Personal Protection

Dog Training


Personal Protection Dog Trainer in Louisville, KY

Call to Schedule FREE In-Home Assessment

502-558-6825


Se habla español!

Request a Free Assessment

Contact Dog Training Elite Central Kentucky

Or Call to Schedule FREE In-Home Assessment

502-558-6825


Se habla español!

Dogs trained through Dog Training Elite Central Kentucky's Protection Training Programs are pets first, protectors second. Personal protection is both fun and provides added peace of mind. Our Personal Protection Training is command-based, meaning that our dogs are taught to have control and not be aggressive until asked to engage with a threat.

Pricing Programs Free Assessment

Se habla español!


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.



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.


Personal Protection - Level One

A dog that is trained to intimidate but not engage.

$4,195

Includes Obedience Training

This package helps start off a dog on their drive building, confidence building as well as to start becoming familiar with commands that pertain to protection. Dogs in Level One learn how to become confident barking and holding as well as lightly engaging with equipment. Training specifically includes:

  • In-Home sessions One-on-one & personalized 12 Sessions
  • Beginner Protection Group Classes 24 Sessions
  • Drive Building
  • Tug Work
  • On/Off Leash Obedience
  • Advanced Obedience
  • Bark & Hold

Bite on Command - Level Two

A dog that will protect you and your family upon command.

$5,195

Includes Obedience Training

Level Two dogs get to being working closely with their handlers and a decoy and get to raise their confidence when engaging on bites. They are also worked with different stimulations and learn how to stand their ground. Training specifically includes:

  • In-Home sessions One-on-one & personalized 14 Sessions
  • Beginner & Intermediate Protection Group Classes 24 Sessions
  • Drive Building
  • Tug Work
  • On/Off Leash Obedience
  • Advanced Obedience
  • Bark & Hold
  • Bite on Command

Passive Protect - Level Three

A dog that will protect you and your family upon command.

$6,195

Includes Obedience Training

Building into a Level Three dog includes all previous trainings, as we as building a dog to come bite on command and learn when a situation requires the dog to engage. Level Three also includes being able to send a dog at a distance on command and a wide variety of targeting. Training specifically includes:

  • In-Home sessions One-on-one & personalized 16 Sessions
  • Beginner, Intermediate & Advanced Protection Group Classes 52 Sessions
  • Drive Building
  • Tug Work
  • On/Off Leash Obedience
  • Advanced Obedience
  • Bark & Hold
  • Bite on Command
  • Reverse Heel
  • Passive Protection

Independently - Level Four

A dog that will protect you, your family, and your property upon command.

$7,195

Includes Obedience Training

The ultimate training for protection work includes everything in the previous levels and more. The intensity of Level Four includes house searches, property protection and all targeting training. Training Specifically includes:

  • In-Home sessions One-on-one & personalized 18 Sessions
  • Beginner, Intermediate & Advanced Protection Group Classes 52 Sessions
  • Drive Building
  • Tug Work
  • On/Off Leash Obedience
  • Advanced Obedience
  • Bark & Hold
  • Bite on Command
  • Reverse Heel
  • Passive Protection

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

All Reviews Set Up an Assessment Today!