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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 St. Petersburg location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
Silver Obedience
$1,495
Training Equipment Included: E-Collar
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 3 Sessions
- Come
- Heel (walk with you, loose leash no pulling)
- Sit (next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Place (go to bed)
- Quiet (stop excessive barking & whining)
- Off(furniture when desired)
Gold Obedience
$1,995
Training Equipment Included: E-Collar
- 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 & off leash at a distance)
- Place(go to bed)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Off(furniture when desired)
- Down(lay next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Load Up (go into kennel, car, or dog house)
- Manners, Safety & Boundaries
- Calm Anxiety & Build Confidence
- Housebreaking / Potty Training
- STOP Jumping on People
- STOP Mouthing & Nipping
- STOP Chewing & Digging
- STOP Begging & Stealing Food
- STOP Bolting Through Doors & Running Away
- STOP Chasing Animals, Cars & Bikes
- STOP Reactivity (dog & human)
Platinum
$3,595
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.
Training Equipment Included: E-Collar
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 8 Sessions
- Group Park Training Sessions Limited Lifetime
- After-Training Tune Up Sessions 1 Session
- Come
- Heel (walk with you, loose leash no pulling)
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Place(go to bed)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Off(furniture when desired)
- Down(lay next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Load Up (go into kennel, car, or dog house)
- Manners, Safety & Boundaries
- Calm Anxiety & Build Confidence
- Housebreaking / Potty Training
- STOP Jumping on People
- STOP Mouthing & Nipping
- STOP Chewing & Digging
- STOP Begging & Stealing Food
- STOP Bolting Through Doors & Running Away
- STOP Chasing Animals, Cars & Bikes
- STOP Reactivity (dog & human)
- *Stay With You on a Job or Bike Ride (off-leash)
- *Emotional Support Dog 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 St. Petersburg 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!
Kim and her team are fantastic. They truly care about you and your dog(s) and helping your situation. Kim is very willing to adapt to your needs and has a great, no nonsense approach to dog training. She’s patient with the humans learning how to speak dog and she just makes it a fun and educational experience. So glad we picked Elite for our dog training.— Jessica Cahill
Posted September 11th 2024
Super knowledgeable about what they do and fantastic communication with customers— Quincy Chambers
Posted August 21st 2024
Cannot recommend highly enough!!!! Worked a miracle with our Doberman. Outstanding!!!!— Jill M. Ott
Posted August 20th 2024
We've had a great experience with Dog Trading Elite, specifically with our in home trainers Ryan and Janna. We called them because we rescued a Bernese Mountain Dog, Winnie, who was very fearful of almost everything and had no manners. We also wanted to try for the third time with our energetic 7 1/2 year old golden retriever, Murphy, who had some bad habits. The patience these two had with Winnie, who seemingly couldn't do anything easily, was remarkable. Murphy took to most of the training well, but needed an extra nudge when he was excited (which was often). They changed tactics often and the group classes have been so helpful to year them both in distracting environments. This training requires the owner to work with their dog, but provides long lasting results. They'll meet you anywhere, your home, Home Depot, wherever! Well worth the cost, our home is so much more balanced!— Leigh Smyser
Posted July 20th 2024
Awesome staff, always flexible to your needs, and care so much about the dogs they work with! I feel safe and confident in my service pup’s training because of this awesome team. Highly recommend!!— Izelle Fehrman
Posted July 19th 2024
I put my dog Faye into Dog Training Elite at about 8 months old. I had done training classes with Petsmart before but nothing truly worked. She is super food motivated but I just needed to find the right class for her. Dog Training Elite was beyond perfect us. Faye now has a perfect recall and I am able to walk her off leash. She is so beyond obedient. Everyone we met and worked with went above and beyond to make sure Faye got the training she truly needed. Me and Faye are so happy with the outcome of the training.— Madison Johnson
Posted June 26th 2024
I can't thank you guys enough! you've managed to help me take my Pharaoh from out of control to my best behaved dog. it's ultimately made Pharaoh a happier dog and me a happier dog mom. forever grateful— Jenni Fajvan
Posted June 8th 2024
I highly recommend these trainers to everyone!! I couldn’t be happier. They are amazing!!! They started with me right away with my puppy and now today he is passed his public access test. They are personal and really get to know you and your dog. Buddha also loves them! He’s a cane corso. They can train any dog. Thanks again for everything!!!— Jared Rhodes
Posted June 7th 2024
We highly recommend Dog Training Elite! Our 5 month old puppy learned so much over the 5 weeks of in home training and continues to learn at the Group Distractions Training on Saturdays at Seminole park in St. Petersburg. Aaron and the entire DTE training family are professional, compassionate, hands on and love what they do for you and your lovely pet. My puppy was able to learn all the commands during the one on one trainings and did a great job at home after the trainers were gone. The more we worked with her and had fun training, the more disciplined and consistent she became with commands. DTE is worth every penny on the investment and peace of mind. Please give them a call to schedule your free introduction.— Kyle Myers
Posted May 18th 2024
We began a search for a service dog about 2 years ago. About a year ago, by a stroke of luck, we were directed to Dog Training Elite Suncoast where we met Ryan. Ryan started a search and quickly found the perfect dog for my wife. They developed an instant bond. Then Ryan, Kim and Aaron went to work with Shadow’s training. Since then, Shadow has attained the service dog certification and has been busy at work working with my wife and giving her advance notification of an oncoming episode. We feel blessed with the results of the entire process and there is no way that we could have accomplished this on our own. We are continuing to attend group sessions and strengthening his skills. I would 100% recommend Dog Training Elite Suncoast to anyone.— Anthony Cistone
Posted March 1st 2024
I am so pleased with the training. Both the in home and group sessions have taught me and my dog so much. The trainers are patient and also make it fun for my dog. Aaron was so kind in including our older dog who wanted to learn as well. I wish I started the training years ago when my dog was a puppy.— carolyn james
Posted January 5th 2024
I can't imagine a better experience! Dog Training Elite St. Petersburg will improve the relationship between you and your dog by training you (the owner) how to communicate effectively with your fur baby. Not only will they teach you how to train commands, but they will challenge you how to take those commands to the next level. So, your dog can sit or down for 30 seconds? Great! Can they sit for 5 full minutes with a bicycle, runner, ball, and squirrel going by? With Dog Training Elite, you can train them to do this and more. Truly exceptional! They will take your dog's obedience and manners beyond where you ever thought possible.— Tonya Stafford
Posted September 24th 2023
The BEST dog training program in all of St. Pete! Professional, knowledgeable, and friendly trainers that customize to you and your dog’s needs! Can’t believe the remarkable transformation! If you’re looking to take your dog out for leisurely walks without pulling and lunging, call DTE! If you want to welcome guests to your home without barking and rushing the door, call DTE! If you want a well-mannered and behaved dog no matter the situation, call DTE! JUST CALL DTE! You won’t regret it!— Alisa Kellington-Welsh
Posted September 24th 2023
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 St. Petersburg area. We cover training programs such as obedience, personal protection, anxiety, aggression, and service dog.