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Are Dog Training Group Classes Necessary?
Your puppy or older dog has completed basic obedience training. Congratulations! You and your pet have not only developed trust and strengthened your bond, but your puppy or dog is well on their way to becoming a loyal, loving companion.
Dog Training Elite Asheville knows dog training is truly a lifelong pursuit. As your puppy or dog masters the basics, you can move onto more complicated tricks and training. Maybe you’ve progressed from “sit” to seeing how long they can hold it, or you’re working on taking your pet through an obstacle course.
It can be hard to come up with new ideas to train your dog, and after months of having structured training one-on-one with your pet it can be especially difficult to know what to do next. What will benefit both you and your dog the most?
Dog Training Elite offers dog training classes in Asheville for puppies and older dogs that may be the answer you’re looking for. While group training classes aren’t always necessary, they can be extremely beneficial to both your dog and you.
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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.
Benefits of Group Classes
Just like humans, dogs all have their own personalities. Some may receive and respond to all the training they need from private, one-on-one instruction, while others may find great benefit from attending a group class. Group classes can be a great asset to both dogs and their owners, since it provides them with many different situations and experiences they may not otherwise have. Here are some other benefits of attending group dog training classes:
Socialization
Group dog training classes have a number of benefits, particularly with socialization. Taking a puppy to group classes once they’re immunized will help them grow into a well-socialized dog comfortable with other dogs and humans. Older dogs who weren’t well socialized as puppies can learn to socialize in a small, safe environment. Trainers will recognize signs of possible conflict between dogs and help owners learn how to diffuse situations and take care of their pets, and dogs will learn how to interact appropriately with each other.
Dog training classes can also be beneficial for owners! If you bring your dog to a group class, you’ll meet other dog owners and become part of a community. Dog Training Elite Asheville likes to make group classes exciting for both dogs and their owners, so expect to learn fun training games and enjoy an environment that feels less like a class and more like a social outing. Classes meet once a week, and both you and your dog will look forward to going every week.
Focus
Besides the socialization benefits, group classes are a great tool for dogs to learn to work around distractions. If your dog is perfectly obedient at home, but loses his or her mind at the dog park and forgets all they’ve learned, group classes are the way to go. Group classes are a safe way to help your dog learn to listen to you, even when they’re surrounded by exciting sights, smells and sounds.
Hands on Learning
In a dog training class, you are in control of the training. While your pooch may occasionally be used as the ‘demo’ dog, there will be very few instances where your dog only has to listen to the trainer. With a class, you are the trainer, and the instructor is just acting as a guide. With all of Dog Training Elite Asheville’s training options - in-home or through a class - you will always be the No. 1 trainer, not just sitting on the sidelines as someone else takes charge.
Each dog is unique, and the small classes at Dog Training Elite Asheville will allow you and your dog to still receive personalized attention and training. You will also have the opportunity to learn from other dogs and their owners. Imagine the trainer advises another owner how to help their dog learn to play independently. Later, you might remember the advice and apply it to your own dog, away from the class.
*Classes are open to all dog breeds and sizes, but all dogs are required to be immunized.
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.
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.
The Dog Training Elite Asheville Difference
Regardless of whether it’s an in-home training session or a group class, the Dog Training Elite Asheville training method is the same. Dog Training Elite Asheville focuses on positive reinforcement, also called “Classical Conditioning” or the “Pavlovian” method. Research has shown positive reinforcement to be more effective with longer lasting results than other training methods.
Dog Training Elite Asheville does not use punishments or shock collars and instead pairs positive reinforcement training with an electronic collar for superior results. An electronic collar is not a shock collar and does not harm the dog. It is a gentle electronic pulse, similar to the tug of a leash, used to get the dog’s attention. It is never used as a punishment for bad behavior.
Other dog trainers use harsh static collars or spray collars which have been shown to be less effective. 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. Dog Training Elite Asheville’s method of focusing on positive behavior reinforcement nurtures a dog’s loving and naturally obedient nature.
Signs Your Dog is Ready for Training
Every dog can benefit from training, and it can sometimes be a lifelong pursuit. If you’re wondering if training is right for you, here are some signs your dog is ready for training:
Your Dog is Destructive
Whether it’s chewing on furniture or shoes, going to the bathroom in your house, or anything else your dog is not supposed to do -- it’s time to get them trained out of these sorts of behaviors. Even older dogs who were previously well-behaved may develop bad habits later in life and need a training refresher.
Your Dog is Aggressive
Aggression can manifest itself in multiple ways; perhaps your dog growls or snaps at you when you get close to his or her food, or toys. Even more concerning is when your dog is aggressive towards other dogs or humans. Yes, sometimes dogs play in a way that seems aggressive, but if your dog is lunging at or snapping at people or other dogs while you’re on walks, it’s time to get a trainer’s help.
Your Dog Misbehaves on Their Leash
Walking nicely on a leash does not come naturally to most dogs but it is something that can be learned. Again, even older dogs who previously walked well on a leash may start to act out.
Your Dog is Anxious or Fearful
If your dog is dealing with severe separation anxiety, or is fearful in new environments, a trainer can help. For separation anxiety a trainer will work with you and your dog on a routine to reassure your dog. General training, especially in group classes, can help dogs build confidence.
Your Dog Ignores You at the Park
Or on walks, or whenever you’re outside. If your dog is obedient when they’re in your home, but loses their mind outside, he or she would benefit from more training. Group classes can be especially helpful because they put your dog in a safe environment with the kinds of distractions you experience outside. Training your dog in situations where there are other distractions helps them learn to obey even when there are other stimulating sights and sounds.
Join a Group Class Today!
Don’t wait! Find your nearest Dog Training Elite Asheville location to find a group class schedule and join a group dog training class today. Start building a community for you and your dog, and continue to strengthen your bond with your furry best friend.
Find a trainer near you today!
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!
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Nicole and David are phenomenal in helping me establish a loving and respectful relationship with Earl my puppy. I read the great reviews and contacted them BEFORE Earl came home. Nicole and David came the very next day and started me on this wonderful journey of creating a relationship with a puppy that will grow into a wonderful member of the Asheville community. With a warm expertise, they are teaching me what I must know so that I can bond with Earl in a way that Earl trusts me, has faith in my decisions and will consistently behave like a well mannered dog every where we go in the world. Nicole and David have such a professional manner whilst being generously making themselves available to answer my questions between sessions. I wish I had partnered with Dog Training Elite Asheville years ago. I strongly recommend the Platinum training package as your family and dog deserve the best opportunity to create a safe, loving and respectful environment for all. Thank you, DTE-AVL! We are grateful for you. Dedi & Earl— dlwilliamson
Posted February 26th 2024
We used Dog Training Elite Asheville to help get our dog trained and registered as a therapy dog for our childcare business. We looked at all other dog training options in the area before settling on them. We felt really confident that they knew what they were doing and they did a wonderful job at helping us through the process. David and Nicole are always open and honest about where our dog was in the process and never made us feel like we were taking unnecessary steps in his training. Their therapy dog testing process is very thorough! We are so excited to be able to officially make Rigby a team member at the school and it is all thanks to David and Nicole!— Rebecca Butler
Posted February 25th 2024