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Two dog owners and a group of pups in our Louisville dog socialization classes - contact Dog Training Elite to schedule your free consultation today!

Professional

Socialization Dog Training

Dog Training Elite Louisville

Request Free Assessment


Request Free Assessment


Our Socialization Dog Training Could Help:

Reduce anxiety
Improve dog and other animal interactions
Build confidence with people
Reduce fear-based aggression
Encourage calm behavior in public
Teach proper responses to distractions
Strengthen bond with owner
Foster positive play

Dog Training Elite

Louisville Dog Socialization Classes

Socialization is crucial for a dog’s development, significantly impacting their anxiety levels, aggressive tendencies, and overall well-being. At Dog Training Elite, we recognize this importance and offer socialization training to help your pup feel comfortable around different people, animals, and unfamiliar places.

We introduce socialization in a controlled and structured way. Once you and our trainers are confident in your dog’s obedience training, we gradually introduce them to our Louisville dog socialization classes and public settings. By prioritizing obedience first, we ensure your dog has a strong foundation of self-control and responsiveness, making the process smoother and more successful.

At Dog Training Elite, we are committed to minimizing stress for both you and your dog. We use proven techniques and involve you from the very beginning. Whether you’re out for a walk, visiting a friend, or navigating a busy public space, you’ll have confidence in your abilities and your dog’s behavior.

Call us today to schedule your free consultation!

See Training Packages

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!

Three lab puppies experiencing new things together at Dog Training Elite's Louisville dog and puppy socialization classes.

Dog Training Elite Louisville

When to Socialize Your Puppy

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Socialization for dogs should be happening throughout their lifetime. Still, getting a good start as early as possible is always best.

Socialization for puppies starts at just three weeks old as they begin to engage with their littermates and the world around them. The “sensitive period of socialization,” when puppies are primed and ready to try new things, is from 3-14 weeks of age. Because puppies can go to new homes at around eight weeks old, you only have a small window to get that necessary socialization training done.

You can start Louisville dog socialization classes with DTE as soon as you bring your puppy home at eight weeks old! Our classes are puppy safe and provide an excellent opportunity for your puppy to meet new dogs and people while having new experiences outside your home.

Multiple dogs sitting on a bench during a group class with Dog Training Elite.

Dog Training Elite

What Do Our Louisville Dog Socialization Classes Look Like?

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Puppy and dog socialization is not about teaching new commands or obedience but creating a positive experience around new stimuli. Socialization can look like taking them around your neighborhood, letting them hear and smell things at their own pace, and offering plenty of soft treats. It can also look like introducing them to a friend's healthy dog in a safe place and allowing them to greet the dog and learn about social cues and behavior from them, all while offering treats and praise.

Our socialization classes teach your puppy or dog that even if something is new, it can be safe and fun to explore! We create opportunities for your pet to safely meet new dogs, smell new things, hear new sounds, walk on different surfaces, and meet new friendly people.

Socialization is all about removing fear and entering new situations with curiosity.

Additional Behavioral Training

Dog Training Elite Louisville - Stop Puppy Biting in Louisville, KY. DTE
Biting
Dog Training Elite Louisville - Reactive Dog Training in Louisville, KY. DTE
Fear & Reactiveness
Dog Training Elite Louisville - Destructive Chewing and Digging Training in Louisville, KY
Destructive Chewing & Digging
Dog Training Elite Louisville - Separation Anxiety Training for Dogs in Louisville, KY. DTE
Separation Anxiety
Dog Training Elite Louisville - Excessive Barking Training in Louisville, KY. DTE
Excessive Barking
Dog Training Elite Louisville - Staying and Coming Training in Louisville, KY. DTE
Staying & Coming
Dog Training Elite Louisville -
Stealing Food, Clothing, or Other Objects
Dog Training Elite Louisville -
Resource Guarding
Dog Training Elite Louisville -
Food Guarding & Begging
Dog Training Elite Louisville -
Mouthing, Nipping & Rough Play
Dog Training Elite Louisville -
Anxiety & Submissive Urination
Dog Training Elite Louisville -
Jumping Up & Hyperactivity
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Excessive Licking
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Leashing
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Abnormal Repetitive Behaviors
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Escaping
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Heeling
Dog Training Elite Louisville - Dog & Puppy Potty Trainer in Louisville, KY. DTE
Potty Training
A group of dogs at our Louisville dog socialization classes.

Dog Training Elite Louisville

Discover the Benefits of Socialization Classes Today

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Proper socialization from a young age offers many benefits as dogs grow. It teaches puppies about the world from a place of safety and curiosity instead of fear and anxiety. Doing this allows them to enter any situation confidently, which grants you the freedom to bring them along for the ride as you both experience life.

Whether you have an older dog or a brand new puppy, our Louisville dog socialization classes will give them the tools to be comfortable with new sights, sounds, smells, and experiences.

Give your furry companion the best chance at a happy and exciting life with our elite training. Schedule your free consultation today!

A group of dogs being trained by the expert team at Dog Training Elite Louisville.
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Educate, Empower, Elevate, Elite

Victory Begins With Elite Education

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Lee Anne Ater
    Mar. 22, 2025
    “I have had a great experience with Dog Training Elite Louisville! The trainers are professional, knowledgeable, and patient with me, my husband, and my dog. The in-home training sessions were especially helpful, allowing Cole to learn in a familiar environment. Within just a few sessions, I saw a noticeable improvement in obedience and leash manners. If you’re considering professional training, I’d definitely recommend Dog Training Elite Louisville“
  • Rhonda Clyde
    Mar. 9, 2025
    Tom has been amazing with my crazy pup, displaying incredible patience and compassion. He truly listens to me and my dog. She has made more progress than I could’ve imagined. Tom is very supportive and knowledgeable.
  • Chuck Karasinski
    Mar. 8, 2025
    Tom has been great. Our dog was a drop off rescue that showed that social interaction with other people and dogs had been minimal. The training method appears to suit her well. The at home instruction has been really convenient. The group sessions have been really helpful for her fear and anxiety issues. Today was her second group session and I could sense a noticeable difference. Highly recommend.
  • Joella Mosley
    Feb. 24, 2025
    The patience, kindness, and clear guidance of the trainers at Dog Training Elite Louisville was outstanding, especially during our Service dog training experience, which instantly boosted our dog's confidence and obedience! Highly recommend
  • Krista Johnson
    Feb. 23, 2025
    The staff at Dog Training Elite Louisville demonstrated exceptional patience, kindness, understanding, and provided clear instructions that put us at ease throughout the training process, and we're delighted with the progress our dogs are making. Their encouraging approach made the experience enjoyable and left us feeling confident in our newfound skills as we pursued service dog training for one of our dogs and therapy dog training for the other. The group lessons are an effective way to gain confidence using the training skills we learn in individual sessions. Safety is a main priority in group classes with the leaders demonstrating patience and understanding for any dogs and owners who may be struggling with anxiety around other dogs. We are very happy with DTE training and am glad we chose it for our two dogs.
  • jason kayla
    Feb. 20, 2025
    Our experience with Dog Training Elite Louisville was exceptional, with trainers who demonstrated kindness, patience, clarity, and professionalism as they guided our dogs at all levels of obedience training, and even provided valuable insight into Service dog training making a noticeable difference in their behavior.
  • Edward Delk
    Feb. 20, 2025
    My trainer at Dog Training Elite helped make me feel empowered to train my service dog. I constantly get compliments from people saying that they've never seen a dog behave so well, and it's all thanks to Tom! Even though I'm done with the program, he's still there for me, which means the world! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!
  • Vick N
    Feb. 19, 2025
    Tom is amazing! We started obedience lessons with my Doberman puppy when she was 4 months old, and she has truly turned into the best dog I could’ve ever ask for. She so well behaved thanks to her training, and I feel so confident teaching her new things and taking her out in public thanks to Tom! (She absolutely ADORES Tom too, you should see her wiggle when she sees his Truck pull in for her lessons.) 10/10 recommend Dog Training Elite and Tom!
  • Megan W.
    Feb. 11, 2025
    When I got my puppy, Henry, I was hoping to turn him into a service dog, but had no clue where to even start. Tom has been there every step of the way to help us get to that point. Henry will now alert to me on his own, and I know that wouldn’t have been possible without Tom’s expertise. And I have been so impressed with how well thought out the group classes are! It’s been amazing to watch Henry’s improvement with each outing. Would 1000% recommend this program to anyone!
  • LINDA SEAY
    Feb. 5, 2025
    Odie a mini Sheepadoodle has become a favorite with everyone he meets after finding Tom at DTI. Tom is always patient with Odie and me!! You may think “no way” when he tells you what is possible with your dog, but believe him!! We love the group classes and look forward to them. There are many dog trainers to choose from but I highly recommend Tom and this organization!! Life with your dog will go from ok to fabulous!!
  • Elizabeth Lloyd
    Jan. 25, 2025
    When I adopted my dog from the animal shelter I wasn't sure if she'd ever get along with other dogs or be able to be in a group of dogs without reacting poorly. These classes really helped her learn to be in a group of other dogs without freaking out. Its also helped her learn to listen to me and follow my lead in a situation. She's so much happier and so much more social now!
  • Zoe Hallam
    Jan. 2, 2025
    We work with Tom at Dog Training Elite Louisville and so far he has been amazing! He is very kind, understanding, and knowledgeable. We have a Standard Poodle puppy named Sonny and we have a long road ahead of us, from puppy training to obedience training to hopefully service or therapy dog training. Tom helped me from the very beginning before we even had Sonny, he informed me on what dog breeds would be best for service dogs and what to look for in a puppy, I am very thankful because of him we were able to find our boy Sonny who we absolutely adore (especially our son who we got Sonny for)! I was nervous as this is the most extensive training I have ever done and I have also never worked with an e-collar, Tom has made this experience very smooth and easy. He makes sure to inform me on everything which makes me feel more comfortable with the whole process. We have only been training for a few months as Sonny is only 18weeks old but we have already seen wonderful results from starting training right away! We have enjoyed working with Tom, and look forward to continue working with him. We are a forever client and highly recommend working with Tom for all your dog training needs!
  • Michelle Johnson
    Dec. 26, 2024
    Tom has done an amazing job with our 1 1/2 year old mini golden doodle. She and we have learned so much in just a few sessions! Tom is so patient and consistent with her. Our JoJo is now able to loose leash walk, heel and sit on walks only and come on command only after a few sessions. She is so much calmer and more attentive to us. So very impressed and couldn’t be happier!
  • Robert Dobson
    Nov. 23, 2024
    Tom and Abby have been great working with us and Hank. They’ve walked us through the early steps of our training and kept in touch to make sure everything was going good. We’re now joining the Saturday classes and enjoying learning more from them.
  • Anita Blount
    Nov. 23, 2024
    I began training my dog, Mushu, with Tom several months ago and it has been an excellent experience. My dog is not treat motivated and has been tricky to train as a result. I signed up with Tom for the Therapy Dog Training, which is a multi-step process beginning with basic obedience and progressing from there. Tom has been patient and great with my dog. Mushu has learned so much and come so far in a short time.
  • Lee Anne DePaola Ater
    Aug. 17, 2024
    When Joe and I started on this adventure of getting a puppy to train to be a mobility support dog for Joe due to his MS, I was a bit unsure of if we could make it happen. As Cole, an English Labrador, began growing into a LARGE puppy who didn’t know his strength I was concerned he would end up knocking Joe or others off their feet! With the wonderful guidance from Tom at Dog Training Elite, Cole (Joe and I) have learned to obey commands, listen to each other, act more appropriate around other people and dogs, and greet others without jumping on them. Joe, Cole, and I look forward to continuing our journey with Tom and appreciate all that he has done!
  • Lauren Brown
    Jul. 13, 2024
    I was recommended Dog Training Elite by my sister, and from the very beginning Tom has done a wonderful job helping my dog through reactivity and anxiety. We started with some pretty explosive reactivity, lunging, barking, etc. and in less than two months she is able to calmly participate in group class alongside other dogs. I cant recommend Dog Training Elite and Tom enough!
  • Khara Aud
    Mar. 30, 2024
    We got our family's first dog, a Cavapoo puppy named Poppy. We decided we would benefit from some puppy training as much as the puppy, so we searched the internet and found Dog Training Elite in Louisville. Tom is amazing. He taught Poppy to come in her very first session. In the second session, she learned sit, down, and up. Also, we were struggling to find treats she would like so he showed up with a pocket full of them to help us determine the best treat to get the job done. Tom has an amazing temperament, with both animals and people. He is very helpful and answers any questions we have. I recommend not only training your puppy, but using Dog Training Elite to do it. If we decide to go beyond puppy training into further obedience, we will definitely go with Tom.
  • Danielle wilson
    Mar. 28, 2024
    Tom has been great with my anxious rescue dog. He’s patient and kind; she responds well to his quiet nature. Definitely a good investment!
  • Amy Sees
    Mar. 25, 2024
    We just finished our last training with Tom from Dog Training Elite. It was an excellent experience. Tom did an amazing job interacting with our dog Toby (11 months) and with my 11 year old son. He was calm, listened really well to our needs and concerns, and spent a full hour training with us each session. Our dog went from being hard to manage on walks, stubborn, and unmanageable in public to knowing how to heel, listening to us, staying in his place, and being able to play off leash with our son. We are still practicing but he’s come so far! I’d definitely recommend DTE…it’s worth the investment!
  • Lee Anne Ater
    Mar. 22, 2025
    “I have had a great experience with Dog Training Elite Louisville! The trainers are professional, knowledgeable, and patient with me, my husband, and my dog. The in-home training sessions were especially helpful, allowing Cole to learn in a familiar environment. Within just a few sessions, I saw a noticeable improvement in obedience and leash manners. If you’re considering professional training, I’d definitely recommend Dog Training Elite Louisville“
  • Rhonda Clyde
    Mar. 9, 2025
    Tom has been amazing with my crazy pup, displaying incredible patience and compassion. He truly listens to me and my dog. She has made more progress than I could’ve imagined. Tom is very supportive and knowledgeable.
  • Chuck Karasinski
    Mar. 8, 2025
    Tom has been great. Our dog was a drop off rescue that showed that social interaction with other people and dogs had been minimal. The training method appears to suit her well. The at home instruction has been really convenient. The group sessions have been really helpful for her fear and anxiety issues. Today was her second group session and I could sense a noticeable difference. Highly recommend.
  • Joella Mosley
    Feb. 24, 2025
    The patience, kindness, and clear guidance of the trainers at Dog Training Elite Louisville was outstanding, especially during our Service dog training experience, which instantly boosted our dog's confidence and obedience! Highly recommend
  • Krista Johnson
    Feb. 23, 2025
    The staff at Dog Training Elite Louisville demonstrated exceptional patience, kindness, understanding, and provided clear instructions that put us at ease throughout the training process, and we're delighted with the progress our dogs are making. Their encouraging approach made the experience enjoyable and left us feeling confident in our newfound skills as we pursued service dog training for one of our dogs and therapy dog training for the other. The group lessons are an effective way to gain confidence using the training skills we learn in individual sessions. Safety is a main priority in group classes with the leaders demonstrating patience and understanding for any dogs and owners who may be struggling with anxiety around other dogs. We are very happy with DTE training and am glad we chose it for our two dogs.
  • jason kayla
    Feb. 20, 2025
    Our experience with Dog Training Elite Louisville was exceptional, with trainers who demonstrated kindness, patience, clarity, and professionalism as they guided our dogs at all levels of obedience training, and even provided valuable insight into Service dog training making a noticeable difference in their behavior.
  • Edward Delk
    Feb. 20, 2025
    My trainer at Dog Training Elite helped make me feel empowered to train my service dog. I constantly get compliments from people saying that they've never seen a dog behave so well, and it's all thanks to Tom! Even though I'm done with the program, he's still there for me, which means the world! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!
  • Vick N
    Feb. 19, 2025
    Tom is amazing! We started obedience lessons with my Doberman puppy when she was 4 months old, and she has truly turned into the best dog I could’ve ever ask for. She so well behaved thanks to her training, and I feel so confident teaching her new things and taking her out in public thanks to Tom! (She absolutely ADORES Tom too, you should see her wiggle when she sees his Truck pull in for her lessons.) 10/10 recommend Dog Training Elite and Tom!
  • Megan W.
    Feb. 11, 2025
    When I got my puppy, Henry, I was hoping to turn him into a service dog, but had no clue where to even start. Tom has been there every step of the way to help us get to that point. Henry will now alert to me on his own, and I know that wouldn’t have been possible without Tom’s expertise. And I have been so impressed with how well thought out the group classes are! It’s been amazing to watch Henry’s improvement with each outing. Would 1000% recommend this program to anyone!
  • LINDA SEAY
    Feb. 5, 2025
    Odie a mini Sheepadoodle has become a favorite with everyone he meets after finding Tom at DTI. Tom is always patient with Odie and me!! You may think “no way” when he tells you what is possible with your dog, but believe him!! We love the group classes and look forward to them. There are many dog trainers to choose from but I highly recommend Tom and this organization!! Life with your dog will go from ok to fabulous!!
  • Elizabeth Lloyd
    Jan. 25, 2025
    When I adopted my dog from the animal shelter I wasn't sure if she'd ever get along with other dogs or be able to be in a group of dogs without reacting poorly. These classes really helped her learn to be in a group of other dogs without freaking out. Its also helped her learn to listen to me and follow my lead in a situation. She's so much happier and so much more social now!
  • Zoe Hallam
    Jan. 2, 2025
    We work with Tom at Dog Training Elite Louisville and so far he has been amazing! He is very kind, understanding, and knowledgeable. We have a Standard Poodle puppy named Sonny and we have a long road ahead of us, from puppy training to obedience training to hopefully service or therapy dog training. Tom helped me from the very beginning before we even had Sonny, he informed me on what dog breeds would be best for service dogs and what to look for in a puppy, I am very thankful because of him we were able to find our boy Sonny who we absolutely adore (especially our son who we got Sonny for)! I was nervous as this is the most extensive training I have ever done and I have also never worked with an e-collar, Tom has made this experience very smooth and easy. He makes sure to inform me on everything which makes me feel more comfortable with the whole process. We have only been training for a few months as Sonny is only 18weeks old but we have already seen wonderful results from starting training right away! We have enjoyed working with Tom, and look forward to continue working with him. We are a forever client and highly recommend working with Tom for all your dog training needs!
  • Michelle Johnson
    Dec. 26, 2024
    Tom has done an amazing job with our 1 1/2 year old mini golden doodle. She and we have learned so much in just a few sessions! Tom is so patient and consistent with her. Our JoJo is now able to loose leash walk, heel and sit on walks only and come on command only after a few sessions. She is so much calmer and more attentive to us. So very impressed and couldn’t be happier!
  • Robert Dobson
    Nov. 23, 2024
    Tom and Abby have been great working with us and Hank. They’ve walked us through the early steps of our training and kept in touch to make sure everything was going good. We’re now joining the Saturday classes and enjoying learning more from them.
  • Anita Blount
    Nov. 23, 2024
    I began training my dog, Mushu, with Tom several months ago and it has been an excellent experience. My dog is not treat motivated and has been tricky to train as a result. I signed up with Tom for the Therapy Dog Training, which is a multi-step process beginning with basic obedience and progressing from there. Tom has been patient and great with my dog. Mushu has learned so much and come so far in a short time.
  • Lee Anne DePaola Ater
    Aug. 17, 2024
    When Joe and I started on this adventure of getting a puppy to train to be a mobility support dog for Joe due to his MS, I was a bit unsure of if we could make it happen. As Cole, an English Labrador, began growing into a LARGE puppy who didn’t know his strength I was concerned he would end up knocking Joe or others off their feet! With the wonderful guidance from Tom at Dog Training Elite, Cole (Joe and I) have learned to obey commands, listen to each other, act more appropriate around other people and dogs, and greet others without jumping on them. Joe, Cole, and I look forward to continuing our journey with Tom and appreciate all that he has done!
  • Lauren Brown
    Jul. 13, 2024
    I was recommended Dog Training Elite by my sister, and from the very beginning Tom has done a wonderful job helping my dog through reactivity and anxiety. We started with some pretty explosive reactivity, lunging, barking, etc. and in less than two months she is able to calmly participate in group class alongside other dogs. I cant recommend Dog Training Elite and Tom enough!
  • Khara Aud
    Mar. 30, 2024
    We got our family's first dog, a Cavapoo puppy named Poppy. We decided we would benefit from some puppy training as much as the puppy, so we searched the internet and found Dog Training Elite in Louisville. Tom is amazing. He taught Poppy to come in her very first session. In the second session, she learned sit, down, and up. Also, we were struggling to find treats she would like so he showed up with a pocket full of them to help us determine the best treat to get the job done. Tom has an amazing temperament, with both animals and people. He is very helpful and answers any questions we have. I recommend not only training your puppy, but using Dog Training Elite to do it. If we decide to go beyond puppy training into further obedience, we will definitely go with Tom.
  • Danielle wilson
    Mar. 28, 2024
    Tom has been great with my anxious rescue dog. He’s patient and kind; she responds well to his quiet nature. Definitely a good investment!
  • Amy Sees
    Mar. 25, 2024
    We just finished our last training with Tom from Dog Training Elite. It was an excellent experience. Tom did an amazing job interacting with our dog Toby (11 months) and with my 11 year old son. He was calm, listened really well to our needs and concerns, and spent a full hour training with us each session. Our dog went from being hard to manage on walks, stubborn, and unmanageable in public to knowing how to heel, listening to us, staying in his place, and being able to play off leash with our son. We are still practicing but he’s come so far! I’d definitely recommend DTE…it’s worth the investment!