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FAQs

Dog Training Elite in Annapolis / Anne Arundel County, MD

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Frequently Asked Questions

General
One of our trainers will come to your home to meet you and your dog. During this visit, we’ll discuss any challenges you’re facing, gain an understanding of how you envision your life with your dog, and explain our training methods and how we can bring calm to chaos. We’ll also go over the different programs we offer to find the best fit for you and your dog’s needs.

Our programs provide complete, results-driven obedience training for both on- and off-leash control. Unlike other services that require multiple packages to achieve a fully trained dog, our all-inclusive programs cover everything you need. We conduct training in your home environment, focusing on real-life situations like managing jumping on guests or counter-surfing, ensuring solutions fit seamlessly into your day-to-day life.

We proudly work with all breeds, all ages, and behavioral challenges, setting us apart from trainers who may turn certain dogs away. Beyond training your dog, we empower you with the skills needed to reinforce and maintain results long-term. We also do work with your dogs ourselves, then we teach you what we have done, and then have you practice while we are there.  With packages that include lifetime support,  you can rely on us as your training partner for life—no need to look elsewhere!

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.
Training sessions occur no more than once a week. We offer flexible scheduling, starting with either weekly or biweekly private sessions at your location. While we recommend at least a week between sessions, longer intervals are perfectly acceptable. Once your in-home sessions are complete, you can come when you want to our weekly park sessions held in Howard County, at your convenience.
To effectively resolve specific issues, we need to start with a solid foundation in obedience. This approach helps you become a confident leader for your dog, which is key to addressing and preventing behavioral problems.
Nope. Those are dangerous grounds to tread upon. We'd much rather train a vicious dog!
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.
Yes. Working with and controlling aggression is one of our specialties in Annapolis / Anne Arundel County.

We provide training in obedience, service dog, and therapy dog skills. For obedience training, we work with dogs of all ages, from the time a puppy comes home or with older dogs. Our goal is to help dogs become well-behaved family members, and we can address specific concerns such as timidity or reactivity.

Our specialty is training service dogs for veterans and individuals with PTSD and other mental health conditions. We also train service dogs for people with autism, mobility challenges, and diabetic alert needs. Our therapy dogs are prepared to bring comfort and support in assisted living homes, schools, therapy offices, hospitals, and treatment centers.

To be a service dog, your dog needs to have an even temperament. Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Standard Poodles, Goldendoodles, etc. typically have a great temperament for service work. For some types of service work, your dog will need to have AKC certifications (such as Canine Good Citizen or Community Canine) which we are able to certify. As always, we would be happy to assess your dog's aptitude for service work for free!

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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!

About Dog Training Elite Annapolis

Dog Training Elite Annapolis - Meet Our Elite Team. Dog Training Elite Annapolis
Meet the Team
Get to know the dedicated professionals behind Dog Training Elite Annapolis. Our team of experienced trainers is passionate about helping dogs and their owners build strong, lasting bonds. Learn about their backgrounds, expertise, and what drives them to deliver the highest level of training in the industry.
Dog Training Elite Annapolis - Customer Reviews. Hear from Happy Dog Training Elite Annapolis Clients
Reviews
Our testimonials showcase the success stories of dogs and their owners who have benefited from our training programs. From basic obedience to advanced service dog training, see how Dog Training Elite Annapolis has transformed the lives of countless dogs and their families!
Dog Training Elite Annapolis - Careers. Dog Training Elite Annapolis
Careers
Join the Dog Training Elite Annapolis family! If you’re passionate about dogs and interested in making a difference, explore career opportunities with us. We are always looking for dedicated individuals who share our commitment to excellence in dog training and customer service. Discover how you can grow with us and become a part of a team that truly cares about dogs and their owners.
Dog Training Elite Annapolis - Our Gallery. Dog Training Elite in Annapolis / Anne Arundel County, MD
Gallery
Our gallery features photos and videos of dogs in training, successful graduates, and highlights from community events. See what Dog Training Elite Annapolis can offer your dog and get a glimpse of the work we’re passionate about.
Dog Training Elite Annapolis - Local Dog Trainers in Annapolis / Anne Arundel County, MD. DTE
In the Community
At Dog Training Elite Annapolis, we’re proud to be an active part of the community we serve. Check out recent events in our area where we’ve had the privilege to participate in local events, support fellow small businesses, and promote responsible dog ownership.

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Ali Merritt
    Nov. 23, 2024
    The trainers are absolutely amazing they give you all the right tools to help train your dog. They guided me with what kind of dog would suit me best and they have been amazing with her. She abosoulty goes nuts any time we get to train with them. She loves the trainers as much I love working with them I recommend them to any one who asks me.
  • Thomas Hathaway
    Oct. 11, 2024
    We could not be happier with Dog Training Elite! We got our Boston Terrier (Ruthie) from a rescue organization after she spent 7 years of her life as a puppy mill mom. She had never lived in a house before and we wanted some help with getting her trained to help her transition into our family. Christy has done an excellent job not only training Ruthie, but educating us on how to continue her training during the week. She’s great on the leash and does great on the soccer fields now—exactly what we were hoping for!
  • Alex Adler
    Sep. 24, 2024
    I'd highly recommend Dog Training Elite. More than just the training, Christy really took the time to help us understand why our dogs act in certain ways and what will motivate them. Just be prepared to receive a lot of compliments about your dog's obedience in public!
  • Lyn Hopkins
    Feb. 8, 2023
    Our training program with Dog Training Elite was a huge success. Christy and her team (Samantha for us) were really easy to work with, and seem to have a strong, intuitive connection with doggies. Annie is a changed dog. Significantly less pulling on the leash, (almost none) comes when we call, stays in her "place" when told, and much more. We are so grateful and look forward to the play groups.
  • Rick Clow
    Jan. 17, 2023
    Christy and Sean did an amazing job with my 9 month old puppy Koda . I went from chasing my dog around the yard to bring him back , to having him respond to my every command. The whole experience was very informative and enjoyable. Christy was very flexible with the in home training . I had to reschedule a couple appointments and it was no problem at all. I would highly recommend dog training elite to anyone looking for dog training.
  • Rick Clow
    Jan. 17, 2023
    I did the 5 week training plan with Dog training elite and could not be happier with the results. My 9 month old lab was disobedient in just about every way. Christy and Sean did an amazing job transforming my dog into a great obedient pet . Come , sit , lay down , heel and place ,are just a few of the commands that I now have at my disposal. I would highly recommend Dog Training Elite to anyone considering training .
  • Jara Matlick
    Jan. 9, 2023
    I contacted Dog Training Elite to help with training purposes as well as anxiety with my dog. I have a black lab who I started with them when she was about 10 months old. She struggled with anxiety ever since this past summer with fireworks, as before that she had no problem! Ever since working with Dog Training Elite, they have instilled many great training qualities in her, and us as owners that has really helped her confidence and anxiety in situations. When we notice something may scare her and she cowers back, we always resort back to the commands and she has no problem. I highly recommend Dog training Elite if you not only want your dog trained to a high standard, but for yourself to also learn how to train your dog and know what to do in certain situations!
  • Emily Kellen
    Jan. 7, 2023
    Dog Training Elite was a life changer for me and my dog. This training method is very practical and makes my life so much easier. My dog listens so well to the commands he was taught and I can take him anywhere and know I will be able to maintain control. I needed to have this with such a large breed.
  • Danielle Clark
    Dec. 30, 2022
    We love Dog Training Elite Annapolis! They have been flexible with training times and made training our newfypoo an enjoyable experience. He is on his way to being a PSD dog for our daughter and we are forever grateful for their continued guidance.
  • Amy Hetherington
    Dec. 29, 2022
    Our dog is now enjoyable to be around. She is much better behaved, listens to commands, and is easy to walk. All thanks to Christy and Sam at Dog Training Elite Annapolis.

Our Team

Christy Dugan - Owner
Christy Dugan
Owner

A Maryland native, Christy has had dogs her entire life. After high school, her job as a Veterinary Technician was a perfect fit. Since then, she’s had many aspects to her career, most recently owning a business teaching sports and fitness to young children for 16 years. Some of her most cherished moments of that business include teaching children with special needs. When that business closed due to the COVID pandemic, she searched for something that would be just as fulfilling. When she discovered Dog Training Elite, she knew that it was the opportunity to bring all of her careers together. Dog Training Elite Central Maryland not only helps families who want to ensure that their pup is a well-behaved member of their pack, but also can provide in home Service Dog and Therapy Dog training. She believes there are so many families whose lives could be positively impacted with the help of a Service Dog, and Therapy Dogs do such wonderful work in our communities.

Christy lives in Elkridge, MD with her husband and co-owner, Sean, her two children, and three dogs, Kira, a Siberian Husky, and her Golden Retrievers, Murphy and Maui. In her spare time, Christy enjoys spending time with her family, dogs, and everything water-related. She can often be found boating on the Chesapeake Bay, and paddle boarding with Murphy.

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