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Dog Training Services


Obedience Training for Dogs in Asheville, NC

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Behavior Training vs. Obedience Training for Dogs


If you are in the market for dog training, you may run across a few terms like "behavior training" or "obedience training." But what's the difference between the two? And which one is best for your dog?

Here at Dog Training Elite Asheville, we have been in the dog training business for over 40 years, so we can explain the difference between behavior and obedience training for dogs. We'll also help you determine which is right for you and your four-legged best friend. If you are interested in hearing more about Dog Training Elite training programs, call us today for a free in-home consultation!

Dog Training Elite offers expert obedience training for dogs in Asheville.

Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Asheville location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.


Silver

$1,095

  • 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 & off leash 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 6 Sessions
  • Group Park Training Sessions 16 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

$2,895

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 9 Sessions
  • Group Park Training Sessions 24 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)
  • *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)
Best In-Home Dog Trainers Near Me in Asheville
Highest Rated Dog Obedience Trainers Near You in Asheville
Top Dog Trainers Near Me in Asheville
In-Home Dog Trainers Near You in Asheville

Behavior Training


This type of training aims to correct or rewrite an undesirable behavior. For example, if a dog or puppy whines and cries when the owner leaves the house, the dog may be experiencing separation anxiety and acting out. To fix this behavior, you would need to train this dog to respond differently to being left alone in the house.

With behavior training, the trainer and owner look at the situation that needs addressing, figure out the trigger for the bad behavior, and train the dog to respond differently to that trigger. After consistent training and positive reinforcement, the dog will perform the learned response to the trigger or stimulus even without commands or rewards, essentially rewriting their response to that situation.

Obedience Training


Trainers use obedience training to teach a command and then have a dog obey and perform that command. This training involves teaching a puppy or dog basic commands like “sit,” “come,” “heel,” or “down.” The Dog Training Elite trainers can also use obedience training to teach other commands more unique to your life and situation.

The goal of obedience training is in the name - training a dog to obey commands reliably. Obedience training for dogs can sometimes be lengthy and requires repetition, consistency, and lots of positive reinforcement to achieve lasting results.

When obedience training is employed correctly, it fosters a deep connection between dog and owner that encourages consistent compliance from the dog and positive reinforcement from the owner.

Pricing Programs Free Assessment

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Dog Training Elite is the #1 obedience training for dogs in Asheville.

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.

The Dog Training Elite Training Method


Correct responses to a command or rewriting a reaction to a trigger can be accomplished through many methods. Dog Training Elite uses positive reinforcement, or “classical conditioning,” to achieve the desired results. Years of experience have taught us that classical conditioning is the most effective way to train a dog.

If you are searching for obedience training for dogs in Asheville, Dog Training Elite is the place for you.

What is classical conditioning?

Also known as the Pavlovian model, classical conditioning refers to a learning process that occurs when you pair two stimuli with a command. Studies have proven that classical conditioning is the preferred training method as it offers long-lasting results and teaches deep-rooted obedience. At Dog Training Elite, an electronic collar and positive reinforcement are the two stimuli we use to teach your dog good behavior. The electronic collar is not a shock collar. Like a clicker device, it gets your dog’s attention during training.

Offering rewards and positive reinforcement will yield positive results and a happy and confident dog. In contrast, using negative reinforcement and punishment will result in a dog performing out of fear and lacking trust and confidence. The trainers in Asheville want your dog to be happy and confident and have a deep and lasting connection with you as their owner. That’s why we only use positive reinforcement and classical conditioning.

Pricing Programs Free Assessment

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Which Training is Right For You and Your Dog?


Dog Training Elite offers behavior and obedience training for dogs, but how do you know which is right for you? Suppose your dog is exhibiting behaviors like biting, excessive barking, digging, or more. In that case, they may benefit from some behavioral training to rewrite those responses. If you have a new puppy or your dog has trouble obeying commands, obedience training is the ideal solution. In some cases, your dog may need a combination of both.

If you're still unsure what training is best for you and your dog, Dog Training Elite is ready to help! Find a trainer near you today to get started on your dog's training journey.

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!

Both Loki and I needed this training. He came from big pack and an overwhelming birth home to us and not much interaction with other people or dogs. He is my Velcro dog and scared of everything. I was also a bit scared as well to be honest. Didn't want anything to happen to him or for him to get into with other dogs. We are both doing well now! I really enjoyed the one on one training at the house so I could also focus my energy and attention to get confident which helped him be more confident as well. This training is a much for the owner as it is for the dog. Then following up with the group practices has been great as well. We get to continue to see how well Loki is doing and he really is doing well! I highly recommend this dynamic duo (David and Nicole) to help you and your dog to have a more fulfilling life together.
— Yanke Grl71
Posted June 29th 2024
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Both Loki and I needed this training. He came from big pack and an overwhelming birth home to us and not much interaction with other people or dogs. He is my velcro dog and scared of everything. I was also a bit scared as well to be honest. Didn't want anything to happen to him or for him to get into with other dogs. We are both doing well now! I really enjoyed the one on one training at the house so I could also focus my energy and attention to get confident which helped him be more confident as well. This training is a much for the owner as it is for the dog. Then following up with the group practices has been great as well. We get to continue to see how well Loki is doing and he really is doing well! I highly recommend this dynamic duo to help you and your dog to have a more fulfilling life together.
— Cari Mueller
Posted June 29th 2024
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David and Nicole are Amazing!!! What a difference in our Yorkie with just the first visit!!! He has came such a long way with the 3 visits and helped us with the understanding on how to train our baby. HIGHLY RECOMMEND !!!! You will not be disappointed!!! A Hugh Difference
— Anita Hazelwood
Posted June 14th 2024
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David was an amazing character in my life. He showed me how to install and manipulate essential behaviors of a legitimate working animal associated with medical help. I am a caring, gentle and responsible handler of a fine tuned and elite fur baby named Maurly. She has become such a better more satisfied dog after this training and I personally believe you will be a more humane dog owner for the rest of your life after tuning in to your animals’ life and sensitivities with the help of an elite professional.
— James “Mitchell” Choate
Posted June 5th 2024
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David & Nicki are phenomenal! I highly recommend them!
— Amber Branham
Posted May 29th 2024
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Ok…. I feel like a little backstory is required before our review. We are a full-time RV family, and we travel with three kids and three dogs. One of our dogs loves to run out of the RV and run off and she absolutely would not come back to us. It was a game. Last year, she ran off THREE TIMES while we were on our drive up to Alaska. She ran off In a field next to an interstate in Montana. She ran off when we were out in the boondocks outside of Valdez, Alaska. And she ran off when we pulled off to the side of the road to get something in the middle of nowhere on the Cassiar highway in Northern British Columbia. It was incredibly dangerous. Not only that, but she was fear aggressive towards literally every other dog she saw and she was very skittish around other people. We purchased the training at Dog Training Elite while here in Asheville. It has been a night and a difference with our dog, Roxy. By the end of the first session, she was going up to David for attention. That was unheard of before. And now, we could let her go run around all she wants, and call her back and she will come right back to us. We have been very, very pleased with the training that we did here. She is a completely different dog. We are still working through a few things with her, but we definitely feel like now we have the tools to handle it. We can’t thank them enough.
— cliff millender
Posted May 22nd 2024
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We highly recommend Dog Training Elite, David, and Nikki. We have a 12-month-old lab that was a runner and did not listen to commands. Their techniques and tools bore results in the first week and the results just keep getting better. Their approach and methods are dog-friendly and were tuned to our specific priorities and needs. We could not be more pleased with Maggie Mae’s progress. We look forward to a long relationship with DTE!
— Kenneth Coons
Posted May 11th 2024
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Absolutely thrilled with the transformation in my once seemingly untrainable cattle dog, thanks to David! Their expertise, patience, and tailored training methods have turned my dog into an amazing companion. Highly recommend to any pet owner looking for genuine and effective training solutions!
— Rachel Stemerman
Posted April 27th 2024
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We could not have asked for better trainers! The difference between our Luna and Rocky’s behavior is incredible! We would 100% recommend getting your puppies/dog’s trained by Dog Training Elite!
— Gina Whitt
Posted April 25th 2024
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We were seeking support with our sassy pup, Murphy, who picks and chooses when she likes other dogs! Nicole and David have been incredible in helping us gain confidence in how to best support Murph and how to handle situations where she becomes aggressive/avoid them altogether! They have been super easy to communicate and schedule with, have been available if we had a quick question outside of training, and the group classes have been SO helpful in desensitizing our pup with other dogs! We have loved their calm and steady approach to training!! Highly highly recommend!!!
— Emily Reader
Posted April 20th 2024
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We have a Rottweiler puppy that came from a rough and tumble background and was struggling to feel secure in his new home. He had resource guarding issues, jumped on everyone he met, and didn’t like being groomed to the point that he would lash out. David helped us so much, and our dog Reuben is so much happier now that he feels secure in his environment. David is highly responsive at all times to his clients. Highly recommend!
— Samantha Rafalowski
Posted April 17th 2024
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Dave is a fantastic trainer and a great guy. He is both a people person and a dog person who is able to train dog and owner both with sensitivity and humor. He can lead by example or watch as you try out new techniques. You won’t be disappointed.
— Sebastian Matthews
Posted April 13th 2024
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I would give David a 10 if I could. He knows what he is doing. David, explained to me why my dog Hugo was doing certain behavior and then he helped Hugo and me do something different. When we got Hugo our neighbors said, oh no what did u do? Now, they say, wow is that Hugo? Who helped you? I tell everyone to use David at Dog Training ELITE Asheville!
— Mary Love
Posted April 1st 2024
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I can’t recommend David and Nicole enough. I jokingly call David and Nicole the dog whisperers. From the first training we received they were so kind and helpful. They gave both me and my kids the skills needed to train Millie. She went from a very playful, chewing, stubborn puppy to a well behaved dog I feel comfortable having around other people. Their method of in-home training allowed me to watch them train Millie in her own environment, then they would watch me do the same to make necessary corrections, so that I could continue the same skills once they were gone. I have told every friend with a new (or old) puppy to call Dog Training Elite Asheville. You won’t regret it!
— Maggie Cantrell
Posted March 23rd 2024
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Our Dog Hugo is a 70# Golden Doodle rescue, we are his 3rd home. He had issues barking, chasing cars, and being aggressive with a few of the male dogs in the neighborhood. He pulled me down a few times when we first got him. He jumped on one of my neighbors recently after she had a knee replacement and that was not acceptable. We have tried other local training facilities and Hugo didn't get much better. David and Nicole have made a huge difference in Hugo's behavior, and his quality of life. He actually has more freedom now because he knows what we are asking and he is eager to please. He enjoys the training we are doing and he seems happier now because we are able to take him more places with confidence. We are happier also. I like the approach they use in training. Treats are not used as the reward. Even our neighbors have noticed that Hugo is calmer and doesn't bark at them when they pass by our house. I am so pleased with the quality of the training. If you are a Veteran they give 10% discounts as well. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite of Asheville.
— Deb Love
Posted March 20th 2024
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I would highly recommend Dog Training Elite to anyone. We began working with them last fall and our 1 yr old husky mix has transformed in ways that has been so good for her self-esteem and she is well on her way to beginning service dog training. She was overly submissive and did not know how to greet any new person or dog without rolling over in submission and not having confident boundaries. She now is able to perform all of her basic obedience commands and trust in her confidence when meeting new people and dogs. Because of Dog Training Elite, she is going to be able to help our family as a service dog and many others that she meets in the world! If you are considering using this company, go ahead and move forward now. You and your dog will gain what you want and a lot more!
— Sarah Hutchison
Posted March 17th 2024
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We met the Dog Training Elite Asheville folks at the Apple Festival in Sept 2023. We were so impressed with their knowledge and their dogs onsite were trained and so well behaved...I kept the business card for when we would rescue a new dog. The time came and we have completed 5/6 training sessions and our 7 year golden lab rescue has gone from knowing only a couple of commands with no boundaries; barking; mouthing; etc., to a 180 of listening and obeying. At first we were a bit surprised at the cost BUT it's well worth the money. It's super convenient that they come to our home for our 1:1 sessions and then we work on our own with daily training. I would highly recommend them with five golden stars :)
— Christie Idehara
Posted March 11th 2024
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We have a very reactive dog with massive anxiety. It was so bad that we couldn’t have people over to our house because the dog would viscously bark and lunge, and occasionally nip visitors. We worked with a few trainers who encouraged positive reinforcement with the use of treats and simple commands. Unfortunately, with our dogs demeanor and history, that method was ineffective. Within one meeting with David and Nicole our dog went from fierce growling, lunging, and muzzle punching to listening to our commands, and attempting to avoid the situation entirely. After two more sessions our dog was off muzzle, calm, and training easily. He now tolerates visitors to our house, and will quickly reverse course during a visit if he starts to become worried. We put our trust in David and Nicole and it truly paid off. I can not say enough good things about not only the way they train dogs and their humans, but also just how much they care about us and our dog.
— Elisabeth Herron
Posted March 11th 2024
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Our Gracie Mae has turned into a totally different dog!! David and Nikki are so loving and attentive to not only Gracie but to us! I will forever recommend Dog Training Elite to anyone who needs help with their dog!!
— Lauren McCullough
Posted February 28th 2024
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I had my dog Jude trained by 3 separate trainers before going to David and Nicki at Dog Training Elite. This is the first time that he is listening flawlessly without expecting a treat for the tasks. They are great with your dog and they treat you like family. Highly recommend anyone call them for your dog training needs!
— Paulette Brooks
Posted July 14th 2023
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