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.
The answer to this is in how the technology of "shock" collars (as they were called in the past) has changed a lot since they originated several years ago. The stimulation in the electronic collars we use is much like a TENS unit and provides a tapping sensation that is used to get the dog's attention on a very low level. We use a brand called Dogtra. We do not use "shock" collars, but electronic collars employed by the top obedience trainers around the world and in Gilbert.
No. We use electronic collars to get the dogs attention only. When you work around distractions (which is one of our main focuses), keeping your dog's attention is paramount. The collar, combined with positive reinforcement (we like to use praise), help create a positive learning environment in Gilbert for your dog.
In most cases, the collar will run at about $250, without tax, but is subject to market fluctuation in Gilbert.
No, but your dog will wear it a lot in the beginning. The objective is to create a conditioned response with your dog; meaning that when you say 'sit', your dog sits automatically without thinking about it first. Much like Pavlov's Dogs or Pavlovian Conditioning, we create a reflex response to you giving a command using the electronic collar. That being said, after your dog is "collar-conditioned", you will be able to remove the collar and still have a dog that will be obedient.
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!
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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About 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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
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 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 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 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 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 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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