Find your Cincinnati location
Call Us Free Consultation
A happy, well trained dog from Dog Training Elite, your trusted source for dog training in Cincinnati, OH
Dog Training Elite in Cincinnati star

Where Education
Meets Excellence

Elite Methods. Elite Results.

Call Us Free Consultation Packages
Dog Training Elite Cincinnati
Serving the Greater Cincinnati, OH Metro Area
Dog Training Elite Cincinnati East

Serving Cincinnati's Eastside, Northern Kentucky and Dayton

Offers In-Home Training
Dog Training Elite Greater Cincinnati

Offers In-Home Training
Dog Training Elite in Cincinnati logo.

The Art of Dog Training

Transform your pup with Dog Training Elite

At Dog Training Elite in Cincinnati, we're not just dog trainers; we're your elite partners in creating a happier, harmonious life with your cherished canine companion. Through carefully crafted programs and expert trainers, Dog Training Elite ensures that each pup attains a level of mastery that sets them apart. As the premier choice for canine training and behavior modification in the Cincinnati area, we're dedicated to transforming your beloved furry friend into a champion of obedience and a source of boundless joy for your family.

Call Free Consultation Packages
A well trained dog and their owner posing in front of a Dog Training Elite wall.

Our Story

Dog Training Elite in Cincinnati

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 provide in-home dog training, covering everything from basic obedience to advanced skills, along with specialized programs such as Service Animal and Therapy Dog training. Regardless of your dog's breed, size, or behavior challenges, the team at Dog Training Elite is ready to assist. Reach out to our expert dog trainers in Cincinnati today!

About Us

Our Services

Behavioral Solutions

Fear & reactivity, staying & coming, barking and more

All Behavior Solutions Details

Training Programs

Obedience, Service, Group Classes and More

All Training Programs Details

Our Team

Scott & Jennifer Joyce - Owners
Scott & Jennifer Joyce
Diane VanWeelden - DTE Cincinnati CEO / Owner
Diane VanWeelden
John VanWeelden - DTE Cincinnati CFO / Trainer
John VanWeelden
Alex VanWeelden - Lead Trainer
Alex VanWeelden
Dan Rudolph - Client Service Specialist
Dan Rudolph
Scott & Jennifer Joyce - Owners
Scott & Jennifer Joyce
Owners

Jennifer and I met at Ohio University thirty years ago and moved to the Cincinnati area following the wedding. We have lived in Ohio our entire lives and have three children: Jeremy, Justin, and Kelsey and two dogs: Bailey and Loki. The opportunity to work together, in our community, and continue the proud DTE tradition in Ohio, is truly a blessing. 

Close
Diane VanWeelden - DTE Cincinnati CEO / Owner
Diane VanWeelden
DTE Cincinnati CEO / Owner

Diane’s love of dogs started early with her first dog, Puddles, a Beagle, and continued as she grew up surrounded by animals of all kinds on her family’s farm. Over the years, the loving companionship of her many dogs has been an important support to Diane at every stage of life. Most recently, Beau, a darling micro mini Goldendoodle, joined the family and their bond is already unbreakable!

Diane is excited to bring her professional experience in business development, strategic planning, marketing communications and life coaching to her newest venture with Dog Training Elite Cincinnati East. Making a positive impact on people’s lives is Diane’s life mission and adding dogs to the mix makes it so much sweeter.

Close
John VanWeelden - DTE Cincinnati CFO / Trainer
John VanWeelden
DTE Cincinnati CFO / Trainer

John grew up in a dog family as well, with Lizzy, a Schnorkie, by his side. His lifelong love of animals was magnified when their son, Alex, embraced frogs, rats, snakes, lizards, birds, cats, turtles, fish, and of course DOGS as family pets. John is a gifted teacher by nature and has always loved to train his dogs. He now truly appreciates using DTE’s proven methods and enjoys helping families experience the full potential of their dogs as a part-time trainer.

John brings invaluable business experience to Dog Training Elite Cincinnati East. As founder and principal of VanWeelden Financial Group, John spent over twenty-five years advising clients on retirement, utilizing a truly holistic planning process. He knows what it takes to own and operate a successful small business and is motivated to apply his experience to Dog Training Elite.

Close
Alex VanWeelden - Lead Trainer
Alex VanWeelden
Lead Trainer

Alex was born with a deep love for all animals. From the time he could walk, he was outside exploring the living creatures and bringing them inside as “pets.” Alex also enjoyed raising pigs, goats and chickens on his grandfather’s farm and showing them at the Butler County Fair, with much success. But, no matter how many wild or farm animals Alex had, dogs have always been at the top of his list! Alex's first dog was a YorkiePoo, Bella, followed by a Poodle, Boo, and his newest addition, a Goldendoodle, Buddy.

Alex’s extended family refers to him as a dog whisperer, due to his innate ability to connect with even the most reactive dogs. Working full time as Lead Trainer for Dog Training Elite Cincinnati East is Alex’s dream job. He loves helping people learn the skills to improve communication and relate to their dogs in more meaningful ways.

Close
Dan Rudolph - Client Service Specialist
Dan Rudolph
Client Service Specialist

Dan is a husband and a father to two great boys, a cute dog, 2 moody cats and a snake. Dan enjoys meeting new people, and thrives in a social and fast paced environment. You may find Dan around your local concert or car scene, as he spends his free time photographing car shows and touring acts in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. As Client Service Specialist, Dan handles our scheduling , evaluations , events and day to day business operations.

Close
Meet the Team

The Solution to your Dog’s Behavior Problems

We're Ready for Our Doggy Make-Overs

Dear Pup Parents, we're the troublemaking squad, a.k.a. the canine chaos creators. We've chewed shoes, dug craters, and claimed your house as our own personal domain, pushing you further away with each crime we commit. We're not just about social mishaps; we've excelled in causing all sorts of furry commotion!

But here's the scoop: We're willing to learn, and are ready for our doggy make-over! Help us be the good citizens you've always dreamed of by hiring Dog Training Elite. They'll guide us with pawsitive training methods, making us the well-behaved, model pups you deserve. Let's emBARK on this journey of boundless happiness and obedience together!

Dog Training Elite in Cincinnati - Cincinnati Dog Socialization Classes. DTE
My Problem:
Poor Socialization
My name is Milo
Hi. My name is Milo, and I have a bit of a 'ruff' time making friends with my fellow canines. You see, I'm all about making new friends, but when it comes to meeting other dogs, I get a tad overwhelmed. I’d like to get out more, please.
Socialization
Dog Training Elite in Cincinnati - Stop Puppy Biting in Cincinnati, OH. DTE
My Problem:
Nipping & Biting
My name is Scout
Hello, everyone, my name is Scout, and I have a little, um, 'nipping' habit. I'm all about spreading love and happiness, but sometimes, my excitement gets the best of me, and I end up with a playful nibble or two. I want others to feel safe around me.
Biting
Dog Training Elite in Cincinnati - Reactive Dog Training in Cincinnati, OH. DTE
My Problem:
Fear Aggression
My name is Zuko
Hi…I get afraid when strange dogs or people get near me so I try to scare them off to protect myself. I want to make new friends and not worry my parents, but someone has to protect them. Can you help me?
Fear Aggression
Dog Training Elite in Cincinnati - Separation Anxiety Training for Dogs in Cincinnati, OH. DTE
My Problem:
Separation Anxiety
My name is Nora
I'm Nora, and I'm in the process of tackling something called 'separation anxiety.' While I thrive in family togetherness, there's a hiccup when my beloved humans step out – I tend to get a little jittery. I would love to feel more confident.
Separation Anxiety
Dog Training Elite in Cincinnati - Excessive Barking Training in Cincinnati, OH. DTE
My Problem:
Excessive Barking
My name is Link
Woof! I'm Link, and I've got a little quirk – a tendency to let my barks fill the air a bit more than necessary. I'm all about helping to maintain a harmonious vibe, but sometimes, I just can't resist the call of the wild, or the squirrel on the neighbor's fence.
Barking
Dog Training Elite in Cincinnati - Staying and Coming Training in Cincinnati, OH. DTE
My Problem:
Staying & Coming
My name is Dexter
I'm Dexter, and I've got a bit of a wild streak when it comes to the 'down' and 'come' commands. Sometimes my adventurous spirit leads me astray when those commands are in play. It would really make me happy to learn how to listen.
Staying & Coming
Dog Training Elite in Cincinnati - Destructive Chewing and Digging Training in Cincinnati, OH
My Problem:
Chewing & Digging
My name is Charlie
I'm Charlie, and I've got a little hobby, or shall we say, an issue – destructive chewing and digging. I simply can't resist the allure of gnawing on furniture or unearthing buried treasures in the garden. I'm on a mission to mend my ways. 
Chewing & Digging
A line of dogs at one of Dog Training Elite group training classes.

We Offer Group Classes

Social Savvy & Ongoing Skill Development

Socialization is a fundamental aspect of a dog's development, and continual group classes play a pivotal role in fostering positive social interactions and behaviors in our furry friends.

Group Class Details

Training Programs

Flexible & Customized for your Pet

At Dog Training Elite, we go beyond basic obedience and train dogs to excel in real-world situations. Our programs cover everything from service dog preparation to therapy dog training, emphasizing practical skills and reliability.

Our dog training in Cincinnati, OH 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.

Dog Training Elite in Cincinnati - Dog Obedience Training in Cincinnati, OH. DTE
Obedience Training

Our obedience training for dogs in Cincinnati, OH is designed to teach essential commands and reinforce good behavior, ensuring your dog is well-mannered in any situation.

Learn More
Dog Training Elite in Cincinnati - Elite Puppy Training in Cincinnati, OH. DTE
Puppy Training

Our puppy training in Cincinnati, OH builds a strong bond between you and your new puppy by focusing on early socialization, basic commands, and good behavior.

Learn More
Dog Training Elite in Cincinnati - Elite Service Dog Training in Cincinnati, OH. DTE
Service Dog Training

Our Cincinnati service dog training turns dogs into dependable companions, trained to perform tasks like retrieving items, providing stability, or alerting to medical conditions.

Learn More
Dog Training Elite in Cincinnati - Aggressive Dog Training in Cincinnati, OH. DTE
Anxiety & Aggression

Our Cincinnati aggressive dog training targets and corrects behaviors driven by anxiety and aggression, helping your dog stay calm and well-behaved in challenging situations.

Learn More
Dog Training Elite in Cincinnati - Therapy Dog Trainer in Cincinnati, OH. DTE
Therapy Dog Training

Our Cincinnati 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.

Learn More
Dog Training Elite in Cincinnati - Top Group Dog Training in Cincinnati, OH. DTE
Group Classes

Our group dog training classes in Cincinnati, OH offer a structured environment where dogs can learn and practice essential skills while socializing with other dogs and their owners.

Learn More
All Training Programs

Video Gallery

Videos

An Dog Training Elite in Cincinnati owner explaining the use of e-collars.
Watch Video
E Collar. Dog Training Elite

Dog Training Elite is a professional, family-owned dog training company with over 40 years of experience that specializes in strengthening the bond between your dog and your family, with a strong emphasis on teaching your dog the highest level of obedience, despite even the toughest level of distractions.

A group of dogs walking at a Dog Training Elite in Cincinnati group class
Watch Video
Group Focus Exercise. Dog Training Elite

In a safe, controlled environment, we guide your dog through essential socialization skills, teaching them to remain calm, focused, and well-mannered, even in the midst of distractions.

See All Videos

FAQs

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 Cincinnati.
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.
See All FAQs

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Jeff Caldwell
    Nov. 2, 2024
    From the initial evaluation of the situation with our dogs through the final training session, Scott and DTE have been excellent. The thorough assessment from DTE resulted with us switching which dog needed the training. As training progressed, we included both dogs with wonderful results. Scott, thanks for the expertise, experienced handling and insight you provided us. I would definitely recommend DTE.
  • Sean Cox
    Oct. 24, 2024
    Our family’s dog learned so much in our sessions. My confidence as an owner increased and it has changed the relationship I have with my dog. I highly recommend this staff. Everyone involved is very professional.
  • Jim Swift
    Oct. 23, 2024
    Dog whisperers! Great in house training for our two terriers.
  • Lauren McRae
    Oct. 16, 2024
    My pup and I have had the best time working with everyone at Dog Training Elite Greater Cincinnati! Responses are always timely, at-home training and group training have been informative, and scheduling has been easy. They also go above and beyond ensuring that training, even at group class, works for me and my pup. We’re getting close to achieving a leash-less life in every scenario that we can. Pup pics included for fun
  • Shiann Massie
    Oct. 12, 2024
    The trainers were great! Worked with me for my crazy schedule and a payment plan! Very helpful. My dog is behaving and listening much better!
  • Holly Gooch
    Sep. 23, 2024
    Elite Cincinnati East was amazing! We had Alex as our trainer and he was wonderful! We bought our puppy for our daughter to eventually become a service dog for her. Alex was able to teach us the skills and work with us to train our puppy to perform the basic commands and have a strong foundation for further service dog training. Alex did more than show us how to work with our puppy; he taught us about how to read our puppy’s actions/body language and the best ways to communicate with our puppy what behavior we expect from her. Thanks to Alex we were able to figure out what was the best approach for training our puppy to get the best results. I would highly recommend Elite Cincinnati East and Alex!
  • Shelby Looper
    Sep. 11, 2024
    My partner and I recently moved in together. My dog and her dog did not get along very well with my dog being the main aggressor. We did 5 training sessions with Alex and couldn’t be happier. We can live in peace knowing that we have the tools in hand to keep our dogs living together happy and in peace. Great program to fit a lot of different needs that your dog might have.
  • Melissa Rees
    Sep. 3, 2024
    Scott & Jen was amazing!!! We learned as much as Murphy did. We did a board & train with another dog, but liked the fact that they come to us & train in his territory. Murphy loved these guys & looked forward to Friday!! Would highly recommend these guys!!
  • Peter Craig
    Aug. 26, 2024
    Our trainer Alex VanWeiden was fantastic. Our lab Nellie both loved and respected him. His knowlege of dog psychology is impressive and he was able to deliver great results improving Nellie's behavior. He did this by focusing not just on our dog's actions, but also on how we interacted with her. At the beginning of our training journey, we couldn't have imagined a better outcome. Thanks Alex, for exceeding our expectations.
  • Lora Brand
    Aug. 22, 2024
    Game changer! That’s the best way I can describe our experience with Alex at Dog Training Elite. In 5 short weeks, he has made such a positive impact on our mini-bernedoodle’s behavior and how we interact with him. From the basics, to behavioral challenges, Alex has equipped us with the tools we need to have a long, healthy and happy relationship with our crazy boy, Rocky! Would highly recommend them!
  • Mike Donahue
    Aug. 6, 2024
    Our 2 year old Pitbull Waylon struggled with behavioral issues and basic commands we reach out to Scott and Jen and it was one of the best decisions we ever made, we just finished up our one on one home sessions and the difference is night and day Thank you, Scott and Jen !
  • Caitlyn Henehan
    Aug. 2, 2024
    The trainer was very knowledgable and did a great job helping us integrate our puppy into our existing dog pack. He also did a fantastic job addressing and stoping our older dog's resource guarding and excessive barking. We highly recommend Dog Training Elite!
  • Abby Walz
    Jul. 31, 2024
    We have had the best experience with Dog Training Elite so far! We did the Gold package, and have completed all of our in home sessions, and the difference in my dog is amazing. Alex was an absolutely wonderful trainer, and he customized each lesson to help with our specific concerns about our dog. Dog Training Elite was great with scheduling and keeping me informed about what was going on, as well as provided everything we needed to be successful. I was originally worried this would not be worth the money, but I am happy to say I feel that it was completely worth what we paid and we haven't even started our group classes yet! I look forward to continuing to work with Dog Training Elite and seeing our dog improve in her training even more.
  • Danielle Seymore
    Jul. 27, 2024
    Alex at Dog Training Elite Cincinnati East did an amazing job training our Colorado mountain dog. Alex was knowledgeable in training different breeds and worked with our family to train the behaviors we struggled to do on our own. I am go glad we worked with the Elite dog trainers. I also highly recommend the group classes as this helped our pup learn to follow directions not only at home but also out in the community. This was a great experience I would highly recommend them. Thank you for training us and our pup and stop the behaviors we didn’t want to see. Yay, we still have a couch!!!
  • Alison Liddic
    Jul. 17, 2024
    We are so thankful for Scott & Jen! We were at a loss about where to even begin with training our 3 mini aussies, but they broke it down into very simple tasks each week. Having them come to our house was so helpful and also served as accountability for us (the humans) to work on the training before the next session. They have given us a strong foundation with our dogs and have helped improve our daily lives more than I can even explain. The group sessions are also so helpful for our dogs and for us. We are forever grateful! Thank you!
  • Liz Burley
    Jul. 16, 2024
    Jen and Scott are phenomenal to work with! Jen has a great calm and firm demeanor for training and Scott is playful but also firm as well! They are a great team to help for great obedience training! We are now working onto more task training for Service Dog work and they are incredibly knowledgeable and trustworthy to help individual needs for specific service work! Additionally, Michelle is very responsive with calls, texts and emails for communication and scheduling! Highly recommend working with DTE!
  • Dante Zompetti
    Jul. 6, 2024
    Loved working with Alex. Feel like this company and trainer excelled at working with our dogs and helping teach us to be better trainers as well.
  • Cora Merrow
    Jul. 3, 2024
    Alex was a great trainer! He really took the time to show me the steps to train my dog at home. My dog (11 months) is so much calmer now and I love to go on walks with him now.
  • Rebekah Manis
    Jun. 30, 2024
    Alex exceeded our expectations with training our two golden doodles. He was very knowledgeable, and patient throughout the process. We would highly recommend him to anyone given the progress we’ve seen with Sammy and Roxy.
  • Betty Coutant
    Jun. 30, 2024
    Wonderful experience with Alex and Diane! Our dog is very well behaved thanks to Alex training us. Bunny learned a lot too! 😊
Reviews & Testimonials

Serving the Greater Cincinnati, OH Metro Area

Dog Training Elite in Cincinnati Service Areas

Beavercreek
Caesar Creek
Cincinnati
Clinton County
Covington
Dayton
Delhi
Eastgate
Fairfield
Forest Park
Franklin
Hamilton
Harrison
Hyde Park
Indian Hill
See All Cities
A child with their happy, obedient dog with training from Dog Training Elite.

We Train Every Breed

Read More
Read Less

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.

Get Your Free Consultation

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!

Call Us Free Consultation
Two dog owners with a group of trained dogs.

Dog Training in Cincinnati, OH

Read More
Read Less

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 positive reinforcement, a 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.

An obedient corgi on a leash after recieving affordable training from Dog Training Elite.

Affordable Dog Trainers in Cincinnati, OH

Read More
Read Less

At Dog Training Elite, we believe every pet owner should have access to expert dog training without breaking the bank. To make this a reality, we offer our training programs at fair and affordable prices so that cost is never a barrier to a well-behaved and happy dog. Whether you’re looking for basic obedience training, specialized behavior modification, or advanced service dog training, our programs fit various budgets.

Investing in dog training is one of the best decisions you can make for your pet's long-term happiness and health. Proper training helps curb unwanted behaviors, reduces anxiety, and builds a strong, lasting bond between you and your dog. By providing low-cost dog training without compromising quality, our dog trainers in Cincinnati, OH make it possible for more families and dogs to benefit from professional training.

A well-trained DTE dog on a surfboard.
Dog Training Elite in Cincinnati light star icon.

Educate, Empower, Elevate, Elite

Unleash Your Dog's Potential

Call Us Free Consultation Packages

Photo Gallery

See An Elite Dog in Action

An adorable golden retriever at a show demo with Dog Training Elite in Cincinnati. See Gallery
An adorable Australian Shepherd on a skateboard with Dog Training Elite in Cincinnati. See Gallery
A group of dogs being trained by the experts at Dog Training Elite in Cincinnati. See Gallery
A dog at a show demo with the expert team at Dog Training Elite in Cincinnati. See Gallery
An adorable dog being trained by Dog Training Elite in Cincinnati. See Gallery
A dog that has just graduated from Dog Training Elite's award-winning training program.

Award-Winning
Dog Training

With Dog Training Elite

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.

Dog Training Elite in Cincinnati's woman owned badge.
Dog Training Elite Cincinnati East Google Local Service Ads