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Dog Agility Training Through Basic Obedience

Dog Training Elite Mesa

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Request Free Assessment


A dog sitting at a park - discover how DTE can help you start dog agility training in Mesa, AZ with our obedience program!

Obedience Training from DTE

The First Step Toward Dog Agility Training in Mesa, AZ

Agility is a fast-paced sport that involves guiding dogs through different obstacle courses. The best candidates for this type of training are energetic, athletic dogs with a strong drive to work and learn, such as Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Shetland Sheepdogs, Jack Russell Terriers, and Belgian Malinois. However, any dog with enthusiasm, focus, and basic obedience training can benefit from agility exercises.

Many owners choose DTE for basic obedience before starting dog agility training in Mesa, AZ. While we don’t offer competition-level training, our obedience programs help build key skills like focus, impulse control, and responsiveness.

Our trainers will work closely with you throughout the obedience program, ensuring your dog masters fundamental commands and you feel confident to continue agility training on your own.

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Why Start Obedience Training Before Agility Training?

Dog Training Elite

Agility training demands focus, discipline, and responsiveness. Before tackling obstacle courses, dogs need a solid foundation in obedience to ensure they can follow commands, stay engaged, and work as a team with their handler.

Here’s how obedience training with Dog Training Elite sets dogs up for success in agility:

Agility courses can be full of distractions, including large crowds, other dogs, and loud noises. Obedience training teaches your dog to stay focused on you and respond to commands, even in high-energy environments.

Agility courses require dogs to pause and wait at key thresholds, such as the start line, and only move when directed. Obedience training reinforces patience and discipline through commands like “sit,” “heel,” and “down,” ensuring your dog stays focused and follows the rules of the sport.

Obedience training deepens trust and communication between dog and handler, making teamwork in agility training much more effective. A confident dog is more likely to take on new challenges with enthusiasm.

Before dogs can learn agility-specific commands, they must first master basic obedience. Training in focus, recall, and impulse control lays the groundwork for advanced commands like “jump,” “tunnel,” “weave,” and “climb.”

At Dog Training Elite, we don’t teach advanced agility commands, but our training makes it easier for your dog to learn and respond to agility training in the future.

A dog sitting on park equipment - start obedience training with Dog Training Elite if you want to start dog agility training in Mesa, AZ.

Skills, Obstacles, and Owner Training Techniques

Learn About Dog Agility

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If your dog has mastered basic obedience and you're interested in starting agility training on your own, understanding what obstacles to train for is the first place to start.

Here are some common agility challenges and training tips:

Jumps

Dogs must leap over hurdles at varying heights without knocking the bar down. In competitions, jumps can include single bars, double jumps, and tire jumps.

  • Training Tip: Start with low jumps and use treats or toys to guide your dog over. Gradually increase height as their confidence and ability grows.

Weave Poles

Dogs weave through a series of upright poles in a precise pattern. This is one of the most challenging agility obstacles, requiring speed, flexibility, and precise footwork.

  • Training Tip: Use a lure-and-reward method or guide your dog through the poles with a leash. Begin with wider pole spacing and narrow the gaps as your dog improves.

Tunnels

Dogs run through enclosed tunnels, which can be straight or curved. Some dogs may hesitate at first, especially if they are unfamiliar with dark or enclosed spaces.

  • Training Tip: Start with a short, straight tunnel and use treats or a favorite toy to encourage your dog through. Gradually introduce curved tunnels to increase difficulty.

A-Frame & Dog Walk

These obstacles require dogs to climb, balance, and descend elevated surfaces. The A-frame is a tall, triangular ramp, while the dog walk is a narrow, elevated plank with ramps on both ends. Both require precise foot placement and body control.

  • Training Tip: Use a leash or hand signals to guide your dog slowly up and down. Reward calm, controlled movements to prevent them from rushing or jumping off too soon.

Additional Obedience Training Info

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A pup walking through a tunnel - find Mesa dog agility trainers.

Obedience Training From DTE: A Great Start for Mesa Dog Agility Trainers


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If you’re looking to hire a agility trainer or want to start agility exercises on your own, consider obedience training from Dog Training Elite first.

While some professional agility trainers and classes may introduce basic obedience, Dog Training Elite’s personalized, in-person obedience program ensures your dog masters focus, impulse control, and responsiveness. These key skills make agility training safer, more enjoyable, and more effective for you and your pup.

Get started today and contact Dog Training Elite Mesa for expert obedience training!

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!

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Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Mindy Holman
    Oct. 2, 2024
    I have been very happy with their training! I feel capable and able to help my dog be successful and confident in what I’m asking her to do. Great people to work with. Highly recommend them.
  • Halal W
    Aug. 22, 2024
    Karen & Neil rock at everything. Jax went from zero to hero quickly. I've paid thousands elsewhere with little results. :( Dog Training Elite is the STANDARD of dog training. The real deal. Jax is doing amazing and will continue to be a customer for life.
  • Drevno
    Jun. 27, 2024
    This was a pricey one, but our dog needed help and this was the right place for the job. Our dog was quite reactive when people came over to our house. He really didn't like it and he would act aggressive, to the point where having someone watch him or even just having house guests over was a major ordeal. We went for the platinum package and overall the experience has been great. We've had private lessons with experienced dog trainers, they gave us the tools we need to keep our dog in check. Our dog is happier than ever and more confident, he's begun to play with our other dogs and more importantly we can have guests over without him losing his mind, he still doesn't like them but now we can get him to sit on his bed and calm down much more quickly. He gets over the guests being there and we can have a more normal life. Furthermore we had someone watch him when we went out of town for a few days (someone he's really not familiar with) and we had no issues. This was worth every penny, we got our lives back and his life is better. We're nearing the end of our private lessons but we have lifetime access to group lessons where he can continue to learn and grow. I would recommend dog training elite to anyone with a dog who needs training, and in fact I have recommended them to family.
  • Sarah Andrews
    May. 3, 2024
    Great trainers and friendly administrators!
  • Liz Cline
    Nov. 19, 2023
    Dog Training Elite was essential to training both my husband and I and of course our new rescue. We have had Buddy 7 weeks and within two weeks of beginning their training sessions he started fitting right in with the rest of the family. So far we have had 4 sessions and he has become a well behaved dog. He is crate trained, he doesn’t destroy items anymore and is a pleasure to go for walks with because he has learned to heel, sit as well as be placed. Aspen, Azure and Tori as well as Reno are extremely gifted trainers and we look forward to group training in the coming months with them. We highly recommend DTE for your dog training needs and especially for new rescues, these dogs deserve a second chance and DTE will help you with that transition.
  • Derek Wilson
    Jul. 29, 2023
    I can be a little critical of dog trainers, and so far, Azure and Taylor have been very patient and do a fantastic job!
  • Jenna Leger
    Mar. 13, 2023
    Love this company and their whole team! We had the pleasure of working with multiple trainers including Neil, Aspen, Mark, and Taylor. They were patient with us as new dog owners and took their time training both us and our dog on their program. Having private lessons followed by group lessons allowed us and our dog to learn the rules and practice them at home before applying them in a controlled environment. This significantly reduced my anxiety about bringing our dog in public and around our friends and family. We consistently receive compliments about how well behaved our dog is and those started shortly after we started the program!
  • Michael Benjamin
    Mar. 11, 2023
    Professional and knowledgeable group. If you want to learn how to have full control of your K9 companion then Dog Training Elite is well worth the time and investment. Don’t be fooled by others!
  • Tony Stephens
    Jan. 6, 2023
    Savanah is the best of the best. I would highly recommend her and DTE for service dog training. She has a very solid work ethic, is on time and dedicated to the success and will answer questions. Over the years I have used many different dog trainers and nothing compared. Yes the price is a bit but the likely hood of needing more classes is lower vs those lower price that know you will have to buy more 1 on 1 classes and end up costing more in the end and add frustration. I would 100% go with DTE for my next service dog and specifically Savanah.
  • Kenny J
    Sep. 15, 2022
    Had my Service Dog trained over the last year with the team she was able to complete her testing in August. Had some hiccups with protection training but was resolved. Overall Neil the owner great to work with very personable and passionate about the dogs training. Megan has done great job communicating since stepping in to handle things.
  • Jennifer Giannetta
    Nov. 24, 2021
    We love training with Ashley. She takes the time to make sure we understand everything and personalizes the training to our dog and unique needs. Our dog has gone from pulling on a leash & jumping on people to healing and looking to us for direction. We are looking forward to completing the service dog training and are confident we will be able to do so with Ashley’s help.
  • Andrew Federico
    Nov. 18, 2021
    I had Ashley as my trainer and she was the absolute best! She was very thorough with the training for my dog Rufus. I am pleased when taking him out and having people come up to me giving him and myself compliments of how well he behaves. I would recommend Ashley as she does not only work from my place but we did a session with walking around old town Scottsdale to make sure he still would work through with the distractions outside. I have not made it to group Class yet but I do look forward to working Rufus with other dogs and have a chance for him to win a prize in the class.
  • Howard Hansen
    Oct. 18, 2021
    We had a great experience with our trainers. Initially we hired them to help us with a rescue pitbull but it didn’t work out and we were forced to do something different for our family with young kids. The remaining balance of our pre-paid training was applied to our new puppy and the experience has been remarkable! I’ve had dogs my entire life and always considered myself well informed and able to manage my dogs. Dog Training Elite took what I knew to the next level… maybe a few levels. It’s been amazing to have a young puppy so well behaved. I would recommend these trainers to anyone looking for help with their dog.
  • Dina Ransom
    Jul. 22, 2021
    I was in desperate need of a service dog. I went to DTE after a lot of research and physically observing their dogs and trainers at one of their events. When I arrived at their Mesa location, I was greeted by the most amazing people. They were kind, took a lot of time and effort to understand my needs and my disabilities. They had payment plans that fit my needs and had equipment I would need for training on site. I was lucky to have trainer Lexi. She did absolute wonders with my dog. By day two, my dog was tasking for my disability. Over the course of 3 weeks, Lexi got my dog ready to pass the CGC, CGCU, CGCA, PA, and ALL of the service dog tasks I requested. We were tested by Alex, who made what could have been the most stressful day ever, instead fun, light, and very enjoyable. This was not all. After testing, I was invited to join Service Dog group classes. This was run by Priscilla and Ashley. I was beyond nervous to go to our first class, but Ashley assured me that it was going to be great. I can’t put into words how supportive the class was. Priscilla was so knowledgeable and helped make little corrections with my dog which greatly impacted his behavior. I gained the confidence I needed and my dogs skills skyrocketed. I can not recommend this company enough. If you want results, respect, encouragement, understanding, and a friendly environment, DTE is for you.
  • Al Interiano
    Jun. 26, 2021
    DTE’s professionals - Alex, Ashley and Aspen (Triple A) have provided their knowledge and tools to help our dog Astrid gain confidence and make good decisions. Through Triple A’s direction, Astrid has made considerable strides in being a good, respectful, obedient and fun Doberman. Thank you Alex, Ashley, and Aspen for your solid expertise, real problem solving skills and real life, practical training . Astrid .
  • lorenajocelyne
    Jun. 12, 2021
    Ashely has been great with my dog. I have seen a big improvement with his obedience especially with recall and reactivity towards other dogs.
  • Dallin Howell
    Jun. 10, 2021
    I enjoyed the work they were able to do with both myself and my dog. Throughout the training I got to see many different trainers but received the same training for each specific course. They were capable to turn my life and my dogs around. They built up the confidence is both of us and showed the world that we are able to be in control. Each lesson was thought out and properly prepared to best teach both of us what we needed to be successful. I continue to look forward to our ongoing lessons and those who have helped us(Ashley, Neal,John,Aspen, Dani and their whole communication team)!
  • Clarence Jimenez
    Jun. 4, 2021
    Every one there, literally everyone is amazing. All of the trainers are awesome and super friendly. They show that they are genuinely interested in asking your dog a more well rounded pet. I just finished the 6 week puppy course and my pup is doing so great. I can't say enough about how amazing this group of trainers are. Ashley stood out as super energetic and super friendly. She came to do the evaluation on my dog and demonstrated what we could hope to expect with her dog. All at my home. And she was involved in every class. Aspen was awesome also. Everyone was great I just can't remember all of their names. But Ashley and Aspen stood out. Thank you guys so much for helping me train my pup. Can't wait to go on to the more advanced classes.
  • jose declusin
    May. 29, 2021
    People always ask who trained your dog and I always say dog training elite. They trained my dog to become a service animal . They helped me get a new normal with my service dog. I could never thank them enough for what they do . They have a great team and are always willing to help . Again thank you dog training elite.
  • Sarah Becker
    May. 29, 2021
    I am currently training my 3 dog's and they are doing so well. They follow all the commands with the e collar. All of my dogs know basic obedience in the house and we are currently doing group training and it is going really good. The staff at dog training elite is amazing and respond quickly to questions.
  • Mindy Holman
    Oct. 2, 2024
    I have been very happy with their training! I feel capable and able to help my dog be successful and confident in what I’m asking her to do. Great people to work with. Highly recommend them.
  • Halal W
    Aug. 22, 2024
    Karen & Neil rock at everything. Jax went from zero to hero quickly. I've paid thousands elsewhere with little results. :( Dog Training Elite is the STANDARD of dog training. The real deal. Jax is doing amazing and will continue to be a customer for life.
  • Drevno
    Jun. 27, 2024
    This was a pricey one, but our dog needed help and this was the right place for the job. Our dog was quite reactive when people came over to our house. He really didn't like it and he would act aggressive, to the point where having someone watch him or even just having house guests over was a major ordeal. We went for the platinum package and overall the experience has been great. We've had private lessons with experienced dog trainers, they gave us the tools we need to keep our dog in check. Our dog is happier than ever and more confident, he's begun to play with our other dogs and more importantly we can have guests over without him losing his mind, he still doesn't like them but now we can get him to sit on his bed and calm down much more quickly. He gets over the guests being there and we can have a more normal life. Furthermore we had someone watch him when we went out of town for a few days (someone he's really not familiar with) and we had no issues. This was worth every penny, we got our lives back and his life is better. We're nearing the end of our private lessons but we have lifetime access to group lessons where he can continue to learn and grow. I would recommend dog training elite to anyone with a dog who needs training, and in fact I have recommended them to family.
  • Sarah Andrews
    May. 3, 2024
    Great trainers and friendly administrators!
  • Liz Cline
    Nov. 19, 2023
    Dog Training Elite was essential to training both my husband and I and of course our new rescue. We have had Buddy 7 weeks and within two weeks of beginning their training sessions he started fitting right in with the rest of the family. So far we have had 4 sessions and he has become a well behaved dog. He is crate trained, he doesn’t destroy items anymore and is a pleasure to go for walks with because he has learned to heel, sit as well as be placed. Aspen, Azure and Tori as well as Reno are extremely gifted trainers and we look forward to group training in the coming months with them. We highly recommend DTE for your dog training needs and especially for new rescues, these dogs deserve a second chance and DTE will help you with that transition.
  • Derek Wilson
    Jul. 29, 2023
    I can be a little critical of dog trainers, and so far, Azure and Taylor have been very patient and do a fantastic job!
  • Jenna Leger
    Mar. 13, 2023
    Love this company and their whole team! We had the pleasure of working with multiple trainers including Neil, Aspen, Mark, and Taylor. They were patient with us as new dog owners and took their time training both us and our dog on their program. Having private lessons followed by group lessons allowed us and our dog to learn the rules and practice them at home before applying them in a controlled environment. This significantly reduced my anxiety about bringing our dog in public and around our friends and family. We consistently receive compliments about how well behaved our dog is and those started shortly after we started the program!
  • Michael Benjamin
    Mar. 11, 2023
    Professional and knowledgeable group. If you want to learn how to have full control of your K9 companion then Dog Training Elite is well worth the time and investment. Don’t be fooled by others!
  • Tony Stephens
    Jan. 6, 2023
    Savanah is the best of the best. I would highly recommend her and DTE for service dog training. She has a very solid work ethic, is on time and dedicated to the success and will answer questions. Over the years I have used many different dog trainers and nothing compared. Yes the price is a bit but the likely hood of needing more classes is lower vs those lower price that know you will have to buy more 1 on 1 classes and end up costing more in the end and add frustration. I would 100% go with DTE for my next service dog and specifically Savanah.
  • Kenny J
    Sep. 15, 2022
    Had my Service Dog trained over the last year with the team she was able to complete her testing in August. Had some hiccups with protection training but was resolved. Overall Neil the owner great to work with very personable and passionate about the dogs training. Megan has done great job communicating since stepping in to handle things.
  • Jennifer Giannetta
    Nov. 24, 2021
    We love training with Ashley. She takes the time to make sure we understand everything and personalizes the training to our dog and unique needs. Our dog has gone from pulling on a leash & jumping on people to healing and looking to us for direction. We are looking forward to completing the service dog training and are confident we will be able to do so with Ashley’s help.
  • Andrew Federico
    Nov. 18, 2021
    I had Ashley as my trainer and she was the absolute best! She was very thorough with the training for my dog Rufus. I am pleased when taking him out and having people come up to me giving him and myself compliments of how well he behaves. I would recommend Ashley as she does not only work from my place but we did a session with walking around old town Scottsdale to make sure he still would work through with the distractions outside. I have not made it to group Class yet but I do look forward to working Rufus with other dogs and have a chance for him to win a prize in the class.
  • Howard Hansen
    Oct. 18, 2021
    We had a great experience with our trainers. Initially we hired them to help us with a rescue pitbull but it didn’t work out and we were forced to do something different for our family with young kids. The remaining balance of our pre-paid training was applied to our new puppy and the experience has been remarkable! I’ve had dogs my entire life and always considered myself well informed and able to manage my dogs. Dog Training Elite took what I knew to the next level… maybe a few levels. It’s been amazing to have a young puppy so well behaved. I would recommend these trainers to anyone looking for help with their dog.
  • Dina Ransom
    Jul. 22, 2021
    I was in desperate need of a service dog. I went to DTE after a lot of research and physically observing their dogs and trainers at one of their events. When I arrived at their Mesa location, I was greeted by the most amazing people. They were kind, took a lot of time and effort to understand my needs and my disabilities. They had payment plans that fit my needs and had equipment I would need for training on site. I was lucky to have trainer Lexi. She did absolute wonders with my dog. By day two, my dog was tasking for my disability. Over the course of 3 weeks, Lexi got my dog ready to pass the CGC, CGCU, CGCA, PA, and ALL of the service dog tasks I requested. We were tested by Alex, who made what could have been the most stressful day ever, instead fun, light, and very enjoyable. This was not all. After testing, I was invited to join Service Dog group classes. This was run by Priscilla and Ashley. I was beyond nervous to go to our first class, but Ashley assured me that it was going to be great. I can’t put into words how supportive the class was. Priscilla was so knowledgeable and helped make little corrections with my dog which greatly impacted his behavior. I gained the confidence I needed and my dogs skills skyrocketed. I can not recommend this company enough. If you want results, respect, encouragement, understanding, and a friendly environment, DTE is for you.
  • Al Interiano
    Jun. 26, 2021
    DTE’s professionals - Alex, Ashley and Aspen (Triple A) have provided their knowledge and tools to help our dog Astrid gain confidence and make good decisions. Through Triple A’s direction, Astrid has made considerable strides in being a good, respectful, obedient and fun Doberman. Thank you Alex, Ashley, and Aspen for your solid expertise, real problem solving skills and real life, practical training . Astrid .
  • lorenajocelyne
    Jun. 12, 2021
    Ashely has been great with my dog. I have seen a big improvement with his obedience especially with recall and reactivity towards other dogs.
  • Dallin Howell
    Jun. 10, 2021
    I enjoyed the work they were able to do with both myself and my dog. Throughout the training I got to see many different trainers but received the same training for each specific course. They were capable to turn my life and my dogs around. They built up the confidence is both of us and showed the world that we are able to be in control. Each lesson was thought out and properly prepared to best teach both of us what we needed to be successful. I continue to look forward to our ongoing lessons and those who have helped us(Ashley, Neal,John,Aspen, Dani and their whole communication team)!
  • Clarence Jimenez
    Jun. 4, 2021
    Every one there, literally everyone is amazing. All of the trainers are awesome and super friendly. They show that they are genuinely interested in asking your dog a more well rounded pet. I just finished the 6 week puppy course and my pup is doing so great. I can't say enough about how amazing this group of trainers are. Ashley stood out as super energetic and super friendly. She came to do the evaluation on my dog and demonstrated what we could hope to expect with her dog. All at my home. And she was involved in every class. Aspen was awesome also. Everyone was great I just can't remember all of their names. But Ashley and Aspen stood out. Thank you guys so much for helping me train my pup. Can't wait to go on to the more advanced classes.
  • jose declusin
    May. 29, 2021
    People always ask who trained your dog and I always say dog training elite. They trained my dog to become a service animal . They helped me get a new normal with my service dog. I could never thank them enough for what they do . They have a great team and are always willing to help . Again thank you dog training elite.
  • Sarah Becker
    May. 29, 2021
    I am currently training my 3 dog's and they are doing so well. They follow all the commands with the e collar. All of my dogs know basic obedience in the house and we are currently doing group training and it is going really good. The staff at dog training elite is amazing and respond quickly to questions.