A happy, well trained dog from Dog Training Elite, your trusted source for dog training in Jacksonville / St. Johns, FL
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Where Education
Meets Excellence

Elite Methods. Elite Results.

Dog Training Elite First Coast

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Dog Training Elite First Coast

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The Art of Dog Training

Transform your pup with Dog Training Elite


At Dog Training Elite First Coast, 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 Jacksonville / St. Johns area, we're dedicated to transforming your beloved furry friend into a champion of obedience and a source of boundless joy for your family.

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

Our Story

Dog Training Elite First Coast

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 Jacksonville / St. Johns dog trainers help you today.

About Us

Our Services

Behavioral Solutions

Fear & reactivity, staying & coming, barking and more

Training Programs

Obedience, Service, Group Classes and More

Our Team

Ashley Gagne - Owner & Trainer
Ashley Gagne
Owner & Trainer

Ashley has spent the last 15 years in the customer service and public service industries carrying out her desire to help people and make a positive difference. She currently serves as a firefighter to her local community. When she’s off duty, Dog Training Elite allows her to combine her love for dogs and desire to make an impact, by creating healthy and effective communication between dogs and their people.

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Eric Gagne - Owner & Trainer
Eric Gagne
Owner & Trainer

Eric has always held a passion for helping others. After serving in the military for 6 years, he continued this passion to serve his local community as a LEO. Now with Dog Training Elite, he is able to help our four-legged friends and their people through obedience and service dog training!

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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 First Coast - Jacksonville / St. Johns 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 First Coast - Stop Puppy Biting in Jacksonville / St. Johns, 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 First Coast - Reactive Dog Training in Jacksonville / St. Johns, 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 First Coast - Separation Anxiety Training for Dogs in Jacksonville / St. Johns, 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 First Coast - Excessive Barking Training in Jacksonville / St. Johns, 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 First Coast - Staying and Coming Training in Jacksonville / St. Johns, 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 First Coast - Destructive Chewing and Digging Training in Jacksonville / St. Johns, 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 line of dogs at one of Dog Training Elite group training classes.

We Offer Group Classes

Social Savvy & Ongoing Skill Development

Socialization is a fundamental aspect of a dog's development, and continual group classes play a pivotal role in fostering positive social interactions and behaviors in our furry friends.

Training Programs

Flexible & Customized for your Pet

At Dog Training Elite, we go beyond basic obedience and train dogs to excel in real-world situations. Our programs cover everything from service dog preparation to therapy dog training, emphasizing practical skills and reliability.

Our dog training in Jacksonville / St. Johns, FL produces dogs that are prepared for real-world challenges and enrich your daily life. We focus on creating lifelong bonds of love and trust, helping your dog become a confident, trusted family member.

Dog Training Elite First Coast - Dog Obedience Training in Jacksonville / St. Johns, FL. DTE
Obedience Training

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

Dog Training Elite First Coast - Elite Puppy Training in Jacksonville / St. Johns, FL. DTE
Puppy Training

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

Dog Training Elite First Coast - Elite Service Dog Training in Jacksonville / St. Johns, FL. DTE
Service Dog Training

Our Jacksonville / St. Johns 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 First Coast - Aggressive Dog Training in Jacksonville / St. Johns, FL. DTE
Anxiety & Aggression

Our Jacksonville / St. Johns 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 First Coast - Therapy Dog Trainer in Jacksonville / St. Johns, FL. DTE
Therapy Dog Training

Our Jacksonville / St. Johns 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 First Coast - Top Group Dog Training in Jacksonville / St. Johns, FL. DTE
Group Classes

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

Video Gallery

Videos

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 Jacksonville / St. Johns.
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.
A DTE trained dog - we are a proud veteran owned business!
Dog Training Elite First Coast veteran owned badge.

Dog Training Elite First Coast is a

Proud Veteran
Owned Business

As a proud veteran-owned business, we bring the values of discipline, commitment, and service to our dog training programs. We are especially committed to supporting fellow veterans and their families. Our background drives us to deliver the highest standards in training, focused on building strong, trustworthy bonds between dogs and their owners.

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • J Torres
    Nov. 4, 2024
    Eric has been a great trainer for my dog. He is very patient and guides both the dog and me to learn everything we need to know to ensure my dog is ready to obey any command and behave as needed. I am very glad we chose this company for our dog training needs
  • Hannah Rohrbaugh
    Oct. 30, 2024
    I can’t recommend Dog Training Elite enough! 6 training sessions with Eric helped tremendously. Eric is very knowledgeable and patient and helped us gain a new found confidence with our dog. We were on the fence about choosing to do professional training with our dog but we are so glad that we did and would choose Dog Training Elite every time!
  • Steven Puskas
    Oct. 30, 2024
    My German is cool and all but he's kind of a spaz. We called Eric and this guy had my dog finely tuned in no time. Eric is quick as a whip and his patience is unparalleled. You can tell he's extremely experienced in this business. He knew what he was doing and he didn't get caught on any speed bumps. This was money well spent. Lastly, if you believe your dog is beyond help, I assure you Eric will still be able to train them. Dude knows what he's doing. 10/10 recommend this service.
  • elizabeth trendowski
    Oct. 23, 2024
    We can’t thank Eric enough at Elite Dog Training helping us w our rescue Pittie, Oliver. Oliver was terrified of water and aggressive w other dogs he didn’t know. The change in Ollie is something to behold. We love Ollie and wanted him to be able to enjoy the beach, new dog friends and simply have a wonderful life within his own head. Eric is kind, intelligent, dependable and was completely attentive to the success of our dog and us continuing to train with our dog. Seriously- from the. Bottom of our hearts we thank you Eric and Elite Dog Training. Just magnificent.
  • Jason Foor
    Sep. 7, 2024
    Recently we began having trouble with our dog becoming reactive to dogs, even after working with a trainer. We realized the trainer we had wasn’t a good fit. After some research,we found Dog Training Elite First Coast. I was a bit hesitant because of the e-collar use, but we decided to have them come over for a consultation. After talking with Eric, our hesitation diminished. He explained that the e-collar is a way to communicate with my dog, not punish him, and showed us how to use it properly. Once we started using his method, we saw a big difference. Our dog was listening better, especially off-leash, and our training sessions got easier and more enjoyable. It made things clearer for both of us. If anyone is on the fence about e-collars, I highly recommend learning how to use them correctly with a trainer. When used the right way, they can be a great tool for building trust and strengthening your bond with your dog. We highly recommend Dog Training Elite First Coast! They have been great!
  • Julie Albachiaro
    Aug. 27, 2024
    Eric was wonderful. We throughly enjoyed working with him to train our mini labradoodle puppy. He is knowledable and very patient - with both my husband, myself and the puppy. We see much improvement in behavior and our dog listens to us now. We highly recommend this company !!
  • Madison Kirkpatrick
    Aug. 4, 2024
    Just finished private lessons with my dog, Annie, this week. Eric was a great trainer! Annie was shy and scared at first. Eric was patient with her, and she warmed up to him quickly! Even without her being treat motivated like most dogs, he was able to teach her a lot in 6 lessons! Annie has improved so much and I’m excited for her to continue to learn in the group lessons.
  • vince albachiaro
    Aug. 3, 2024
    Eric is a great trainer and provides incredible service.
  • Danielle Gooding
    Jul. 21, 2024
    So glad I chose Elite to help train my 1yr old chocolate Lab. The trainer ‘Eric’ was very professional and knowledgeable. He has a great understanding of a dog’s behavior and was very effective in training my pup and providing me with the information for continued training.
  • Andrew Connell
    Jul. 17, 2024
    I don't have enough praise for Dog Training Elite! We worked with Eric & Chris training our Yellow Lab puppy Luna, starting with basic obedience and working our way up to so much more we thought we were going to accomplish with her. They made the process enjoyable, simple, and had great suggestions for a few off-challenges we had in integrating her into our house with two other dogs (11y & 6y). Communication was clear, prompt and simple... you can't go wrong with Dog Training Elite with Eric & Chris! 👍👍
  • michael harkey
    Jul. 17, 2024
    Colby has been amazing in helping train my bernedoodle.
  • Madison Craig
    May. 4, 2024
    I have a 3.5 year old Australian shepherd that I rescued and all this time have tried multiple different trainers, tried training him myself and had pretty much thrown my hands up that he was just “untrainable” until I came across Eric and his business! We are two lessons in and my dog is already more behaved and well trained than when I rescued him! He is understanding commands, doing those commands when told etc. I highly recommend Eric and his team and I am excited for the upcoming future lessons we have scheduled!
  • Justin Ramos
    Mar. 7, 2024
    Eric and the team are great! Easy to work with and very knowledgeable. Highly recommend their training services.
  • Frank Samu
    Jan. 31, 2024
    We’ve been working with Eric for several one-on-one sessions for aggressive behavior from our rescue, and are seeing some signs of hope. I appreciate his willingness to listen and having us take an active role in the solution. We still have a long road ahead of us, but are encouraged by our progress so far! I am looking forward to the transition to outside the home to see Eric work with our girl. Definitely recommend!
  • Lauren Adams
    Jan. 15, 2024
    We are SO happy we chose Dog Training Elite for our golden doodle puppy. Eric is extremely knowledgeable, friendly, & our puppy loves him. I am so impressed, and surprised, at how much she has learned & is now able to do. It’s such a relief to trust her to listen to commands amid distractions, not run out the front door, etc. Highly recommend to everyone!
  • vinceo2b
    Dec. 13, 2023
    Eric and his team are excellent. Particularly at service and patience to meet your dog and family needs. Our Cavapoo took to Eric like a member of the family. I highly recommend their approach and methods, frankly, the hardest to train is us humans !!
  • Berri Umrani
    Dec. 8, 2023
    We have had an awesome experience with Dog Training Elite! We were ready to give up on our husky because not only was she naughty but didn’t listen either! We were so surprised at her behavior after the first appointment! With every appointment, she continued to grow more and more obedient and actually pays attention and listens and respond when given commands. We have had the pleasure of working with Eric! He has always been accommodating with our schedule and time. He is amazing and truly knows how to train and work with our pet! We have learned so much! Thank you Eric and Dog Traing Elite! Such a positive experience for our family and our husky Athena!
  • Linda Gattuso
    Dec. 7, 2023
    I’ve had several trainers with my dogs over the years, but Eric is by far the BEST! He’s so very skilled and knowledgeable! He’s patient and sweet with my dog and me! Pippin is learning so well under his guidance. This is the place to call if you want a positive learning experience.
  • Camren Kalinowski
    Dec. 6, 2023
    Eric has been great! We were so stressed & thought we would have to do something drastic & couldn’t see anyone fixing our issue. Our 1yo Rottie Odin was biting & not allowing us to pet him, barking at ppl & dogs and jumping on us. I really did a lot of research online & followed a lot of advice INCLUDING going thru 2 other trainers (one told us we should put him down)! Eric has been working with us for around 2mths now & he has changed everything! Odin hasn’t had one bad incident since day one of working with Eric. My relationship with Odin is so much better, I feel more confident & can finally love on him without worry. I have so many options on how to help Odin make the correct choices. I have gained so much knowledge & abilities. We truly felt we had tried so many ways to help Odin that I was really skeptical another trainer would really make a difference, I can tell Eric has really good knowledge and experience with ANY situation you may have, and lots of patience. This has made day to day living much better and I’m thankful Eric has learned what he has, so he can help others.
  • Jillian Sagat
    Dec. 5, 2023
    While being a new dog owner who wants to get her dog trained for being a psychiatric service animal, I had A LOT of questions. Eric, had SO much patience with me on the phone and answered everything in detail without making me feel rushed. He had an answer for them all and even provided me with examples of what they would provide for my specific needs. He also sent a follow up with the information we talked about immediately after our call. Super happy with the experience even before signing up to be a part of Dog Training Elite!

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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.

Get Your Free Consultation

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!

Two dog owners with a group of trained dogs.

Dog Training in Jacksonville / St. Johns, 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 Jacksonville / St. Johns, 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 Jacksonville / St. Johns, FL make it possible for more families and dogs to benefit from professional training.

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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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