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While dogs are man's best friend, that relationship didn't develop overnight. Creating a strong bond with a dog takes time, patience and lots of training. Dog obedience training is one of the best ways to deepen the bond between dog and owner.
Training a new dog takes a lot of time and effort but the payoff is well worth it. Some dogs may require more training than others due to breed type, past trauma, or just plain stubbornness. However, all dogs can become loyal, friendly and well behaved through dog obedience training with Dog Training Elite Upstate SC’s programs, including in-home training!
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Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Upstate SC location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
In-Home Training
Dog Training Elite Upstate SC has specialized training courses for both puppies and older dogs. For in-home training, dog trainers will observe dog breed, size, temperament and any other factors that will influence training.
Working with the dog and dog owner directly in an owner’s home, dog trainers will develop a personalized training plan for basic commands like sit, stay, come, heel, etc.; as well as to address any unique issues such as anxiety, aggression, fear and so on. Once a dog is trained, owners can sign their dogs up for group classes with more in-depth training.
Starting with in-home training is an unmatched service that provides dogs and dog owners with the opportunity to work together. Not only does in-home dog obedience training free dogs from the distractions of a group class, but ensuring a dog is learning from both their owner and a trainer will help owners and dogs strengthen their bond. Dogs that learn only from trainers may be inclined to disobey when the trainer is not around. Equally sharing the task of training between dog and dog owner leads to the development of trust and deepening love.
Trainers from Dog Training Elite Upstate SC seek to not only help train dogs, but empower owners so they can continue training their dogs in years to come. This includes sharing tips and tricks (treats are always a good thing!), as well as pointing out personality traits and behavior issues dog owners should focus on.
The Dog Training Elite Upstate SC Difference
There are numerous dog obedience training methods out there, which can be broken down into three main theories: traditional, modern and balanced.
- Traditional training typically relies on punishment for errors, and “low value” rewards such as praise or petting when a dog performs a desired behavior. In recent years traditional training has fallen out of favor.
- Modern training, which is more science-based, focuses more on positive reinforcement when a desired behavior occurs and doesn’t worry about correcting bad behavior. This training method has many benefits, including faster learning for dogs, less stress and anxiety for dogs, ability to teach more complex behaviors, and of course, a better experience for dog owners and trainers.
- Balanced training theory, while it sounds like the best of both worlds, still incorporates the use of punishment as a training tool.
Dog Training Elite Upstate SC uses modern training methods focused on positive reinforcement and bonding between dog and dog owner. Dog Training Elite Upstate SC never resorts to the use of punishment to help dogs unlearn bad behavior. The difference becomes clear when comparing a dog that is trained out of anxiety and intimidation vs a dog who truly desires to please from the inside out.
The Dog Training Elite Upstate SC training theory is mostly based around classical conditioning, also known as the Pavlovian method or respondent conditioning. This includes developing conditioned or automatic reflexes to commands. In its simplest form (after proper conditioning), when an owner says "sit," their dog automatically sits without thinking about it.
Through a combination of commands and an electronic collar, dogs learn to follow commands at once. The electronic collar is not a shock collar; it is a gentle electronic pulse, similar to the tug of a leash, used to get the dog’s attention. Other dog trainers use harsh static collars or spray collars which have been shown to be less effective. Dog Training Elite Upstate SC’s method of focusing on positive behavior reinforcement nurtures a dog's loving and naturally obedient nature.
Our Balanced Theory
We base our training around the "Classical Conditioning" model (a.k.a. "Pavlovian" or "respondent conditioning"). This includes developing conditioned or automatic reflexes to commands. In its simplest form (after proper conditioning), when the owner says "sit," the dog automatically sits without thinking about it. Our unique techniques ensure our program is a success no matter what behavior we encounter.
Empowering Owners
We empower owners to train so their dog knows who to obey at all times.
Personalized
We deal with problem behaviors on a personal basis.
Environment Specific
We train wherever issues tend to arise (i.e. jogging, park, home).
Supportive
We support owners in the off-hours (when training is "not in session").
Involved
We work with all members of the household.
Simplified & Customized
We plan training around the owner's schedule and require only 20 min/day follow-up practice.
Continued Training
Additional programs / group sessions offered after in-home training.
Lifetime Investment
We follow up & are invested in the owner's success long-term.
Satisfaction Ratings
Our high client satisfaction rating sets us apart from competitors.
clas·si·cal con·di·tion·ing PSYCHOLOGY noun A learning process that occurs when two stimuli are repeatedly paired; a response that is at first elicited by the second stimulus and is eventually elicited by the first stimulus alone.
Start Your Obedience Training Journey
Dog Training Elite Upstate SC knows the prospect of starting dog obedience training can sound daunting. But with our knowledge trainers and proven, gentle method, you and your pet can conquer obedience training without using any harsh shock collars or demanding training.
Dogs and dog owners can bond and work together to have a successful, enjoyable training process. Contact Dog Training Elite Upstate SC today to start your dog obedience training!
Obedience Training FAQs
What age can a dog start obedience training?
The earlier, the better. Puppies are welcome! That being said, old dogs truly can learn new tricks - there is no reason an older dog can’t learn basic commands.
What issues will obedience training address?
Besides basic commands like sit, stay, heel, etc., dog obedience training can address issues such as chewing, whining or barking, jumping to greet others, and begging for food.
Are shock collars used?
No. Pain or punishment is never used in any form during training programs. A combination of positive reinforcement and an electronic collar has proven to be 100% successful. The electronic collar produces a gentle “tug” to get a dog's attention. It is not a shock collar and does not harm or alarm a pet.
Why in-home training?
In-home training is necessary because it allows trainers to focus on the particular issues of individual dogs (like terrorizing a pet cat or chasing the mailman). During in-home training sessions trainers also work side by side with owners and any other family members so the dog understands who is in control.
We help your dog become a valued companion and beloved member of the family. Read what our customers have to say and then give us a call!
We cannot say enough positive things about our experience with DTE. Our puppy, Lady, recently went through puppy training as well as e-collar training camp. There are countless benefits that we've experienced since having her professionally trained and it's so much easier working with her at home with the strong foundation that's been built. Jared, Danny, Sydney and McKenzie made the experience so fun and were always informative and great to be around. The staff is punctual, professional and you can tell they genuinely love what they do. Your dog needs this! Thanks for all you've done for our Lady!— Erin Bakeman Parker
Posted September 17th 2024
DTE did a terrific job with my German Shepherd. They were patient and extremely helpful with training me how to help my best friend. I highly recommend them to help you with training— Charles Carriger
Posted September 8th 2024
We could not be more thankful for Dog Training Elite! We started with their puppy classes, and we absolutely loved them! They helped socialize our puppy through the classes, and also started working on a few commands with us at our house. This made puppyhood such an amazing experience, and we would have been lost without the trainers’ help. We loved puppy class so much that we decided to enroll our puppy in their advanced obedience camp, and this was a game changer! Most of our one-on-ones were with Sydney and our puppy is obsessed with her! She is always so excited to see her. All of the trainers are so knowledgeable and you can tell how much they love dogs. Everyone we meet compliments how well behaved our puppy is, and she really listens so well thanks to the trainers’ hard work. I cannot recommend Dog Training Elite enough!— Maya Nagelberg
Posted August 31st 2024
When looking for a trainer for my pup, we were very wary of signing up with the wrong crew. After doing a little research and calling around in our area, DTE was one of the few that actually seemed to care about the training, the dogs, and the handlers - not just getting paid. My pup loved going to sessions and even after long days of training was excited to go back for more! The things my pup and I both have learned were well worth the money. The DTE crew knows what they're doing, and most importantly CARES! Thank you DTE. 11 out of 10, would recommend!— createdthis justtoleaveareview
Posted August 30th 2024
We can not recommend Dog Training Elite highly enough! This summer, we had the pleasure of working with them to help teach our dog some manners and how to behave in public, and the results have been amazing. The trainers were incredibly patient, compassionate, and dedicated. It was clear they genuinely cared about our dog’s well being. Our dog has made incredible strides, learning so much and becoming a happier and well behaved member of our family. We are thrilled with the progress she has made! The team works hard, always reply’s to questions promptly and were flexible with scheduling. We highly recommend Dog Training Elite.— Megan Witrick
Posted August 28th 2024
Callie spent a week with Dog Training Elite and we've ALL learned so much!— Craig Leduc
Posted August 26th 2024
Words cannot express the feelings of gratitude we have for DTE. We are 6 weeks into our training and today was the ultimate pay off. While conducting some off leash training, our Shiba decided to go her own way. She trotted around a bend in the trail and was gone! I called for her and searched the area for 20 minutes, all the while using the commands and estem controller provided by DTE. As I continued calling and walking back the way we came, I walked over a small hill and here comes Nemo, running towards me, tail in the air just as fast as she could! Without the training provided by DTE, she would have been list! No words can describe the feeling of hopelessness and despair, and have them replaced with joy when I saw her coming back to the commands and following her training! If you are thinking about this type of training...do it! The price is worth it!— Jonathan suthard
Posted August 26th 2024
I haven’t had a dog since I was a little kid and I decided to get the same breed that I had when I was younger. I have a miniature schnauzer and she is so sweet but I didn’t realize how vocal she was. I reached out to DTE and they were so sweet! They came in and did an inhome assessment and then she started camp with them two weeks later. From day 1 I could tell a difference. My puppy is stubborn but DTE did not give up on her! Of course it will be an ongoing training process. But DTE trainers are AMAZING! I can reach out to them if I have any questions or concerns and they are always willing to help. And they truly love and care for each dog they come in contact with. So glad that I chose them! THANK YOU SOOO MUCH!— Tori Franklin
Posted August 18th 2024
Jared, Elizabeth and their crew have given me the tools to have the dog I have always wanted! He is incredibly well behaved and desires to work. When Maverick (my golden doodle) is timid Dog Training Elite were able to show me how to work with him. I can’t recommend this group enough. They are the dog whisperers!!— Michele Holder
Posted August 17th 2024
Dog training elite is absolutely amazing. Each of the trainers were always so excited to work with Nala. They were very supportive and wanted Nala and myself to be successful. Always had quick and helpful responses to texts. 100% would recommend to anyone who wants to train their dog. Worth every penny. Nala was so happy when she graduated obedience training. I am adding to my previous review from obedience training since we have now graduated from therapy training. Five stars is not enough to express what Dog Training Elite has done for Nala and I. The only thing I have hated about having a dog is leaving her at home alone while I go to work. Dog Training Elite has helped make it so that does not have to happen anymore. Nala is going to be my schools therapy dog. I am so grateful for everything they have done from answering my texts with any questions or concerns to showing immense love for my dog. I will forever recommend Dog Training Elite with anyone who has a dream for their dog because they made mine come true.— Michael Adams
Posted February 29th 2024
Words can NOT do these amazing people justice, but I’m going to try. Our first visit, the owner and another trainer couldn’t come close to Sully. He was extremely protective of me and had recently even put his mouth around the vet tech reaching towards me at an appointment. The first visit with the trainers took all of my strength, a muzzle, a strong leash and serious awareness to keep him from attacking them. I couldn’t have guests over in my own home. I was terrified they’d turn him away. Instead, they embraced him. They explained how he had self assigned this duty to protect me (I’m disabled) and just needed to learn to trust my lead. Throughout the next couple of months, I met various trainers and we kept introducing new commands. I saw my big baby blossom. He’s always been a lovebug with me, but he started to have what he truly needed. He now had a job. From sitting, to learning how to stay to learning how to be on a leash - these wonderful trainers kept us both inspired to grow and do more. Today was exhilarating. We took Sully into PetSmart and my once reactive dog to people coming near me, especially men, stayed at my side while I was in my wheelchair. From loud people to barking and excited dogs, we went through the store with ease. He walked slowly at my side and watched as every distraction went by us. It was surrral. I could NEVER have done this before. WE couldn’t have done this without the encouragement, love and guidance of every single person at Dog Training Elite. They not only love your pet as their own, but they teach you BOTH how to be different. Do different. And your bond with your dog gets even stronger as a result. I didn’t think I could be any closer to Sully, but I am. We have learned how to trust EACH OTHER. I finally have my companion do to everything with me. I can take him to get pup cups. He can go to PetSmart to pick out his toys. I can have people over in our home. I can’t thank everyone here enough. From the bottom of my heart I feel EVERY SINGLE PERSON here has a passion for helping dogs AND humans. They come to you with genuine love. Their excitement as your baby learns makes their hearts just as full as your own. They’ve become family and I’ll never use another trainer for Sully’s continued growth and for any future fur babies. Thank you guys for making Sully and me whole. ❤️❤️❤️— Danielle Sundby
Posted August 9th 2024
They have helped my good girl become even better and supporting me on our journey to having her be a therapy dog for our school!— Sheri Price
Posted August 6th 2024
I started training with Dog Training Elite when my golden retriever puppy was around 9 weeks. I chose the Alpha Den Puppy Package and it was the best decision I made to lay a foundation for his training and obedience. Not only did the wonderful trainers teach my pup different commands but they also taught me valuable training skills and gave me advice on any issue we were having. Sadly we moved before I could get him in for full training camp through them. I still get so many compliments on his behavior in public - I HIGHLY recommend DTE to anyone getting a dog.— Kaylee Coleman
Posted August 5th 2024
My 1 yr old 50 pound adopted stray was totally unruly when we started and is gentle as a lamb, and totally controllable now. Well worth the investment.— Rev. Jenny Pratt
Posted August 2nd 2024
The trainers are amazing! Every single one truly cares and is passionate about what they do. The best part are the results are real, never would have thought my dog would be able to behave so well anywhere we go. This place is LEGIT! Book them now you won’t regret.— angiel loza
Posted July 30th 2024
Jared and Elizabeth are great people and solid business owners. I highly recommend them to anyone wanting to change the behavior of their dog! Update: 7/17/24 Our two mini schnauzers have thrived because of the training they received from DTE Upstate! We no longer feel like we can’t control our dogs and they are happier when they are obedient! I can’t say enough amazing things about this team and their care for our dogs. We are so thankful and grateful to know such great people at DTE! We have referred so many friends because of our tremendous results. Still highly recommend! Thank you Jared and Elizabeth for all you do!— Shelly M
Posted February 1st 2022
Jared and Elizabeth trained our two dogs, and we couldn’t be happier with the experience. From start to finish, they were committed to helping us achieve our training goals and were always willing to help and answer questions. They clearly explained everything which helped us feel informed and confident throughout the whole process having never hired a trainer before. But beyond their expertise, they were just incredible to work with—passionate, positive, and genuinely care about the dogs they are training and how this training can help the pet and their owner. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a dog trainer!!— Caitlin Thomson Sexton
Posted July 16th 2024
Jared and Elizabeth trained our two dogs, and we couldn’t be happier with the experience. From start to finish, they were committed to helping us achieve our training goals and were always willing to help and answer questions. They clearly explained everything which helped us feel informed and confident throughout the whole process having never hired a trainer before. But beyond their expertise, they were just incredible to work with—passionate, positive, and genuinely care about the dogs they are training and how this training can help the pet and their owner. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a dog trainer!!— Caitlin and Robert Sexton
Posted July 16th 2024
I inquired about training for my girl, who likes to jump and “paw” to get your attention. The owners were very thorough in explaining every step of the way for training and how each session would look. I would highly recommend them just based off the thoroughness and kindness they show! You can tell they really love dogs and it shows in their work.— K B
Posted July 16th 2024