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FAQs

Dog Training Elite in Greenville / Spartanburg, SC

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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 Greenville / Spartanburg.
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 Greenville / Spartanburg.
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!

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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 Upstate SC

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In the Community

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Naveya Planas
    Apr. 25, 2025
    We got Misfit a couple of months ago and we had trouble managing his unruly teenager behavior. He liked things to go his way or he wasn't doing it. With DTE Misfit and I learned to work together to achieve better communication. His manners are getting better and he seems happier now that we have clear boundaries and he can work. We are so thankful for DTE and we can't recommend them enough! I look forward to working with my other dogs with them in the future!
  • Erin Morton
    Apr. 25, 2025
    I am so proud of my puppy Palmer and appreciate you all and all yall have done SO much! I can truly see a difference and am so excited to continue to see her progress. We can't wait for group classes 🥰💛🤩
  • Caitlin Sexton
    Feb. 1, 2022
    If you’re in the Greenville area and need dog training, this is who you need! I’ve known Elizabeth and Jared for years and they’re wonderful people to work with! Here are our two dogs when sofas were getting delivered, with two strangers in the house, the door wide open, and they didn't move or bark. The delivery men couldn't believe it.
  • Michelle Roth
    Apr. 18, 2025
    The people who came to our home, were always so loving & caring with our Skylar. She wouldn’t do much of anything that we told her before Dog Training Elite. Now she is on her way to being great service dog for our blind & autistic son. Thanks to everyone at DTE who has helped in making Skylar the best that she can be!!! (In the picture, our Skylar is on the right.)
  • Cpl Runner
    Apr. 16, 2025
    Amazing group! They train the pups and the people. Full of knowledge and tools that are helping me get one step closer to having my pup as a certified service dog.
  • Tricia Nolan
    Apr. 15, 2025
    This team of dog trainers is outstanding! Our dog was aggressive and anxious,; now she is capable of following commands, and is completely off her anxiety medicine! Our family highly recommends Dog Training Elite.
  • Yuxuan
    Apr. 5, 2025
    They're very informative and helpful on the phone!
  • Michael Rowland
    Apr. 4, 2025
    I have always worried about getting my puppy properly trained. Dog Training Elite made it easy. They are AMAZING people who truly care for the dogs. I couldn’t have done any of this without their team and their processes. I HIGHLY recommend Dog Training Elite to anyone!!!!
  • Amy Kilarski
    Mar. 24, 2025
    We adopted Mazie (3 year old lab mix) in February. Introductions to our older dog became increasingly aggressive. We were afraid we made the wrong decision bringing another dog home. We called Dog Training Elite and they were able to come to our home to get started very quickly. After a week of day camp, we saw huge improvements in Mazie and we began to feel more confident. We still have more we want to accomplish but I am truly amazed at how far she has come in such a short time. Mazie has become a beloved part of our family and now there is peace in our home. We would not be here without the guidance from all of the talented and caring trainers.
  • Terry Reck
    Mar. 23, 2025
    We have completely loved our experience with Dog Training Elite! Not only the progress we have seen in our dog Brodie, (The method plain works.) but also in every interaction with every staff member. Every member of staff was wonderful, and took an active interest in our dog and his progress. If you have a dog that needs some training, do yourself a favor and give Dog Training Elite a call today.
  • William Hancox
    Mar. 21, 2025
    We are truly surprised with the progress our dog, Louie has made at Dog Training Elite. We were a little skeptical in the beginning but now very enthusiastic in training our Louie. We can't wait to see what Louie will learn tomorrow. Plus, the trainers are truly animal lovers and it shows in their fantastic results.
  • Maria Hancox
    Mar. 21, 2025
    We are very happy and proud of the work that you do with our Louie, excited for continuing working with you all, very professional and at the same time lovely with our puppy. Thank you for your passion and good work.🙏💝🐩🐕‍🦺🐾
  • Ally Cothran
    Mar. 19, 2025
    My husband and I brought our first family puppy Dolly, a golden retriever, to the amazing team when she was 12 weeks old. Initial puppy training made an immediate impact and we signed up for Advanced Training at 16/17 weeks old. Dolly understands and responds to every command she learned and we continue to see her skills improve. All of the trainers and experts are truly dog-lovers, so the mix of expertise and love is impactful. Every time we met a new trainer we were impressed at how much we loved each unique personality and approach. We are so thankful we found this amazing business. We are seriously considering making Dolly a therapy dog and continuing to invest in her development. Most of all, we are so thankful we can integrate Dolly safely and lovingly into her family faster because of her new skills!
  • Steven Hopkins
    Mar. 19, 2025
    We have had such a great experience with Dog Training Elite!! All the trainers have been great and very personable! They have come in and worked great/fit in with our family! Some have brought their dogs which helps with distractions for the training and getting to work with the training sessions help us be confident to continue the training through the week! Rocky has done great with the training and we are on our way to having a well behaved dog!
  • James Lehmann
    Mar. 11, 2025
    We have had 3 trainers for Honey and she has come a long way. She is a very intelligent, hard headed , athletic dog. She knew commands like come and no but she made the decision to obey or not. She has learned that her humans make the decisions. She has progressed from the attitude of a 2yo human to a 4yo. The trainers were very professional and good instructors for both Honey and her hoomans.
  • Denson Crisler
    Feb. 26, 2025
    If I could give this place 6 stars I would! Amazing staff, super sweet and personable. They truly work wonders for all dogs. My dog is super stubborn as a puppy and I was so shocked at the progress he’s made in the past few weeks. Would recommend to anyone!
  • Kernell Austin
    Feb. 26, 2025
    When I first started I was skeptical but now I am a firm believer they are really good at what they do they are so respectable I appreciate my time with them good luck Dog Training Elite) !!!!!
  • Jordyn Thompson-Russell
    Feb. 18, 2025
    I wish I could give more than 5 stars because they truly deserve it! Our sweet boy, Royal, was extremely reactive to people and dogs, which kept our family on constant alert and even prevented us from inviting guests into our home. Before training, he would bark, growl, and lunge at people and dogs. I was almost afraid they wouldn't be able to train him because of this. From the start, even just calling and talking to one of the trainers about Royal and his behavior gave us hope that they could help us. We decided that the camp was the best way for Royal to get the training he needed, and it has truly changed our lives. We got an update on the first day that he was able to be off-leash and not muzzled, which was so exciting for us to hear. Royal is becoming more confident in himself and his ability to listen and obey commands. I'm kind of in awe that this is the same dog. The trainers had excellent communication, and it's so obvious that they love what they do. It was awesome to hear about his other campmates and their progress as well. I can't recommend Dog Training Elite Upstate enough.
  • Mimi Greene
    Feb. 14, 2025
    Caring, competent professionals. We just finished our in-home training and couldn’t be happier! Rooney has gone from a good dog to a great dog! Highly recommend!
  • Laura Cannon
    Feb. 14, 2025
    It has been an absolutely incredible journey with Dog Training Elite Upstate SC and every single trainer who worked with my dog Fenris (3 yo German Shepherd). I 10 star recommend them if you're looking at training for your dog. A little about Fenris. Prior to coming to them for help, Fenris had been through two other training programs and numerous vet session. I love my dog but was at my wits end! He was extremely nervous all the time and was still incredibly reactive to other dogs. To the point of me being uneasy and having to restrain him on walks at the sight of another dog. As we started training with the team here, Fen made improvements every single course. The trainers started slowly to build our bond and Fens confidence. Then they brought other dogs to work alongside him, moving at his pace. By the end of our one on one sessions, Fen was able to sit in a room with 3 other dogs with zero reactivity. He's able to understand I've got him. He is much more confident and obedient without changing his personality. When I say this development made me nearly cry! I am so over the moon with the results! We can't wait to join group classes in the future. A huge thank you to every trainer that has been part of Fen's journey.
  • Naveya Planas
    Apr. 25, 2025
    We got Misfit a couple of months ago and we had trouble managing his unruly teenager behavior. He liked things to go his way or he wasn't doing it. With DTE Misfit and I learned to work together to achieve better communication. His manners are getting better and he seems happier now that we have clear boundaries and he can work. We are so thankful for DTE and we can't recommend them enough! I look forward to working with my other dogs with them in the future!
  • Erin Morton
    Apr. 25, 2025
    I am so proud of my puppy Palmer and appreciate you all and all yall have done SO much! I can truly see a difference and am so excited to continue to see her progress. We can't wait for group classes 🥰💛🤩
  • Caitlin Sexton
    Feb. 1, 2022
    If you’re in the Greenville area and need dog training, this is who you need! I’ve known Elizabeth and Jared for years and they’re wonderful people to work with! Here are our two dogs when sofas were getting delivered, with two strangers in the house, the door wide open, and they didn't move or bark. The delivery men couldn't believe it.
  • Michelle Roth
    Apr. 18, 2025
    The people who came to our home, were always so loving & caring with our Skylar. She wouldn’t do much of anything that we told her before Dog Training Elite. Now she is on her way to being great service dog for our blind & autistic son. Thanks to everyone at DTE who has helped in making Skylar the best that she can be!!! (In the picture, our Skylar is on the right.)
  • Cpl Runner
    Apr. 16, 2025
    Amazing group! They train the pups and the people. Full of knowledge and tools that are helping me get one step closer to having my pup as a certified service dog.
  • Tricia Nolan
    Apr. 15, 2025
    This team of dog trainers is outstanding! Our dog was aggressive and anxious,; now she is capable of following commands, and is completely off her anxiety medicine! Our family highly recommends Dog Training Elite.
  • Yuxuan
    Apr. 5, 2025
    They're very informative and helpful on the phone!
  • Michael Rowland
    Apr. 4, 2025
    I have always worried about getting my puppy properly trained. Dog Training Elite made it easy. They are AMAZING people who truly care for the dogs. I couldn’t have done any of this without their team and their processes. I HIGHLY recommend Dog Training Elite to anyone!!!!
  • Amy Kilarski
    Mar. 24, 2025
    We adopted Mazie (3 year old lab mix) in February. Introductions to our older dog became increasingly aggressive. We were afraid we made the wrong decision bringing another dog home. We called Dog Training Elite and they were able to come to our home to get started very quickly. After a week of day camp, we saw huge improvements in Mazie and we began to feel more confident. We still have more we want to accomplish but I am truly amazed at how far she has come in such a short time. Mazie has become a beloved part of our family and now there is peace in our home. We would not be here without the guidance from all of the talented and caring trainers.
  • Terry Reck
    Mar. 23, 2025
    We have completely loved our experience with Dog Training Elite! Not only the progress we have seen in our dog Brodie, (The method plain works.) but also in every interaction with every staff member. Every member of staff was wonderful, and took an active interest in our dog and his progress. If you have a dog that needs some training, do yourself a favor and give Dog Training Elite a call today.
  • William Hancox
    Mar. 21, 2025
    We are truly surprised with the progress our dog, Louie has made at Dog Training Elite. We were a little skeptical in the beginning but now very enthusiastic in training our Louie. We can't wait to see what Louie will learn tomorrow. Plus, the trainers are truly animal lovers and it shows in their fantastic results.
  • Maria Hancox
    Mar. 21, 2025
    We are very happy and proud of the work that you do with our Louie, excited for continuing working with you all, very professional and at the same time lovely with our puppy. Thank you for your passion and good work.🙏💝🐩🐕‍🦺🐾
  • Ally Cothran
    Mar. 19, 2025
    My husband and I brought our first family puppy Dolly, a golden retriever, to the amazing team when she was 12 weeks old. Initial puppy training made an immediate impact and we signed up for Advanced Training at 16/17 weeks old. Dolly understands and responds to every command she learned and we continue to see her skills improve. All of the trainers and experts are truly dog-lovers, so the mix of expertise and love is impactful. Every time we met a new trainer we were impressed at how much we loved each unique personality and approach. We are so thankful we found this amazing business. We are seriously considering making Dolly a therapy dog and continuing to invest in her development. Most of all, we are so thankful we can integrate Dolly safely and lovingly into her family faster because of her new skills!
  • Steven Hopkins
    Mar. 19, 2025
    We have had such a great experience with Dog Training Elite!! All the trainers have been great and very personable! They have come in and worked great/fit in with our family! Some have brought their dogs which helps with distractions for the training and getting to work with the training sessions help us be confident to continue the training through the week! Rocky has done great with the training and we are on our way to having a well behaved dog!
  • James Lehmann
    Mar. 11, 2025
    We have had 3 trainers for Honey and she has come a long way. She is a very intelligent, hard headed , athletic dog. She knew commands like come and no but she made the decision to obey or not. She has learned that her humans make the decisions. She has progressed from the attitude of a 2yo human to a 4yo. The trainers were very professional and good instructors for both Honey and her hoomans.
  • Denson Crisler
    Feb. 26, 2025
    If I could give this place 6 stars I would! Amazing staff, super sweet and personable. They truly work wonders for all dogs. My dog is super stubborn as a puppy and I was so shocked at the progress he’s made in the past few weeks. Would recommend to anyone!
  • Kernell Austin
    Feb. 26, 2025
    When I first started I was skeptical but now I am a firm believer they are really good at what they do they are so respectable I appreciate my time with them good luck Dog Training Elite) !!!!!
  • Jordyn Thompson-Russell
    Feb. 18, 2025
    I wish I could give more than 5 stars because they truly deserve it! Our sweet boy, Royal, was extremely reactive to people and dogs, which kept our family on constant alert and even prevented us from inviting guests into our home. Before training, he would bark, growl, and lunge at people and dogs. I was almost afraid they wouldn't be able to train him because of this. From the start, even just calling and talking to one of the trainers about Royal and his behavior gave us hope that they could help us. We decided that the camp was the best way for Royal to get the training he needed, and it has truly changed our lives. We got an update on the first day that he was able to be off-leash and not muzzled, which was so exciting for us to hear. Royal is becoming more confident in himself and his ability to listen and obey commands. I'm kind of in awe that this is the same dog. The trainers had excellent communication, and it's so obvious that they love what they do. It was awesome to hear about his other campmates and their progress as well. I can't recommend Dog Training Elite Upstate enough.
  • Mimi Greene
    Feb. 14, 2025
    Caring, competent professionals. We just finished our in-home training and couldn’t be happier! Rooney has gone from a good dog to a great dog! Highly recommend!
  • Laura Cannon
    Feb. 14, 2025
    It has been an absolutely incredible journey with Dog Training Elite Upstate SC and every single trainer who worked with my dog Fenris (3 yo German Shepherd). I 10 star recommend them if you're looking at training for your dog. A little about Fenris. Prior to coming to them for help, Fenris had been through two other training programs and numerous vet session. I love my dog but was at my wits end! He was extremely nervous all the time and was still incredibly reactive to other dogs. To the point of me being uneasy and having to restrain him on walks at the sight of another dog. As we started training with the team here, Fen made improvements every single course. The trainers started slowly to build our bond and Fens confidence. Then they brought other dogs to work alongside him, moving at his pace. By the end of our one on one sessions, Fen was able to sit in a room with 3 other dogs with zero reactivity. He's able to understand I've got him. He is much more confident and obedient without changing his personality. When I say this development made me nearly cry! I am so over the moon with the results! We can't wait to join group classes in the future. A huge thank you to every trainer that has been part of Fen's journey.

Our Team

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Jared Smearman - Owner/Trainer
Jared Smearman
Owner/Trainer

Hi, I'm Jared! I grew up in North Carolina and have always had a passion for dogs. I attended the United States Naval Academy and served on active duty for eight years before my wife, Elizabeth, and I decided we wanted to grow our family in South Carolina. We have had, and will always have canine companions because of the unconditional love and joy that fills our home. Prior to becoming a professional dog trainer, I was a project manager in industrial automation and I have grown most fond of building and maintaining interpersonal relationships with clients and ensuring the experience is a positive and memorable one. I look forward to discussing your needs and seeing your relationship with your dog(s) go to new heights!

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Elizabeth Smearman - Office Manager/Trainer
Elizabeth Smearman
Office Manager/Trainer

I love kids, animals, organization, connecting with people, exercise, the outdoors, and learning! I started my career as an educator in inner-city Washington, DC, after graduating from Wake Forest University. As a former educator and mother of six (four children and two dogs), I have been immersed in the psychology of learning at all stages. Dogs process information, too, and I am eager to help you and your dog(s) connect in new, fulfilling ways, with a mutual appreciation for each other!

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Mackenzie - Trainer
Mackenzie
Trainer

Hi everyone! I’m Mackenzie and I absolutely love dogs! I’m a 90’s kid with a vintage heart and I live for the love of animals! While I currently live in Spartanburg, I am actually from a small town just over the state line in North Carolina. I was practically born in a barn and raised with a dog leash in each hand. Thanks to my mother, who instilled the love of animals in me at the very start, I have had the privilege of experiencing unconditional love through a dogs’ eyes and their unspoken devotion. I grew up at my mother’s side following her to every pet sitting or barn job she had and I always begged for more responsibility with her tasks. I also have a background in rescue and have a soft spot for all of the misunderstood animals. I believe nothing is impossible and I feel I can thrive with a challenge! I can’t wait to show you and your fur baby the endless possibilities of what they’re capable of!

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Sydney - Trainer
Sydney
Trainer

Hi I’m Sydney! I grew up in beautiful Southern New Hampshire and moved to South Carolina the fall of 2019. After graduating with a degree in Psychology, I found my passion to be in Behavioral Psychology. Previously, I was gifted the opportunity to work as a Registered Behavioral Technician with kids diagnosed with autism doing Applied Behavioral Analysis therapy. As I worked with training my dog, Indu, I became eager to work with other dogs so that they can learn and understand all the potential they have in themselves and continue to grow beyond. When I’m not hanging out with pups, I teach and practice yoga, love spending time outside, and exploring all that South Carolina has to offer. I can’t wait to meet your wonderful canine kiddo!

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Danny - Trainer
Danny
Trainer

Hi everyone! I’m Danny. I grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania and moved to South Carolina in 2019 with my husband Brandon. Growing up my mom loved dogs and that love for dogs was passed onto me. We never had any less than four dogs at a time. A house full of dogs is a house full of love!

As an adult I’ve been working as a paramedic for the past 12 years, a total of 14 years in Emergency Medical Services, and know first hand how much dogs can change one’s life. I suffer from anxiety and my dog Denver, an AKC Golden Retriever and 100% the goodest boy, who is a trained therapy dog, has saved my life in many ways.

Last June I contacted DTE and wanted to have a therapy dog for First Responders and ER staff. Having been through DTE’s obedience and Therapy program, I knew that working with dogs and helping train future Therapy Dogs was something I wanted to do. It’s another way of helping people who need dog love! I am so thankful to move from client to dog trainer!

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Casey Watkins - Trainer
Casey Watkins
Trainer

Hello! My name is Casey and I grew up here in South Carolina! I've always had a love of all animals, dogs always being my favorite. Growing up, we always had dogs and animals within our home, and I've always had a passion for animals and seeing that bond between dog and owner. I wanted to pursue veterinary care, but dog training took over that passion as I grew older. I have done work in customer service care for years, and began my journey working at a dog daycare. I've handled all different types of dogs, from toy to giant breeds for nearly five years, and did training for 2 years before coming to Dog Training Elite. I love learning about dog behavior and unlocking the potential each dog has in order for the owner and the dog to live the best life they can. Dogs are only apart for our lives; but to them, we are their whole life and I'd love nothing more than to help you strengthen that bond!

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