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FAQs

Dog Training Elite in Gilbert, AZ

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Frequently Asked Questions

General
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 Gilbert.
To effectively resolve specific issues, we need to start with a solid foundation in obedience. This approach helps you become a confident leader for your dog, which is key to addressing and preventing behavioral problems.
Nope. Those are dangerous grounds to tread upon. We'd much rather train a vicious dog!
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.
Yes. Working with and controlling aggression is one of our specialties in Gilbert.
We focus on training companion dogs for veterans and individuals with PTSD and other psychological conditions. In addition to service animals, we also train therapy dogs that visit hospitals, nursing homes, and treatment centers.
To be a service dog, your dog needs to have an even temperament. Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Standard Poodles, Goldendoodles, etc. typically have a great temperament for service work. For some types of service work, your dog will need to have AKC certifications (such as Canine Good Citizen or Community Canine) which we are able to certify. As always, we would be happy to assess your dog's aptitude for service work for free!
Yes, we do offer personal protection training in Gilbert.
To be a personal protection dog, your dog will need to have some "drives" that can be utilized for the work. Generally, prey drive is the key drive that we look for (ie, chasing a tennis ball or going after a tug), but there are several forms that we can utilize. Your dog does not have to be vicious! We want your dog to be a great family dog first, then we need its obedience perfected; only then will we work on personal protection. Of course, we would be happy to assess your dog for free!

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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!

About Dog Training Elite Gilbert

Dog Training Elite Gilbert - Meet Our Elite Team. Dog Training Elite Gilbert
Meet the Team
Get to know the dedicated professionals behind Dog Training Elite Gilbert. Our team of experienced trainers is passionate about helping dogs and their owners build strong, lasting bonds. Learn about their backgrounds, expertise, and what drives them to deliver the highest level of training in the industry.
Dog Training Elite Gilbert - Customer Reviews. Hear from Happy Dog Training Elite Gilbert Clients
Reviews
Our testimonials showcase the success stories of dogs and their owners who have benefited from our training programs. From basic obedience to advanced service dog training, see how Dog Training Elite Gilbert has transformed the lives of countless dogs and their families!
Dog Training Elite Gilbert - Careers. Dog Training Elite Gilbert
Careers
Join the Dog Training Elite Gilbert family! If you’re passionate about dogs and interested in making a difference, explore career opportunities with us. We are always looking for dedicated individuals who share our commitment to excellence in dog training and customer service. Discover how you can grow with us and become a part of a team that truly cares about dogs and their owners.
Dog Training Elite Gilbert - Our Gallery. Dog Training Elite in Gilbert, AZ
Gallery
Our gallery features photos and videos of dogs in training, successful graduates, and highlights from community events. See what Dog Training Elite Gilbert can offer your dog and get a glimpse of the work we’re passionate about.
Dog Training Elite Gilbert - Local Dog Trainers in Gilbert, AZ. DTE
In the Community
At Dog Training Elite Gilbert, we’re proud to be an active part of the community we serve. Check out recent events in our area where we’ve had the privilege to participate in local events, support fellow small businesses, and promote responsible dog ownership.

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • James Foster
    Apr. 27, 2024
    Special thanks to Dog Training Elite and trainer Alexa! Their service is beyond comparison and Alexa has been exceptional with the one on one training for our little Peaches! Much appreciated and if you’re looking for a trainer for your pets, look no further! They’re the BEST!!!
  • Marlean Wright
    Apr. 25, 2024
    Elite really help teach us and our dogs how to deal with those unwanted behaviors that all digs do. It's definitely about being consistent and staying positive about the process.
  • Kristen Czapla
    Oct. 20, 2023
    We truly appreciate the time and support Asher, Aspen, and Taylor have shown us and Zia! We are looking forward to future training and continued progress with our best friend!
  • Karen Bever
    Aug. 11, 2023
    I am a firm believer in this company's approach to training. This is now our second opportunity with our newest dog. Our previous dog Cosmo and now Stetson have truly become even better dogs after our training with Dog Training Elite! Our current trainer Azure is extremely intuitive and truly knows the art of training! A big fan of this company!
  • Tonya Lane
    Mar. 11, 2023
    I have worked with Dog Training Elite with two of my dogs. My first dog Branch who was 6 months when we started the program. Branch was very aggressive towards other dogs. Thanks to the owner Neil and his helper Chris my dog Branch is a well rounded dog who became my Service Dog. Unfortunately, Branch who is 6 yrs old now, has hurt his leg and needed to be retired so I began Training my new dog Felicia who is now enrolled with Dog Training Elite. She is only 11 months old and has past her Service Dog Test. Neil came to our home to evaluate Felicia and assisted in getting the process started. Taylor was the trainer who came to my home to continue training with me and Felicia. Taylor also met me and Felicia for our public training and made sure she was completing the task she will be providing. If there was something I needed to work on or if I had any questions Taylor was always able to provide me feedback. Taylor is very passionate and very knowledgeable with the process for continued training. Aspen was the trainer who completed the Service Dog Test and I appreciate how thorough she was at making sure Felicia was able to complete the task she will provide for me ongoing. I would recommend Dog Training Elite and have given out their information as we have traveled in our RV across country because they are wonderful at what they do. I greatly appreciate how much patience Neil and his Team have with dogs and their families. Especially, when helping us train Branch through his aggressive behaviors. If it wasn't for Dog Training Elite we would not have a second dog.
  • Michelle Riley
    May. 15, 2021
    Thank you Dog Training Elite. We got our Belgian Malinois, Cain, when he was 12 weeks old and we had no idea what we were getting ourselves into. He had crazy energy, no personal space and we couldn’t take him out of the house without him losing his mind. He would go crazy whining, pulling on the leash, and if someone would approach us, he would bark and snarl, causing a scene. On top of that, at home, he had no personal space and was the literal definition of a “fur missile”. No matter what we did or how long we would play, he would not sleep at night because we could not burn enough of his energy during the day. We took him to an 8 week puppy training course with another private trainer and it helped his basic obedience, but it really made no major change to his demeanor. At that point, we were considered rehoming him, even though we already fell in love with him. By luck, we met Neal and DTE!!! He was like the dog whisperer. After watching Neal completely tame our psychotic Malinois puppy within the first 90 seconds of meeting him, we were sold on DTE’s services. We immediately schedule an in-home demonstration of Neal’s Belgian, Bailey. Once he demonstrated her abilities and being shown that Cain had the same potential, we signed up that morning for the Level Two Obedience and Protection Training courses. After the first in-home obedience session, we were 110% reassured that we made the correct decision in hiring DTE. Cain was already a COMPLETELY different dog. (Honestly, I would have paid the money after the progress of the first session and would have been completely happy!) It was incredible to see the progression after each session and how well the DTE training methods worked. Cain was absolutely thriving on these sessions and loved every minute of it! After training with Neal and the DTE team for over a year, Cain has become an amazing dog. He goes everywhere with us, is incredibly well behaved, and we get compliments on him and his training EVERY time we go out. I can’t thank Neal and the DTE team enough for their amazing work with Cain. They are awesome people to work with and treat every client as family and every dog as if they are their own. HIGHLY RECOMMEND USING DTE FOR ANY DOG TRAINING.
  • Patti Rose
    Mar. 10, 2021
    Great training for my pound puppy, Lucy. She has learned so much. She can now heel, sit, down , not jump on people, and so much more from going to Elite dog training.

Our Team

Neal Mestas - Owner & Trainer - DTE Arizona
Neal Mestas
Owner & Trainer - DTE Arizona

Neal has been training dogs his entire life, participating in his first competition at the age of 9. With a lifetime of dog training experience, he can read dog body language with ease. Neal is a patient trainer, his approach to teaching and training is enhanced by his passion for what he does, whether it be basic or advanced training, he loves it! He specializes in just about everything, from basic and advanced obedience, reactivity and aggression control, calming anxious or fearful dogs, protection work, temperament testing, and service dog training. Neal has two Belgian Malinois’ of his own, a 13 year old retired demo dog named Bailey, and Chewbacca, or “Chewie”. According to Megan, “Neal is ok ".

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Karen - Trainer
Karen
Trainer

With credentials from Animal Behavior College, Michael Ellis School for Dog Trainers, and over 10 years of professional dog training experience, Karen joins the DTE family. Karen can do it all, from service and obedience training, to titling dogs in AKC tricks, Schutzhund, French Ring, Canine Good Citizen, and so much more! Dog training runs in the family, as her father trained Search and Rescue and protection dogs. Karen’s first rescue Border Collie, Amy, was trained in agility, Frisbee and therapy work in 2002. Her 8 year old Belgian Tervuren, River, is a Confirmation champion, and holds titles in AKC tricks, CGC, Rally and Schutzhund. Her youngest Belgian Tervuren, Xeno, passed his Brevet in April of 2023. Karen enjoys the outdoors, taking her dogs on hikes, and overall, has love for animals!

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Azure - Trainer
Azure
Trainer

Azure was introduced to dog training by their mother who trained service dogs herself. They’ve been training dogs for over 5 years, and has recently joined our Arizona DTE family. As our lead service dog trainer, Azure is focused, determined, relationship-oriented, with a heavy focus on body language training. Azure specializes in obedience training, Canine Good Citizen testing, American Kennel Club Trick Dog testing, service training, and group park class management. Azure also has experience training disabled animals such as deaf and three-legged furry friends. Azure has a 14 year old Border Collie / Blue Heeler mix named Dash who has earned a novice trick dog title, and a Red Heeler puppy named Adrenaline, who Azure is currently training.

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Alexa - Trainer
Alexa
Trainer

Alexa checks all the boxes: patient, compassionate, caring, determined, dog lover. Everything you’re looking for in a dog trainer, Alexa is. She has experience with obedience and behavioral modification training. She is the owner of Gunner, the gentle giant, and Fudge Pop, the Frenchie with attitude.

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David - Trainer
David
Trainer

David is DTE’s newest addition, who has the motivation and passion required to be a great trainer. His dog, Tiger, a 140 pound Cane Corso, was taken under David’s wing and has become an obedient and talented dog since then. David’s interest lies in protection training, obedience, and showing people what their dog is capable of, through training with DTE.

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Ashley -  Office
Ashley
Office

Ashley is our half in-facility trainer half receptionist, manager of our social media, and the powerhouse of our side projects. She spends her free time from training in-facility client dogs, training her once street-wandering, Australian Cattle Dog mix named Ares, to excel in obedience and learn new tricks. Ares currently has his CGC and TKN titles!

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Megan - Operations Manager
Megan
Operations Manager

Megan makes the Arizona DTE company go ‘round. As our operations manager, Megan handles all things Dog Training Elite, from making sure our clients have what they need when they need it, filling in for trainers and office staff on sick days, handling the chaos of business, to making her employees laugh. Her introduction to DTE as a client in 2016 quickly transformed into employment, where she jumped around from state to state for the business. Megan currently resides in Arizona with her two dogs, Mazie the Belgian Malinois who does protection work, and Blue the super-mutt who is service trained. According to Neal “She’s pretty good”.

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