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Training is key to creating a safe, loving environment for your canine companion. Dogs are great learners and always eager to please their owners. With the right techniques, a little patience, and consistency from the whole family, Fido can learn just about anything.
Besides teaching your dog respectful behaviors (like no excessive barking and no begging from the table), training keeps your dog:
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Safe
If your dog knows to come on command, or “stay” in place, both of you will be safer when outdoors. Untrained dogs may dart off into the road, or become distracted by their surroundings and get lost. -
Smart
Consistent instruction is mentally stimulating and improves your dog’s cognitive health. Learning also prevents boredom and the destructive habits that result from it.
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Happy
Dogs thrive on positive, loving relationships with their human family members. A dog that doesn’t know proper behavior is unlikely to have a positive relationship with the people around him. By teaching your dog what behaviors are acceptable, you establish a comfortable and loving environment.
Effective training is key to a positive dog-owner relationship. Learning how to communicate with your canine companion is difficult without assistance, however. If you’ve been struggling with your dog’s behavior, it may be time to find a professional dog trainer near you.
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Los Angeles location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
Silver
$1,350
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 3 Sessions
- Group Training Classes 1 Month
- Come
- Place(go to bed)
- Heel(walk with you without pulling)
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Off(furniture if desired)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
Gold
$1,950
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 5 Sessions
- Group Training Classes 3 Months
- Come
- Heel(walk with you without pulling)
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Place(go to bed)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Off(furniture if desired)
- Down(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Manners, Safety & Boundaries
- Calm Anxiety & Build Confidence
- Housebreaking / Potty Training
- STOP Jumping on People
- STOP Mouthing & Nipping
- STOP Chewing & Digging
- STOP Begging & Stealing Food
- STOP Bolting Through Doors & Running Away
- STOP Chasing Animals, Cars & Bikes
Platinum
$2,950
Platinum offers advanced obedience/behavioral modification with a goal of off-leash control. Includes additional training options and offers more one-on-one and group sessions than Gold.
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 8 Sessions
- Group Training Classes Unlimited
- Lifetime support via text/email and in-person support sessions *scheduled at trainer's discretion
- Come
- Heel(walk with you without pulling)
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Place(go to bed)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Off(furniture if desired)
- Down(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Manners, Safety & Boundaries
- Calm Anxiety & Build Confidence
- Housebreaking / Potty Training
- STOP Jumping on People
- STOP Mouthing & Nipping
- STOP Chewing & Digging
- STOP Begging & Stealing Food
- STOP Bolting Through Doors & Running Away
- STOP Chasing Animals, Cars & Bikes
- STOP Reactivity (dog & human)
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Choose to Address Advanced Concerns:
- Control Aggression (dog & human)
- Calm Anxiety
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Or Choose One Tailored Skill Below: *Specialized training options based upon your dog's abilities.
- Therapy dog training
See Details
- Emotional Support Dog Training
- Stay with You on Jog, Hike, or Bike Ride
- Other Custom Command Approved by Trainer
Finding Professionals In An Unregulated Industry
There is no regulating body or licensing process for professional dog trainers. Anyone can advertise themselves as a trainer, whether they have the necessary skills and knowledge or not.
Navigating through this unregulated industry can be tricky. As a dog owner, you want a qualified trainer that will:
- Respect you, your dog, and your family.
- Stick to your schedule.
- Use positive training methods.
- Never harm your dog.
- Address your dog's unique needs and behaviors.
- Teach you how to better communicate with your dog.
- Provide ongoing support and check-in after training sessions.
- Train in various settings, environments and stages.
- Empower you to build a healthy, loving bond with your dog.
It takes years of experience and education for trainers to be able to offer all of the above. So how do you find a professional that fits your and your dog’s needs?
Se habla español!
"Pawsitive" Indicators of a Good Dog Trainer
Some things to look for when searching for a Los Angeles dog trainer include:
Training Technique
There are various training methods out there, but the most effective is positive reinforcement. According to the American Kennel Service, positive reinforcement techniques “are based on the science of animal learning and have the bonus of strengthening the dog-owner bond.”
- “Alpha Dog” or dominance-based training techniques. Dominance theory is based on incorrect assumptions of dog and wolf behavior. Dog behaviorists have proven that positive techniques are the only healthy way to communicate with dogs. Dominant, punishment-based training causes anxiety, fear and aggression.
- Trainers that use choke-chains, shock collars, sprays, and other punishment tactics.
Stay Away From:
Personality
You want to enjoy the time spent with your trainer, so find someone with a happy, exciting personality. You’re looking for a professional, of course, but we are all dog lovers here, so light-hearted attitudes are important. Your dog must connect well with a trainer for efficient learning, so pay attention to how your dog reacts to your chosen trainer.
- Trainers that make you feel bad about your relationship with your dog or your dog’s behavior.
- Rude, dismissive attitudes, and trainers that are too uptight.
- Trainers that use harsh words and aggressive tactics.
Stay Away From:
Empowerment
A dog trainer is truly a teacher at heart, and their goal is to teach you how to better communicate with your dog. You need a coach who helps you connect better with your pet, empowering you to build a strong bond. When the trainer is gone, you’ll be the one giving the commands, so make sure you find someone that is understanding, patient, and committed.
- A trainer that does not want to involve you and your family members in the process.
- Programs that only offer board and train -- effective training involves various settings, including classes and inside the home.
- Trainers that cannot explain how dogs learn and cannot teach you how to communicate with your dog.
Stay Away From:
Credentials
Dog trainers do not need a license, but there are various education programs available. Look for a trainer that can prove their credentials with experience, education, and certifications. If you have a specific need, such as personal protection or service training, be sure to find a trainer that is experienced in that area.
At Dog Training Elite, our dog trainers are educated and experienced with training dogs of all breeds, sizes and ages. All locations are registered with the Professional Retriever Trainers Association, the International Association of Canine Professionals, and the American Kennel Club.
Trainers that cannot prove their education, experience, or background.
Stay Away From:
Customization
All dogs have unique personalities and life experiences that shape their behaviors. A well-qualified trainer offers customizable programs tailored to the unique needs of each client and dog. In-home training approaches are preferred, so the trainer can observe your dog in his home environment (where he feels most comfortable acting naughty!).
You should also look for a trainer that covers both basic obedience and advanced programs.
- Trainers that can’t teach more than basic obedience commands.
- A trainer that diagnoses medical issues as reasoning for problem behaviors. Trainers are not licensed veterinarians and should never diagnose a dog. If a medical issue is suspected, a qualified trainer will recommend you speak to a vet.
Stay Away From:
Good References
References and consumer reviews are key to finding a reliable trainer. Ask around at the dog park for good references, and research each trainer or company. Read through customer reviews and take a look at how professional their website appears.
- Trainers that have no website or online references, or trainers that have poor reviews.
- Trainers with reviews that mention aggressive tactics, fear-based techniques, and punishment-based theory.
Stay Away From:
Se habla español!
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.
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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).
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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.
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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.
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!
Clayton is an amazing trainer who has not only taught our stubborn Jack Russell Terrier to listen and respond…..he has also taught us to be consistent with the training techniques and the results are fantastic. The time we have spent training our dog Gary for the last 8 weeks will pay off for a lifetime!— Brittney Post
Posted September 20th 2024
Clayton was great and very knowledgeable. They do awesome work.— Josh S
Posted September 18th 2024
Jon and Clayton are awesome. Our German Shepherd is a rescue and was very territorial at our house. The guys gave us great tools to redirect his aggression and teach him good manners. The whole experience has been outstanding. Highly recommend these guys.— Mike Feldman
Posted September 5th 2024
Just had my training session with Clayton he was so sweet and gentle with my big 92 lb dog. Taught me a lot in such a short time. Will be ordering Anya her little bed to focus on practicing her place command. Thank you again Clayton was a pleasure:)!— Sonia Vera
Posted August 7th 2024
Amazing training session for my nervous puppy! She was able to learn 3 new training skills the first day.— brianna gutierrez
Posted July 31st 2024
Had an intro session at my apartment. Learned a ton about how I can be more effective training my pup and some errors I was making— Akshay S
Posted July 31st 2024
Clayton is super patient and great at communicating. I like that he's very honest and helpful . I really enjoyed my dogs training session walking my dog will be less of a hassle now. He also saved my dog from an attack I swear Clayton is the best— Brit Hall
Posted July 25th 2024
This was the very best dog training session I've ever come across! Clayton, our dog training was absolutely great! He was very knowledgeable about dogs and knows exactly what it takes to get a dog on track in any area of training! I would absolutely recommend this company and Clayton, to anyone who needs help understanding their dogs, etc. He gave us so many great tips and explained so much to me that helped me understand just where my dog was and what he needed moving forward. Definitely will be using this company again!— THIS OR THAT!!!!!
Posted July 22nd 2024
Clayton is such a nice and talented man!! Learned so much from our session and will recommend to all my friends!— jasmin baadsgaard
Posted July 19th 2024
It was great! They're awesome and responsive, will answer any of your questions and concerns. Definitely reach out to them for proper training and their knowledge trainers. 😊— Victoria Cruz
Posted July 16th 2024
Our experience with Jon was terrific. Our Australian Shepherd is now a well trained young dog, the addition of the E collar was genius. We are extremely pleased and we recommend John highly— Jan Gordon
Posted July 13th 2024
This company is great! I saw improvement in my puppy after just the first training session. I cant wait to continue with her training and learn more.— Alexis Sanford
Posted July 11th 2024
I really enjoyed the training and was very impressed with Clayton’s knowledge on dog training— Brittany Jacobs
Posted July 11th 2024
My session with trainer was great!! He was very helpful and my puppy is acting good when walking now. Thank you!— 뷘
Posted July 10th 2024
I can not recommend the trainers and staff at Dog Trainer Elite LA enough!! Clayton showed up promptly at our scheduling session. I was a bit nervous with my dog being selectively reactive to random people and animals. I was unsure how my boy Rey, a staffordshire bull terrier, would react to a visitor. As we don't get very many at all. Of course he barked and sized up the trainer, Clayton, inside our home. I made sure I was vigilant to any signs of aggression. He's so good and obedient with me inside the house. So lovable and cuddly. However, another story when we go outside. I know that it falls under the owner, pack leader, and not so much the animal. I've been working on my communication to best of my ability with my dog. However, the strong pull I could not efficiently master with him. Within minutes, Clayton had him calm and striding close by his side in heel position. We even walked past a usual spot where my dog always nervously reacts to the dogs behind the fence. Clayton effectively controlled the situation and implemented some techniques. Such a difference. I was shocked and overjoyed! As we walked around the block, I then took on the leash and implemented Clayton's instructions. My Rey didn't pull or react like he normally would. I'm so thrilled and overjoyed with Clayton's patience and effective technique. Everything else with my boy is fine. I really appreciate Dog Training Elite LA. I highly recommend them. I will definitely be calling them for advanced obedience in the future. Look at them in action! 🐕🦺🧍🏻♂️— Anthony A. González
Posted July 8th 2024
Clayton was an awesome trainer, such a big help, educated me well on how to execute things I need to with my Nova. I appreciate him so much. I feel more confident— Taylor Thomas
Posted July 6th 2024
We’ve been working with trainer Clayton, he’s been so amazing, patient, & kind helping us with our 2year old American bully Ziggy. Ziggys getting better and more well behaved with every session. Thank you Clayton ❤️— Julianne Lantz
Posted July 3rd 2024
If you're struggling with leash-pulling, look no further. Dog Training Elite doesn't just train dogs, they educate owners! I spoke on the phone with the owner Jon, to learn a bit about the services they offered and was able to schedule an in-home session the following week. Clayton was the trainer that came to our home and our dog went from a pulling machine to a perfect walking companion in a single session. He also empowered us with the knowledge and skills to continue the training journey. We appreciate this personalized approach and commitment to our dog's long-term success.Thank you Jon, Clayton, and Dog Training Elite!— Cindy Q
Posted May 15th 2024
"John (Elite Dog Training School) is simply phenomenal! His expertise in dog training is unmatched, and his passion for helping dogs and their owners shines through in every session. With his patient approach and tailored techniques, he transforms even the most stubborn pups into well-behaved companions. John's commitment to positive reinforcement ensures a trusting bond between dogs and their humans. If you're looking for a dog trainer who delivers results with compassion and professionalism, look no further than John!"— shohreh farokhnia
Posted April 15th 2024
Thank you to my trainer Jon for teaching me on keeping my dog Otis clam I recommend Jon the Dog Trainer if anybody’s interested hit him up he is the best trainer. He teaches very well.— krystel mercado
Posted April 13th 2024
Trust Your Gut
Choosing a trainer is an important part of being a dog owner, and in the end, you want to choose the professional you feel comfortable with. This is someone that you’ll be inviting into your home and spending plenty of time with! A dog trainer with credentials, experience, and a friendly personality that makes your dog’s tail wag is most likely a great choice.
You also want to make sure you get your money’s worth, so choose a trainer that is invested in you and your dog. At Dog Training Elite, we follow up with our clients even after training sessions have ended. Our goal is to help clients build strong relationships with their pets, and that takes consistent effort. Our professional dog trainers are some of the best in the Los Angeles area. We cover training programs such as obedience, personal protection, anxiety, aggression, and service dog.