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

Behavioral Solutions

Dog Training Elite Denver

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

Denver 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 Denver. CO, 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 positive reinforcement, your dog can learn new, desirable behaviors that last.

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Our Behavioral Solution Programs

Dog Training Elite Denver - Denver Dog Socialization Classes. DTE
Socialization

Our Denver 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 Denver - Stop Puppy Biting in Denver, CO. DTE
Biting

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

Dog Training Elite Denver - Reactive Dog Training in Denver, CO. DTE
Fear & Reactiveness

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

Dog Training Elite Denver - Destructive Chewing and Digging Training in Denver, CO
Destructive Chewing & Digging

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

Dog Training Elite Denver - Separation Anxiety Training for Dogs in Denver, CO. DTE
Separation Anxiety

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

Dog Training Elite Denver - Excessive Barking Training in Denver, CO. DTE
Excessive Barking

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

Dog Training Elite Denver - Staying and Coming Training in Denver, CO. DTE
Staying & Coming

Our staying and coming training in Denver, CO 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 Denver -
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 Denver -
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 Denver -
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 Denver -
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 Denver -
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 Denver -
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 Denver -
Excessive Licking

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

Dog Training Elite Denver -
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 Denver -
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 Denver -
Escaping

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

Dog Training Elite Denver -
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 Denver - Dog & Puppy Potty Trainer in Denver, CO. DTE
Potty Training

We help dogs learn to relieve themselves outdoors with our Denver 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 Denver.

What is Behavioral Training?


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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.

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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 Denver.
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.

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • NICOLE RODRIGUEZ
    Oct. 28, 2024
    Fantastic place for dog training and worth the money.
  • ST
    Oct. 24, 2024
    WE LOVE DOG TRAINING ELITE DENVER! Before I go into how successful our time has been with my puppy's obedience and service training, I'd like to respond to a negative review I was beyond shocked to see. This review was from "Chelsea Trouten" listed a day ago. I'm not typically one to post, but felt it was necessary to protect the integrity of a hardworking, local, family business who has done SO much good for community members, including myself. I was present at the group training session where she accused the owner, Bert Ballard, of being abusive to her dog "with the e-collar." Her detailed accusation couldn't have been further from the truth. Chelsea's dog Leo was struggling severely during group class and it was evident that she was struggling to calm him, but that's okay...learning how to navigate/change these behaviors is why training like this exists. It wasn't until Leo aggressively went after my dog, that Bert decided to step away from the class and focus his attention on Leo. I watched the entire interaction. He was understanding, calm, helpful to Leo, and reassuring to the handler. After some work, Leo's behavior leveled out, and at the end of class I heard Chelsea go as far as *thanking* Bert and Sarah for all their help. Zero abuse. It's a shame that a one star, exaggerated and dishonest review can hurt the future of a small business. At the end of the day, Dog Training Elite Denver gets 5 stars from me and my boyfriend. My puppy is well on her way to becoming a service dog, all thanks to the hours of training these knowledgeable professionals put into each session. We love DTE and highly recommend them to everyone who is in need of training for their dog. Special shout out to Bert, Sarah, Adria and Jared. We appreciate the work you do.
  • Janine Barrett
    Aug. 30, 2024
    Dedicated trainers with wonderful customer service.
  • John Heister
    Jul. 21, 2024
    Excellent staff who is very knowledgeable and caring of you and your dog. You do have to pra tice though i it won't stick
  • Heather Kennedy
    Jun. 8, 2024
    We have been having an incredible experience with Dog Training Elite with our high energy Aussie. Our goal is to make him a therapy dog and after a ton of research, I landed on Dog Training Elite. There were some scheduling issues in the beginning, however they acknowledged this area of opportunity and were transparent with some turnover in their scheduling department. This has since not been an issue and our Aussie has been progressing so well through the program. Fallon is the BEST trainer. She explains each command and demo in a way we fully understand so we can be confident and successful. I can’t recommend this company enough. It is on the expensive side, but you get what you pay for. Nothing compares to seeing my reactive, high energy Aussie become confident in our relationship and learning so fast!
  • Kristin C.
    Jun. 5, 2024
    I love DTE, they have done so much for us and I can’t thank them enough.
  • suzy messina
    Apr. 2, 2024
    We live in Palm City FL to they are based next to us in Fort Pierce and the area. Shelly was amazing !! We just completed training for our 1 year old Bull Mastiff and our 2 year old French Mastiff (Dogue) and will start attending some group trainings/meetings. Our dogs are no longer pulling and jumping up on people and she taught us the techniques that WE need to be the best dog parents for them. We highly recommend Dog Training Elite - be sure not to mistake them from other companies with similar names. It was worth every penny and knowing also that going forward Dog Training Elite (and Shelly) are there for us and our pups.
  • TRACIE ROSSMAN
    Mar. 20, 2024
    Working miracles with my Cane Corso
  • Bailey Oteri
    Feb. 25, 2024
    Absolutely love the folk here, they have made such a big difference in mine and my dog’s life and he’s not even done with his training program yet. They clearly love what they do and take such good care of the dogs and want the best for every single one! I have recommended them to everyone I know for both dog training and service dog training.
  • Terry Restorick
    Feb. 4, 2024
    Great place to have your bog trained
  • Adam Inman
    Dec. 31, 2023
    I'm very fortunate to be able to see the well-trained dogs that get trained here.
  • Caroline Vangi
    Nov. 20, 2023
    I brought my rescue dog, Logan, to DTE after we have been struggling with some pretty severe anxiety and fear aggression. While Logan and I both still has a lot to work on and learn, the trainers at DTE have given us the tools to work through Logan’s issues. Even though I currently go to veterinary school out of the country, I have never had a problem reaching out to DTE for help. They are always very quick to respond and always willing to set up a phone call where I can tell them what I’m concerned about and they help develop a plan to help overcome what ever the issue is. I feel like people believe that they can drop their dog off at the trainer and get a completely different dog back at the end of the day. The truth is that having a well trained dog takes time and dedication. The trainer’s just help build the foundation for the owners to expand on. DTE has given me the necessary tools to help my boy be as happy and safe as he can be and I know that it is now my job to use those tools to make it all worth it. I would recommend DTE to anyone with a dog and especially to anyone with a dog with any kind of behavioral issues.
  • Alyssa McCluskey
    Nov. 15, 2023
    Can't say enough wonderful things about this company. They helped my 14 yr old son train his service dog starting at 16 weeks. Each trainer we worked with was extremely friendly and patient with my son. They are very knowledgeable about everything to do with having a service dog (including helping me, the mom, what all the dog could and should do). They answered all our questions and helped us navigate the school system. They even have a monthly airport training so we did a 'trial' run before flying. From private sessions through the group classes, we always had great support and never felt like we were a bother. The trainers are great, the owners are wonderful. I highly recommend DTE to all my friends.
  • Claire Janet
    Oct. 31, 2023
    Went here for the dog open house haunted house. It was really cute and we had a great time. I would consider coming to this to get my dog trained, but something didn’t feel right. There was a guy, presumably, one of the owners of the company, walking around ominously with several guns and knifes hanging off him. I’m a gun girl, so normally this would not bother me, but it just kind of gave me a creepy vibe and made the experience quite uncomfortable for me and obviously other potential customers there too. I understand everyone has a right to carry fire arms, and if it is your own business, you may choose to carry then as well, but it seemed weird for an open house, where they are trying to attract customers.
  • Alexa T.
    May. 23, 2023
    I highly recommended Dog Training Elite Denver for all training needs. I have trained 3 dogs through their service animal program with great success and have first hand the efficacy of their method in resolving all types of behavioral issues. On top of everything, the DTE Denver team has provided over the top personalized support through every challenge I have faced with my precious pups. I’m a big fan - to say the absolute least!
  • Catherine Kaminski
    May. 22, 2023
    DTE-Denver truly lives up to their tagline. They absolutely are the last dog trainers you'll ever need. I found DTE-Denver after my Goldendoodle was certified as a therapy dog through another trainer, but I didn't feel that her behavior was as reliable as I wanted it to be in order to to feel safe with students in my classroom. After 4 months of training with DTE, my pup passed her therapy test and is as reliable off-leash as she is on-leash. We love all of you at DTE-Denver! Thank you for changing our lives and the lives of the students Kona will continue to help for years to come!
  • Tiffany Cody
    Apr. 13, 2023
    The Ballards have changed my life by training my dog and I to be the best team we can be! If you are looking for service dog training, I would highly recommend. DTE’s training program works fast and it sticks! Han Solo and I have so much fun at group classes. They make things fun and structured. You are not only training your dog! You are finding a like minded community to support you in the process. ☀️That’s a beautiful thing ☀️ Thank you guys for being such a compassionate company!! 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
  • Mar. 1, 2023
    The Ballards and their staff are amazing people! They truly have become part of our family. They have helped change two of my sons lives raising, training and loving their service dogs. I will 100% use their services for all current and future training needs and recommend anyone who wants top notch training to use them as well.
  • Iveria Lorenz
    Feb. 11, 2023
    I would give 5 stars and more if I could. Great people that care about pets first. I can’t wait for my son go through certification;)
  • Betsy Barron
    Feb. 4, 2023
    My pup loves going here, and she is learning so much! Our other two dogs also do in home obedience and have learned so much and become such better listeners after working with the trainers from DTE.

Photo Gallery

See An Elite Dog in Action

Behavior Training Techniques

At DTE, we use techniques rooted in positive reinforcement to encourage lasting behavior changes in dogs. Our methods focus on rewarding desired behaviors with treats or praise, creating a positive association that motivates dogs to repeat those actions.

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 positive 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 Denver.

Classical Conditioning, or the Pavlovian Model

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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 using positive reinforcement 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 with positive reinforcement shapes behavior effectively and creates a well-adjusted, happy dog.

A dog with classical conditioning training from Dog Training Elite Denver.

Your Expert Dog Behaviorist in Denver, CO

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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 Denver.
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Educate, Empower, Elevate, Elite

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Why Choose Dog Training Elite?

Proven Methods for Successful Dog Training


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

Our experienced trainers handle various issues, including aggression, anxiety, excessive barking, and more. With a personalized approach focused on positive reinforcement, 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!