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Dog Training Services


Positive Dog Training in Louisville, KY

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502-558-6825


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Contact Dog Training Elite Central Kentucky

Or Call to Schedule FREE In-Home Assessment

502-558-6825


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Positive Reinforcement vs. Punishment


Research shows that focusing on positive reinforcement when a desired behavior occurs and not worrying about correcting bad behavior in dogs is more effective and has longer-lasting results than training that incorporates punishment for bad behavior.

Positive dog training in Louisville works because dogs are inherently eager to please. Rewarding your dog for good behavior helps create a deep, loving relationship with your dog built on trust, as opposed to one built on fear of punishment. The difference between a dog who has been trained to obey out of fear of being punished vs. a dog who learns to obey through a positive, loving bond with their owner is huge.

Dog Training Elite Central Kentucky trainers use treats as an initial reward for puppies and dogs learning commands. When the trainer is absent, or you’re in between obedience classes, you can continue to use treats as a reward for your dog when they exhibit a desired behavior. Dogs tend to be highly food-motivated, so this is an extremely useful tool. You can also reward your dog with a play session, take them to the dog park or anything else you know your dog enjoys. After all, you know your dog best!

Dog Training Elite Central Kentucky offers expert positive dog training programs near you in Louisville.

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


Silver

$1,495

Training Equipment Included: E-Collar

  • In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 3 Sessions
  • Come
  • Heel(walk with you without pulling)
  • Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
  • Off(furniture if desired)
  • Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)

Gold

$2,195

Training Equipment Included: E-Collar

  • In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 5 Sessions
  • Group Training Classes 12 Classes
  • Come
  • Heel(walk with you without pulling)
  • Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
  • Off(furniture if desired)
  • Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
  • Place(go to bed)
  • Down(next to you & off leash at a distance)
  • Listening & Manners
  • Housebreaking / Potty Training
  • Calm Anxiety & Build Confidence
  • Off Leash Obedience
  • Load into Car or Kennel
  • STOP Running Away
  • STOP Jumping on People
  • STOP Chewing & Puppy Biting
  • STOP Chasing Animals
  • STOP Digging

Platinum

$3,195

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 quarter as needed, after initial program is completed.

Training Equipment Included: E-Collar

  • In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 8 Sessions + Unlimited *see above description
  • Group Training Classes Unlimited *see above description
  • Canine Good Citizen Certificate
  • Come
  • Heel(walk with you without pulling)
  • Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
  • Off(furniture if desired)
  • Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
  • Place(go to bed)
  • Down(next to you & off leash at a distance)
  • Listening & Manners
  • Housebreaking / Potty Training
  • Calm Anxiety & Build Confidence
  • Off Leash Obedience
  • Load into Car or Kennel
  • STOP Running Away
  • STOP Jumping on People
  • STOP Chewing & Puppy Biting
  • STOP Chasing Animals
  • STOP Digging
  • Choose One Tailored Skill Below: *Specialized training options based upon your dog's abilities. - Control Anxiety & Aggression (dog & human) - Ride on a Golf Cart, Skateboard, or Wagon
    - Stay with You on Jog, Hike, or Bike Ride
    - Other Custom Command Approved by Trainer
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Highest Rated Dog Obedience Trainers Near You in Louisville
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In-Home Dog Trainers Near You in Louisville

Positive Dog Training in Louisville


As for not worrying about bad behavior – it may feel strange to act like everything is fine when your dog chews on your shoes, or goes to the bathroom inside your home. But focusing on rewarding good behavior and forgoing punishment for bad behavior is more successful in the long run.

Relying on punishment for errors and “low value” rewards, such as praise or petting are long held “traditional” methods for dog training. Punishments like flicking a dog’s nose, shocking them with a shock collar, or anything else that may cause a dog pain are unfortunately still in use today by many dog trainers.

Not only is it inhumane, but using punishment as a tool can actually backfire. For example: punishing a dog for going to the bathroom inside a house won’t teach them to go outside instead. Often, the dog only understands that the mess makes their owner mad. Instead of going outside, the dog is likely to continue to make messes indoors — where the owner can’t find them.

Punishment training also damages the relationship between dog and owner. Dogs do not understand right and wrong. Instead of associating punishment with a specific behavior they learn to avoid, as with the bathroom example, they instead learn to live in constant fear of punishment. This prevents owners from bonding with their dogs in a meaningful way.

Pricing Programs Free Assessment

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Dog Training Elite Central Kentucky is the #1 positive dog training near you in Louisville.

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!

When Joe and I started on this adventure of getting a puppy to train to be a mobility support dog for Joe due to his MS, I was a bit unsure of if we could make it happen. As Cole, an English Labrador, began growing into a LARGE puppy who didn’t know his strength I was concerned he would end up knocking Joe or others off their feet! With the wonderful guidance from Tom at Dog Training Elite, Cole (Joe and I) have learned to obey commands, listen to each other, act more appropriate around other people and dogs, and greet others without jumping on them. Joe, Cole, and I look forward to continuing our journey with Tom and appreciate all that he has done!
— Lee Anne DePaola Ater
Posted August 17th 2024
facebook
I was recommended Dog Training Elite by my sister, and from the very beginning Tom has done a wonderful job helping my dog through reactivity and anxiety. We started with some pretty explosive reactivity, lunging, barking, etc. and in less than two months she is able to calmly participate in group class alongside other dogs. I cant recommend Dog Training Elite and Tom enough!
— Lauren Brown
Posted July 13th 2024
google
We got our family's first dog, a Cavapoo puppy named Poppy. We decided we would benefit from some puppy training as much as the puppy, so we searched the internet and found Dog Training Elite in Louisville. Tom is amazing. He taught Poppy to come in her very first session. In the second session, she learned sit, down, and up. Also, we were struggling to find treats she would like so he showed up with a pocket full of them to help us determine the best treat to get the job done. Tom has an amazing temperament, with both animals and people. He is very helpful and answers any questions we have. I recommend not only training your puppy, but using Dog Training Elite to do it. If we decide to go beyond puppy training into further obedience, we will definitely go with Tom.
— Khara Aud
Posted March 30th 2024
google
Tom has been great with my anxious rescue dog. He’s patient and kind; she responds well to his quiet nature. Definitely a good investment!
— Danielle wilson
Posted March 28th 2024
google
We just finished our last training with Tom from Dog Training Elite. It was an excellent experience. Tom did an amazing job interacting with our dog Toby (11 months) and with my 11 year old son. He was calm, listened really well to our needs and concerns, and spent a full hour training with us each session. Our dog went from being hard to manage on walks, stubborn, and unmanageable in public to knowing how to heel, listening to us, staying in his place, and being able to play off leash with our son. We are still practicing but he’s come so far! I’d definitely recommend DTE…it’s worth the investment!
— Amy Sees
Posted March 25th 2024
google
We have enjoyed the progress our dog has made in a short time. The training is in depth and doable. If you want results this is a great training service.
— Nate Davison
Posted March 16th 2024
facebook
I have had dogs for 40 years and have never been able to train them as fast or as easily as my trainer. I spent a week trying to train lay down with no success and he did it in 30 seconds. I am only 5 sessions in but the progress is remarkable
— Frederick Wright
Posted February 26th 2024
facebook
I’m a little late to this review but Tom did an amazing job with our puppy. We started training the week after we got our puppy and he immediately knew commands. Our dog turns two this month and goes a lot of places with us, especially soccer games and we get so many compliments on how well behaved he is. Even off leash with many people around and distractions, our dog listens and has a great recall. I was a little nervous about using an e collar but Tom made me feel comfortable with its proper use and we still use it to this day. I have recommended him to many people and will continue to do so. It’s also so convenient as a mother to three boys (one of which has autism) that he comes to our house for training. We are hoping to eventually have our dog trained as a service animal for our youngest. This training is absolutely worth the money. We also don’t have a fence and I feel 100% confident letting our dog outside by himself to go to the bathroom since we set up safe boundaries for him during our training.
— Taylor DiPalma
Posted January 11th 2024
google
Most excellent assistance in training my new pup. Tom the Trainer is gentle, a wonderful coach and guide. My pup showed signs of being anxious around anything new. With this training she is easy to walk, shows more confidence and is better behaved. Tom's course is well worth the investment.
— beemer rose
Posted November 12th 2023
google
Wemby really enjoyed his experience and the class was helpful. WEMBYS teacher was so patient with the teacher and got along well with him. Wemby is like a new dog. He learned so much and had fun. This is a great and trustworthy company. Always on time and goes above and beyond. I would recommend them over anyone else.
— Derek Smith
Posted October 26th 2023
google
It was so difficult to walk our dog before meeting Tom at Dog Training Elite. Our dog would chase everything and had severe anxiety. It’s been a complete 180 and now I look forward to walks with my dog. I couldn’t recommend him enough. Thank you Tom.
— Eric Joergens
Posted September 25th 2023
google
Tom is a great trainer, I have been working with him for couple months now.
— Brandon Sebastian
Posted September 23rd 2023
google
Tom is amazing! We are working towards training our pup to be a medical service dog for our son. He has learned so much in just a few short weeks. Tom is very patient and calm. He’s extremely knowledgeable and has various ways to help our dog accomplish our goals! I would recommend Tom to anyone wanting to train their dog!
— Katie Jones
Posted July 18th 2023
google
We have loved this training! From the very beginning we were encouraged by Tom and given excellent advice in training our dog. Our goal has been to train our dog to be a therapy dog and while we are not finished, we have seen amazing progress in her abilities and behavior. I highly recommend Tom for training!
— Jenny Davison
Posted July 8th 2023
google
He s extremely patient and knowledgeable. Yes they use E collars but he takes the time to teach you how to use it properly without hurting your dog. I have never felt so welcomed by a dog trainer.
— Rachel Stanger
Posted April 8th 2023
google
Tom has been a wealth of knowledge and incredibly patient with our Cane Corso puppy. We were about at our wits end until we found him, and so thankful we did!
— Kristen Lonberger
Posted March 31st 2023
google
Tom was an amazing trainer to me and my wild Australian Shepard puppy 8 months old. Tom taught me how to be more patient and confident, which in turn helped my dog Baxter become confident as well. I’m looking forward to the group sessions. I can’t express my gratitude enough. Thank you again Tom!
— Leslee Parrish
Posted February 11th 2023
google
Tom did a really good job with my dog in the individual sessions. Friendly and professional service. My dog learned more than I expected. Would recommend to any one looking to train their dog.
— Andrew Case
Posted October 25th 2022
google
Can.t say enough good things about my trainer Tom. He is very professional and great with my dog. Very knowledgable about my breed and what we needed to do to get Willow so we know how to handle her in every situation. Having a pitbull mix rescue is not easy , but we feel very comfortable around other people and other dogs. If you need your dog trained you won't regret using Dog Elite of Central Ky. Thanks Tom
— Gary White
Posted October 23rd 2022
google
We have had a wonderful experience with training our dog, Moose - he has done so incredibly well, and is ready for training as a service dog! We will be continuing our training with Dog Training Elite and can’t wait until Moose is a fully trained service dog!
— Stephanie Taylor
Posted October 12th 2022
google

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The Dog Training Elite Central Kentucky Difference


Dog Training Elite Central Kentucky uses modern training methods focused on positive dog training using reinforcement and bonding you and your dog. Dog Training Elite Central Kentucky trainers never resort to punishment to help dogs unlearn behaviors.

Through a combination of commands and an electronic collar, dogs learn to follow commands at once. The electronic collar is not a shock collar and never used to punish bad behavior. Instead, it produces a sensation like the gentle tug of a leash, and is used to help recapture the attention of a dog who gets distracted.

Dog Training Elite Central Kentucky’s method of focusing on positive behavior reinforcement nurtures a dog's loving and naturally obedient nature. The method is the same regardless of the situation, whether training a puppy, an older dog or a service dog.

If you are searching for positive dog training near you, Dog Training Elite Central Kentucky is the place for you.

The positive dog training method of Dog Training Elite Central Kentucky ensures training is a success no matter what your dog’s behavior. If you have a brand new puppy who is stubborn and smart, or an older dog who has slipped into bad habits – or perhaps never learned – after proper conditioning and working with Dog Training Elite Central Kentucky, when you say “sit,” your dog will automatically sit without thinking about it.

Dog Training Elite Central Kentucky offers specialized in-home training services so your dog gets the attention and training he or she needs, and you learn alongside them so training continues when the trainer leaves. Dog Training Elite Central Kentucky also offers group classes for dogs who are ready to take obedience training to the next level, and service training programs for a variety of needs.

If you’re looking to train a service dog, or just looking for a loyal four-legged companion, Dog Training Elite Central Kentucky will help you get there with our positive dog training. You can get started today.

Find a trainer near you and schedule a free in-home assessment!

Pricing Programs Free Assessment

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