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When you first brought home your dog, you most likely envisioned long walks, a game of fetch at the dog park, extended cuddle time, and an overall enjoyable life with your new best friend. This vision probably didn't include excessive barking, cat terrorizing, leash pulling, and other disobedient behaviors. Building a relationship with your pet is difficult when you have a pup who just won't listen. But don't stress - the obedient, loyal friend you dreamed of is just a few professional dog training sessions away!
No matter your dog's behavioral problems, appropriate training can eliminate disobedience and encourage a healthy dog-owner relationship.
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Chattanooga location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
Silver
$1,500
Entry-level package for in-home obedience without external distractions.
Upgrade at any time! You don’t have to worry about choosing the “right” in-home training package with Dog Training Elite. Any of our other packages will provide you with a dog that is fully well mannered and behaved in the home and out in public. We are confident that you will love this program and what an impact it will make on your dog in a short period of time. If you want to upgrade, we will simply apply what you already paid to the new package!
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 3 Sessions
- Come
- Place(go to bed)
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Off(furniture when desired)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
Gold - Advanced
$1,950
This package is a solid foundation to achieve a well-behaved dog in any situation. Dogs that complete this course will be well mannered and predictable in the home and in public.
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 5 Sessions
- Group Park Training Sessions 16 Sessions
- Come
- Heel(walk with you, no more pulling)
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Off(furniture when desired)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Place(go to bed)
- Get into Car
- Down(lay next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Go Home(go into kennel or dog house)
- Calm Anxiety & Build Confidence
- Housebreaking / Potty Training
- Manners, Safety & Boundaries
- STOP Jumping on People
- STOP Biting & Nipping
- STOP Bolting Through Doors, Running Away & Chasing Animals
- STOP Begging & Stealing Food
- STOP Chewing & Digging
Platinum - Unlimited!
$3,100
Our platinum package offers you training sessions throughout your dog's lifetime! This package is a behavior modification program designed to give you confidence in your dog whether on leash or off leash. You will be able to take your dog into virtually any environment and have a well mannered, very obedient dog.
*Follow-up sessions are scheduled once per month as needed, after the initial program is completed.
- Group Training ClassesOne-hour sessions Unlimited *see above description
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 8 Sessions + Unlimited *see above description
- Private consultation with a professional dog trainer by phone, text, or Zoom (video) meeting Unlimited *see above description
- Come
- Heel(walk with you, no more pulling)
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Off(furniture when desired)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Place(go to bed)
- Get into Car
- Down(lay next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Go Home(go into kennel or dog house)
- Calm Anxiety & Build Confidence
- Housebreaking / Potty Training
- Manners, Safety & Boundaries
- STOP Jumping on People
- STOP Biting & Nipping
- STOP Bolting Through Doors, Running Away & Chasing Animals
- STOP Begging & Stealing Food
- STOP Chewing & Digging
- Control Aggression(dog & human)
- Choose One Tailored Skill - Examples Below: *Specialized training options based upon your dog's abilities.
- *Ride on a Golf Cart, Skateboard, Kayak, etc
- *Stay with you on a Jog, Hike, or Bike Ride
- *Therapy Dog Training
- *Emotional Support Training (ESA)
Why DIY Training So Often Fails
No dogs are truly bad. They are just dogs, trying to navigate a human world. What we consider bad behavior is a result of anxiety, fear, or misunderstanding. Dogs are eager learners and can easily be taught the appropriate behaviors to follow. For that reason, disobedience usually stems from improper training techniques.
It can be difficult for new dog owners to train their pets without the proper knowledge or time. Training takes more than a few sessions and treats, and it certainly does not involve punishment, yelling, or aggression. If you’re struggling with your dog’s behavior, you’re not alone. The most common mistake pet owners make is underestimating the knowledge, commitment, and effort needed to train a dog.
Proper training requires:
- Experience and education
- A deep understanding of dog behaviors
- Patience and commitment
- Knowledge of various training techniques
- Experience with dogs of various breeds and ages
- Ability to teach people as well as dogs
- Detecting emotional changes in dogs (anxiety, aggression, fear)
- Skills for training in distracting environments
- Ability to recognize problem behaviors
The average pet owner does not have the above skills. It takes more than a deep love for doggies to know how to train them! Fortunately, professional dog trainers do have these skills. Education, certification, and experience are all marks of a well-qualified dog trainer.
When it comes to dog training, you want to find someone that you can trust. Many dog owners are reluctant to entrust their pets to a stranger. That is why it is important to find a trainer that fits you and your dog’s needs.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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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.
What a Professional Dog Trainer Can Do For You
Most people see dog trainers as canine teachers when they are more people teachers. Professional dog trainers teach you how to communicate with your dog. During dog training sessions, you must actively participate to learn how to establish boundaries with your dog. The dog trainer teaches you how your dog learns so that you can give him or her the right cues.
Common areas covered in dog training sessions include:
Obedience
Commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come” form the foundations of training, and most dogs learn them quickly. These cues keep your dog safe and help him or her confidently navigate the world. Once your dog has mastered obedience, more advanced training can take place.Behavior
While obedience commands are easy for every dog to learn, behavior issues are unique to each dog. Examples of behavior issues include chasing the mailman, jumping up during greetings, excessive barking, and destroying the house when left alone. These behaviors have an underlying cause that must first be addressed before the appropriate behavior can be learned.Pet-Owner Relationship
The most important part of any dog training program is the bond formed between dog and owner. Without a strong relationship, your dog simply won’t listen. A true professional will work side by side with you to ensure that your dog understands you and responds appropriately.
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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!
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! ❤️— Emily Hamby
Posted June 5th 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.— Paula Spriggs
Posted February 12th 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.— Michele Chandra
Posted February 10th 2024
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!— Madison Flowers
Posted December 14th 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— Jan Hardy Fanslow
Posted October 22nd 2023
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.— Hannah hogan
Posted December 21st 2022
Rod is a fantastic dog trainer and very passionate about the work he does!— Kelley Rosequist
Posted May 17th 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!— Kyle Christie
Posted May 20th 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!— Audra Larkins
Posted March 28th 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— Pat Lewis
Posted March 26th 2022
Dog Training Elite Chattanooga is Proud to partner with quality breeders:
At Dog Training Elite Chattanooga we trust experienced breeders who focus on breeding healthy, well tempered pups in a safe, ethical environments. Check out the breeders below for more information.
Goldenway Retrievers AnnaDoodles
The state of Tennessee has grant funding available for qualified individuals. Contact us or click here to learn more about the Tennessee Family Support Program.
Positive Reinforcement -
The Recommended Technique
While there are various dog training techniques, positive reinforcement is the only recommended method. Trainers that offer programs based on punishment, “alpha dog” methods, and fear should be avoided.
Dogs must be taught which behaviors to perform, not punished for doing something wrong. Our canine companions don’t understand why we are yelling at them, they just fear us. When we catch our dog doing the right behavior and award him for it, he learns which behaviors are acceptable.
At Dog Training Elite, we combine positive reinforcement techniques with a private training setting. Our in-home approach has a high success rate.
Years of training experience have taught us in-home dog training is the most effective as it offers a personalized training experience for both dog and owner.
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No Distractions
Your home is where your dog feels most comfortable, and where he is most likely to exhibit problem behaviors. Jumping on guests or destroying the home when you leave are behaviors that only occur inside the home. A private dog trainer that assesses your dog in his or her home environment catch and correct these behaviors on the spot.The home is a calm, relaxed place for your pal. There are no other dogs or large crowds to distract him from the lesson at hand. Once your dog has learned the basics at home with a private dog trainer, his or her new skills can be practiced out in public.
Family Involvement
Ingrained behavioral changes only take place when the entire family is committed to training your dog. When a trainer comes to your house, you can take advantage of the times when everyone is home and willing to participate. Once you all agree on appropriate behaviors and the associated cues, your dog can happily learn from everyone.
The Private Dog Trainers in Chattanooga That You Can Trust
At Dog Training Elite, we understand your dog is like a family member and that you want the best for your pet. That’s why we use positive reinforcement in all of our training procedures. We never use punishment or pain techniques - training should be an enjoyable experience for your pet. Our combination of positive reinforcement, an electronic collar (not a shock collar), and including family members is a well-rounded training experience. Dog Training Elite stands behind our training programs, and we are focused on empowering owners with our established techniques.