A German Shepherd laying on the floor - Dog Training Elite offers aggressive dog training in Columbia, SC thats designed to help your dog's anxiety and build confidence.

Professional Training For

Anxiety & Aggression

Dog Training Elite Midlands SC

Request Free Assessment


Request Free Assessment


Our Anxiety & Aggression Training Could Help:

Excessive barking
Growling or snapping
Lunging
Pacing or restlessness
Trembling or shaking
Destructive chewing
Nipping or biting
Resource guarding

Helping Dogs Feel Calm & Confident

Aggressive Dog Training in Columbia, SC

One of the most difficult, necessary, and rewarding behaviors to correct in a dog is anxiety and aggression. These behaviors can be learned, genetic, or innate. When a dog feels threatened, their natural response is either fight or flight.

Most dogs will try to distance themselves from the perceived threat; if that's not possible, they may resort to aggression or submission. Some dogs, particularly those who see themselves as confident pack leaders, may turn to aggression as their first response.

Both of these reactions are rooted in anxiety and can be effectively addressed with Dog Training Elite's balanced aggressive dog training in Columbia, SC.

See Training Packages
An adorable pitbull outside on the grass - Dog Training Elite helps dogs of all breed manage their anxiety with our Columbia aggressive dog training.

Understanding Aggressive Behaviors in Dogs


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Aggression is one of the most concerning behaviors your dog can exhibit. If left unchecked, an aggressive dog can pose a serious threat to family members, strangers, other dogs, or even themselves.

Many dog owners struggle with how to recognize early warning signs of aggression or how to effectively address these tendencies. Identifying and managing aggressive behavior early on is crucial in preventing it from escalating into more dangerous situations.

Common signs of aggression in dogs include:

  • Growling or bearing teeth
  • Threatening barks
  • Standing rigid and/or taller
  • Raised fur
  • Nipping and biting

Aggression often stems from underlying issues like fear, anxiety, improper training, or negative environments. Dogs that have been rescued from poor situations or found on the street are particularly susceptible to developing aggressive behaviors.

At Dog Training Elite, we specialize in professional dog training for aggression, helping your dog transform from fearful or aggressive to a happy, friendly, and loyal companion.

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!

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Dottie Reynolds
    Apr. 25, 2025
    Crystal is amazing. Each time she tells us what she plans to have our dog Ocho do in each session, I think to myself— yeah, good luck with that. But, she is in full command but in a very positive and supportive way. The Elite process is well organized and systematic. In just 3 weeks, we have seen a remarkable difference. Thank you, Crystal!
  • Sprint Data Solutions
    Mar. 28, 2025
    Elite did a good job with the lesson and training as always
  • Katherine Anderson
    Apr. 24, 2025
    Crystal is marvelous with my dog, Earle. She gives him very clear commands, that he usually obeys. She explains what she’s doing to me very clearly. I would highly recommend Crystal and Justin. In fact, I have recommended them.
  • John Ogle
    Apr. 23, 2025
    Dog Training Elite has done an exceptional job with our puppy. The transformation after five sessions is amazing. It is worth the investment!
  • Shawn Covington
    Mar. 14, 2025
    I feel as if we made the right decision using Dog Training Elite. They are very knowledgeable and friendly.
  • Betty Pearson
    Jan. 14, 2025
    Take his time and shows a LOT of patience with my CoCo and me. Highly recommend!
  • Cathy Blanks
    Mar. 28, 2025
    Instructors are extremely knowledgeable and my dog responded immediately. Already seeing behavior improvement after 2 sessions.
  • Rhonda VanMeter
    Apr. 17, 2025
    Crystal is outstanding. The program is well designed and has been very effective so far.
  • Janet Dennis
    Feb. 24, 2025
    Justin is very patient with our fur baby and with us. We are more than pleased with our experience.
  • Alec Pettigrew
    Apr. 11, 2025
    Our initial assessment with Crystal went well. Packages and expectations for results were made clear. Crystal was accommodating and respectful.
  • Brian Pioreck
    Jan. 28, 2025
    Professional, polite, straight forward, and honestly. Crystal explained the whole process as well as expectation that would be set. She provided a skills demonstration in a practice environment and made it clear that success relied on my investment.
  • Bonita Dominique
    Apr. 11, 2025
    Excellent Dog Traing
  • Amanda Boozer
    Apr. 7, 2025
    Crystal came to our house for an initial evaluation. She was patient, kind, and seemed confident and knowledgeable.
  • Leah Thomas
    Mar. 26, 2025
    In a short 3 weeks, we have already seen great improvement with our puppy, Ruby. Justin is 100%! Knowledgeable, kind, patient, wonderful with Ruby. Highly recommend
  • Mary Raunikar
    Mar. 25, 2025
    I cannot recommend Justin and Crystal enough! When I rescued a 30 lb 3 month old Great Pyrenees for my first time owning a dog solo, I didn’t realize what I was in for. If you know anything about Pyrs, you know it’s a miracle my dog listens to me at all and possesses any sense of urgency whatsoever. I attempted training him on my own for about a month before I reached my limit. When I had my consultation with Justin, I finally saw the light at the end of the land shark puppy phase. Justin and Crystal helped Bug go from an unmotivated, reactive, fluffy escape artist with an attitude to an extremely well-behaved therapy dog with consistent recall, great manners, and top notch off leash obedience that will last the rest of his life. I can say with 100% confidence that working with Justin and Crystal has been the best choice I have made as a dog owner! If you are the kind of person that loves to get compliments from family, friends, and strangers about how well behaved and well trained your dog is, Justin and Crystal are the dog trainers for you!
  • Stacey Rostek
    Mar. 19, 2025
    He was great! He knew how to handle our aggressive dog in difficult situations when training him!
  • jerri strother
    Mar. 8, 2025
    My dog Keebo has been going through in house training for the past 5 weeks and it has been great. My friend also has her dogs Tucker and Sadie in training. I never thought it would be possible to have visitors walk through the door and it could be calm in the house. Prior to training our three 100 lb dogs would go crazy and bombard the visitor. It was very chaotic. Now we can place our dogs in their spot and they will stay there as the visitor enters the house. Quietly. It’s wonderful. They have also learned how to heal, sit, down ect. Our dogs all knew basic commands but the difference is now the commands mean sit and stay. Down and stay until you give the command to release them. I even texted Justin one day and said how amazing it was that the HVAC guy could come into the house and our dogs didn’t go crazy. It’s one thing to go through training and feel like it’s working but when you can actually try it for the first time with a visitor it’s wonderful. We are so thankful to Justin and his team. They are patient and have a very calming demeanor. It’s been a great experience and we are looking forward to group sessions at the park soon. If you live in Lexington, Chapin or the Lake Murray area please give them a try. You won’t be disappointed.
  • Tim Dorton
    Jan. 28, 2025
    Justin was professional, polite, and an effective dog trainer. He exhibited patience and consistency. Our dog is showing progress with each session.
  • laird weaver
    Feb. 21, 2025
    Crystal and Justin are miracle workers!! I have been so impressed with their quality of work for my dog Valley and look forward to doing the next level of training with them for my service dog! This is the most worthwhile investment I have ever made for my dog and I can’t wait to see how great level two is! The way they do the training and their whole process is just so unique and the results speak for themselves. I get so many compliments on my dog out in public now and it’s just been a great experience. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for an amazing dog and trainer.
  • GB Olsen
    Dec. 17, 2024
    My corgi and I are learning so much from Crystal and makes it clear to me the value of being consistent.
  • Dottie Reynolds
    Apr. 25, 2025
    Crystal is amazing. Each time she tells us what she plans to have our dog Ocho do in each session, I think to myself— yeah, good luck with that. But, she is in full command but in a very positive and supportive way. The Elite process is well organized and systematic. In just 3 weeks, we have seen a remarkable difference. Thank you, Crystal!
  • Sprint Data Solutions
    Mar. 28, 2025
    Elite did a good job with the lesson and training as always
  • Katherine Anderson
    Apr. 24, 2025
    Crystal is marvelous with my dog, Earle. She gives him very clear commands, that he usually obeys. She explains what she’s doing to me very clearly. I would highly recommend Crystal and Justin. In fact, I have recommended them.
  • John Ogle
    Apr. 23, 2025
    Dog Training Elite has done an exceptional job with our puppy. The transformation after five sessions is amazing. It is worth the investment!
  • Shawn Covington
    Mar. 14, 2025
    I feel as if we made the right decision using Dog Training Elite. They are very knowledgeable and friendly.
  • Betty Pearson
    Jan. 14, 2025
    Take his time and shows a LOT of patience with my CoCo and me. Highly recommend!
  • Cathy Blanks
    Mar. 28, 2025
    Instructors are extremely knowledgeable and my dog responded immediately. Already seeing behavior improvement after 2 sessions.
  • Rhonda VanMeter
    Apr. 17, 2025
    Crystal is outstanding. The program is well designed and has been very effective so far.
  • Janet Dennis
    Feb. 24, 2025
    Justin is very patient with our fur baby and with us. We are more than pleased with our experience.
  • Alec Pettigrew
    Apr. 11, 2025
    Our initial assessment with Crystal went well. Packages and expectations for results were made clear. Crystal was accommodating and respectful.
  • Brian Pioreck
    Jan. 28, 2025
    Professional, polite, straight forward, and honestly. Crystal explained the whole process as well as expectation that would be set. She provided a skills demonstration in a practice environment and made it clear that success relied on my investment.
  • Bonita Dominique
    Apr. 11, 2025
    Excellent Dog Traing
  • Amanda Boozer
    Apr. 7, 2025
    Crystal came to our house for an initial evaluation. She was patient, kind, and seemed confident and knowledgeable.
  • Leah Thomas
    Mar. 26, 2025
    In a short 3 weeks, we have already seen great improvement with our puppy, Ruby. Justin is 100%! Knowledgeable, kind, patient, wonderful with Ruby. Highly recommend
  • Mary Raunikar
    Mar. 25, 2025
    I cannot recommend Justin and Crystal enough! When I rescued a 30 lb 3 month old Great Pyrenees for my first time owning a dog solo, I didn’t realize what I was in for. If you know anything about Pyrs, you know it’s a miracle my dog listens to me at all and possesses any sense of urgency whatsoever. I attempted training him on my own for about a month before I reached my limit. When I had my consultation with Justin, I finally saw the light at the end of the land shark puppy phase. Justin and Crystal helped Bug go from an unmotivated, reactive, fluffy escape artist with an attitude to an extremely well-behaved therapy dog with consistent recall, great manners, and top notch off leash obedience that will last the rest of his life. I can say with 100% confidence that working with Justin and Crystal has been the best choice I have made as a dog owner! If you are the kind of person that loves to get compliments from family, friends, and strangers about how well behaved and well trained your dog is, Justin and Crystal are the dog trainers for you!
  • Stacey Rostek
    Mar. 19, 2025
    He was great! He knew how to handle our aggressive dog in difficult situations when training him!
  • jerri strother
    Mar. 8, 2025
    My dog Keebo has been going through in house training for the past 5 weeks and it has been great. My friend also has her dogs Tucker and Sadie in training. I never thought it would be possible to have visitors walk through the door and it could be calm in the house. Prior to training our three 100 lb dogs would go crazy and bombard the visitor. It was very chaotic. Now we can place our dogs in their spot and they will stay there as the visitor enters the house. Quietly. It’s wonderful. They have also learned how to heal, sit, down ect. Our dogs all knew basic commands but the difference is now the commands mean sit and stay. Down and stay until you give the command to release them. I even texted Justin one day and said how amazing it was that the HVAC guy could come into the house and our dogs didn’t go crazy. It’s one thing to go through training and feel like it’s working but when you can actually try it for the first time with a visitor it’s wonderful. We are so thankful to Justin and his team. They are patient and have a very calming demeanor. It’s been a great experience and we are looking forward to group sessions at the park soon. If you live in Lexington, Chapin or the Lake Murray area please give them a try. You won’t be disappointed.
  • Tim Dorton
    Jan. 28, 2025
    Justin was professional, polite, and an effective dog trainer. He exhibited patience and consistency. Our dog is showing progress with each session.
  • laird weaver
    Feb. 21, 2025
    Crystal and Justin are miracle workers!! I have been so impressed with their quality of work for my dog Valley and look forward to doing the next level of training with them for my service dog! This is the most worthwhile investment I have ever made for my dog and I can’t wait to see how great level two is! The way they do the training and their whole process is just so unique and the results speak for themselves. I get so many compliments on my dog out in public now and it’s just been a great experience. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for an amazing dog and trainer.
  • GB Olsen
    Dec. 17, 2024
    My corgi and I are learning so much from Crystal and makes it clear to me the value of being consistent.
A dachshund in their home - contact Dog Training Elite today for in-home anxiety and aggressive dog training in Columbia, SC.

Our Personalized Aggressive Dog Behavior Training

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At Dog Training Elite, we understand that every dog is unique, and we have developed a comprehensive training program specifically to eliminate aggressive behaviors across various breeds.

  1. Initial In-Home Assessment: We begin with a free in-home assessment where we meet your dog to understand the underlying causes of their aggression, anxiety, or fears. During this session, we identify triggers and gather the necessary information to develop a personalized training plan.
  2. Personalized Training Plan Development: Based on the assessment, we create a customized training program tailored to your dog’s specific needs. This plan targets the unique behaviors and triggers that contribute to their aggression.
  3. Building Confidence and Establishing Leadership: Our trainers work closely with you to establish your role as the pack leader in your home. For fearful and anxious dogs, we focus on building confidence and reducing the fears that trigger aggressive behavior.
  4. Desensitization and Obedience Training: For overly aggressive dogs, we use desensitization techniques to reduce reactivity to triggers and anxieties. Obedience training are key components of this stage.
  5. Group Class Integration: Once your dog reaches a safe baseline of obedience, we gradually introduce them to group class settings. These classes are designed to help your dog reintegrate into social environments successfully. For safety, a muzzle is required during these sessions to protect all dogs involved.
  6. Ongoing Support and Reinforcement: We continue to support you and your dog throughout the training process, offering guidance and reinforcement to ensure lasting success. Our goal is to help your dog become a loving, loyal, and well-behaved member of your family.

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An adorable dog outside - Dog Training Elite offers training for all kinds of dog breeds.

Why Choose Dog Training Elite?

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At Dog Training Elite, we approach aggressive dog behavior with the utmost care and attention. Here are some key aspects of our methods that set us apart:

  • Trainers Who Care and Listen: Our trainers are genuinely invested in the well-being of both you and your dog. We take the time to listen, understand your dog’s unique needs, and provide personalized, long-lasting solutions that truly make a difference.
  • Commitment to Excellence: We stand behind our work with a strong commitment to delivering the highest quality training. At Dog Training Elite, we strive for excellence in every session, ensuring your dog receives the best possible care and that you are completely satisfied with the results.
A group of dogs being trained by the expert team at Dog Training Elite Midlands SC.
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Educate, Empower, Elevate, Elite

Victory Begins With Elite Education

An adorable golden retriever and their owner - get your Columbia aggressive dog training consultation today and take the first step towards a long-lasting relationship.

Take the First Step Today

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Aggression is a complex behavior best handled by professional trainers like Dog Training Elite. We love dogs and believe that punishment should never be used in our training programs. We rely on proven, balanced training methods to achieve consistent and long-lasting results.

For elite aggressive dog training, contact our team and schedule your free consultation today.