Obedience Training
We believe sustained obedience comes from empowering owners and their dogs to build strong, lasting bonds through training.
We believe sustained obedience comes from empowering owners and their dogs to build strong, lasting bonds through training.
Built on 40+ years of experience, Dog Training Elite proudly leads the way in professional service dog training tailored to your needs.
We work with dogs of any breed, size or age - and we empower owners with lifelong skills to continue successes.
Leash Walking & Heel Training
Barking Issues
Aggression & Reactivity
Separation Anxiety
Jumping & Hyperactivity
Sitting & Stay Commands
Destructive Chewing & Digging
Recall Training (Come When Called)
Boundary Training (Off Furniture or Beds)
Vehicle Behavior
Training for Specific Tasks
And More
Coach, the Providence Day School therapy dog has many student parents talking about how much easier it is to get the kids awake in the morning and ready for school. They eagerly await getting to school to pet Coach at the car line and during the school days. He puts a smile on everyone’s face and helps relieve the stress of everyday life for anyone he passes by. Ashley, his handler, reached out to DTE Charlotte when Coach was just a puppy to help train him and herself for the big job she was hoping he would be able to fill at the school as a Therapy Dog. This team has passed the test with flying colors and now helps put a smile on the faces of kids, staff and parents at Providence Day School as well as hospitals, Special Olympics, and throughout the community.
Insights from Shawn Gantkowski of Dog Training Elite
Coach, the Providence Day School therapy dog has many student parents talking about how much easier it is to get the kids awake in the morning and ready for school. They eagerly await getting to school to pet Coach at the car line and during the school days. He puts a smile on everyone’s face and helps relieve the stress of everyday life for anyone he passes by. Ashley, his handler, reached out to DTE Charlotte when Coach was just a puppy to help train him and herself for the big job she was hoping he would be able to fill at the school as a Therapy Dog. This team has passed the test with flying colors and now helps put a smile on the faces of kids, staff and parents at Providence Day School as well as hospitals, Special Olympics, and throughout the community.
Insights from Shawn Gantkowski of Dog Training Elite
Coach, the Providence Day School therapy dog has many student parents talking about how much easier it is to get the kids awake in the morning and ready for school. They eagerly await getting to school to pet Coach at the car line and during the school days. He puts a smile on everyone’s face and helps relieve the stress of everyday life for anyone he passes by. Ashley, his handler, reached out to DTE Charlotte when Coach was just a puppy to help train him and herself for the big job she was hoping he would be able to fill at the school as a Therapy Dog. This team has passed the test with flying colors and now helps put a smile on the faces of kids, staff and parents at Providence Day School as well as hospitals, Special Olympics, and throughout the community.
At Dog Training Elite, we go beyond basic obedience and train dogs to excel in real-world situations. Our dog training in Charlotte, NC produces dogs that are prepared for real-world challenges and enrich your daily life. We focus on creating lifelong bonds of love and trust, helping your dog become a confident, trusted family member.
Our obedience training for dogs in Charlotte, NC is designed to teach essential commands and reinforce good behavior, ensuring your dog is well-mannered in any situation.
Our puppy training in Charlotte, NC builds a strong bond between you and your new puppy by focusing on early socialization, basic commands, and good behavior.
Our Charlotte service dog training turns dogs into dependable companions, trained to perform tasks like retrieving items, providing stability, or alerting to medical conditions.
Our Charlotte aggressive dog training targets and corrects behaviors driven by anxiety and aggression, helping your dog stay calm and well-behaved in challenging situations.
Our Charlotte therapy dog training equips dogs with the skills needed to provide comfort and emotional support in various settings. These trained dogs help reduce stress, ease anxiety, and improve the overall well-being of their owners.
Our group dog training classes in Charlotte, NC offer a structured environment where dogs can learn and practice essential skills while socializing with other dogs and their owners.
Our programs are flexible and designed to meet the needs of each client’s schedule and their dog’s unique behavior, home environment, and situation. We are a family-owned, professional dog training company with over 40 years of experience specializing in strengthening the bond between you and your dog.
We offer in-home dog training, basic obedience, advanced training, and specialized programs like Service Animals and Therapy Dogs. No matter the breed, size, or behavioral issue, the Dog Training Elite team is here to help. Let our professional Charlotte dog trainers help you today.
About UsYou 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!
Each dog breed has different behaviors and personalities due to a combination of genetics, selective breedings, and environmental factors. At Dog Training Elite, we work with every dog. Our team understands canine behavior and the unique challenges of every breed.
We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we apply specific breed training techniques to bring out the best in your dog. From impulse control in terriers to focused mental stimulation for herding breeds, we’ll work with you and your dog to design a personalized training plan.
At Dog Training Elite, we’ve seen how DIY dog training can lead to inconsistent results and frustration. Our qualified professionals bring the expertise needed to assess your dog’s unique needs and apply methods that work. Choosing experienced trainers makes a noticeable difference in attaining reliable, lasting behavior changes.
We rely on a balanced training method that delivers lasting results, even with the most challenging dogs. Our trainers are skilled in addressing any behavioral issue and can help your dog to reach their full potential with encouragement and proven techniques.
Pet owners often have many options when it comes to dog training, including low-cost, quick-fix programs that claim immediate results. However, our training methods stand apart by focusing on sustainable, long-term success rather than temporary fixes. We provide a high standard of expert dog training that is built to last, ensuring that you and your dog benefit from a deeper, enduring bond and advanced obedience that continues over time.
Investing in effective dog training is one of the most valuable choices you can make for your pet’s health, behavior, and happiness. Our trainers are dedicated to delivering personalized training plans that target your dog’s unique needs, going beyond basic obedience to include specialized behavioral work and service dog training. Our goal is to be the last dog trainers you’ll ever need — bringing advanced training quality to the Charlotte, NC area for lasting, meaningful results.
At Dog Training Elite, we are proud to offer training services recognized for outstanding results and effective methods. With skilled trainers dedicated to helping dogs and their owners build strong, lasting relationships, we guarantee your dog receives the best care and guidance.
Our programs cover everything from basic obedience to advanced behavior modification, customized to your dog’s needs. Whether you’re addressing behavioral issues, improving obedience, or strengthening your bond, our methods deliver reliable results.
Experience the difference our award-winning training can make in your dog’s life.
Huntersville Obedience Training Group Class
Group class is a lot of fun for everyone in the family. Obedience training maintenance is a must for all dogs including Service Dogs and Therapy Dogs and group class is a great way to learn and have fun together. Are you interested in obedience training with Dog Training Elite Charlotte, but want to learn more? Give us a call or send a text and we will get a phone consultation scheduled to learn more about each other and then come on out to watch a group class in action and chat with the trainers and other class participants after. Can’t make to group class? We can come to your home for a one-on-one consultation. 🐕
Cornelius Facility Dog
All dogs want and need to work to stay happy and healthy, but not all dogs excel at the same kind of work. While training plays a huge role, a dog’s temperament and genetics have a lot to do with what they are confident doing. Jade pictured here is loves to greet people and make them feel welcome at Pedego Lake Norman E-bike Store in Cornelius. She makes a great facility dog 💙 Dog Training Elite Charlotte is all over the Charlotte area to support families that not only want to have a well trained pet, but also take that a step further for skills required to be a successful facility dog to greet customers and entertain them while they wait, therapy dog to make people happy and relaxed in stressful situations or service dog training learning tasks to help a their handler. Puppy training, obedience, group classes, therapy dog, and service dog training…call Dog Training Elite Charlotte and let’s chat about your goals for your family and dog.
Group Class in Huntersville, NC
Brothers, Ozzy and Charlie here enjoying their first group class. Rocky (mini goldendoodle) is cheering them on as they find their happy “place” at group class on top of a few bolders. Charlie is working hard to kick his reactivity and doing a fine job around all the new dogs at group class in Charlotte, right outside of Huntersville, NC. Come out and join us and watch your dogs confidence rise and anxieties melt away! Obedience, Service Dog, and Therapy Dog training available! Call Dog Training Elite Charlotte today!
Service Dog Training in Belmont
Mischief is looking pretty as she practices place. She learned place today at Stowe Park in Belmont with her place cot, but we don’t stop there. We also teach place for other objects to help build confidence and teach the dogs to get on taller items, smaller items, things with smooth and bumpy surfaces and everything in between. It becomes a favorite for many to see what all we can get our dogs on and the dogs are always so happy to show off their skills. 😊 Looking for obedience training around the Charlotte area? Dog Training Elite Charlotte is here to support you and your pup. Building a stronger bond and getting out and experiencing life together.
Monroe Obedience Training
Obedience training with Dog Training Elite Charlotte isn’t only teaching a dog a few commands to regain structure around the home or walking nicely on a leash. We focus on finding root causes of the behaviors so your dog can overcome their anxieties and stress giving them a happier and healthier life. This all starts in and around your pups living spaces. With in-home obedience training, we come to you to work around your home and neighborhood working with the whole family. Consistency in training is so important and works best when everyone is on the same page. This little pup was putting the breaks on big time and took a few attempts to overcome his anxiety around the storm drains, but he did it!! 👏 He was walking past them without even thinking about it after a few passes. If we completely avoid the situation or items dogs are nervous of, they will never overcome and see that it is nothing to be worried about. If you are looking for a trainer for obedience training, service dog training or therapy dog training, give us a call and let’s chat. We are building confidence of both the dogs and their human friends. To our friends in Monroe, Waxhaw, Cornelius, Mooresville and all other areas surrounding Charlotte, we come to you!
Summer obedience training in Kannapolis
During this heat wave in Charlotte, while some dogs are lazy laying around and some are looking for something to do and can’t hold still, they all still need to work to keep their mind and body healthy. It is a good time to remember to get in those walks early morning and late evening. The walk is so important! (We talk more about that during obedience training.) Heading to pet friendly places with a/c (such as many home improvement stores, pet stores), scent work finding treats and/or puzzles, using your obedience training with place, down stays, and push ups can all be done inside where it is cool. All this and more will help get in the mental stimulation your dog needs even on days we can’t get out as much as we would like to exhaust their energy. Your dog stress you out during public outings or when someone comes over to the house to visit? Maybe seems like they are always getting into things every time you turn around? Dog Training Elite Charlotte is only a phone call away. Let’s talk! 📞
Obedience Training in Kannapolis
Kya sporting her new cooling vest for this summer heat. 🥵 Kya is a young German Shepherd and as many working breeds, that has kept mom on her toes. Smart as a whip and always ready to go. She has picked up on her puppy foundations and obedience training skills quickly during in-home training in Kannapolis. She can be found watching dog shows on tv during her off time. 📺 😂 Dog Training Elite Charlotte will come to your home all around the Charlotte area. Monroe, Davidson, Kannapolis, China Grove, and more. We got you covered with puppy training, obedience training, service dog, and therapy dog training. Give us a call and let’s chat about your goals for your dog. 🐕
Obedience Training Group Class Charlotte
Miss Belle, Golden Retriever/Lab Mix, pictured here looking to mom showing off her obedience skills at group class in Charlotte. Believe it or not, Belle was at one time chasing Abigail the chicken around the yard. Now Abigail gets to enjoy the same space as Belle and not risk being chased around due to Belle’s lack of impulse control before training began. 🐕🐓 Ready to start your training journey? Call Dog Training Elite Charlotte. We come to you all over Charlotte and surrounding areas such as Cornelius, Huntersville, Monroe, Harrisburg for in-home training.
Service Dog Public Access
Roxy did an amazing job at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. ✈️ She is pictured here riding a wiggly wobbly bus and look how confident she is. 🚌 Roxy and her owner have been working together since she was just a super young pup. They started with the puppy foundations program at Dog Training Elite Charlotte. Then went on to obedience training, group classes, public access and task training. Great work team Roxy!! Are you interested in Service Dog Training? Give us a call and we will evaluate your current dog to see if they are right for the job or we can help guide you to select the right pup. 🐶
Kannapolis Obedience Dog Training
Dog Training Elite Charlotte wishes a Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there! We hope you had a fantastic day with your pack—whether that’s humans, dogs, or other beloved beings who look up to you. Not familiar with Dog Training Elite Charlotte? We have programs available for puppy, obedience, service dog and therapy dog training. Give us a call and let’s chat. 📞
Obedience Dog Training in Mt Ulla
Liv is a sweet girl with a lot of sass and determination. Starting puppy training and obedience training early is always recommended no matter what the breed or size of your puppy. Dog Training Elite Charlotte is here to help with all your dog training needs in Charlotte, Mt Ulla, Davidson, Cornelius and surrounding areas.
Cornelius Behavioral and Obedience Dog Training
Mom and Dad were finding it hard to walk both Armin and Carmella together. Today Armin learned heel with the automatic sit when his humans come to a stop, plus working on impulse control around his sister Carmella so they can both be walked together without all the hassle. Look at him staying focused on the task at hand with Dad 👏 He was tired boy after his session with all the mental work he was doing and learning the new skills. We must note and give a big applause for Miss Carmella for staying in the down while he walked by her so closely. So proud of her!! Just a few months ago she full of anxiety and reactivity. Now a bubbly and happy dog. 🙌 This family has been bonding and learning a lot about each other and doing fantastic work together bringing out the best in everyone. Congratulations to the entire family!! The proof is all right here how hard you all have been working. Call Dog Training Elite Charlotte for all your puppy and obedience training. We are building confidence working through obedience training all over the Charlotte and surrounding areas.
Cornelius Dog Training
The dogs have been telling us they want more adventures running with their people through the neighborhood, trails, beach, and camp grounds. We have heard them loud and clear. You know us, we are in it to give our dogs and their humans a happy and healthy lifestyle. Jade and Gracie are inviting you to come out to see them. They are the official store ambassadors. The owners of Dog Training Elite Charlotte you have grown to love are also the new management of Pedego Lake Norman. Come see us and test ride an e-bike. We also offer rentals so you can hit the trails of scenic Lake Norman, Davidson, Cornelius area for 2 or 4 hours or even rent the bikes for a full day, weekend, or week to take with you on vacation or explore all the other trails the Charlotte area has to offer. Pedal only as much as you want. Getting tired or not wanting to pedal the hills, hit the throttle and go up to 20 or 28mph depending on model. Want your dog to be a facility dog, therapy dog, service dog or just want better obedience to enjoy your walks everyday? Dog Training Elite Charlotte has you covered. Give us a call today!
Charlotte Obedience Training
Check out this pack of dogs walking nicely next to and around each other! 🤩 They all started with lack of impulse control and reactivity to some extent. Some uncontrollable puppy energy and others fear and aggression reactivity. We build confidence through obedience training. We often get asked, “can you just come out and train my dog to walk nicely on a leash? I don’t need that other stuff.” Your dog pulls on a leash due to a lot of different factors, but it stems from things like low confidence, no impulse control, no clear boundaries or not understanding what it is you are looking for and so much more. So can we help get you to the level of these dogs in the picture enjoying a pack walk during group class in Charlotte? Walking nicely in a leash, not reacting to the other dogs? Yes, absolutely!! But we MUST also teach things like sit, down, and place around distractions. This is how we set you and your dog up for long term success and build confidence to handle everyday stressors and looking to you for leadership and guidance. Are you ready for elite dog and people training? Dog Training Elite Charlotte can get you there. Just ask a client or read a few reviews. We are so proud of every single one of our clients for putting in the time and attention their dogs need to bring out their best and calm their anxieties for a healthier lifestyle. Come on out and watch a group class and see for yourself.
Group class fun in Charlotte
Mayce and Spanky are working on perch during group class with their family. Teaching a dog to perch on an object enhances their balance, rear-end awareness, body control, and adding confidence. Big sister is flashing a smile showing how proud she is of them and enjoying the class. Group classes in Charlotte are a great way to continue to work on the obedience training skills learned during the in-home sessions by adding in the distractions and fun with other families that have similar goals as you do…having fun with our dogs and seeing them enjoy life too. No longer stressed out or frustrated around what they once found challenging. 🐕
Charlotte Obedience & Behavioral Dog Training
Ranger here is a German Shepherd who has been working hard with his owner. He was the fastest dog to get to an advanced place item during our musical place game this past Saturday. Ready to challenge your dog to be their best? Dog Training Elite Charlotte can help! Give us a call and let’s chat about all your goals. We come to you all over the Charlotte and surrounding areas such as Cornelius, Harrisburg, Davidson and more! Then we follow up at group classes around added distractions of all the other dogs and people.
Cornelius Obedience Training
Calming exercises are a great chance to not only relax your puppy, but also to bond and desensitize your pup to touch. Armin is a young Golden Retriever that had a great first obedience training session in Cornelius today and enjoyed his bonding time with dad after. 🥰
Group Class Socialization & Obedience Training
Do we all remember Miss Gibi? She is as cool as a cucumber on the skateboard working on advanced place during our musical place game here at group class in Charlotte today. Walks past other dogs, watches them and zero reactions the entire class and it was her very first one she attended. 👏 She was uncontrollably barking and lunging to get to other dogs just 2 months ago when she came to observe group class before she signed up for an obedience program. Are you feeling helpless, stressed, and embarrassed about your dogs behavior? Give us a call and let’s chat! 📞
Charlotte Service Dog Training
Captain is showing off his obedience training in a down around distractions during his last obedience training session today in Charlotte. Next up for him is group class and heading into public access to complete out his service dog training 🐕🦺 Interested in Service Dog Training in Charlotte, Huntersville, Cornelius and surrounding areas? Give us a call and let’s chat.
Charlotte Obedience Training
🐾 Bodie here is building his confidence during a public training session in Charlotte. He was a bit nervous about some things, but he was able to overcome some of that at his session and his family has some things to continue to work on until the next session. Training is an everyday process with our dogs just as it is with us. Building processes and making it automatic such as the process you do brushing your teeth before bed or going to the bathroom when you have the urge to go. That same thing takes place with your dog through training and repetition of being calm around other dogs, sitting when getting pet, or not jumping up on Grandma when she comes to visit. Dog Training Elite Charlotte has you covered for all your puppy training, obedience and behavioral training or even the big jobs such as therapy dog or service dog training.
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5+ years in the industry, thousands of dogs trained, he has seen it all. It has taught invaluable lessons about the animals and life itself. He came into this profession after a personal experience noticing lots of skilled dog trainers, but a huge gap in the industry to connect with and educate people to make the training lifelong for the dogs and families. He is deepening the owners understanding of their dog and their behaviors. Establishing clear communication to foster a more patient and balanced relationship. This helps not only with our canine companions, but with everyone around us.
Shawn said, “Flashy obedience commands may impress online, but most people desire a dog with a great attitude. A confident and trustworthy companion they can navigate the real world with. Seeing a dog going from unsure of the world and full of anxiety and reactive habits to living comfortably and confidently, free from fear, anxiety, and reactivity. There isn’t a greater reward than to see a happy dog enjoying time with their family. They can simply be dogs. Dogs with great attitudes and a clear understanding of boundaries, ensuring their safety in any situation.”
Beyond training, Shawn finds inspiration in the wisdom of great sages and saints, practice Classical Yoga and meditation, and enjoy riding motorcycles and tinkering on projects. Most importantly, he cherishes moments with his dogs, watching them explore the world with carefree confidence, knowing they can trust in him to guide them. He is the leader they need and takes great pride in that role for them.
Since opening DTE Charlotte, it has been a wonderful journey helping thousands of people establish a more meaningful connection with their dog. She has been committed to improving the lives of dogs and the people who cherish them. She is the supportive voice on the other side of the phone helping people bring out the best in their dogs. Young puppies establishing house training, refining obedience skills, working in Therapy and Service Dog Programs, she is here to help you every step of the way.
Beyond training, Sharon has always enjoyed her family and dogs by her side and time in nature to keep her grounded.
Angela’s passion for dogs started at a very young age showing her loyalty and dedication to caring for them. She has been a trainer for 5 years with DTE Charlotte, teaching and supporting families at their homes and at group class. Her support and knowledge has helped thousands of dogs and their owners in the Charlotte and surrounding area so they are able to live their best lives enjoying everything the world has to offer. You will find her building dog and owner confidence through obedience training, opening communication between dog and owner, working in the Therapy and Service Dog Training Programs and more. She is often found behind the camera and tending to social media for Dog Training Elite Charlotte.
Beyond training, Angela enjoys photography, time with friends and family, and going on adventures and training with her dog, Ryder.
Addison has a supportive role within the family business working with puppies and young dogs. She has spent the past 5 years learning a lot through her mom, dad, and sister as well as all the other wonderful trainers they have worked with and dogs that have come through the program.
Beyond training, Addison enjoys spending time with friends, listening to music and quality time with her dogs.