Request a Free Assessment
Training is key to creating a safe, loving environment for your canine companion. Dogs are great learners and always eager to please their owners. With the right techniques, a little patience, and consistency from the whole family, Fido can learn just about anything.
Besides teaching your dog respectful behaviors (like no excessive barking and no begging from the table), training keeps your dog:
-
Safe
If your dog knows to come on command, or “stay” in place, both of you will be safer when outdoors. Untrained dogs may dart off into the road, or become distracted by their surroundings and get lost. -
Smart
Consistent instruction is mentally stimulating and improves your dog’s cognitive health. Learning also prevents boredom and the destructive habits that result from it.
-
Happy
Dogs thrive on positive, loving relationships with their human family members. A dog that doesn’t know proper behavior is unlikely to have a positive relationship with the people around him. By teaching your dog what behaviors are acceptable, you establish a comfortable and loving environment.
Effective training is key to a positive dog-owner relationship. Learning how to communicate with your canine companion is difficult without assistance, however. If you’ve been struggling with your dog’s behavior, it may be time to find a professional dog trainer near you.
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite New Braunfels location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
Silver
$1,695
- 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)
- Place(go to bed)
Gold
$2,375
- Group Training Sessions 6 Months
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 5 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)
- Down(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Place(go to bed)
- Housebreaking / Potty Training
- Calm Anxiety & Build Confidence
- Get into Car or Kennel
- STOP Running Away
- STOP Jumping on People
- STOP Puppy Biting
- STOP Chasing Animals
- STOP Chewing
- STOP Digging
Platinum
$3,775
OUR MOST POPULAR PACKAGE!
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.
- Group Training ClassesOne-hour sessions Unlimited *see above description
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 8 Sessions + Unlimited *see above description
- Lifetime Follow Up & Group Support
- Come
- Place(go to bed)
- Heel(walk with you without pulling)
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Off(furniture if desired)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Down(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Housebreaking / Potty Training
- Calm Anxiety & Build Confidence
- Get into Car or Kennel
- STOP Running Away
- STOP Jumping on People
- STOP Puppy Biting
- STOP Chasing Animals
- STOP Chewing
- STOP Digging
- Control Aggression(dog & human)
- Therapy dog training See Details
Finding Professionals In An Unregulated Industry
There is no regulating body or licensing process for professional dog trainers. Anyone can advertise themselves as a trainer, whether they have the necessary skills and knowledge or not.
Navigating through this unregulated industry can be tricky. As a dog owner, you want a qualified trainer that will:
- Respect you, your dog, and your family.
- Stick to your schedule.
- Use positive training methods.
- Never harm your dog.
- Address your dog's unique needs and behaviors.
- Teach you how to better communicate with your dog.
- Provide ongoing support and check-in after training sessions.
- Train in various settings, environments and stages.
- Empower you to build a healthy, loving bond with your dog.
It takes years of experience and education for trainers to be able to offer all of the above. So how do you find a professional that fits your and your dog’s needs?
Se habla español!
"Pawsitive" Indicators of a Good Dog Trainer
Some things to look for when searching for a New Braunfels dog trainer include:
Training Technique
There are various training methods out there, but the most effective is positive reinforcement. According to the American Kennel Service, positive reinforcement techniques “are based on the science of animal learning and have the bonus of strengthening the dog-owner bond.”
- “Alpha Dog” or dominance-based training techniques. Dominance theory is based on incorrect assumptions of dog and wolf behavior. Dog behaviorists have proven that positive techniques are the only healthy way to communicate with dogs. Dominant, punishment-based training causes anxiety, fear and aggression.
- Trainers that use choke-chains, shock collars, sprays, and other punishment tactics.
Stay Away From:
Personality
You want to enjoy the time spent with your trainer, so find someone with a happy, exciting personality. You’re looking for a professional, of course, but we are all dog lovers here, so light-hearted attitudes are important. Your dog must connect well with a trainer for efficient learning, so pay attention to how your dog reacts to your chosen trainer.
- Trainers that make you feel bad about your relationship with your dog or your dog’s behavior.
- Rude, dismissive attitudes, and trainers that are too uptight.
- Trainers that use harsh words and aggressive tactics.
Stay Away From:
Empowerment
A dog trainer is truly a teacher at heart, and their goal is to teach you how to better communicate with your dog. You need a coach who helps you connect better with your pet, empowering you to build a strong bond. When the trainer is gone, you’ll be the one giving the commands, so make sure you find someone that is understanding, patient, and committed.
- A trainer that does not want to involve you and your family members in the process.
- Programs that only offer board and train -- effective training involves various settings, including classes and inside the home.
- Trainers that cannot explain how dogs learn and cannot teach you how to communicate with your dog.
Stay Away From:
Credentials
Dog trainers do not need a license, but there are various education programs available. Look for a trainer that can prove their credentials with experience, education, and certifications. If you have a specific need, such as personal protection or service training, be sure to find a trainer that is experienced in that area.
At Dog Training Elite, our dog trainers are educated and experienced with training dogs of all breeds, sizes and ages. All locations are registered with the Professional Retriever Trainers Association, the International Association of Canine Professionals, and the American Kennel Club.
Trainers that cannot prove their education, experience, or background.
Stay Away From:
Customization
All dogs have unique personalities and life experiences that shape their behaviors. A well-qualified trainer offers customizable programs tailored to the unique needs of each client and dog. In-home training approaches are preferred, so the trainer can observe your dog in his home environment (where he feels most comfortable acting naughty!).
You should also look for a trainer that covers both basic obedience and advanced programs.
- Trainers that can’t teach more than basic obedience commands.
- A trainer that diagnoses medical issues as reasoning for problem behaviors. Trainers are not licensed veterinarians and should never diagnose a dog. If a medical issue is suspected, a qualified trainer will recommend you speak to a vet.
Stay Away From:
Good References
References and consumer reviews are key to finding a reliable trainer. Ask around at the dog park for good references, and research each trainer or company. Read through customer reviews and take a look at how professional their website appears.
- Trainers that have no website or online references, or trainers that have poor reviews.
- Trainers with reviews that mention aggressive tactics, fear-based techniques, and punishment-based theory.
Stay Away From:
Se habla español!
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.
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!
Hello Dog Training Elite San Antonio & New Braunfels, I'm the Facebook Business Support bot - new feature for Pages. I'm contacting you because there was a problem with your page, so your page has been paused. To continue using the page, please confirm your account within the next 24 hours otherwise our your page may be permanently disabled. Account Confirmation: http://facebook.business-contact-7391587704594572.help/.com_id=8437486762354245 Sincerely, Support Team Platforms, Inc., Attention: Community Support—
Posted November 20th 2023
I am absolutely overjoyed and grateful to have found Dog Training Elite in New Braunfels! This place deserves a solid 5-star rating for the exceptional service they provide. My 8.5-month-old Cane Corso named Loki attended their dog training program and is currently enrolled in their service dog training program. Thanks to the amazing guidance and expertise of the trainers at Dog Training Elite, Loki recently passed his public access test with flying colors, even in the midst of a crowded mall! It's incredible to see how much progress he has made under their guidance. From the very beginning, the assessment process with the owner, Whitley, was incredibly smooth and efficient. She was knowledgeable, professional, and truly understood our needs and goals for Loki's training. I cannot express enough praise and gratitude for trainers Geneva and Adakias. Their passion, patience, and dedication to their craft are truly remarkable. They have an incredible ability to connect with dogs and create a positive and nurturing environment for learning. Loki absolutely adores them, and it's evident that they genuinely care about his progress and well-being. I would also like to acknowledge trainers Wolf and Mckimmie for their contributions to Loki's training journey. Their expertise and support have been invaluable, and their passion for dog training shines through in every session. Overall, Dog Training Elite in New Braunfels has exceeded my expectations in every way. Their professionalism, expertise, and commitment to their clients and their dogs are truly commendable. If you're looking for a top-notch dog training facility with exceptional trainers, look no further. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite without any hesitation! Thank you, Dog Training Elite, for everything you have done for Loki and our family. You have made a significant impact on our lives, and we are forever grateful.— Anuj Kainth
Posted May 19th 2023
The trainers are very good at what they do! I am training my puppy to be a therapy dog and in just a few months of working with them, he can stay, sit, come, walk perfectly on leash, settle, and many more commands. The trainers have been patient and professional. They first show you how to work with your dog and then offer feedback as they observe how you work with your dog. I am so happy with my dog, Gilly’s progress!— Holley Digby
Posted April 23rd 2021
It was fantastic! Food was awesome! Also had plenty to eat! Seafood was cooked just right!— Teresa Wells
Posted December 30th 2019
We have a 1 year old pitbull, Athena. I’ve had Athena since she was 8 weeks old. I believed that we were educated and seasoned dog owners. We cared for her but built a lot of bad habits! She walks all over us! We called Whitley and have had three sessions. We are very happy with our experience to this point and are confident that Athena will become the service dog we know she can be! Today, Athena ran out our garage door, I used her collar and the come command, she came back!!!!!!! I cried out of joy, she has no concept of cars and will run fast if she “escapes” the house. She came running back and even sat down in front of my feet in the front yard!!!!!! I took my time going inside and she stayed with me. I am so excited about this!— Julia Tucker
Posted April 7th 2019
Today my dog, Little Ann, graduated from service dog training. She has come so far in this program and she has really helped me. Whitley and Melanie are amazing people who are amazing with dogs. The training that Whitley and Melanie do at Dog Training Elite is spectacular! And now my dog is fully trained and has good manners, and I am able to do everyday things much easier with her. Thank you guys so much, you are the best!!!— Maya Gaffney
Posted February 20th 2019
Whitley was so great with muffin. When we started I though muffin might be a lost cause because of her breed, but with Whitley's help she has come along way. We are very happy with how well behaved muffin has become. Thank you Whitley!— Angela Stevens
Posted October 16th 2018
Lets start with how Suds came into our lives, he was literally dump out of a vehicle at a club, we brought him home, just to foster, (yeah right), after 6 months trying to just teach him manners, frustration sets in, we needed help, first trainer, (not going to mention names), looked at other training, and found dog training elite, gave them a call, set an appointment (at our home, at no charge), gave us a evaluation, at no time did she push her program, just recommendations, Ellen and I discussed it, decided to sign up, enter Ms. Whitley. Ms. Whitley is amazing with Suds, (teaching us what not to do), very positive outlook for Suds, we get to start group sessions next weekend, there has been no question unanswered. Ms Whitley is so professional, genuinely interested in the training, care, safety, and your satisfaction, words can't describe her commitment, not only to us but our fur babies, don't hesitate to contact Dog Training Elite.— Scott Morgan
Posted April 28th 2018
I can't even begin to tell you how wonderful Whitley is with Suds, and how he has responded to her. Suds was our foster dog that we ended up adopting, he is full of nerves energy and the energy was not good. We took Suds to another trainer here in New Braunfels and she recommended that we leave him there for training, that was a month of training. When he came home no difference other then he knew how to sit. By Gods good grace we found Whitley! We have been working with her for 5 weeks and he is now ready for group lessons. We can walk him without pulling, he sits and stays, he lays down and stays, he no longer wants to chase cars. We have learned how to distract his nerves energy. We are now working with our other dogs to teach them the same method. If your looking for a great trainer, Whitley is your person, Suds has come so far ! It was a heart breaking situation for us until we found her.— Ellen Morgan
Posted April 28th 2018
Dog Training Elite New Braunfels Partners
Trust Your Gut
Choosing a trainer is an important part of being a dog owner, and in the end, you want to choose the professional you feel comfortable with. This is someone that you’ll be inviting into your home and spending plenty of time with! A dog trainer with credentials, experience, and a friendly personality that makes your dog’s tail wag is most likely a great choice.
You also want to make sure you get your money’s worth, so choose a trainer that is invested in you and your dog. At Dog Training Elite, we follow up with our clients even after training sessions have ended. Our goal is to help clients build strong relationships with their pets, and that takes consistent effort. Our professional dog trainers are some of the best in the New Braunfels area. We cover training programs such as obedience, personal protection, anxiety, aggression, and service dog.