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While dogs are man's best friend, that relationship didn't develop overnight. Creating a strong bond with a dog takes time, patience and lots of training. Dog obedience training is one of the best ways to deepen the bond between dog and owner.
Training a new dog takes a lot of time and effort but the payoff is well worth it. Some dogs may require more training than others due to breed type, past trauma, or just plain stubbornness. However, all dogs can become loyal, friendly and well behaved through dog obedience training with Dog Training Elite Kentuckiana’s programs, including in-home training!
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Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Kentuckiana location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
In-Home Training
Dog Training Elite Kentuckiana has specialized training courses for both puppies and older dogs. For in-home training, dog trainers will observe dog breed, size, temperament and any other factors that will influence training.
Working with the dog and dog owner directly in an owner’s home, dog trainers will develop a personalized training plan for basic commands like sit, stay, come, heel, etc.; as well as to address any unique issues such as anxiety, aggression, fear and so on. Once a dog is trained, owners can sign their dogs up for group classes with more in-depth training.
Starting with in-home training is an unmatched service that provides dogs and dog owners with the opportunity to work together. Not only does in-home dog obedience training free dogs from the distractions of a group class, but ensuring a dog is learning from both their owner and a trainer will help owners and dogs strengthen their bond. Dogs that learn only from trainers may be inclined to disobey when the trainer is not around. Equally sharing the task of training between dog and dog owner leads to the development of trust and deepening love.
Trainers from Dog Training Elite Kentuckiana seek to not only help train dogs, but empower owners so they can continue training their dogs in years to come. This includes sharing tips and tricks (treats are always a good thing!), as well as pointing out personality traits and behavior issues dog owners should focus on.
The Dog Training Elite Kentuckiana Difference
There are numerous dog obedience training methods out there, which can be broken down into three main theories: traditional, modern and balanced.
- Traditional training typically relies on punishment for errors, and “low value” rewards such as praise or petting when a dog performs a desired behavior. In recent years traditional training has fallen out of favor.
- Modern training, which is more science-based, focuses more on positive reinforcement when a desired behavior occurs and doesn’t worry about correcting bad behavior. This training method has many benefits, including faster learning for dogs, less stress and anxiety for dogs, ability to teach more complex behaviors, and of course, a better experience for dog owners and trainers.
- Balanced training theory, while it sounds like the best of both worlds, still incorporates the use of punishment as a training tool.
Dog Training Elite Kentuckiana uses modern training methods focused on positive reinforcement and bonding between dog and dog owner. Dog Training Elite Kentuckiana never resorts to the use of punishment to help dogs unlearn bad behavior. The difference becomes clear when comparing a dog that is trained out of anxiety and intimidation vs a dog who truly desires to please from the inside out.
The Dog Training Elite Kentuckiana training theory is mostly based around classical conditioning, also known as the Pavlovian method or respondent conditioning. This includes developing conditioned or automatic reflexes to commands. In its simplest form (after proper conditioning), when an owner says "sit," their dog automatically sits without thinking about it.
Through a combination of commands and an electronic collar, dogs learn to follow commands at once. The electronic collar is not a shock collar; it is a gentle electronic pulse, similar to the tug of a leash, used to get the dog’s attention. Other dog trainers use harsh static collars or spray collars which have been shown to be less effective. Dog Training Elite Kentuckiana’s method of focusing on positive behavior reinforcement nurtures a dog's loving and naturally obedient nature.
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.
Start Your Obedience Training Journey
Dog Training Elite Kentuckiana knows the prospect of starting dog obedience training can sound daunting. But with our knowledge trainers and proven, gentle method, you and your pet can conquer obedience training without using any harsh shock collars or demanding training.
Dogs and dog owners can bond and work together to have a successful, enjoyable training process. Contact Dog Training Elite Kentuckiana today to start your dog obedience training!
Obedience Training FAQs
What age can a dog start obedience training?
The earlier, the better. Puppies are welcome! That being said, old dogs truly can learn new tricks - there is no reason an older dog can’t learn basic commands.
What issues will obedience training address?
Besides basic commands like sit, stay, heel, etc., dog obedience training can address issues such as chewing, whining or barking, jumping to greet others, and begging for food.
Are shock collars used?
No. Pain or punishment is never used in any form during training programs. A combination of positive reinforcement and an electronic collar has proven to be 100% successful. The electronic collar produces a gentle “tug” to get a dog's attention. It is not a shock collar and does not harm or alarm a pet.
Why in-home training?
In-home training is necessary because it allows trainers to focus on the particular issues of individual dogs (like terrorizing a pet cat or chasing the mailman). During in-home training sessions trainers also work side by side with owners and any other family members so the dog understands who is in control.
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!
Marlene and Joe have been amazing to work with. They reinforced what I knew and gave me confidence in training my girls. I definitely learned some needed skills and how to read their language and behaviors. My girls had lived together for over a year and after one of them sustaining an injury and surgery the aggression and fighting began. I didn’t know how to acclimate them. After working with Marlene and Joe I picked up on some behaviors that had likely started before then but I didn’t know I should have corrected them at the time. Not all stories may end up like mine, each dog is different. But I wanted someone to come to my house and work with me and the girls in their own environment. I didn’t want to go elsewhere. I would highly recommend them if you are in need of training. Be prepared to put in the work though because it won’t work if you don’t . But well worth the time spent with them!!! Here’s a pic of the girls back to being BFF again— Jennifer Comings
Posted October 14th 2024
When we rescued our dog Pancho (Cane Corso/Boxer mix) we knew he’d need training. While we don’t know his past, his scars tell us that he wasn’t treated kindly and is very reactive to other dogs. Marlene and Joe have done an incredible job both teaching us and working with him to show how smart and sweet he can be. Group training has been immensely helpful in reducing his reactivity. Marlene and Joe are compassionate, patient, professional and kind. Highly recommend them.— Graci Arias
Posted October 13th 2024
mar and joe have been amazing with my dog. they’re not only great with my dog but with me as well. they are respectful and patient, and always put my dog as a priority. i couldn’t have wished a better trainer in my life. couldn’t recommend them more ❤️— Adalyn Atilano
Posted September 3rd 2024
I cannot say enough positive things about Marlene and Joe. Our Boy is 4 and a half months old any strangers often are SHOCKED that he is so young because of his behavior. Bodin has been working with them since he was 12 weeks old and i can’t wait to see who he is after all his trading is completed. I will recommend Dog Training Elite Kentuckiana to anyone and everyone! Thank you for all that you have taught baby boy Bodin and us!— The Andersons
Posted September 2nd 2024
Marble is a completely changed GSD from the first day we started. Marlene and Joe were so amazing! Everything I wanted to have them train Marble on, they did that and so much more! I think the best thing about everything is the in-home experience and the ability to observe what's going on where most places have people drop their pets off and never really experience the process. Marlene and Joe were very helpful and for me, it speaks volumes when Marlene would request updates on the homework she gave us during the week. This was an investment that was WELL WORTH IT! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!— LaVar Quarles
Posted September 2nd 2024
My dog and I had such a great experience with Marlene and Joe. After only four weeks of training with them I’ve noticed a huge improvement in my dog. We both learned so much, I could not recommend Dog Training Elite and Marlene and Joe enough.— Sandra Lopez
Posted June 21st 2024