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FAQs

Dog Training Elite in Chattanooga, TN

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Frequently Asked Questions

General
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 Chattanooga.
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 Chattanooga.
We focus on training companion dogs for veterans and individuals with PTSD and other psychological conditions. In addition to service animals, we also train therapy dogs that visit hospitals, nursing homes, 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 Chattanooga

Dog Training Elite Chattanooga - Meet Our Elite Team. Dog Training Elite Chattanooga
Meet the Team
Get to know the dedicated professionals behind Dog Training Elite Chattanooga. 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 Chattanooga - Customer Reviews. Hear from Happy Dog Training Elite Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga has transformed the lives of countless dogs and their families!
Dog Training Elite Chattanooga - Careers. Dog Training Elite Chattanooga
Careers
Join the Dog Training Elite Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga - Our Gallery. Dog Training Elite in Chattanooga, TN
Gallery
Our gallery features photos and videos of dogs in training, successful graduates, and highlights from community events. See what Dog Training Elite Chattanooga can offer your dog and get a glimpse of the work we’re passionate about.
Dog Training Elite Chattanooga - Local Dog Trainers in Chattanooga, TN. DTE
In the Community
At Dog Training Elite Chattanooga, 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

  • Paula S.
    Feb. 13, 2024
    Rod takes special care and consideration in guidance and training of my service dog for PTSD. As a veteran I feel comfortable knowing that he understands my dog and our needs. Dog Training Elite was even able to help watch my dog for a special occasion while I was out of town and not yet able to travel with her. Dog training elite found and Matched my dog with me based on my desires and needs. My service dog was a special find as she is almost human like and truly a diamond in the "ruff". I would encourage anyone looking for a furry canine companion to work with Rod as my service animal doesn't pull or run while I'm trying to walk her ... this was worked out, easily in the first 3 lessons which really makes or break you in neighborhood reputation for having a friendly, welcoming, safe, dog. My companion is much more than that but without her refined behaviors she would just be a "dog". But she is much more than that because Rod and Dog Training Elite has brought out the best in her. Many people wonder where I found her and how she is so well behaved and I must in fact credit that to Dog Training Elite. I have very basic specifications I desired. Dog Training Elite Found even more than I asked for in specific characteristics. I am so happy with my *new family member* as she will be with me for years to come. I am proud to have her by my side a without her I would still be struggling with my PTSD alone. Please inquisitively ask yourself if you want a companion, or a dog. I have a new family member as a result of Dog Training Elite. ... I cannot thank Rod enough for the care he has put into, selecting my new family member.
  • Susan Jenkins
    Nov. 16, 2024
    We had such a great experience with Dog Training Elite! Rod was a fantastic trainer. He gave us great tips and was so helpful all along the way. He was flexible with our schedule, too. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite. If you have a chance to work with Rod, you will be pleased with the results.
  • Autumn Bhushan TN-Chattanooga
    Oct. 2, 2024
    We've had an incredible experience training with Rod! Our 10-month-old pup was full of energy and quite a handful, but almost immediately after starting training, he seemed to understand exactly what was expected of him. The transformation was truly remarkable. I couldn’t believe how much progress he made in just a few sessions! If you're looking for a trainer who gets results, I wholeheartedly recommend Rod with Dog Training Elite!
  • Jackie Flores
    Jul. 23, 2024
    We are so glad we used Dog Training Elite for our rottie! He was a loving 1-year old, with more spirit than we could handle, and his size and lack of recall was getting to be dangerous, for him and us. Thankfully they curbed his stubbornness and now we can all exist safely and happily in the same house!
  • Paula Crowe
    Jul. 19, 2024
    I can’t say enough about Dog Training Elite! Just a few sessions in, and my 5 month old puppy is already fairly consistently obeying several commands. Rod’s expertise on training is impeccable. With each session, I am so amazed on how he can read, handle and train my pup. I must say, it takes much work on my part, but it’s extremely exciting to walk this journey with my puppy. I am so excited that we chose the life time package. I can truly see the value already. I love Rod’s heart for dogs and love that he is always eager to help tweak some of the commands in between sessions. Thank you Dog Training Elite for this already rewarding adventure!
  • Ashley McDowell
    Jul. 6, 2024
    They are wonderful got my dog where I wan5ed her to be still more work to be done but looking forward to continuing
  • Emily Hamby
    Jun. 5, 2024
    The absolute BEST of the best! We have been so blessed with such an amazing trainer. He and his wife have been by our sides the whole way even through some tough stuff and have been completely supportive through this process. Truly cannot say enough amazing things about them! ❤️
  • Michele Chandra
    Feb. 10, 2024
    I have loved my experience with dog training elite! Rod my trainer is very detailed and knowledgeable about all things dog training. He is patient and also willing to answer my questions when they come up. Scheduling is fast and easy and the improvement I have seen in my dog is amazing! I have told my friends about this company and have seen incredible results with my pup.
  • Madison Flowers
    Dec. 14, 2023
    My beautiful baby girl, Byrdie Mae, has been training with Rod for the past 8 months. Rod has taught Byrdie as well as me so much throughout this program. She definitely loves her Uncle Rod for sure! Byrdie put up challenges but we all took them on together. This training truly makes everyone a family and we all want nothing more than for her to succeed. I am forever grateful and recommend this program to everyone!
  • Jan Hardy Fanslow
    Oct. 23, 2023
    My job has been very difficult to live with he misbehaves he pulls on his leash he tears up things in the house and going on a walk with him it’s like a race we started working with Rod and it’s as if I have a new dog he is so well behaved he knows the rules and the boundaries and the best part is he’s happier so we are so grateful for all the lessons that haveAllowed both of us such freedom to enjoy one another I encourage you to take advantage of these services
  • Hannah hogan
    Dec. 21, 2022
    Dog Training Elite has been training my son's dog to be a service dog since we got her when she was 2 months old. Rod is so patient with our dog, very kind and communicates with you all of the time. He is very interested in how well your dog is doing with the training on days we do not meet. He is a very professional dog trainer, the best of the best. He is ALWAYS HIGHLY RECOMMENDEDABLE as he cares so much about your pet/loved one. You won't regret using him. We are VERY thankful for the work and time he gives to us for our dog.
  • Kelley Rosequist
    May. 17, 2022
    Rod is a fantastic dog trainer and very passionate about the work he does!
  • Kyle Christie
    May. 20, 2022
    This is a veteran owned business and Rod who is the owner takes an extremely hard working, professional (yet personable) approach to the business. He's passionate about community work and he truly cares about getting results when it comes to building your confidence and your relationship with your dog. Highly recommend!
  • Audra Larkins
    Mar. 28, 2022
    Rod is a natural trainer. The passion he has for helping dogs and their owners is obvious. He worked with us for a couple of weeks and the improvement in our dog’s manners and behavior was amazing. I’d highly recommend Rod to anyone as he is clearly the best dog trainer in Chatanooga!
  • Pat Lewis
    Mar. 26, 2022
    Dog training elite has helped me learn to better understand and control my dog Sam. She is strong, strong willed and wasn’t socialized properly. With the help of DTE Sam (and I) have learned to heel well, sit, go to “place” when others come to visit instead of jumping on them in the doorway. I no longer worry that I won’t be able to control my strong dog on our daily walk. Rodney Westmoreland in Chattanooga spent time getting to know Sam and her personal needs, as well as mine. He is encouraging and patient and reminded me that I am the Alpha dog, not Sam. Learning the “off” command has saved many of my friends and family from Sam’s excited (annoying) “hug” upon entering my home. I highly recommend DTE for your dog training needs. – Pat Lewis 3/26/2022

Our Team

Bethany Giles - Trainer
Bethany Giles
Trainer

Born and raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Bethany has always had a love for animals small and large. Her first pet, Taylor, was a Labrador Beagle mix. Taylor was full of energy in her younger days, but even as she aged she would scale the fence to run the neighborhood. Bethany loves her rescue cat, Mazy, immensely and she knows it with the constant demands for her attention. Toby, a Maltichon, was added to the family later along with Dixie, a German Shorthaired Pointer, but technically those are her sister’s dogs. Bethany loves them all the same and has enjoyed teaching and training them throughout their lives.

Bethany has always had a passion for horses and has worked with them closely since 2012. In recent years, she has begun training horses in basic food manners, building confidence, and unlocking the logical side of their brain. She has accomplished this by using vocal cues, hand signals, and puzzles. While working with DTE she has found that many of the skills she has acquired at the farm have carried over into her work with the dogs. She is looking to pursue classes to obtain a veterinary assistant certificate in order to add to her knowledge base as she helps strengthen the bond between you and your dog by emphasizing obedience no matter what distractions there may be.

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