Puppy Obedience Training

Dog Training Elite Des Moines

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Dog Training Elite Des Moines online booking

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An adorable puppy being held by their owner - get professional puppy obedience training in Des Moines, IA with Dog Training Elite today.

Dog Training Elite

Puppy Obedience Training in Des Moines, IA

When it’s time to bring your new puppy home, one of the best things you can do for their well-being and your sanity is to start obedience training as soon as possible. Puppies are eager to learn and starting training early can prevent unwanted behaviors like chewing, whining, nipping, and accidents.

At Dog Training Elite, we offer professional puppy obedience training in Des Moines, IA. Our team has the resources and knowledge you need to feel confident in controlling your new companion and setting your puppy up for lifelong success.

Learn more about our specialized approach to obedience training and book a free consultation with our team to eliminate those unwanted behaviors!

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A little puppy sitting in grass, contact Dog Training Elite Des Moines today.

Puppy Essentials Webinar

Free 70-Minute video

$45 Value

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Our trusted puppy class is now available "on-demand" from the comfort of your home! This webinar video is designed for owners of puppies age 8-16 weeks old, and will be accessible to you for free after completing the form below or with the purchase of one of our puppy packages!

Access Webinar

Our webinar includes education on the following topics:
  • Introducing a new puppy to your home
  • Health & well-being
  • Veterinary care & vaccines
  • Nurturing a good temperament
  • Scruffing & calming signals (e.g. dog yoga)
  • Basic Treat Obedience Including: Come, sit, loose-leash walking, and down
  • Puppy Corrections (Stop biting, digging, jumping, etc.)
  • Crate Training / Housebreaking
  • Socialization Tips
  • Environmental Hazards
  • Puppy Enrichment
  • Caring for Your Puppy

Understanding Puppy Obedience Training

Dog Training Elite

Many behaviors that puppies exhibit are completely normal during the “puppy stage,” but if left unaddressed, they can develop into more serious concerns as your puppy grows.

Early obedience training is key to preventing these issues from becoming ingrained habits. Below are some common issues puppies often display, along with the underlying causes:

Puppies explore the world with their mouths, and teething puppies chew to soothe sore gums. While this is natural, it can become a problem when they chew on furniture, shoes, or other household items.
Nipping is a way for puppies to play and communicate, but as they grow, this behavior can become painful and unwanted. Puppies often learn bite inhibition from their littermates, but without proper guidance, they may continue to nip or bite when interacting with people.
Puppies often whine to express discomfort, fear, or a desire for attention. While it may seem cute at first, persistent whining can be a sign of anxiety or other underlying issues, and it may lead to attention-seeking behaviors if not addressed properly.
Jumping is a natural behavior for puppies as they seek to get closer to their handlers. Puppies jump to greet people, but as they grow, this behavior can become overwhelming or even dangerous, especially for small children or elderly individuals.
Puppies are still learning bladder and bowel control, so accidents are common. Without consistent training and guidance, house soiling can become a persistent issue.
Puppies are naturally excited about exploring their surroundings and often pull on the leash to get to where they want to go. Without proper leash training, this behavior can lead to difficulties controlling your dog on walks as they get bigger and stronger.
Puppies bark to communicate, get attention, or out of excitement. However, excessive barking can indicate boredom, fear, or territorial behavior. If not addressed, barking can become a nuisance, especially in social settings or shared living environments.
Digging is often a natural instinct for puppies, especially certain breeds. They may dig to bury toys, cool off, or out of boredom. Without proper intervention, this behavior can lead to damaged lawns and gardens, as well as unwanted messes.
Some puppies develop anxiety when left alone for extended periods. Signs of separation anxiety can include destructive behavior, excessive barking or whining, and even accidents inside the house. Without addressing the root of the anxiety, this behavior can escalate into more severe emotional and behavioral problems as the puppy grows.
Puppies have a natural prey drive, causing them to chase after fast-moving objects, such as squirrels, cars, or even children. Without training, this instinctual behavior can become dangerous, putting the puppy and others at risk, especially in busy areas or near roads.
An adorable puppy being trained by the experts at Dog Training Elite - get Des Moines puppy obedience training today.

Puppy Training 101

How to Train a Puppy

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The #1 mistake new puppy owners make when learning how to train a puppy is waiting too long to start puppy training. Other common mistakes include:

  • Avoiding Crates: Crate training is not meant to be a form of punishment or isolation for a puppy or dog. Not only can it help with potty training, as dogs instinctively don’t want to soil their own space, but a crate can provide a safe place for a puppy or dog to go when they are feeling overwhelmed in their environment.
  • Not Puppy-Proofing Your Home: Much like baby-proofing, puppy-proofing a home is necessary to prevent the destruction of personal items, as well as to protect a puppy from harmful things like wires or toxic chemicals. Make sure these things are out of reach, or protected with a gate or another kind of barrier.
  • Scolding or Harmful Punishment: Pushing a puppy’s face into a mess or scolding them after an accident is a prime example of when focusing on positive reinforcement is far more effective than punishment. Puppies don’t understand what they’ve done wrong after the fact. Instead, they’ll associate their owner’s anger with the mess, which can lead to anxiety and cause them to hide their accidents in less obvious places around the house.
  • Failing to Socialize: The window of time between eight weeks and 16 weeks in puppy time is critical for learning to socialize with other dogs and humans. This can lead to antisocial, anxious, or even aggressive behavior when the puppy becomes a dog. Puppy classes at Dog Training Elite are a great way to achieve socialization.

Additional Obedience Training Info

Dog Training Elite Des Moines - Classical Conditioning Dog Training in Des Moines, IA. DTE
Classical Conditioning Training
Dog Training Elite Des Moines - Positive Reinforcement Dog Training in Des Moines, IA. DTE
Positive Reinforcement Training
Dog Training Elite Des Moines - Off Leash Dog Training in Des Moines, IA. Dog Training Elite
Off Leash Training
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Agility Through Basic Obedience Training
An adorable golden doodle puppy with Dog Training Elite Des Moines.

Puppy Training with Dog Training Elite

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Dog Training Elite can help puppy owners learn how to train a puppy and avoid common mistakes, empowering owners to train at home with all the right tools. This is accomplished with our comprehensive in-home puppy training. For the first 4-6 weeks, trainers use “treat training” before moving on to more advanced puppy training. Treat training helps with the following behaviors:

  • Come, sit, loose-leash walking, and down
  • Puppy Corrections (Stop biting, digging, jumping, etc.)
  • Crate Training/ House Breaking

Trainers will also help owners learn about the following:

  • Socialization Tips
  • Environmental Hazards
  • Puppy Enrichment
  • Caring for Your Puppy
  • And more!

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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 dog being trained with {Fran_brand_name} - puppy obedience training in Des Moines, IA.

Start Puppy Obedience Training Today


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After initial training at home, obedience classes are also a great option for exposing a young puppy to other dogs, people, new sounds, and sights. Combining obedience classes with training at home will ensure a well-behaved puppy that learns quickly.

The Dog Training Elite training method focuses on encouraging proper behaviors with positive reinforcement. Punishment is never used as a form of training as it can lead to aggression and fear in dogs.

Positive reinforcement teaches a puppy that performing obedient behaviors wins love and affection from their owner. Our professional puppy trainers include owners in the training process so that puppies learn who is in charge. By working alongside owners, trainers will help owners and puppies build a strong, healthy relationship founded on loyalty and trust.

Contact us today to start your puppy training journey!

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!

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See An Elite Dog in Action

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!!!