A well-trained dog with training from an expert Dog Training Elite dog behaviorist in Cleveland, OH.
Dog Training Elite

Dog Behaviorist in Cleveland, OH

Request Free Assessment

Request Free Assessment

A happy leash trained dog walking with their owner - if you are in need of Cleveland dog behavior training, contact Dog Training Elite today!

Cleveland Dog Behavior Training

Does your dog chew on things, pee indoors, or bark excessively? If so, your dog may benefit from a dog behaviorist in Cleveland, OH, and DTE is here to help. Our experienced trainers specialize in correcting unwanted behaviors and can address various issues your dog may face at home.

Behavior-focused training differs from basic obedience training and requires knowledgeable, experienced trainers. DTE trainers can identify and address the root causes of problematic behaviors, such as separation anxiety or excessive barking, and teach your dog to respond more appropriately to those triggers.

Through consistent training and balance, your dog can learn new, desirable behaviors that last.

See Training Packages

Our Behavioral Solution Programs

Dog Training Elite in Cleveland Metro - Dog Socialization Classes in Cleveland, OH

Socialization

Our Cleveland dog socialization classes teach dogs to maintain control and obedience around other dogs, people, and various distractions, reducing fear and aggression while promoting calm, confident behavior.

Dog Training Elite in Cleveland Metro - Dog Training Elite. How to Stop Puppy Biting Cleveland

Biting

Through targeted puppy biting training in Cleveland, OH, we address aggressive tendencies and teach dogs to inhibit biting, helping them develop better self-control.

Dog Training Elite in Cleveland Metro - Reactive Dog Training in Cleveland, OH. DTE

Fear & Reactiveness

Our reactive dog training in Cleveland, OH, focuses on managing and reducing fear-based reactions to common triggers, helping dogs be more relaxed and well-adjusted.

Dog Training Elite in Cleveland Metro - Destructive Chewing & Digging Training in Cleveland, OH

Destructive Chewing & Digging

Our destructive chewing and digging training in Cleveland, OH addresses your dog’s destructive chewing and digging by redirecting these behaviors toward more appropriate and constructive outlets.

Dog Training Elite in Cleveland Metro - Separation Anxiety Training for Dogs in Cleveland, OH

Separation Anxiety

Our separation anxiety training in Cleveland, OH helps dogs overcome the stress of being alone, which curbs destructive behaviors and makes departures easier for everyone.

Dog Training Elite in Cleveland Metro - Excessive Barking Training in Cleveland, OH. DTE

Excessive Barking

We address the root causes of barking with our excessive barking training in Cleveland, OH, teaching your dog to communicate appropriately and reduce unnecessary noise.

Dog Training Elite in Cleveland Metro - Staying and Coming Training in Cleveland, OH. DTE

Staying & Coming

Our staying and coming training in Cleveland, OH focuses on improving your dog’s reliability in following essential commands like down and come, ensuring they respond promptly in any situation.

Dog Training Elite in Cleveland Metro -

Stealing Food, Clothing, or Other Objects

Our trainers work with your dog to curb the habit of stealing items, teaching them to respect boundaries and avoid problematic behaviors.

Dog Training Elite in Cleveland Metro -

Resource Guarding

We tackle resource guarding behaviors by addressing the underlying causes of your dog's insecurity. Our training helps your dog feel more secure, which reduces aggression over food, toys, or personal spaces.

Dog Training Elite in Cleveland Metro -

Food Guarding & Begging

Through consistent and focused training, we teach dogs to eat politely and reduce persistent begging behaviors. This approach creates a more peaceful and enjoyable mealtime experience for everyone involved.

Dog Training Elite in Cleveland Metro -

Mouthing, Nipping & Rough Play

Our program teaches dogs to play gently, reducing the risk of injury and making playtime safe and enjoyable.

Dog Training Elite in Cleveland Metro -

Anxiety & Submissive Urination

We work with anxious dogs to build their confidence. This program will help to reduce incidents of submissive urination and make your dog feel more secure.

Dog Training Elite in Cleveland Metro -

Jumping Up & Hyperactivity

This program helps dogs learn to greet people calmly and manage their energy levels, reducing hyperactivity and inappropriate jumping.

Dog Training Elite in Cleveland Metro -

Excessive Licking

We address compulsive licking behaviors, helping dogs find more appropriate ways to express themselves and reducing skin issues.

Dog Training Elite in Cleveland Metro -

Leashing

Our leashing program teaches dogs to walk politely on a leash, making walks more enjoyable and less stressful for you and your dog.

Dog Training Elite in Cleveland Metro -

Abnormal Repetitive Behaviors

We help your dog break free from compulsive actions like spinning or tail chasing, focusing their energy on healthier habits.

Dog Training Elite in Cleveland Metro -

Escaping

We train your dog to respect boundaries, significantly reducing the risk of escape and keeping them safe at home.

Dog Training Elite in Cleveland Metro -

Heeling

Our training improves your dog’s ability to heel, keeping them close by your side during walks and improving their overall leash manners.

Dog Training Elite in Cleveland Metro - Dog & Puppy Potty Training in Cleveland, OH. DTE

Potty Training

We help dogs learn to relieve themselves outdoors with our Cleveland dog potty training, reducing accidents in your home and fostering good habits that last a lifetime.

Get Your Free Assessment

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!

A dog with expert behaviorial training from Dog Training Elite in Cleveland Metro.

What is Behavioral Training?


Read More
Read Less

Behavioral and regular obedience training serve different but equally important roles in shaping a well-behaved dog.

Obedience training teaches your dog basic commands like sit, heel, and come. This training helps your dog follow instructions in different situations and builds clear communication between you and your pet.

Behavioral training, however, goes deeper by addressing the root causes of problematic behaviors like aggression, anxiety, or excessive barking. While obedience training tells a dog what to do, behavioral training focuses on changing undesirable habits and reactions.

Combining obedience training with targeted behavioral solutions helps dogs overcome specific issues, resulting in a more balanced and adjusted pet.

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Olena Fergurson
    May. 27, 2026
    Everyone was very professional, kind, understanding and very thorough in the training. Very accommodating with the schedule as well. I can honestly say that they exceeded my expectations of training my dog. Great place
  • Kerri Warner
    May. 23, 2026
    Highly recommend DTE! Perfect combination of on site training and in home instruction. Josh, Kevin, Brian, and Hailey are amazing to work with! My dog has amazingly better behavior!
  • Susan & Bryan Berry
    May. 22, 2026
    Josh, Brian, Kevin, and Haley are great to work with. The results we saw with Foundry have been amazing. Foundry is a very reactionary family member when seeing another dog, unknown person, and wild animals especially deer. We were not able to get Foundry’s attention during his reactionary episodes but the Elite team have brought him down from 100 to a 0 while also training us to do the same. We are not experts so will continue our due diligence to keep Foundry on the calm path forward. Thank you Elite team, you truly are elite!! Bryan and Susan. Picture is week after training!
  • Robin Oleson
    May. 15, 2026
    I sincerely can not express my gratitude for how professional the team is at the North Olmsted facility. I honestly thought my dog would be a tough dog to train, boy was I wrong, within a couple of days I started to see Moose transform into a completely different dog. I would highly recommend Dog Training Elite Greater Cleveland in North Olmsted to anyone that wants quality training with a team that truly loves what they do. Once again Thank you all from the buttom of my heart. Moose also thanks you!
  • Sydney Berg
    Apr. 22, 2026
    I have so many good things to say about Dog Training Elite, I don’t know where to begin! We did both of our dogs, a Cardigan Corgi and Teacup Pomeranian. The trainers helped so much. I was in the hospital and my boyfriend was taking the dogs to training. Everyday the trainers walked him through what my dog had done that day and let him take videos so I could keep up on training myself! Josh is a rockstar! He helped us through the whole process and was very understanding! If you are looking for training that will last and allow your dog to be the best version of themselves then I would HIGHLY recommend Dog Training Elite Cleveland!
  • Maxwell Rowe
    Apr. 22, 2026
    I can’t say enough good things about Dog Training Elite. From the very first session, it was clear they truly understand dogs and how to communicate with them in a way that actually works. They took the time to get to know both me and my dogs, tailoring the training to fit our specific needs instead of using a one-size-fits-all approach. The results have been incredible. My dogs are more confident, well-behaved, and responsive than I ever thought possible—and our bond is stronger because of it. What I appreciated most was how patient, encouraging, and knowledgeable they were throughout the entire process. They didn’t just train my dog; they taught me how to be a better, more consistent owner. If you’re looking for someone who genuinely cares and delivers real results, Josh, Brian, Kevin and Hayley are who you want. Worth every penny. Highly recommend! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Jennifer Miller
    Feb. 23, 2026
    Dog Training Elite Greater Cleveland is exceptional. They helped train my little monster as both a service animal and therapy dog. He’s constantly getting compliments on how well-mannered he is and how calm he behaves across environments. He’s such a playful gentleman with other dogs. He’ll be joining me in my work as a MH provider on both civilian and military careers. Having a well-trained dog is such a game changer! I can’t recommend Josh and his crew enough.
  • Alex Young
    Apr. 10, 2026
    The team is extremely knowledgeable and have a very dialed in training program. 2 weeks of training and I feel like my puppy is set up to succeed forever. 10/10 would recommend
  • Mari
    Mar. 31, 2026
    I am incredibly happy to have found Josh and his team at Dog Training Elite Greater Cleveland. The depth of knowledge and experience combined with patience and the ability to explain not only the process but also how and why, has made all the difference in MY confidence to train our oldest. Throughout our sessions communication was always clear and empathetic, and the expertise shown in basic obedience lessons really made a clear picture for our dog. I’ll be using the skills Dog Training Elite has given me to train my younger pup (as well as future dogs) which makes the value of this package exponential!! I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a top‑notch dog trainer in Cleveland.
  • Annie Zelley
    Mar. 30, 2026
    Dog Training Elite Greater Cleveland is the VERY BEST! I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND them. We were beside ourselves because our dog was showing extreme resource guarding and being very aggressive to the point we were seriously considering rehoming him. We've always been dog owners and never had any issues with a dog until this time. Our dog's aggressive behavior was VERY scary. He would sometimes be like "Kujo" when he got around food. He would growl like a wild dog, show his teeth and snap at us if we got near his food. It was something we had never experienced before. I was scared of him and I was very afraid he would bite someone. He would bark ferociously at the neighbors if they were outside and acted like he was going to eat them alive! I was looking into rehoming him and if you knew me and my love for dogs you would be very surprised that I would even think of rehoming him. I pictured myself handing him over to a new owner and I thought if he acted out and got aggressive they may hurt him or put him down. I found that thought unbearable. As a last straw we took him to Dog Training Elite in North Olmsted and his transformation was absolutely MIRACULOUS!!! In a matter of 2 weeks we had a completely different dog! It was unbelievable! The trainers there were awesome. They not only trained our dog but they trained us on how to manage him. It was so simple. We followed up with their training at home and my husband would take our dog to the extended free training on Saturdays in the park. My husband now enjoys showing off our dog and how well he listens. Our dog is so well behaved now because if their training. It was well worth the money spent. Thanks to Dog Training Elite all is well. We are so grateful and happy we were able to keep him as a member of our family and now live in peace.
  • Corey McCrae
    Mar. 29, 2026
    Josh is a pillar when it comes to dog training in Northeast Ohio, he’s one of those trainers that can truly train and connect with the human, often the most difficult and overlooked part. Josh helped me immensely with my German Shepherd, and I recommend anyone in the 216 that is looking for dog training to hit this man up.
  • Shirley Harlan
    Mar. 22, 2026
    Artie Louise is a much better dog and I am a much better dog mom. Haley, Brian, David and Josh were patient, professional and listened. They provided great insight and guidance.
  • Michael Glowski
    Mar. 5, 2026
    We have a 7 year old bulldog who had never been trained before. She was getting aggressive towards my one year old who had just started walking and moving around. Dog Training Elite completely changed her around through their training. The people who say old dogs cannot learn new tricks are wrong. I cannot thank Josh and his team enough!
  • Cathryn Ensign Schmidt
    Feb. 21, 2026
    This training program made a remarkable difference in the behavior of my two young golden retrievers. Staff is knowledgeable & friendly. My goldens loved going to school. Would highly recommend.
  • Andrew Edreff
    Feb. 18, 2026
    We had an amazing experience with Dog Training Elite Greater Cleveland! Kevin was absolutely fantastic — he was incredibly patient and knowledgeable during our off-site training sessions with our dog, Lily Rose. He was always available to answer any questions we had, no matter how small, which made the whole process so much easier for us as dog owners. The rest of the staff was also really great and so helpful throughout the entire process of training Lily Rose. You can really tell the whole team is passionate about what they do, and it showed in the results. Lily Rose has made incredible progress and we couldn't be happier. We would highly recommend Dog Training Elite to anyone looking for professional, reliable dog training. And when the time comes to get Lily Rose a little brother, we'll definitely be calling them again!
  • Angela Pope
    Feb. 18, 2026
    Hailey was very helpful but all the staff is wonderful
  • Deborah Tomoff
    Feb. 13, 2026
    I was very impressed with Dog Training Elite Greater Cleveland. All the trainers showed incredible patience for me and a deep knowledge of training. Most importantly, every single person there was so kind, so friendly and so helpful. Their clear instructions and personalized approach was above and beyond my expectations! I would recommend these amazing people to anyone!
  • Jenny Carr
    Feb. 13, 2026
    I am so grateful I found josh at dog training elite. I had been to 4 other trainers with my german shepherd and was told there was nothing I could do that I should buy a kennel and crate for when people came to my home and to use a muzzle when out in public which to me was not a solution but after training with Josh, River is a completely different dog josh showed me how to train River to be cordial in public and around friends and family I feel so blessed to have found Josh. River and I are now considering joing a search and rescue team. If you are trying to decide if dog training elite is right for you or worth the money it definitely is.
  • Melissa LaLonde
    Feb. 11, 2026
    Our 5-month-old puppy, Piper, just completed her in-facility training at Dog Training Elite Greater Cleveland, and we truly could not be more grateful for this experience. From day one, the staff has been absolutely amazing — knowledgeable, patient, supportive, and genuinely invested in Piper’s success. Piper learned so much during her time there — and honestly, so did we. The team not only worked with her, but made sure we understood the training process and felt confident moving forward. The communication, consistency, and care they provided exceeded our expectations. We’re excited to now begin in-home sessions and group lessons as we continue preparing for her certification test. We know we still have a ways to go, but it’s incredibly reassuring to have Dog Training Elite Greater Cleveland by our side every step of the way. We are so thankful to be partnering with such an outstanding organization. If you’re considering training for your dog, we wholeheartedly recommend them! — Melissa, Lori, and Piper 🐾🐶
  • Megan Shero
    Feb. 11, 2026
    We started our training journey in Tampa. Josh and crew welcomed us with open arms and fine tuned our skills while teaching us some new ones as well. Highly recommend.

Photo Gallery

See An Elite Dog in Action

Behavior Training Techniques

At DTE, we use proven techniques to encourage lasting behavior changes in dogs.

Here’s how we do it.

We use a clicker to mark the exact moment your dog performs the correct behavior. The click signals a coming reward and helps your dog learn which actions are worth repeating.
Similar to clicker training, this method uses a specific word or phrase like "yes" or "good" to mark the behavior. This verbal cue reinforces positive behavior and strengthens the communication between you and your dog.
By demonstrating correct behaviors with a "model" dog, other dogs in the group learn through observation. This method taps into dogs' natural tendency to imitate, making it easier for them to adopt behaviors.
Building a strong bond between dog and owner is key. We build trust and understand your dog's needs to create a cooperative training environment where your dog is more likely to respond positively.
A stick or specific spot is used to guide your dog to the desired behavior, encouraging them to touch or follow the target. Once they succeed, we reinforce the action with a reward. This technique is ideal for teaching complex behaviors and improving focus.
An owner and their happy, healthy dog with expert training from Dog Training Elite in Cleveland Metro.

Classical Conditioning, or the Pavlovian Model

Read More
Read Less

Classical conditioning, pioneered by Russian physiologist Ivan Pavlov's work, is a fundamental principle in dog training. Pavlov’s study showed dogs could learn to associate a neutral stimulus, like a bell, with food, prompting them to respond to the bell alone.

At Dog Training Elite, we apply this principle in our behavioral training programs. We pair a command with two stimuli: a clicker (or marker word) and a reward like a treat or praise. The clicker signals the correct behavior, and the reward reinforces it. This method helps dogs quickly understand what’s expected and encourages them to repeat desired behaviors.

Unlike punishment-based methods, classical conditioning shapes behavior effectively and creates a well-adjusted, happy dog.

A dog with classical conditioning training from Dog Training Elite in Cleveland Metro.

Your Expert Dog Behaviorist in Cleveland, OH

Read More
Read Less

Our certified, experienced trainers are experts in solving various behavior problems, from aggression and anxiety to excessive barking and destructive habits.

We focus on understanding your dog’s personality, environment, and behavior triggers to develop customized training plans. Our trainers will work to resolve these issues and their root causes to prevent them from returning.

What Makes Our Trainers Stand Out?
  • Certified and Experienced: Our trainers are certified professionals with years of experience handling behavioral challenges. With a proven track record of success, they’re equipped to deliver the best results for your pet.
  • Breed-Specific Knowledge: We understand the unique traits of different breeds and customize our training methods to match your dog’s natural behaviors, making the training more effective.
  • Friendly and Understanding: Our trainers are approachable and empathetic, working closely with you to build trust and create a supportive training environment for your dog.
A group of dogs being trained by the expert team at Dog Training Elite in Cleveland Metro.
Dog Training Elite in Cleveland Metro light star icon.

Educate, Empower, Elevate, Elite

Victory Begins With Elite Education

Why Choose Dog Training Elite?

Proven Methods for Successful Dog Training


If you're looking for a top dog behaviorist in Cleveland, OH, Dog Training Elite is the top choice.

Our experienced trainers handle various issues, including aggression, anxiety, excessive barking, and more. With a personalized approach, we help dogs overcome their challenges and build stronger, happier relationships with their owners.

No matter how challenging your dog’s behavior may seem, there is hope. Whether your dog’s behavioral issues are minor or more serious, we’re here to help.

Reach out today for a free consultation!