when I rescued him! He is understanding commands, doing those commands when told etc. I highly recommend Eric and his team and I am excited for the upcoming future lessons we have scheduled!
— Madison Craig
Posted May 4th 2024
google
Eric and the team are great! Easy to work with and very knowledgeable. Highly recommend their training services.
— Justin Ramos
Posted March 7th 2024
google
We’ve been working with Eric for several one-on-one sessions for aggressive behavior from our rescue, and are seeing some signs of hope. I appreciate his willingness to listen and having us take an active role in the solution. We still have a long road ahead of us, but are encouraged by our progress so far! I am looking forward to the transition to outside the home to see Eric work with our girl. Definitely recommend!
— Frank Samu
Posted January 31st 2024
google
We are SO happy we chose Dog Training Elite for our golden doodle puppy. Eric is extremely knowledgeable, friendly, & our puppy loves him. I am so impressed, and surprised, at how much she has learned & is now able to do. It’s such a relief to trust her to listen to commands amid distractions, not run out the front door, etc. Highly recommend to everyone!
— Lauren Adams
Posted January 15th 2024
google
Eric and his team are excellent. Particularly at service and patience to meet your dog and family needs. Our Cavapoo took to Eric like a member of the family. I highly recommend their approach and methods, frankly, the hardest to train is us humans !!
— vinceo2b
Posted December 13th 2023
google
We have had an awesome experience with Dog Training Elite! We were ready to give up on our husky because not only was she naughty but didn’t listen either! We were so surprised at her behavior after the first appointment! With every appointment, she continued to grow more and more obedient and actually pays attention and listens and respond when given commands. We have had the pleasure of working with Eric! He has always been accommodating with our schedule and time. He is amazing and truly knows how to train and work with our pet! We have learned so much! Thank you Eric and Dog Traing Elite! Such a positive experience for our family and our husky Athena!
— Berri Umrani
Posted December 8th 2023
google
I’ve had several trainers with my dogs over the years, but Eric is by far the BEST! He’s so very skilled and knowledgeable! He’s patient and sweet with my dog and me! Pippin is learning so well under his guidance. This is the place to call if you want a positive learning experience.
— Linda Gattuso
Posted December 7th 2023
google
Eric has been great! We were so stressed & thought we would have to do something drastic & couldn’t see anyone fixing our issue. Our 1yo Rottie Odin was biting & not allowing us to pet him, barking at ppl & dogs and jumping on us. I really did a lot of research online & followed a lot of advice INCLUDING going thru 2 other trainers (one told us we should put him down)! Eric has been working with us for around 2mths now & he has changed everything! Odin hasn’t had one bad incident since day one of working with Eric. My relationship with Odin is so much better, I feel more confident & can finally love on him without worry. I have so many options on how to help Odin make the correct choices. I have gained so much knowledge & abilities. We truly felt we had tried so many ways to help Odin that I was really skeptical another trainer would really make a difference, I can tell Eric has really good knowledge and experience with ANY situation you may have, and lots of patience. This has made day to day living much better and I’m thankful Eric has learned what he has, so he can help others.
— Camren Kalinowski
Posted December 6th 2023
google
While being a new dog owner who wants to get her dog trained for being a psychiatric service animal, I had A LOT of questions. Eric, had SO much patience with me on the phone and answered everything in detail without making me feel rushed. He had an answer for them all and even provided me with examples of what they would provide for my specific needs. He also sent a follow up with the information we talked about immediately after our call. Super happy with the experience even before signing up to be a part of Dog Training Elite!
— Jillian Sagat
Posted December 5th 2023
google
Dog training Elite was the best decision. My five year-old mix made such fast progress. She behaves so well. I am now able to take her to public places. I am truly grateful to Eric her trainer. He is so knowledgeable and confident, and he is always so sweet with us. Eric truly helped me gain confidence with my dog. I am very happy and I certainly recommend this company, highly. Thank you Dog Elite Training!
— Nubia Santos, PhD LMHC CST
Posted November 20th 2023
google
I'm so happy with how training is going, my dog Zeus is doing so amazing after just two sessions! Eric is amazing and would recommend him to anybody.
— Alexis Doyle
Posted November 17th 2023
google
Eric is amazing to work with and learn from. I share that from both my perspective and my dog 😊 His technique is completely logical and is easy to incorporate into our daily routines. Highly recommend!
— Joy Fulton
Posted November 7th 2023
google
I have a large breed, Sherlock, about a 1yr and 7 months old. He had problems with listening if you weren't right next to him and a anxiety/dominance issue that would turn toward aggression to people. The trainer, Eric, was amazing and helped us and Sherlock gain confidence in his training in recall, boundaries in the yard and doors, place, on his leash, and sit and down. We also learned how to prevent and work with Sherlock when be displayed his anxious/dominance behavior to my family or guests. They were flexible with scheduling, and checked periodically throughout the week to make sure the training was going well. I would highly recommend them.
— Sara Broskie
Posted October 6th 2023
google

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