A well-trained dog with training from an expert Dog Training Elite dog behaviorist in Knoxville, TN.

Behavioral Solutions

Dog Training Elite Knoxville

Request Free Assessment


Request Free Assessment


A happy leash trained dog walking with their owner - if you are in need of Knoxville dog behavior training, contact Dog Training Elite today!

Knoxville Dog Behavior Training

Does your dog chew on things, pee indoors, or bark excessively? If so, your dog may benefit from a dog behaviorist in Knoxville. TN, and DTE is here to help. Our experienced trainers specialize in correcting unwanted behaviors and can address various issues your dog may face at home.

Behavior-focused training differs from basic obedience training and requires knowledgeable, experienced trainers. DTE trainers can identify and address the root causes of problematic behaviors, such as separation anxiety or excessive barking, and teach your dog to respond more appropriately to those triggers.

Through consistent training and balance, your dog can learn new, desirable behaviors that last.

See Training Packages

Our Behavioral Solution Programs

Dog Training Elite Knoxville - Knoxville Dog Socialization Classes. DTE
Socialization

Our Knoxville dog socialization classes teach dogs to maintain control and obedience around other dogs, people, and various distractions, reducing fear and aggression while promoting calm, confident behavior.

Dog Training Elite Knoxville - Stop Puppy Biting in Knoxville, TN. DTE
Biting

Through targeted puppy biting training in Knoxville, TN, we address aggressive tendencies and teach dogs to inhibit biting, helping them develop better self-control.

Dog Training Elite Knoxville - Reactive Dog Training in Knoxville, TN. DTE
Fear & Reactiveness

Our reactive dog training in Knoxville, TN, focuses on managing and reducing fear-based reactions to common triggers, helping dogs be more relaxed and well-adjusted.

Dog Training Elite Knoxville - Destructive Chewing and Digging Training in Knoxville, TN
Destructive Chewing & Digging

Our destructive chewing and digging training in Knoxville, TN addresses your dog’s destructive chewing and digging by redirecting these behaviors toward more appropriate and constructive outlets.

Dog Training Elite Knoxville - Separation Anxiety Training for Dogs in Knoxville, TN. DTE
Separation Anxiety

Our separation anxiety training in Knoxville, TN helps dogs overcome the stress of being alone, which curbs destructive behaviors and makes departures easier for everyone.

Dog Training Elite Knoxville - Excessive Barking Training in Knoxville, TN. DTE
Excessive Barking

We address the root causes of barking with our excessive barking training in Knoxville, TN, teaching your dog to communicate appropriately and reduce unnecessary noise.

Dog Training Elite Knoxville - Staying and Coming Training in Knoxville, TN. DTE
Staying & Coming

Our staying and coming training in Knoxville, TN focuses on improving your dog’s reliability in following essential commands like down and come, ensuring they respond promptly in any situation.

Dog Training Elite Knoxville -
Stealing Food, Clothing, or Other Objects

Our trainers work with your dog to curb the habit of stealing items, teaching them to respect boundaries and avoid problematic behaviors.

Dog Training Elite Knoxville -
Resource Guarding

We tackle resource guarding behaviors by addressing the underlying causes of your dog's insecurity. Our training helps your dog feel more secure, which reduces aggression over food, toys, or personal spaces.

Dog Training Elite Knoxville -
Food Guarding & Begging

Through consistent and focused training, we teach dogs to eat politely and reduce persistent begging behaviors. This approach creates a more peaceful and enjoyable mealtime experience for everyone involved.

Dog Training Elite Knoxville -
Mouthing, Nipping & Rough Play

Our program teaches dogs to play gently, reducing the risk of injury and making playtime safe and enjoyable.

Dog Training Elite Knoxville -
Anxiety & Submissive Urination

We work with anxious dogs to build their confidence. This program will help to reduce incidents of submissive urination and make your dog feel more secure.

Dog Training Elite Knoxville -
Jumping Up & Hyperactivity

This program helps dogs learn to greet people calmly and manage their energy levels, reducing hyperactivity and inappropriate jumping.

Dog Training Elite Knoxville -
Excessive Licking

We address compulsive licking behaviors, helping dogs find more appropriate ways to express themselves and reducing skin issues.

Dog Training Elite Knoxville -
Leashing

Our leashing program teaches dogs to walk politely on a leash, making walks more enjoyable and less stressful for you and your dog.

Dog Training Elite Knoxville -
Abnormal Repetitive Behaviors

We help your dog break free from compulsive actions like spinning or tail chasing, focusing their energy on healthier habits.

Dog Training Elite Knoxville -
Escaping

We train your dog to respect boundaries, significantly reducing the risk of escape and keeping them safe at home.

Dog Training Elite Knoxville -
Heeling

Our training improves your dog’s ability to heel, keeping them close by your side during walks and improving their overall leash manners.

Dog Training Elite Knoxville - Dog & Puppy Potty Trainer in Knoxville, TN. DTE
Potty Training

We help dogs learn to relieve themselves outdoors with our Knoxville dog potty training, reducing accidents in your home and fostering good habits that last a lifetime.

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!

A dog with expert behaviorial training from Dog Training Elite Knoxville.

What is Behavioral Training?


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Behavioral and regular obedience training serve different but equally important roles in shaping a well-behaved dog.

Obedience training teaches your dog basic commands like sit, heel, and come. This training helps your dog follow instructions in different situations and builds clear communication between you and your pet.

Behavioral training, however, goes deeper by addressing the root causes of problematic behaviors like aggression, anxiety, or excessive barking. While obedience training tells a dog what to do, behavioral training focuses on changing undesirable habits and reactions.

Combining obedience training with targeted behavioral solutions helps dogs overcome specific issues, resulting in a more balanced and adjusted pet.

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Carmen McKinley
    Apr. 29, 2025
    Montana was extremely professional, very nice, friendly and LOVES DOGS! She was very helpful from our first training session on. I look forward in seeing how she can help in so many ways with my new puppy!!
  • Michelle Cronk
    Apr. 7, 2025
    Carol listened to our situation and explained how things work. Looking forward to working with her with our pups. Update: 4/26 first training session for both puppies and it has already made a HUGE impact 💙
  • Mark Gouveia
    Apr. 23, 2025
    Great session, we learned a lot. Can’t wait for the next one!!!
  • Alex Robison
    Apr. 23, 2025
    Liam did a fine job of explanation of services....thanks.
  • Rebecca Nelson
    Apr. 14, 2025
    I loved working with Montana! She established a great rapport with me and my dog. And, I’m so pleased with my dog’s progress in training with her.
  • Joy Crosby
    Apr. 11, 2025
    When I called, I was greeted by an extremely pleasant voice. Attached to said voice was a wonderful young lady by the name of Jen. As I am older, a lot of people don’t take the time to truly try to help me. But Jen was phenomenal. She listened to my issues, soothed my worries and then provided me with exceptional support. More companies would benefit from having a soul like hers on the other end of the phone.
  • K C
    Apr. 11, 2025
    Jen is very helpful. She has a great way of explaining the program and training process.
  • Zach
    Apr. 11, 2025
    Jen was very helpful with everything from start to finish
  • Black Widow
    Apr. 11, 2025
    When I spoke with Jen, she was incredibly helpful and professional!
  • Saba Chishti
    Apr. 10, 2025
    Lots of patience and guidance! Would highly recommend. She answered all of our questions and more
  • Kynnedy Collins
    Apr. 8, 2025
    Montana is the best! Our 6 month old puppy has been seen a couple times now by Montana and is already like a brand new dog. On top of the professionalism, Montana is a very kind and friendly woman! We always look forward to her visits and love seeing the difference in our puppy! 100% recommend this company to train your dog and Montana to train!
  • Kristy Schnetzler
    Apr. 3, 2025
    Reina is wonderful!
  • Jennifer Collins
    Apr. 2, 2025
    Best place to go for any and everything you could ever want and see in your dog! Very friendly and professional people. All around great investment!!!
  • Cameron Simmons
    Apr. 2, 2025
    My dog loved working with Parker and so did I!
  • Madison Sparks
    Mar. 29, 2025
    Reina did awesome with our Australian Shepherd puppy Ezekiel we got everything that we asked for out of the lessons for his obedience training definitely recommend!
  • Kasey Hanson
    Mar. 29, 2025
    Let me begin by saying I highly recommend Dog Training Elite. Carol is AMAZING at her job and you can tell she loves what she does. I have a 1 1/2 year old German Shepherd (Luna) that she has totally trained way beyond what I expected. She has given me the tools and the confidence to become a better owner. Luna and I have a bond that continues to grow because of Carol. Carol is so patient with her clients and always takes the time to answer our questions and our concerns. When I am in public with Luna I am constantly getting stopped and being told that Luna is the most well behaved dog they have ever seen. Please don’t hesitate in choosing Dog Training Elite, you will not be disappointed!
  • Okeme Hunter
    Mar. 6, 2025
    Great job, this company and its employees are phenomenal. They made my dog felt love, and well respected. Rena as been outstanding with her training g routine and skills needed to get my 🐾 job done. Champ is well trained and I love it !!!!! I highly recommend this team
  • Abigail Price
    Mar. 23, 2025
    We contacted Elite and received a response from Jen with a scheduled free evaluation within 24 hours. Jen communicated effectively and was very nice! Carol was the trainer who completed our evaluation and got us all set up to start our training. She was knowledgeable, empathetic, and very easy to talk to! We are excited to start our training experience with Carol!
  • kenny barnes
    Mar. 20, 2025
    Carol is Amazing! I cannot say enough great things about Carol and her incredible work training my puppy! From the very first session, it was clear that she has a deep understanding of dogs and a true passion for what she does. Carol has been instrumental in helping my pup learn basic obedience, and the results have been nothing short of amazing. Her training techniques are effective, positive, and tailored to both my puppy’s needs and my own. She is patient, encouraging, and always takes the time to explain not just what to do but why it works, which has helped me build a stronger bond with my pup. Thanks to Carol, my puppy now listens better, responds to commands, and is becoming a well-mannered companion. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for a skilled, professional, and caring dog trainer. She truly goes above and beyond! If you need help with training, look no further—Carol is the best!
  • Elizabeth Rutan
    Mar. 15, 2025
    Carol has been great for our big boy! She gave us the tools to help him feel more relaxed and less like there is about to be an intruder any second. He went from guarding the house and barking aggressively at even a passing car to now he sometimes barks when other dogs bark. We also feel more relaxed taking him out in public, which I didn’t think could happen! Thank you!
  • Carmen McKinley
    Apr. 29, 2025
    Montana was extremely professional, very nice, friendly and LOVES DOGS! She was very helpful from our first training session on. I look forward in seeing how she can help in so many ways with my new puppy!!
  • Michelle Cronk
    Apr. 7, 2025
    Carol listened to our situation and explained how things work. Looking forward to working with her with our pups. Update: 4/26 first training session for both puppies and it has already made a HUGE impact 💙
  • Mark Gouveia
    Apr. 23, 2025
    Great session, we learned a lot. Can’t wait for the next one!!!
  • Alex Robison
    Apr. 23, 2025
    Liam did a fine job of explanation of services....thanks.
  • Rebecca Nelson
    Apr. 14, 2025
    I loved working with Montana! She established a great rapport with me and my dog. And, I’m so pleased with my dog’s progress in training with her.
  • Joy Crosby
    Apr. 11, 2025
    When I called, I was greeted by an extremely pleasant voice. Attached to said voice was a wonderful young lady by the name of Jen. As I am older, a lot of people don’t take the time to truly try to help me. But Jen was phenomenal. She listened to my issues, soothed my worries and then provided me with exceptional support. More companies would benefit from having a soul like hers on the other end of the phone.
  • K C
    Apr. 11, 2025
    Jen is very helpful. She has a great way of explaining the program and training process.
  • Zach
    Apr. 11, 2025
    Jen was very helpful with everything from start to finish
  • Black Widow
    Apr. 11, 2025
    When I spoke with Jen, she was incredibly helpful and professional!
  • Saba Chishti
    Apr. 10, 2025
    Lots of patience and guidance! Would highly recommend. She answered all of our questions and more
  • Kynnedy Collins
    Apr. 8, 2025
    Montana is the best! Our 6 month old puppy has been seen a couple times now by Montana and is already like a brand new dog. On top of the professionalism, Montana is a very kind and friendly woman! We always look forward to her visits and love seeing the difference in our puppy! 100% recommend this company to train your dog and Montana to train!
  • Kristy Schnetzler
    Apr. 3, 2025
    Reina is wonderful!
  • Jennifer Collins
    Apr. 2, 2025
    Best place to go for any and everything you could ever want and see in your dog! Very friendly and professional people. All around great investment!!!
  • Cameron Simmons
    Apr. 2, 2025
    My dog loved working with Parker and so did I!
  • Madison Sparks
    Mar. 29, 2025
    Reina did awesome with our Australian Shepherd puppy Ezekiel we got everything that we asked for out of the lessons for his obedience training definitely recommend!
  • Kasey Hanson
    Mar. 29, 2025
    Let me begin by saying I highly recommend Dog Training Elite. Carol is AMAZING at her job and you can tell she loves what she does. I have a 1 1/2 year old German Shepherd (Luna) that she has totally trained way beyond what I expected. She has given me the tools and the confidence to become a better owner. Luna and I have a bond that continues to grow because of Carol. Carol is so patient with her clients and always takes the time to answer our questions and our concerns. When I am in public with Luna I am constantly getting stopped and being told that Luna is the most well behaved dog they have ever seen. Please don’t hesitate in choosing Dog Training Elite, you will not be disappointed!
  • Okeme Hunter
    Mar. 6, 2025
    Great job, this company and its employees are phenomenal. They made my dog felt love, and well respected. Rena as been outstanding with her training g routine and skills needed to get my 🐾 job done. Champ is well trained and I love it !!!!! I highly recommend this team
  • Abigail Price
    Mar. 23, 2025
    We contacted Elite and received a response from Jen with a scheduled free evaluation within 24 hours. Jen communicated effectively and was very nice! Carol was the trainer who completed our evaluation and got us all set up to start our training. She was knowledgeable, empathetic, and very easy to talk to! We are excited to start our training experience with Carol!
  • kenny barnes
    Mar. 20, 2025
    Carol is Amazing! I cannot say enough great things about Carol and her incredible work training my puppy! From the very first session, it was clear that she has a deep understanding of dogs and a true passion for what she does. Carol has been instrumental in helping my pup learn basic obedience, and the results have been nothing short of amazing. Her training techniques are effective, positive, and tailored to both my puppy’s needs and my own. She is patient, encouraging, and always takes the time to explain not just what to do but why it works, which has helped me build a stronger bond with my pup. Thanks to Carol, my puppy now listens better, responds to commands, and is becoming a well-mannered companion. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for a skilled, professional, and caring dog trainer. She truly goes above and beyond! If you need help with training, look no further—Carol is the best!
  • Elizabeth Rutan
    Mar. 15, 2025
    Carol has been great for our big boy! She gave us the tools to help him feel more relaxed and less like there is about to be an intruder any second. He went from guarding the house and barking aggressively at even a passing car to now he sometimes barks when other dogs bark. We also feel more relaxed taking him out in public, which I didn’t think could happen! Thank you!

Photo Gallery

See An Elite Dog in Action

Behavior Training Techniques

At DTE, we use proven techniques to encourage lasting behavior changes in dogs.

Here’s how we do it.

We use a clicker to mark the exact moment your dog performs the correct behavior. The click signals a coming reward and helps your dog learn which actions are worth repeating.
Similar to clicker training, this method uses a specific word or phrase like "yes" or "good" to mark the behavior. This verbal cue reinforces positive behavior and strengthens the communication between you and your dog.
By demonstrating correct behaviors with a "model" dog, other dogs in the group learn through observation. This method taps into dogs' natural tendency to imitate, making it easier for them to adopt behaviors.
Building a strong bond between dog and owner is key. We build trust and understand your dog's needs to create a cooperative training environment where your dog is more likely to respond positively.
A stick or specific spot is used to guide your dog to the desired behavior, encouraging them to touch or follow the target. Once they succeed, we reinforce the action with a reward. This technique is ideal for teaching complex behaviors and improving focus.
An owner and their happy, healthy dog with expert training from Dog Training Elite Knoxville.

Classical Conditioning, or the Pavlovian Model

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Classical conditioning, pioneered by Russian physiologist Ivan Pavlov's work, is a fundamental principle in dog training. Pavlov’s study showed dogs could learn to associate a neutral stimulus, like a bell, with food, prompting them to respond to the bell alone.

At Dog Training Elite, we apply this principle in our behavioral training programs. We pair a command with two stimuli: a clicker (or marker word) and a reward like a treat or praise. The clicker signals the correct behavior, and the reward reinforces it. This method helps dogs quickly understand what’s expected and encourages them to repeat desired behaviors.

Unlike punishment-based methods, classical conditioning shapes behavior effectively and creates a well-adjusted, happy dog.

A dog with classical conditioning training from Dog Training Elite Knoxville.

Your Expert Dog Behaviorist in Knoxville, TN

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Our certified, experienced trainers are experts in solving various behavior problems, from aggression and anxiety to excessive barking and destructive habits.

We focus on understanding your dog’s personality, environment, and behavior triggers to develop customized training plans. Our trainers will work to resolve these issues and their root causes to prevent them from returning.

What Makes Our Trainers Stand Out?
  • Certified and Experienced: Our trainers are certified professionals with years of experience handling behavioral challenges. With a proven track record of success, they’re equipped to deliver the best results for your pet.
  • Breed-Specific Knowledge: We understand the unique traits of different breeds and customize our training methods to match your dog’s natural behaviors, making the training more effective.
  • Friendly and Understanding: Our trainers are approachable and empathetic, working closely with you to build trust and create a supportive training environment for your dog.
A group of dogs being trained by the expert team at Dog Training Elite Knoxville.
Dog Training Elite Knoxville light star icon.

Educate, Empower, Elevate, Elite

Victory Begins With Elite Education

Why Choose Dog Training Elite?

Proven Methods for Successful Dog Training


If you're looking for a top dog behaviorist in Knoxville, TN, Dog Training Elite is the top choice.

Our experienced trainers handle various issues, including aggression, anxiety, excessive barking, and more. With a personalized approach, we help dogs overcome their challenges and build stronger, happier relationships with their owners.

No matter how challenging your dog’s behavior may seem, there is hope. Whether your dog’s behavioral issues are minor or more serious, we’re here to help.

Reach out today for a free consultation!