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A happy, well trained dog from Dog Training Elite, your trusted source for dog training in Tampa, FL

Elite, Award-winning

Dog Training in Tampa, FL

Dog Training Elite Greater Tampa - Elite K9 Training in Tampa, FL. Dog Training Elite

In-Home Training

Personalized Obedience, Puppy, Service & Advanced Dog Training

Dog Training Elite Greater Tampa - Top Group Dog Training in Tampa, FL. DTE

Group Training

Practice Skills in Structured / Social Environments

Get A Free Consultation

The Art of Dog Training

Any breed. Any age. Any size.


At Dog Training Elite Greater Tampa, we're not just dog trainers; we're your elite partners in creating a happier, harmonious life with your cherished canine companion. Through carefully crafted programs and expert trainers, Dog Training Elite ensures that each pup attains a level of mastery that sets them apart. As the premier choice for canine training and behavior modification in the Tampa area, we're dedicated to transforming your beloved furry friend into a champion of obedience and a source of boundless joy for your family.

Training Programs

Flexible & Customized for your Pet

Dog Training Elite Greater Tampa - Dog Obedience Training in Tampa, FL. DTE
Obedience Training

Our obedience training for dogs in Tampa, FL is designed to teach essential commands and reinforce good behavior, ensuring your dog is well-mannered in any situation.

Dog Training Elite Greater Tampa - Elite Puppy Training in Tampa, FL. DTE
Puppy Training

Our puppy training in Tampa, FL builds a strong bond between you and your new puppy by focusing on early socialization, basic commands, and good behavior.

Dog Training Elite Greater Tampa - Elite Service Dog Training in Tampa, FL. DTE
Service Dog Training

Our Tampa service dog training turns dogs into dependable companions, trained to perform tasks like retrieving items, providing stability, or alerting to medical conditions.

Dog Training Elite Greater Tampa - Aggressive Dog Training in Tampa, FL. DTE
Anxiety & Aggression

Our Tampa aggressive dog training targets and corrects behaviors driven by anxiety and aggression, helping your dog stay calm and well-behaved in challenging situations.

Dog Training Elite Greater Tampa - Therapy Dog Trainer in Tampa, FL. DTE
Therapy Dog Training

Our Tampa therapy dog training equips dogs with the skills needed to provide comfort and emotional support in various settings. These trained dogs help reduce stress, ease anxiety, and improve the overall well-being of their owners.

Dog Training Elite Greater Tampa - Top Group Dog Training in Tampa, FL. DTE
Group Training

Our group dog training classes in Tampa, FL offer a structured environment where dogs can learn and practice essential skills while socializing with other dogs and their owners.

A well trained dog and their owner posing in front of a Dog Training Elite wall.

Our Story

Dog Training Elite Greater Tampa

Our programs are flexible and designed to meet the needs of each client’s schedule and their dog’s unique behavior, home environment, and situation. We are a family-owned, professional dog training company with over 40 years of experience specializing in strengthening the bond between you and your dog.

We offer in-home dog training, basic obedience, advanced training, and specialized programs like Service Animals and Therapy Dogs. No matter the breed, size, or behavioral issue, the Dog Training Elite team is here to help. Let our professional Tampa dog trainers help you today.

About Us
Tonya Stafford - Owner & Trainer
Tonya Stafford
Owner & Trainer

Tonya has always had a passion for animals and people. Dog Training Elite provided her with an opportunity to serve both and fulfill a dream in the process.

Tonya has a bachelor’s in psychology from Moravian University and a master’s in Training and Development from the University of St. Francis. She spent her early professional career as a children’s mental health social worker and spent several years in the pharmaceutical industry prior to her career in dog training.

Tonya has had several breeds of dogs through the years and loves all breeds large and small, but has a particular fondness for Rhodesian Ridgebacks and bully breeds, of which she has had the pleasure of being a dog mom to both. As an owner of the Dog Training Elite Tampa franchise, Tonya’s goal is to help dogs of all sizes, ages, and temperaments and their owners to improve their relationships and quality of life together. She believes that you really can teach an old dog (and its owner!) new tricks, and is excited to meet you and your fur babies to discuss your training goals.

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Luis Rodriguez - Owner & Trainer
Luis Rodriguez
Owner & Trainer

Luis developed his love for dogs through his first dog, Ranger, a Rottweiler trained for protection, but loving and loyal to his entire family, and playfully gentle with his daughters who were toddlers at the time. Luis has had other dogs through the years, but never forgot Ranger, who set in motion his passion for dogs and made him see the potential in each one.

A Puerto Rico native, Luis received his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus. He worked in mechanical and validation engineering within the pharmaceutical industry in both Puerto Rico and different states within the U.S. for over 30 years. Now as an owner/trainer of the Dog Training Elite Greater Tampa franchise, Luis wants to help you achieve the goals you have for your pups, whether training them to provide a service or to just create a more harmonious home. A problem-solver by nature, Luis’s patience, persistence, and ability to think outside the box when faced with obstacles and challenges are evident in everything he does. He looks forward to meeting you and your dog to see how he can customize a plan for you.

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Ginger - Training Dog
Ginger
Training Dog

Born 12/21/2021, Ginger, an American Staffordshire Terrier is a lover who only fights stereotypes. Her favorite things include long walks, cuddles, meeting new people, and wrestling with her younger brother, Bruno. She loves being in the sun and will do just about anything for food.

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 Bruno - Training Dog
Bruno
Training Dog

Born 5/24/2022, Bruno, a goldador (labrador/golden retriever mix) is a sweetheart and an overall chill dude. He enjoys playing fetch, running agility courses, and anything water related. He is always eager to please and would love to meet you!

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Marissa Hale - Trainer
Marissa Hale
Trainer

Born and raised in the dog-friendly city of Tampa, Florida, Marissa has always been a student of animal behavior. Her deepest passion is helping to strengthen the bond between dogs and their people by fostering a positive environment for training and guiding owners and handlers to better understand what their dogs are trying to communicate. Marissa focuses her sessions on each dog's individual needs and works with owners and handlers to create a training plan in which the dog is given the best chance for success. Marissa is a dog mom to a one-year-old American Bully named Asmodeus (Modie), her self-trained service dog.

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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!

The Solution to your Dog’s Behavior Problems

We're Ready for Our Doggy Make-Overs


Dear Pup Parents, we're the troublemaking squad, a.k.a. the canine chaos creators. We've chewed shoes, dug craters, and claimed your house as our own personal domain, pushing you further away with each crime we commit. We're not just about social mishaps; we've excelled in causing all sorts of furry commotion!

But here's the scoop: We're willing to learn, and are ready for our doggy make-over! Help us be the good citizens you've always dreamed of by hiring Dog Training Elite. They'll guide us with pawsitive training methods, making us the well-behaved, model pups you deserve. Let's emBARK on this journey of boundless happiness and obedience together!

Dog Training Elite Greater Tampa - Tampa Dog Socialization Classes. DTE
My Problem:
Poor Socialization
My name is Milo
Hi. My name is Milo, and I have a bit of a 'ruff' time making friends with my fellow canines. You see, I'm all about making new friends, but when it comes to meeting other dogs, I get a tad overwhelmed. I’d like to get out more, please.
Dog Training Elite Greater Tampa - Stop Puppy Biting in Tampa, FL. DTE
My Problem:
Nipping & Biting
My name is Scout
Hello, everyone, my name is Scout, and I have a little, um, 'nipping' habit. I'm all about spreading love and happiness, but sometimes, my excitement gets the best of me, and I end up with a playful nibble or two. I want others to feel safe around me.
Dog Training Elite Greater Tampa - Reactive Dog Training in Tampa, FL. DTE
My Problem:
Fear Aggression
My name is Zuko
Hi…I get afraid when strange dogs or people get near me so I try to scare them off to protect myself. I want to make new friends and not worry my parents, but someone has to protect them. Can you help me?
Dog Training Elite Greater Tampa - Separation Anxiety Training for Dogs in Tampa, FL. DTE
My Problem:
Separation Anxiety
My name is Nora
I'm Nora, and I'm in the process of tackling something called 'separation anxiety.' While I thrive in family togetherness, there's a hiccup when my beloved humans step out – I tend to get a little jittery. I would love to feel more confident.
Dog Training Elite Greater Tampa - Excessive Barking Training in Tampa, FL. DTE
My Problem:
Excessive Barking
My name is Link
Woof! I'm Link, and I've got a little quirk – a tendency to let my barks fill the air a bit more than necessary. I'm all about helping to maintain a harmonious vibe, but sometimes, I just can't resist the call of the wild, or the squirrel on the neighbor's fence.
Dog Training Elite Greater Tampa - Staying and Coming Training in Tampa, FL. DTE
My Problem:
Staying & Coming
My name is Dexter
I'm Dexter, and I've got a bit of a wild streak when it comes to the 'down' and 'come' commands. Sometimes my adventurous spirit leads me astray when those commands are in play. It would really make me happy to learn how to listen.
Dog Training Elite Greater Tampa - Destructive Chewing and Digging Training in Tampa, FL
My Problem:
Chewing & Digging
My name is Charlie
I'm Charlie, and I've got a little hobby, or shall we say, an issue – destructive chewing and digging. I simply can't resist the allure of gnawing on furniture or unearthing buried treasures in the garden. I'm on a mission to mend my ways. 
A dog owner signing their dog up for affordable training classes at Dog Training Elite Greater Tampa.

Fund Your Dog’s Education!

Call for details about our payment options

Call 813-755-3332

Giving Back

How Dog Training Elite Greater Tampa strengthens the community

Dog Training Elite Greater Tampa military and veteran discount.
Military & First Responders Discount

We proudly support our military members, first responders, and veterans with discounts on our dog training services. Thank you for your service; let us serve you and your loyal companion.

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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 Tampa.
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

  • Kaitlyn Thornhill
    Sep. 19, 2024
    We cannot say enough good things about Dog Training Elite and Tonya. We recently rescued our sweet boy and quickly realized that he has reactive tendencies due to his rough past. We seeked out Dog Training Elite after reading reviews about success with Tonya. We just finished our in-home sessions and wow, our pup has done a 360. With daily training and hard work, we have been able to gain confidence in him and feel more comfortable in public places. He has nailed commands such as sit, place, quiet, down, leave it, and the biggest one, heel! He seems to look to us for guidance now instead of reacting on his own terms which is huge! Thank you Tonya, we are forever grateful for your teachings, time, and patience.
  • Samantha Young
    Sep. 9, 2024
    Marissa has been great with my little pug Lucy! She has taught me so much and has helped us have a calmer dog. She’s very informative and takes the time to explain everything that she is doing and why. She is flexible with appointment times and is very accommodating. It’s been great having her help!
  • Casey Mortensen
    Aug. 21, 2024
    Both myself and Yoshi (1 year old German Shepherd) have had the most wonderful experience with Dog Training Elite. Marissa was our trainer and we couldn’t have picked anyone better for the task! Yoshi went from just about dislocating our arms from pulling on his leash, being terrified of other people, not listening at all, potty in the house on purpose, you name it. Marissa worked perfectly with him showing the ins and outs of the e-collar. Now here we are 2 months later and he’s a perfect gentleman, walks perfect at my side and is able to go places with us. I’m so grateful ❤️
  • Rozette
    Aug. 21, 2024
    Wonderful experience for both me and my dog! Marissa is well educated and knowledgeable about what each individual dog needs to succeed. Patient and willing to take the time to explain so you can be prepared to meet your dogs needs.
  • Porter Family
    Aug. 20, 2024
    Awesome experience. Tonya was amazing and gave me and my dog exactly what we were looking for and even exceeded our expectations! Thank you so much for everything!
  • Johanna Maisonet
    Jun. 8, 2024
    We are extremely grateful to Luis and Tonya. Our puppy's behavior is totally different. From the first classes the improvement of our dog (Niko) was noticed. They have been very attentive and have answered each of our questions. Thanks to them today we have our service dog. Totally recommended! Niko loves them and always enjoys the group classes.
  • Sheri-Rob Dusse
    Jun. 3, 2024
    Due to rapid decline of health, getting a service dog through standard means (2-3 year process) wasn’t an option. I found a dog I thought could be trained but had trouble finding a trainer willing or able to help. I reached out to Tonya at Dog Training Elite pretty much at wits end and she immediately responded and put me at ease. She came out to the house within days and started the training journey for/with us. Our dog is making wonderful progress already in just 2 months and we should have a dog that is ready for service soon thanks to the Dog Training Elite team.
  • Annmarie Gardiner
    May. 31, 2024
    Tonya and Marissa were awesome with our Luna. She is well behaved when we have company over and loves place. We look forward to the group classes to make her continued training fun.
  • Amy Reyes
    May. 29, 2024
    Tonya was a big help during the new puppy stage of our Cavalier. We felt very comfortable with her and the techniques she used. She was very patient and made the training fun and successful. We highly recommend her.
  • E thel Fentzlaff
    Feb. 17, 2024
    Tanya is very skilled in her profession! She had my Bully Dog obeying her commands within 20 minutes! My dog had a problem with jumping with excitement when I received a visitor. She is 70 pounds and her action was painful and annoying. Thanks to DOG TRAINING ELITE, that behavior has stopped.
  • Mechelle Merrell
    Feb. 11, 2024
    Tonya was awesome!! Can’t say enough good things about our experience with Dog Training Elite!! Tonya was timely, efficient and so good with our dog Maverick!!! She truly is the best and has become like family!!
  • John Cerone
    Feb. 2, 2024
    Tonya is an excellent training instructor. She has the patience needed to deal this old guy and also our now 7 month old Mayley. Tonya has always been on time for our training sessions, which are done at our home whether it be done inside or out in the yard. Another plus is the Saturday sessions at a local park where Marley can socialize with other dogs in attendance. There are plenty of distractions be they other dogs being walked or very young toddlers wanting to pet our puppy. Marley still has her moments but she is still a young pup after all. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite. You will not be disappointed.
  • Kevin Lowe
    Jan. 31, 2024
    100% recommend! I hired Dog Training Elite Greater Tampa for my Cane Corso puppy and he is an angel now. The training is tailored to the owner and the pup. It is kept simplistic and tools you can use over and over again. My issue with finding a company was that I could not go to places in the early evening/late morning during the weekday. Tonya and Luis come to your house which is really a force multiplier when training your dog in their own home. If you need your dog trained, this is the place to go.
  • Mechelle Jarvis
    Jan. 29, 2024
    Wow! I can’t say enough about Tonya and Dog Training Elite - Greater Tampa. I was no stranger to training dogs, but my current dog, Scarlett, can be very head strong. She loves people and has no impulse control. She pulled on her lease when walking and rushed the door for visitors. I could tell she knew and understood my commands, but she decided when to follow them. It was a frustrating situation, and I was becoming impatient with Scarlett which was not good for either of us. Tonya to the rescue!! Tonya is extremely patient (with me and Scarlett) and seemed to know exactly what we both needed to get us over our impasse. You can tell Tonya really cares about both her human and dog students. We both had a great experience and Scarlett absolutely loves her. I recommend Dog Training Elite to anyone who is serious about training their dog. Training your dog isn’t magic, you must work at it but having the right tools and trainer is a difference maker. Scarlett now walks beside me, comes when called, sits the first time she is asked and no longer jumps on complete strangers. Thank you, Tonya for everything! It was worth every penny.
  • Olivia Price
    Dec. 10, 2023
    Tonya has helped our dog so much! Being an aussiedoodle she has a lot of energy and can be stubborn. Her behavior has completely changed since working with Tonya and everyone tells us how well behaved she is now. I am so glad I chose them to work with us and Stella. Excited to keep training with them!
  • Joselyn Hernandez
    Nov. 25, 2023
    I first started looking for training for my puppy because I want him to eventually become a service dog. The training he’s been given has not only improved his behavior, but it’s also given me the tools I need to practice and train with him on my own. My puppy went from not listening and going potty in the house, to behaving even when I’m not giving commands. I was so worried that I wouldn’t be able to handle my new dog, and this service gave me confidence that he could become a well behaved pup.
  • Francesca Ciancio
    Sep. 15, 2023
    Working with you was an incredible experience. Working on a 6 year old dog, I thought was impossible, I was wrong. Now Kooper is amazing and he is my service dog. Kooper learned many new things and lost bad old habits. I can do anything with him, even without a leash. For whatever needs you have with your dog, I recommend Tonya ad Luis, they are amazing.
  • Ed Mandel
    Sep. 14, 2023
    Very knowledgeable and extraordinarily patient with dog and client. Tailored the training to our specific needs. Always on time with organized lesson plans. Truly a dog-changing experience. Thank you Tonya.
  • Steven Padin-Aquino, P.E.
    Sep. 1, 2023
    These words are not enough to thank Tonya for what she did with our beloved Sheepadoodle Teddy! She started teaching him the basics (sit, off, stay, place, heel, down) and being so smart that helped us to teach him a few extra commands like "paw", "watch". "high five". Teddy is a lovable puppy but has TONS of energy which gives him frequent "zoomies" or burst of enthusiastic desire to play, run, and jump over us and being big and heavy, by accident tends to push or pulls us really hard. Tonya has been able to teach him (and us!) to manage these bursts of energy and he is way calmer than before (and at the moment I'm writing this he is still a 8-month old BIG and HEAVY puppy (a bit over 60 lbs). THANKS TONYA for your continuous help, for being so caring and dedicated for your job. She is a natural animal lover so she does her job with that in mind: LOVE. THANK YOU!!
  • Kevin E
    Aug. 25, 2023
    Took Isla all the way to a fully qualified service animal. All I get is comments on how well behaved she is.
A child with their happy, obedient dog with training from Dog Training Elite.

We Train Every Breed

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Each dog breed has different behaviors and personalities due to a combination of genetics, selective breedings, and environmental factors. At Dog Training Elite, we work with every dog. Our team understands canine behavior and the unique challenges of every breed.

We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we apply specific breed training techniques to bring out the best in your dog. From impulse control in terriers to focused mental stimulation for herding breeds, we’ll work with you and your dog to design a personalized training plan.

Two dog owners with a group of trained dogs.

Dog Training in Tampa, FL


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At Dog Training Elite, we’ve seen how DIY dog training can lead to inconsistent results and frustration. Our qualified professionals bring the expertise needed to assess your dog’s unique needs and apply methods that work. Choosing experienced trainers makes a noticeable difference in attaining reliable, lasting behavior changes.

We rely on positive reinforcement, a training method that delivers lasting results, even with the most challenging dogs. Our trainers are skilled in addressing any behavioral issue and can help your dog to reach their full potential with encouragement and proven techniques.

An obedient corgi on a leash after recieving affordable training from Dog Training Elite.

Affordable Dog Trainers in Tampa, FL

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At Dog Training Elite, we believe every pet owner should have access to expert dog training without breaking the bank. To make this a reality, we offer our training programs at fair and affordable prices so that cost is never a barrier to a well-behaved and happy dog. Whether you’re looking for basic obedience training, specialized behavior modification, or advanced service dog training, our programs fit various budgets.

Investing in dog training is one of the best decisions you can make for your pet's long-term happiness and health. Proper training helps curb unwanted behaviors, reduces anxiety, and builds a strong, lasting bond between you and your dog. By providing low-cost dog training without compromising quality, our dog trainers in Tampa, FL make it possible for more families and dogs to benefit from professional training.

A well-trained DTE dog on a surfboard.
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Educate, Empower, Elevate, Elite

Unleash Your Dog's Potential

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See An Elite Dog in Action

A dog that has just graduated from Dog Training Elite's award-winning training program.

Award-Winning
Dog Training

With Dog Training Elite


At Dog Training Elite, we are proud to offer training services recognized for outstanding results and effective methods. With skilled trainers dedicated to helping dogs and their owners build strong, lasting relationships, we guarantee your dog receives the best care and guidance.

Our programs cover everything from basic obedience to advanced behavior modification, customized to your dog’s needs. Whether you’re addressing behavioral issues, improving obedience, or strengthening your bond, our methods deliver reliable results.

Experience the difference our award-winning training can make in your dog’s life.

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