A golden retriever holding a grocery bag, our obedience training for dogs in Albuquerque / Santa Fe, NM can help with these daily tasks.

Professional

Dog Obedience Training

Dog Training Elite New Mexico

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Our Obedience Dog Training Could Help:

Basic commands
Improved behavior
Socialization
Leash manners
Bonding
Mental stimulation
Confidence building
Impulse control
Good manners in public

Dog Training Elite

Obedience Training for Dogs in Albuquerque / Santa Fe, NM

While dogs are man's best friend, that relationship didn't develop overnight. Creating a strong bond with a dog takes time, patience and lots of training. Dog obedience training in Albuquerque / Santa Fe, NM is one of the best ways to deepen the bond between dog and owner.

Training a new dog takes a lot of time and effort but the payoff is well worth it. Some dogs may require more training than others due to breed type, past trauma, or just plain stubbornness. However, all dogs can become loyal, friendly and well behaved through dog obedience training with Dog Training Elite New Mexico’s programs, including in-home training!

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A golden retriever puppy laying on the floor with its owner, contact us today for dog obedience training in Albuquerque / Santa Fe, NM.

In-Home Training


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Dog Training Elite New Mexico has specialized training courses for both puppies and older dogs. For in-home training, dog trainers will observe dog breed, size, temperament and any other factors that will influence training.

Working with the dog and dog owner directly in an owner’s home, dog trainers will develop a personalized training plan for basic commands like sit, down, come, heel, etc.; as well as to address any unique issues such as anxiety, aggression, fear and so on. Once a dog is trained, owners can sign their dogs up for group classes with more in-depth training.

Starting with in-home training is an unmatched service that provides dogs and dog owners with the opportunity to work together. Not only does in-home dog obedience training free dogs from the distractions of a group class, but ensuring a dog is learning from both their owner and a trainer will help owners and dogs strengthen their bond. Dogs that learn only from trainers may be inclined to disobey when the trainer is not around. Equally sharing the task of training between dog and dog owner leads to the development of trust and deepening love.

Trainers from Dog Training Elite New Mexico seek to not only help train dogs, but empower owners so they can continue training their dogs in years to come. This includes sharing tips and tricks (treats are always a good thing!), as well as pointing out personality traits and behavior issues dog owners should focus on.

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You and your canine companion really can have it all. See how easy it can be to become a member of the elite pup society by requesting a free consultation today!

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FAQs

One of our trainers will visit your home to meet you and your dog and discuss any issues you're facing. We will then demonstrate one of our model dogs so you can see what you can expect after hiring our trainers. From there, we will discuss the various packages we offer and which we feel best suit your (and your dog's) needs.
We provide full obedience training that covers all basic commands, both on and off-leash. Our in-home visits target specific issues like counter-surfing, digging, and more. Unlike some trainers, we work with all breeds, including those often considered challenging.
Yes. You (and anyone in your family who wants to be involved) are integral to your dog getting trained. We need you to practice 5-6 days a week, about 15-20 minutes a day for optimal results.
Once a week. We come to you (with the silver, gold and platinum packages) once a week to start your dog off, then you come to park sessions which are held once a week in Albuquerque / Santa Fe.
We train dogs of all breeds, sizes, and temperaments. Whether your dog is a tiny Chihuahua or a large Mastiff, we have the experience and expertise to work with them.

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Stephenie Potts
    Oct. 24, 2024
    I can't begin to explain how much I appreciate Elite and, more specifically, John Herra, for helping us bring out the very best in Gage. John was the perfect trainer for our oversized, misunderstood darling boy. Please don't hesitate to call and begin right away. You'll be thankful you did.
  • Lauren Hagwood
    Oct. 30, 2024
    I worked with John and he was awesome! He really helped my dog and I to feel comfortable going out into public spaces. I was so nervous to go to training because my dog had some aggressive tendencies, but John was so reassuring and helpful, he really made it a judgment free zone! I was so anxious when going out in public with my dog, but John really helped to build my confidence and my dogs confidence in a public setting! I feel so much more comfortable training my dog and I am so glad that I called Dog Training Elite. I also really love that I can go to group classes anytime now and get advice if I ever need any! Thank you, John!
  • Stephenie Duran Potts
    Oct. 24, 2024
    I can't begin to explain how much I appreciate Elite and, more specifically, John Herra, for helping us bring out the very best in Gage. John was the perfect trainer for our oversized, misunderstood d
  • Meghan O'Neill
    Oct. 23, 2024
    I cannot recommend Dog Training Elite NM enough! When my husband came home with a Belgian Shepherd, I immediately took to the internet and started researching dog trainers in ABQ. I reached out to a few and Justin was the first to get back to me and I am SO grateful. I truly believe we would be in a totally different place in our family if we hadn't signed up with Dog Training Elite. John and Stephanie were our trainers and they were the absolute kindest, most encouraging, confidence-boosting dream trainers. We saw results after the first training session with them. We worked hard each week doing our homework with our dog and it really paid off. We are forever grateful for the awesome guidance and incredible skillset that Dog Training Elite offers. We have a 9 month old giant boy who is SO sweet, SO well behaved, SO polite, and listens to all of his commands that we learned with John and Stephanie. Plus, our children (6, 8, 13) participated in training sessions and our dog also listens to them- walks in heel at their side, even! We look forward to going to the group classes and continuing to see them- we were so happy the day our dog graduated (with FLYING colors!) but we were also sad because we loved seeing John and/or Stephanie each week!! We really are forever grateful for our training with them. Worth EVERY penny. 100/100 stars! We love Dog Training Elite and highly recommend them for your dog training needs!
  • Ana Speelman-ONeill
    Oct. 23, 2024
    If you want good training for your dog that lasts and work these are the guys!! We got our dog Slime from the shelter we were told he was rescued from the streets. He is a German shepherd only about 2 and half years old so still in that velociraptor stage. When we first got him he was very crazy jumping on people lots of play biting and not listening when we called his name. The only thing he could do well was sit. I immediately looked into training for him since we like to have people over a lot and found Dog Training Elite. The price scared me a lot but I really wanted to keep Slime and wanted something that would work. The price was well worth it!! We decided with the Gold package. We had Stephanie as our trainer and she is very professional! Slime also loves her. We completed our training and slime was picking up well on everything. We were still having trouble with one thing and they came back out to help us work with him! Slime is still our crazy dog with tons of personality but he listens a lot better and is easier to control. Love these guys and will recommend them to anyone who asks!
  • Donald Meyer
    Oct. 18, 2024
    Extremely professional with all of the equipment needed for great results included in the package. My dog made amazing progress throughout the process.
  • S Habedank
    Oct. 3, 2024
    Great professional training. Our Trainer was flexible and communicated well. We feel that our dog has benefited greatly from this service.
  • Aaron Manzanares (Del Rio Signs)
    Oct. 1, 2024
    Incredible experience with Dog Training Elite. They went above and beyond our expectations. Stephanie is an amazing trainer. She was professional and kind. Highly recommended!
  • adam juvinall
    Sep. 30, 2024
    Amazing experience in every way you can hope for with Dog Training Elite New Mexico! From my initial phone inquiry to the in home interview and all the way through until our certification! Justin and Stephanie are the best and truly show how much their program means to them. I highly recommend them working with you!
  • Alex Petersen
    Sep. 27, 2024
    Our family could not be happier with the services and results we’ve seen with Dog Training Elite. Working one on one with John has made such an impact on our dog’s reactivity and discipline. From the beginning of training, he took the time to understand our family’s background and needs (we’re expecting our first child this fall), and helped keep our dog’s progress on track.
  • Charles Atwood
    Sep. 23, 2024
    I have a two year old German Shepherd who is extremely over active and has a mind of her own. I signed Layla up to attend Elite Dog Training NM. She now obeys the basic commands necessary that allow me to walk her without worries and frustration. I would highly recommend Elite Dog Training NM and Stephanie as trainer for your beloved canine~a highly satisfied and pleased patron, Ann Atwood
  • Tamara Spurlock
    Sep. 18, 2024
    John is a Prince! The process of training my rambunctious 8 week old puppy felt very daunting and overwhelming. Whiskey is so very smart and energetic and I really wanted to get it just right so that we could have a loving, respectful relationship. John is so knowledgeable and caring - he really wants to be sure that you and your dog are the best team you can be. He truly loves what he does and is a genius at keeping you and your dog CALM when you're both so frustrated! I look forward to continuing our journey to Therapy Dog certification.
  • Steve Stowell
    Sep. 4, 2024
    We are VERY happy with our DTE trainer, John. John is professional, always on time, friendly and HAPPY. Most importantly, he is great with our standard poodle puppy, Samson - always a great attitude, never shaming (us or Samson!) John is full of good tips for Samson and us. We could not chosen a better fit.
  • Olivia Mullis
    Aug. 29, 2024
    John did a wonderful job on teaching me how to handle my German Rottweiler Diesel. He worked with me and Diesel for eight weeks and was able to get him the way I needed him to be. Diesel came from a bad back ground when he was rescued from the shelter at 16-18 months old. John gave us the steps and worked with diesel and myself on his training and me and diesel did have homework and we stayed on top of it. I highly recommend anyone to go to Dog Elite Training here in New Mexico for their fur babies for training. John I just want to say thank you for everything you did for me and diesel!!!! You are amazing in all you do. Thank you and see y'all at group!!!! Plus thank you to Justin for keeping me and my husband updated on everything! Thank you for letting us become part of the dog elite family!
  • Angel Shepard
    Aug. 28, 2024
    Working with Stephanie has been amazing! Our dog Maximus has responded so well to all the training and has improved in behaviors significantly! Thank you so much! We can’t wait for group training next. Stephanie is so patient with all of us and very knowledgeable to train your fur baby! The price is also very reasonable and worth it!
  • Stephanie Fitzgerald
    Aug. 20, 2024
    Absolutely five stars! Working with John has been a game-changer for our dog Otis. Their flexibility and tailored approach were crucial in addressing our dog's anxiety and aggression towards men. The training sessions were not only effective but also easy to follow, making the process smooth and manageable. Our dog is now significantly more relaxed and well-adjusted. Highly recommend John for anyone seeking a compassionate and skilled trainer!
  • Barbara Candelario
    Aug. 10, 2024
    John has been fabulous helping me train my German Shepherd, puppy, Coco, and me. She is doing very very well at five months old the E collar it’s a great tool and so are the commands that we have taught her. It has been a positive experience working with John And Dog Training Elite , New Mexico.
  • Bianca Solano
    Aug. 6, 2024
    This is an amazing program! I came in with my one year old pitbull who was very reactive and did not obey commands. After 6 weeks of working with John she was a different dog. She listened and was happier for it. I notice she was calmer because she trusted me and it was all thanks to the techniques that John taught me. Additionally, attending the group classes were incredibly helpful in socializing her, the other trainers Justin and Stephanie were also amazing. I highly recommend this program to anyone that needs help getting their dog under control.
  • Julianne Newmark Engberg
    Jul. 25, 2024
    We had an amazing experience with Dog Training Elite and our trainer John. We were training a 13-month-old terrier and we were beginning his journey to become a service dog. John was very focused on our dog's strengths and areas where he needed improvement and he designed the lessons, and our homework, around our dog and my needs, as his handler. Over these months, our dog has made huge strides and has passed his tests required to become a licensed service animal and with each week our dog's confidence in his role and our confidence in him across a wide array of contexts has increased. I can't speak highly enough of John and I can't thank him enough. It is important for people who are seeking to train a service dog to be very invested in the process and do their homework and be super consistent with training. We felt so well supported by Dog Training Elite and we highly recommend them.
  • Carolyn Spaulding
    Jul. 19, 2024
    I was very impressed with the whole training process . My trainers, Stephanie and John, were patient , loving and competent teachers. I was amazed at how observant and aware they were of everything that was going on between me and my dog. They saw things I didn’t even realize were happening. So happy with Dog Training Elite. I highly recommend them.
A Dog Training Elite New Mexico owner smiling with his dog in Albuquerque / Santa Fe, NM.

Dog Training Elite New Mexico, NM

Our Difference

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There are numerous dog obedience training methods out there, which can be broken down into three main theories: traditional, modern and balanced.

  1. Traditional training typically relies on punishment for errors, and “low value” rewards such as praise or petting when a dog performs a desired behavior. In recent years traditional training has fallen out of favor.
  2. Modern training, which is more science-based, focuses more on positive reinforcement when a desired behavior occurs and doesn’t worry about correcting bad behavior. This training method has many benefits, including faster learning for dogs, less stress and anxiety for dogs, ability to teach more complex behaviors, and of course, a better experience for dog owners and trainers.
  3. Balanced training theory, while it sounds like the best of both worlds, still incorporates the use of punishment as a training tool.

Dog Training Elite New Mexico uses modern training methods focused on positive reinforcement and bonding between dog and dog owner. Dog Training Elite New Mexico never resorts to the use of punishment to help dogs unlearn bad behavior. The difference becomes clear when comparing a dog that is trained out of anxiety and intimidation vs a dog who truly desires to please from the inside out.

A golden retriever playing with its owner during a Albuquerque / Santa Fe dog obedience training class.

Effective Training Through Positive Reinforcement and Classical Conditioning

Dog Training Elite New Mexico

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The Dog Training Elite New Mexico training theory is mostly based around classical conditioning, also known as the Pavlovian method or respondent conditioning. This includes developing conditioned or automatic reflexes to commands. In its simplest form (after proper conditioning), when an owner says "sit," their dog automatically sits without thinking about it.

Through a combination of commands and an electronic collar, dogs learn to follow commands at once. The electronic collar is not a shock collar; it is a gentle electronic pulse, similar to the tug of a leash, used to get the dog’s attention. Other dog trainers use harsh static collars or spray collars which have been shown to be less effective. Dog Training Elite New Mexico’s method of focusing on positive behavior reinforcement nurtures a dog's loving and naturally obedient nature.

Additional Obedience Training Info

Dog Training Elite New Mexico - Classical Conditioning Dog Training in Albuquerque / Santa Fe, NM. DTE
Classical Conditioning Training

Classical conditioning dog training in Albuquerque / Santa Fe, NM, also known as Pavlovian or respondent conditioning, is a dog training method that involves creating automatic responses to specific commands. This approach taps into a dog’s natural reflexes, making training more effective and instinctive.

Dog Training Elite New Mexico - Positive Reinforcement Dog Training in Albuquerque / Santa Fe, NM. DTE
Positive Reinforcement Training

Positive reinforcement dog trainers in Albuquerque / Santa Fe, NM focus on rewarding dogs for good behavior to encourage them to repeat it. Using treats, praise, or play, these trainers help your dog learn quickly and happily, building a strong bond and creating a well-behaved, motivated companion.

Dog Training Elite New Mexico - Puppy Obedience Training in Albuquerque / Santa Fe, NM. DTE
Puppy Obedience Training

Taking advantage of our Albuquerque / Santa Fe puppy obedience trainers is crucial for setting your puppy on the path to becoming a well-behaved and confident adult dog. Early training helps instill essential commands and good behavior, preventing future issues and strengthening the bond between you and your puppy.

Dog Training Elite New Mexico - Off Leash Dog Training in Albuquerque / Santa Fe, NM. Dog Training Elite
Off Leash Training

Our off-leash dog training in Albuquerque / Santa Fe, NM, helps your dog achieve complete freedom and control, even in distracting environments. With expert guidance, we’ll teach your dog to follow commands confidently without the need for a leash, giving you both greater flexibility and trust in your dog's behavior.

Dog Training Elite New Mexico -
Agility Through Basic Obedience Training

While we don't offer formal agility dog training in Albuquerque / Santa Fe, NM, our basic obedience training can significantly enhance your dog's agility. By focusing on essential commands and improving coordination, speed, and focus, your dog will develop the skills and discipline that naturally improve their agility and overall physical abilities.

A godlen retriever at a show demo with Dog Training Elite in Albuquerque / Santa Fe, NM.

Dog Training Elite New Mexico

Shelter Rescue Dog Obedience Training

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With a little extra love and care, a shelter or rescue dog can be a great addition to your family. While not every dog that comes from a shelter has a traumatic past, there is really no way to know what your new dog has been through. You will need to be patient as your new pet adjusts to his new environment. It is common for shelter or rescue dogs to display aggression, anxiety, and/or disobedient behaviors. If you’re having difficulty training your new pet, a professional training program can help make the transition easier for both you and your dog. At Dog Training Elite in Albuquerque / Santa Fe, NM, we offer aggressive dog training and other programs designed for shelter or rescue dogs. Our personalized home training programs are developed to solve the particular behavior issues that your pet has. We work directly with you and other members of the household to ensure bonding and positive training sessions. From basic dog obedience training to customized programs, Dog Training Elite New Mexico offers the most professional dog training services in the area.

Dogs from a shelter or those that have been rescued from a bad situation can still lead healthy and happy lives. As a rescue dog owner, it is up to you to ensure that your new pet feels comfortable in your home.

Contact us today to learn more about our dog obedience training for rescue animals.

A Dog Training Elite New Mexico owner with her black lab dog, our obedience training for dogs in Albuquerque / Santa Fe, NM can help strengthen your bond.

Start Your Obedience Dog Training in Albuquerque / Santa Fe, NM Today

Dog Training Elite New Mexico

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Dog Training Elite New Mexico knows the prospect of starting dog obedience training can sound daunting. But with our knowledge trainers and proven, gentle method, you and your pet can conquer obedience training without using any harsh shock collars or demanding training.

Dogs and dog owners can bond and work together to have a successful, enjoyable training process. Contact Dog Training Elite in Albuquerque / Santa Fe, NM today to start your dog obedience training!

A group of dogs being trained by the expert team at Dog Training Elite New Mexico.
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Dog Training Elite New Mexico

Common Questions About Obedience Training

Still have questions about obedience training? We’ve got you covered! Below are some frequently asked questions that might help clarify any remaining concerns you have. At Dog Training Elite New Mexico, we're here to ensure you and your dog have the best training experience possible.

The earlier, the better. Puppies are welcome! That being said, old dogs truly can learn new tricks - there is no reason an older dog can’t learn basic commands.
Besides basic commands, dog obedience training can address issues such as chewing, whining or barking, jumping to greet others, and begging for food.
No. Pain or punishment is never used in any form during training programs. A combination of positive reinforcement and an electronic collar has proven to be 100% successful. The electronic collar produces a gentle “tug” to get a dog's attention. It is not a shock collar and does not harm or alarm a pet.
In-home training is necessary because it allows trainers to focus on the particular issues of individual dogs (like terrorizing a pet cat or chasing the mailman). During in-home training sessions trainers also work side by side with owners and any other family members so the dog understands who is in control.