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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:
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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.
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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 Shreveport location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
Silver
$1,295
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 3 Sessions
- Group Park Training Sessions 8 Sessions
- Come
- Heel(walk with you, loose leash no pulling)
- Sit(next to you & at a distance)
- Place(go to bed)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Off(furniture when desired)
Gold
$1,895
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 5 Sessions
- Group Park Training Sessions 12 Sessions
- Come
- Heel(walk with you, loose leash no pulling)
- Sit(next to you & at a distance)
- Place(go to bed)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Off(furniture when desired)
- Down(lay next to you & at a distance)
- Load Up(go into kennel, car, or dog house)
- Manners, Safety and Boundaries
- Build Confidence and Calm Anxiety
- Housebreaking / Potty Training
- STOP Jumping on People
- STOP Mouthing & Nipping
- STOP Chasing Animals
- STOP Chewing & Digging
- STOP Begging & Stealing Food
- STOP Running Away & Bolting Through Doors
- STOP Chasing Animals, Cars, Bikes, etc.
- STOP Reactivity(dog & human)
Platinum
$2,495
Platinum offers advanced obedience/behavioral modification with a goal of off-leash control. Includes additional training options and offers more one-on-one and group sessions than Gold.
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 8 Sessions
- Group Park Training Sessions 16 Sessions
- Come
- Heel(walk with you, loose leash no pulling)
- Sit(next to you & at a distance)
- Place(go to bed)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Off(furniture when desired)
- Down(lay next to you & at a distance)
- Load Up(go into kennel, car, or dog house)
- Manners, Safety and Boundaries
- Build Confidence and Calm Anxiety
- Housebreaking / Potty Training
- STOP Jumping on People
- STOP Mouthing & Nipping
- STOP Chasing Animals
- STOP Chewing & Digging
- STOP Begging & Stealing Food
- STOP Running Away & Bolting Through Doors
- STOP Chasing Animals, Cars, Bikes, etc.
- STOP Reactivity(dog & human)
- *Stay With You on a Jog, or Bike Ride(off-leash)
- *Emotional Support Training(ESA)
- *Control Aggression(dog & human)
- *Calm Extreme Anxiety (behavioral modification)
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 Shreveport / Bossier City 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.
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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).
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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.
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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!
Jennifer is an amazing trainer! My dog, Max and I looked forward to the time we spent with her every week. I couldn’t believe what she was able to teach my dog to do. She truly is the best in every way!— Marian Benton
Posted February 23rd 2024
Jennifer has been amazing with my dog! She is knowledgeable and kind with my pet. She has been able to move around appointments to accommodate my travel schedule as well. Thankful I found her!!!!— Brooke Ainsworth
Posted February 1st 2024
Buddy loves them and is doing really good learning to behave.. very nice people who love animals— Suzan Azlin
Posted January 7th 2024
Jen has been fantastic! She has been patient with me and all my questions. She is gentle with my puppy and really seems to enjoy him!— Samantha Legg
Posted December 7th 2023
In just a couple months, Jen had my 8mo old retriever mix behaving beautifully. And as she continues to work on service dog training, I'm amazed at the new things Sadie is learning weekly.— Laura Kelly
Posted December 5th 2023
We love love Jennifer! She’s so good with Zadi and gives us easy instructions to follow every week to help train her! She makes the whole process stress free and really takes your goals into account for her training. And Zadi loves her!!!!!!! Highly recommend!!!!!!!— Jaya McSharma
Posted November 29th 2023
Jennifer is a great trainer! My dog Lucy used to bark ALL THE TIME. Jennifer worked with us to teach Lucy “quiet”. We are so happy with our newly quiet dog. 5 stars!— Linnie Emmons
Posted November 27th 2023
I’m so grateful to Jen and Mattie for their help training our dog Suki. She’s come SO far in just a matter of weeks, which is impressive for an 10-year-old dog, and I’m excited to see how she’ll continue to improve. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite to anyone in need of training services!— Emily Price
Posted April 20th 2023
Dog Training Elite has worked wonders with us and our adopted pound puppy. We were a bit overwhelmed with getting her to listen to us and our daughter. The training was tailored to what we needed, started at a base level and built up on the lessons from the prior session. The one-on-one lessons were very helpful and we are looking forward to the group sessions to continue building upon the baseline. Our pup is definitely a part of the family.— JoLynn Kari
Posted March 30th 2023
With the help of Jen and Matti, Carlton has turned into an incredible service dog. They are extremely good at what they do. I can now leave my house without having to worry about passing out, because I know I can rely on my dog. They care for every single pup they meet and treat them with care, no matter the issues. It's hard not to love them immediately. Being a part of their team has been an amazing experience. They aren't just friends, they're family! There are no other dog trainers I would recommend more than them!— Lilyana R.
Posted March 27th 2023
Jennifer at the Bossier City location is the best! She worked with our 1 year old female Shiba Inu on her resource guarding (along with many other issues) and it has literally changed our lives. I highly recommend DTE to anyone who has a fur baby! Thank you Jennifer for being the awesome trainer that you are!— Pamela Haydel
Posted March 7th 2023
Jen and Mattie have literally changed the life of my family. Jen helped pick Kira from the pound and through Jen's patient training, she is becoming an amazing service dog! They are not just trainers, they are a part of our family.— Erica Hussey
Posted February 22nd 2023
I reached out to Jen and Matti when my Doberman puppy was 6 months old, and they were amazing from the get-go. The first time I talked with them on the phone they asked great questions about my puppy and made me feel like they were on my team already. I felt immediately at ease and confident that these ladies would help me learn how to train my puppy and create a better relationship with her. At first I was mainly seeking help with my puppy’s intense and incessant biting problem. I was feeling overwhelmed and hopeless about the situation. After visiting my home to assess the situation, Jen told me that the biting problem would be the first issue to go! I’ll admit I didn’t think that was possible at the time. But she was right!! Within the first training session, Jen addressed the biting problem and my puppy has stopped nipping and biting entirely. It was a huge relief to see such quick progress and it has only gotten better from that point on! My now 9 month puppy has accomplished commands (off-leash and on-leash heel, running in heel position, 100% recall, speak, load-up, quiet, place, & even property boundaries) that I thought would take YEARS to teach her. I could not be happier with the training I have received and if you’re considering someone else in town, don’t even bother. Matti and Jen truly love and understand animals, plus they are so respectful and empathetic when it comes to people! I NEVER felt like I was being bossed around or shamed for not understanding something. They are patient with both pets and people, and I have no doubt they will get you and your pet where you want to be!!— Laura
Posted September 8th 2022
I have seen the effectiveness of DTE Shreveport's training methods and the positive transformation in the behavior of the dogs they train. Jenn and Matti are driven to develop the best possible relationship between each owner and their dog so that they can experience all the fun activities and joy that dogs bring to our lives. If you would like to make your dog a bigger part of your lifestyle, I encourage you to contact the dynamic duo at DTE Shreveport.— Vince Conrad
Posted July 28th 2022
Jen and Matti are fantastic trainers. They are dedicated and truly passionate about improving the bond between dogs and their owners. I highly recommend using them for all training needs!— craig fizer
Posted June 14th 2022
Jen and Matti are driven women who have hearts of gold. Their dogs Tink and Mabel have progressed tremendously going through the Dog Training Elite training program and I have no doubt these ladies will be helping many dogs in the Shreveport area.— George Rehbein
Posted June 1st 2022
Matti and Jen are such amazing women and they love their dogs so much. Mabel and Tink are such awesome dogs. These ladies work so hard and their animals are all the better for it!— Valerie de Armas
Posted May 24th 2022
Jen and Matti are amazing dogs trainers and their love of dogs is so obvious in all that they do!— Kelley Rosequist
Posted May 24th 2022
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 Shreveport / Bossier City area. We cover training programs such as obedience, personal protection, anxiety, aggression, and service dog.