Three lab puppies - Dog Training Elite offers the best puppy classes in Des Moines, IA.

Professional

Puppy Training Classes

Dog Training Elite Des Moines

Booking Request


Dog Training Elite Des Moines online booking

Request Free Assessment

Booking Request


Dog Training Elite Des Moines online booking

Request Free Assessment

Our Puppy Training Classes Could Help:

Teach basic obedience commands
Improve socialization skills
Reduce unwanted behaviors
Strengthen the bond with your puppy
Build confidence in new environments
Encourage proper leash manners
Promote calm behavior around distractions
Prepare for advanced training

Professional Training with Dog Training Elite

Puppy Classes in Des Moines, IA

Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting time for any family! Puppies love to cuddle, play, and explore, but they also have much to learn before becoming well-behaved companions. Puppies can start training as soon as they come home at eight weeks old, and the benefits of training young will last their whole lifetime.

If you’re searching for professional Des Moines puppy training classes, Dog Training Elite is your top choice.

We offer free in-home consultations to get your puppy on the right track from day one. Our experienced trainers work closely with you to customize a program that meets your goals and your puppy's needs.

From basic obedience to socialization classes and advanced service training, Dog Training Elite is here to guide you every step of the way.

Learn more about our specialized puppy training programs and give us a call to start your puppy’s journey toward a happy, confident life!

See Training Packages

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!

Video Gallery

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 Des Moines.
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.
A girl hugging her pup - deepen your bond and more when you choose Des Moines puppy training classes with Dog Training Elite.

Dog Training Elite Des Moines

The Benefits of Puppy Training

Read More
Read Less

Our classes help your pup grow into a well-behaved dog. Here are a few benefits you can expect from choosing our elite training:

  • Deepen Your Bond With Your Puppy: Training your puppy – and continuing training with new tricks as they get older – is a great way to bond closely. Puppies have a natural desire to please and will learn to rely on you for guidance and direction, establishing a foundation of trust and love.
  • Socialize Your Dog: Obedience training, especially with group classes, helps dogs become comfortable and well-socialized around other dogs and people. This is important for when you want to take your dog on walks or invite people into your home.
  • Improve Your Dog’s Safety: Training your dog to listen and obey your commands will help them stay safe in any situation. Learning commands like “down,” “leave it,” “stop,” and “wait” can keep your dog safe from messing with dangerous things like electrical cords and other situations outdoors.
  • Provide Mental Stimulation: Good dogs can become bad dogs if they don’t have a way to work out physical and mental energy. Training as a lifelong pursuit is a great way to challenge your dog mentally and keep them engaged.
A puppy in training with Dog Training Elite professionals.

Dog Training Elite Des Moines

Puppy Training Class Prices

Read More
Read Less

When you train your dog with Dog Training Elite, you get the most bang for your buck. Not only do we offer a variety of programs, but Dog Training Elite trainers are building on over 50 years of experience.

At Dog Training Elite, we are dedicated to open communication, clear timelines, and providing transparent, honest puppy training class prices. Dog Training Elite trainers love what they do and aim to build a community for clients who love their dogs just as much as we do

We specialize in strengthening the bond between your dog and your family. With our focus on positive reinforcement and classic conditioning, we create dogs who truly desire to please from the inside out.

More Classes We Offer

Dog Training Elite Des Moines -
Schooling Your Pup in Obedience
Dog Training Elite Des Moines -
Academy

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Sue B
    Oct. 5, 2023
    We can't express our gratitude enough to Dog Training Elite! Their training has transformed Archie into an incredibly well-behaved and obedient companion. Our home life has improved dramatically, thanks to their expertise. Archie is now a 'good boy' in every sense, and it's made our days together so much more enjoyable. We highly recommend Elite! Worth every penny!
  • Leeja Kubik
    Sep. 12, 2024
    Thank you to the whole team! I can now take Cerberus for a walk instead of him taking me for a walk. He has become more accepting of humans and we are both learning more each time we go to class! I would highly recommend DTE for anything from the minor things to complete service dog training!
  • Sam Charnetski
    Sep. 12, 2024
    Kim and the DTE team are fantastic! Our dog, Winston, was stubborn to say the least and his leash skills were awful - to the point that my wife hated walking him because he pulled her around the neighborhood and would go wild if he saw any sort of animal while he was out. We signed him up for their obedience training course and saw drastic improvements in his behavior and temperament after the first class! Once he got all the way through training he was a completely new dog. He is a joy to take on walks and my wife has even started running with him. As a busy body, I was skeptical, to say the least, that he would ever do place. To my surprise, after the third class, he was laying on a cot minding his own business while other dogs were training and people were coming in and out. A sight to behold. The trainers are fantastic to work with. Each day when you pick up your dog, they do a quick demonstration and then have you work on the prompts as well. They are sticklers though and expect you to do your homework with the dog. The trainers also will provide updates about the training including pictures and videos of your dog performing the training cues. Having worked with other trainers in the past, I can confidently say Dog Training Elite is the best dog obedience training program in the Des Moines Metro. If you are thinking about signing up for obedience classes for your dog, Dog Training Elite is the best bang for your buck!
  • Sam Charnetski
    Feb. 8, 2024
    Kim and the DTE team are fantastic! Our dog, Winston, was stubborn to say the least and his leash skills were awful - to the point that my wife hated walking him because he pulled her around the neighborhood and would go wild if he saw any sort of animal while he was out. We signed him up for their obedience training course and saw drastic improvements in his behavior and temperament after the first class! Once he got all the way through training he was a completely new dog. He is a joy to take on walks and my wife has even started running with him. As a busy body, I was skeptical, to say the least, that he would ever do place. To my surprise, after the third class, he was laying on a cot minding his own business while other dogs were training and people were coming in and out. A sight to behold. The trainers are fantastic to work with. Each day when you pick up your dog, they do a quick demonstration and then have you work on the prompts as well. They are sticklers though and expect you to do your homework with the dog. The trainers also will provide updates about the training including pictures and videos of your dog performing the training cues. Having worked with other trainers in the past, I can confidently say Dog Training Elite is the best dog obedience training program in the Des Moines Metro. If you are thinking about signing up for obedience classes for your dog, Dog Training Elite is the best bang for your buck!
  • Olivia Mele
    Aug. 29, 2024
    Where do I begin? We took our sweet golden retriever, Honey, to elite dog trainings platinum 8 week training course. It was a big investment for us, so we had really high hopes. They were exceeded! Kim and Anna aren’t your typical dog trainers. In the past, with other dogs, we’ve dealt with trainers who beat your dogs personality and excitement down into submission- so I was nervous because Honey is so sweet and I didnt want her to loose that. But Elite works with your dogs personality and you can tell they actually LOVE dogs and what they do. Honey became friends with them while respecting them within 30 min of our first session. By the end, she became an independent, obedient, and happy dog who lives to please my husband and I. We will be lifelong clients of Elite!
  • DennisDiane Harmening
    Aug. 22, 2024
    We have been so impressed with Dog Training Elite, from the first meeting at our home with Kimberly and Kathleen that left us with confidence that their training could help with a a hyper ambitious 15 month old Boston Terrier female. They both knew from our meeting that I was the spoiler of our baby girl and took her under their wing to training camp and completed a well behaved and obedient (with love) 10 day course of correction that changed her and me to a wonderful life together. Many kudos to their great trainers😊
  • Codi Deaver
    Jul. 30, 2024
    Dog training elite is literally the best. Me and my coworker felt very mislead by other training facilities in the metro because they said “our type of dog is not a good breed” for therapy dogs. DTE said that they train all breeds and sizes and don’t give up on the dogs or the owners. They have done that and so much more! We are excited to see what is to come for our therapy dogs as they start their journey helping us heal and others around us.
  • Angie Beaudet
    Jul. 30, 2024
    I am so happy and fortunate that I found Dog Training Elite. These are the BEST trainers. They are very positive and encouraging. They are always there to help when you need it. No one believes that my puppy is 7 months old because she is so well behaved in public. If you want to have a well trained dog and work with great trainers I HIGHLY recommend DTE!
  • Julie Sparks
    Jul. 18, 2024
    Kim the owner is the best. Her real passion and love for your precious pups really shows. She and all of the trainers are truly amazing at what they do. I trust and recommend this facility and each one of the trainers 100%.
  • Becky Sue Johnson
    Apr. 11, 2024
    We rescued our Petra girl from ARL in August 2023, after our beloved Rosie passed. Petra was then 14 months old and a Siberian Husky Shepherd mix. High energy and reactive - but the best heart. She deserved a chance. Petra is our 5th fur baby and we thought we could train her ourselves. Our love and prior experience was just not enough to give her her best life. Special deserves special care and that’s where Dog Training Elite rescued us! Professional, compassionate, and exemplary training and care. Kim is so caring and knowledgeable - specializing in high energy and reactive breeds. Kim has created a trusting and loving bond with Petra, as well as us! Petra girl is making great progress and we are so much more confident as well! Knowing Petra has a lifelong facility to guide us and all the tools to get her towards her good girl halo is priceless! Love us some DTE!
  • Kimberly Cameron
    Dec. 3, 2023
    I absolutely love this facility? They have a team of knowledgeable trainers who look at the dog in front of them and not some program that doesn’t fit every dog. They treat the dogs as they would their own and teach the owners not just the dog!!
  • Ashley Henriquez
    Mar. 30, 2024
    We’ve been using Dog Training Elite Des Moines for the dog training program since October of 2022 for our puppy Jax. When Kim first walked into our lives, Jax was the co-captain of the hot mess express. He would jump up on everyone, bark at his own shadow etc. Along the way, we’ve encountered some obstacles( dog reactivity) and we enrolled him into day camp to have him evaluated to see if we could have this issue fixed because Jax is enrolled into the SDIT program. It was determined that Jax lacked confidence and I’ve been using the tools and knowledge that Dog Training Elite Des Moines has given me and each week there has been small baby steps improvements in behavioral changes in Jax. The improvement I’ve seen in him and others have mentioned seeing in him has been noticeable. I highly recommend using this company for any and all dog training needs.
  • Barry Williams
    Mar. 2, 2024
    If you have a dog that you have concerns about give dog training elite a try first before making any decisions. You get a free demo so they meet your dog and help figure out if their right for your dog. My dog Blue has come so far in just one class. Quin is amazing, she is so patient and kind with my dog. Give them your first call it's worth it. Barry
  • Mallory Snow
    Feb. 11, 2024
    From the first meeting with Dog Training Elite we were excited to work with them. Kim was so great to work with and made our life with our German Shepherd puppy so much easier. We loved that they offer in-home training with group class reinforcement for their training. Our puppy is almost a year old now and doing great! I'd highly recommend DTE.
  • Tim Hammond
    Feb. 9, 2024
    Dog Training Elite has provided therapy dogs to the college students I work with. I have never interacted with dogs that were so well trained. And the students are over the moon about being able to interact with the dogs.
  • Shelby Diane Harrison
    Feb. 8, 2024
    Thank you to the amazing team at Dog training Elite for all your hard work and dedication in helping me train Clifford for service work. We have really enjoyed working along side your team as we develop the skills as a team to work.
  • Shelby Harrison
    Feb. 8, 2024
    Thank you to the amazing team at Dog training Elite for all your hard work and dedication in helping me train Clifford for service work. We have really enjoyed working along side your team as we develop the skills as a team to work.
  • Jeremy R. Hall
    Dec. 12, 2023
    Amazing trainers and very helpful when i have questions, im very glad i took my puppy there, and I'll be taking my older dog there too because of how good things have worked out. Best place in town I've found for dog training
  • Warren Huggins
    Nov. 22, 2023
    great training facility for our service dog for our sons service dog. I cannot say enough good things about all the trainers we have worked with in at home 1st trainings/group/obedient/sdit trainings. The owner has always been there for questions or adding value to our training. We started our journey in Oct with a consultation, then went with their preferred breeder. Which is also was a great experience. We cant thank them enough for all the help and support we have gotten in our long journey
  • Jennifer Sharp-Kopf Blohn
    Nov. 12, 2023
    If you need a dog trainer for any reason, go to Dog Training Elite! They have been training my 6 month old German shepherd mastiff mix since she was 3 months old and I am so incredibly pleased with her progress and can't wait to see her learn more from Kim and Anna. They don't just train your dog. They also train you! So it's a 2 for 1 deal really. And they have answered every question I've had about my puppy from feeding to sleeping and everything. Kim and Anna are the best trainers! I also love the fact that they are with us for the long haul. They don't just train your dog and send you off, they are there to help with any issues that may come up. Kim and Anna know dogs and they know what they are doing and they do it right! I can't recommend them enough!!!

Dog Training Elite Des Moines

Training Essentials for Your Puppy

Here are a few puppy training tips from the expert team at Dog Training Elite! If you have any questions or want to see these methods in action, give us a call. We are more than happy to show you a demonstration and provide you with a glimpse of what our professional team can do!

At Dog Training Elite, we believe in positive reinforcement and yummy treats do the trick! We recommend a high-quality, berry-sized reward that your puppy will enjoy. Rewarding your dog while training teaches them that you approve of that behavior and maintains their motivation to perform well.
Because you’ll be handing out lots of treats, you will probably want a treat bag or pouch. There are many options out there with different sizes, shapes, and ways to carry. The benefit of getting a treat pouch is the ease of access and the ability to reward your puppy quickly. If you aren’t interested in getting a treat pouch, we recommend getting a small bag to carry you puppy’s rewards.
A clicker is a great tool to have along with rewards when training a puppy. With a clicker, you can immediately provide a positive sound when your dog performs a correct behavior, and then you can reward them with a treat. Pairing a clicker with treats is a great way to instill positive reinforcement because you teach your dog that they get a treat when they hear a click. You can buy many kinds of clickers at your local pet store, and they even have helpful clicker apps.
A good leash is another essential when bringing home a new puppy. We suggest a leash made of a durable material like leather and about 6 feet long to allow for comfortable room for both of you. Training your dog on a leash will set you up for fun walks in the future, keep your dog safe, and prevent them from getting lost while out of the house. It is also beneficial for an excited puppy who wants to run around and play while training.
You'll need a sturdy collar or harness to attach a leash while training. Deciding between a flat collar or body harness is up to your personal preference, but it is good to consider your dog's comfort and demeanor. A collar is necessary while training and for safety while out and about. A collar/harness is also the best place to attach the identification for your puppy. If anything happened to your dog, you'd be glad you had a collar with your information on it!
Getting a dog crate is a great way to housetrain your puppy. You will want to get a durable and safe crate for your dog that has enough room for them to be comfortable. You want the crate to be a place of calm and safety for your dog, not a punishment zone. Getting your puppy crate trained gives you a safe space in your home to keep them while they are unsupervised and also prevents unwanted behaviors like chewing or peeing inside.
A group of dogs being trained by the expert team at Dog Training Elite Des Moines.
Dog Training Elite Des Moines light star icon.

Educate, Empower, Elevate, Elite

Victory Begins With Elite Education

A Dog Training Elite trainer and owner working with a dog in Des Moines, IA.

Dog Training Elite Des Moines

Start Training Today

Read More
Read Less

The early months of your puppy’s life are crucial for developing good behavior, confidence, and a strong bond with your family. At Dog Training Elite, we offer specialized training tailored to your dog’s unique needs.

We focus on essential skills like obedience, socialization, and more. Our experienced trainers are committed to helping your puppy grow into a well-mannered companion that will be a joy to have at home and in any environment.

Call us today to schedule a free consultation and get a head start on your puppy’s training journey!