A golden retriever holding a grocery bag, our obedience training can help with these daily tasks.
Dog Training Elite

Dog Obedience Training in Metro Detroit, MI

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Request Free Assessment

Our Obedience Dog Training Could Help:
Basic commands
Improved behavior
Socialization
Leash manners
Bonding
Mental stimulation
Confidence building
Impulse control
Good manners in public
Dog Training Elite

Obedience Training for Dogs in Metro Detroit, MI

One of Dog Training Elite’s most popular training services is obedience training, which includes in-home sessions and group classes. Obedience training is essential for dogs to become confident, well-behaved, and loyal pets.

A well-trained dog is better equipped to handle new environments, meet new people, and engage with other pets. By teaching them boundaries and commands, you create a safe, structured environment where they can shine as loyal and loving companions.

Starting obedience training early for puppies sets the foundation for lifelong good behavior. It’s never too late to start—older dogs can also benefit from our proven dog obedience training in Metro Detroit, MI.

Our services are high quality and thorough; we work hard to ensure your dogs are properly trained and ready to safely explore the world around them.

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A golden retriever puppy laying on the floor with its owner, contact us today for Metro Detroit dog obedience training.

Our Obedience Programs


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  • Agility Through Basic Obedience Training: Mental stimulation meets physical activity with our Agility Through Basic Obedience Training. This specialized training will keep your dog active and improve mental function by combining high-energy tasks with learned discipline.
  • Puppy Obedience Training: Start your new companion off on the right paw with Puppy Obedience Training. By starting training early, you’ll ensure a well-behaved, confident, and responsive dog ready to interact with the world outside the home.
  • Off-Leash Dog Training: Freedom to let your dog off-leash on hikes, at parks, or at the beach requires a responsive and obedient dog. Our Off-Leash Dog Training will train your dog to promptly respond to commands, even when they’re not at your side.
  • Classical Conditioning Training: Classical Conditioning Training replaces negative behaviors with positive ones when the dog encounters an external stimulus. This training helps dogs become confident and trustful when their owner is present.

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!

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Paulette Adams
    Oct. 2, 2025
    We have had our puppy in the Service Dog Program since he was 10 weeks old. He is now 6 months and is exceeding all our expectations. Hailey has been an awesome partner for us to work with. She knows just what our puppy needs and we feel so fortunate to have her as part of our team. Being able to train your dog in their home environment is a game changer. I cannot recommend this program enough!
  • Garnet Potter
    Sep. 21, 2025
    Hailey, and our dog (Miss Ann) became friends and was night and day better. We can’t thank Hailey enough for her dedication to helping our project rescue.
  • Jenna !!!!!:)
    Sep. 9, 2025
    Hailey is absolutely amazing with our rescue bulldog! She is determined to never give up on our sweet girl who has some serious reactivity problems. She loves Hailey and we are so lucky to have found Dog training elite and Hailey!
  • Donna Rinnas
    Sep. 3, 2025
    Steven is fabulous! He explains everything as many times as we need to hear it and so clearly and patiently. Here are some pics of Leo at 5 months old and first visit to Home Depot.
  • CarolAnn McConnell
    Aug. 21, 2025
    Every aspect of our experience with DTE Southeast Michigan has been awesome. Hailey was great with our Goldendoodle pup, Maizy. Not only did she help Maizy quickly learn obedience and self-control, she taught us how to continue working with her and tailored her training specifically to our needs with two little ones. We're looking forward to continuing Maizy's progress with the included group classes!
  • Amy Johnson
    Aug. 18, 2025
    Our trainer, Steve, was so knowledgeable and patient with me and my dog! Ha ha My dog caught on quickly so we were able to work on some additional things so they really do work at your dog’s pace. It was worth the effort and money to have a well behaved dog.
  • Tristan Kesselring
    Aug. 18, 2025
    My wife and I have never done dog training before and our trainer Steven was extremely patient and informative to help us better understand our dog. Quick story. After just 2 months of training our 7 month old pitbull mastiff pup did an absolute outstanding job listening to commands and being polite in very intense situations during a local festival. I seriously cannot give enough praises to our trainer. Thank you to Dog Training Elite and an even bigger thank you to Steven.
  • Donna Robinson
    Aug. 14, 2025
    Definitely 5 stars for Dog Training Elite! Steven Dennison was fantastic! He listened to my goals and concerns for training my two young Great Dane boys. He worked with us to transform our chaotic walking experiences to walks we all enjoy! Steven was able to train them and me to create expectations and be consistent in delivering them. We have erased pulling behavior, aggression towards other dogs, and are able to move freely in together in environments I never thought possible. So excited to continue our learning journey in a group environment with this amazing training team!
  • Lana
    Aug. 6, 2025
    I am glad I found Dog Training Elite and went with them to help train our puppy. We have been working with them for a couple months now and it has been working very well for a number of reasons. The trainer comes to the home which is, first of all, very helpful. Beyond that, they have an organized system that really gets at the heart of dog behavior, which is not intuitive, at least for people who are new to the dog world. A shout out to Ryann, who is our dog's trainer. She is patient, kind, and we dub her the dog-whisperer. She is entirely knowledgable, effective, encouraging, positive, and truly talented at what she does. Dog training is a process and she has really helped us get used to this new world! Yay!
  • Grace Foster
    Jul. 31, 2025
    I can’t say enough great things about Dog Training Elite—and especially our trainer Ryann! She worked with me and my service dog and was absolutely incredible throughout the entire process. Ryann not only helped train my dog with patience and expertise, but also took the time to train me so I could feel confident handling my dog in all kinds of real-world situations. Her approach was clear and consistent, and I could see real progress after every session. Ryann genuinely cares about our success, and it shows in every detail of her work.
  • Ashlee Clifton (Tarkowski)
    Jul. 28, 2025
    We had a wonderful experience with Dog Training Elite. From the start, they came out and met with us and our pup in person and free of charge. They offered different training programs based on our needs. We did six weeks of private training and it was worth every penny. Steven was our primary trainer and I wouldn’t hesitate to work with him again. He was great with our dog and patient with my husband and I. He helped us navigate various challenges with our dog but also interactions between our five year old and dog. Highly recommend Dog Training Elite!
  • Ken Coker
    Jul. 23, 2025
    This experience blew away my greatest expectations. My dog is a rescue and was extremely aggressive and very difficult to be restrained. He was always friendly, but prior to the training, he was jumping on people, constantly pulling on walks to the point of hurting himself and he would jump over the backyard fence and take off whenever he got the chance. He was always stressed out and my biggest concern was that he was going to hurt himself or be run over in the street. From the first 1 hour session my dog had completely responded to the training and was actually manageable for the first time. Our trainer, Hailey, was friendly, knowledgeable and professional and helped me whenever and with whatever I needed. Each session was a new skill and we were able to practice while she was with us and then Buddy and I continued to practice throughout the week. I could not be more impressed with Hailey, the company and the program and I HIGHLY recommend this service! This was the best investment I will ever make for Buddy and for my own peace of mind. My dog went from being an adorable menace to a well mannered dog who can now attend family events with children without the fear of anyone being hurt. I have no fear of him running off anymore and if he does, I know I can get him to come back. The only regret I have is that I didn't do this sooner. Do yourself and your dog a favor and get them trained immediately. You will not be sorry!
  • Angeline Putnickovich
    Jun. 3, 2025
    We are SO happy that we went with Dog Training Elite. Hailey was our trainer and truly changed our dog Walter for the better. His confidence and obedience is immensely improved from when we started our training. Hailey was extremely knowledgeable, helpful and was available to answer all of our questions even outside of training sessions. She really worked with us to understand our goals for our puppy and modified our training sessions specific to those goals. Truly so happy we were able to work with her and that our little Walter is the best behaved little guy there is.
  • Janell Tadajewski
    May. 10, 2025
    Dog Training Elite has been an invaluable partner in training our Scout to become a pet therapy dog. The in-home sessions focused on core skills with well thought out strategies personalized to her temperament. The group training brought out her confidence as she mastered commands amidst variable distractions and pressure. Our experience was heightened exponentially by our trainer Steve. He thoroughly explained the why behind the techniques and offered the puppy psychology to bring the concept home. He patiently weaved the lessons and tools into workable blocks which made practice more manageable. Additionally, he made himself available for texts and calls to troubleshoot issues or refresh my memory and adjust our approach. When we passed our certification exam, he was there to celebrate the accomplishment. I highly recommend Steve, Austin and all the trainers of Dog Training Elite….a magnificent organization making a difference for dogs and their families.
  • LouAnn Knaus
    Apr. 21, 2025
    The training is great! They work with you one on one your dog. Help you through the issues you may have. Great experience. Hailey is sweet, energetic and so helpful. She is a must if you want a well behaved dog. Thank you Hailey!
  • Thyra
    Apr. 18, 2025
    We had an amazing experience with Dog Training Elite and our trainer, Steven! He worked with my German Shepherd, Wolfgang, on obedience training and did a phenomenal job. Steven is not only professional and knowledgeable, but also incredibly skilled at explaining techniques clearly and reading both the dog and handler. What really stood out was his ability to pivot and adjust methods if something wasn’t clicking for us—no ego, just a real dedication to helping us succeed. His confidence and calm demeanor made Wolfgang feel comfortable and engaged, and I felt supported every step of the way. We just wrapped up our Platinum package and are really looking forward to starting the group classes soon. I highly recommend Steven and Dog Training Elite to anyone looking for effective, personalized dog training!
  • Jim Ashley
    Apr. 18, 2025
    Working with Austin was a great experience. His knowledge and patience is exceptional. He clearly explains the why, what and how of his training methods. He listens to what your goals are and tailors the training around that. They don't simply run a generic training playbook. I highly, highly recommend.
  • Cindy Warren
    Jan. 28, 2025
    I owned 4 previous dogs (labs) and trained them myself. But then I rescued a husky mix last April. I walk nearby trails everyday and I was struggling with my dog pulling, launching, and passing people and other dogs. Steven Dennison and Elite have helped me learn tips, tools, and training to allow my dog and I to enjoy our hikes without fear of falling, getting angry at her, having to get way off the trail in the poison ivy and tics when people and dogs pass, etc.. And with this new peaceful structure, my dog is more affectionate and attached to me! Steven was kind, understanding, helpful and positive in working with my dog and I. I am SO grateful!
  • Stephanie Shinkle
    Apr. 10, 2025
    Steven was amazing! We were struggling with training our very large puppy. We needed guidance from an expert in this field. Steven was knowledgeable, intuitive, creative and kind. He helped build our confidence and the results are fantastic. Our dog now has manners, doesn't jump on people and loves the "jobs" we give him. I highly recommend this company, Steven!
  • Anna Moreno
    Apr. 9, 2025
    We have used Dog Training Elite 2x now and find them to be amazing. Both our dogs are mini Australian shepherd poodle mixes and can be a handful. We have had both Austin and Hailey as Trainers, and both are exceptional. For our most recent pup,Merlin, we had Hailey as our trainer. She truly understood how worried I have been about not only the safety of our puppy but the safety of my elder mother who is home with him the most. She has made sure that my mom is comfortable using the different training techniques and even has helped us figure out a way for my mom to take merlin on walks while using her walker. Hailey has been a delight to work with. These trainers are amazing, and you are in good hands with them.
A Dog Training Elite Southeast Michigan owner smiling with his dog in Metro Detroit, MI.
Dog Training Elite

Why Obedience Training is Essential

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Obedience training is an essential investment for dog owners, especially those who have never owned a dog before. Training is a fundamental step to rearing an intelligent and well-behaved dog. Without even basic obedience training, a dog will be unable to learn more advanced skills, safely leave the house, or go off-leash.

Benefits of obedience training:

  • Safety: Obedient dogs are less likely to engage in dangerous behavior, such as fighting, biting, aggressive barking, or running away. As they learn to trust and listen to their owner, they will respond to commands and stay calm in threatening situations.
  • Socialization: Puppies must be socialized with other dogs to know how to positively interact with other animals and people. Without socialization, they begin to look at animals and people as threats, which leads to unsafe behaviors.
  • Behavior: Nondangerous but unwanted behaviors such as barking, pulling, jumping, and begging can all be minimized with proper obedience training.
  • Confidence and stability: When properly trained, dogs will become more confident, and comfortable in all different environments. Dogs will be more trustful while interacting with new environments and take away the stress of bringing them out with you.
A golden retriever playing with its owner during a class in Metro Detroit, MI.

Effective Training Through Positive Reinforcement and Classical Conditioning

Our Obedience Training Methods

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The goal of obedience training is in the name–training a dog to obey commands reliably. Obedience training for dogs can be lengthy and requires repetition, consistency, and positive reinforcement to achieve lasting results.

This training involves teaching a puppy or dog basic commands like sit, come, heel, or down. Dog Training Elite trainers also use obedience training to teach commands more unique to your situation.

  • Positive Reinforcement: Desired behaviors can be encouraged with positive reinforcement and reward-based training. Rewards satisfy your dog's natural desire to please and create a strong bond between dog and owner.
  • Customized Approach: We recognize that every dog is different, from breed to temperament, and because of that, they may be predisposed to certain behaviors. After meeting your dog, we will customize a training plan to meet their unique needs.
  • Professional Trainers: Dog Training Elite has highly experienced trainers who prioritize building trust between dog and owner. With years of experience to draw on, they successfully use communication and patience to get the behavioral results you want for your dog.
  • Long-Term Results: Our training methods are designed to produce lasting behavioral changes in dogs of all breeds and ages. Consistency and repetition are necessary for proper obedience training, but when you commit to training, you will be impressed with the results.

Additional Obedience Training Info

Dog Training Elite Southeast Michigan - Classical Conditioning Dog Training in Metro Detroit, MI

Classical Conditioning Training

Classical conditioning dog training in Metro Detroit, MI, also known as Pavlovian or respondent conditioning, is a dog training method that involves creating automatic responses to specific commands. This approach taps into a dog’s natural reflexes, making training more effective and instinctive.

Dog Training Elite Southeast Michigan - Positive Reinforcement Dog Training in Metro Detroit, MI

Positive Reinforcement Training

Positive reinforcement dog trainers in Metro Detroit, MI focus on rewarding dogs for good behavior to encourage them to repeat it. Using treats, praise, or play, these trainers help your dog learn quickly and happily, building a strong bond and creating a well-behaved, motivated companion.

Dog Training Elite Southeast Michigan - Puppy Obedience Training in Metro Detroit, MI. DTE

Puppy Obedience Training

Taking advantage of our Metro Detroit puppy obedience classes is crucial for setting your puppy on the path to becoming a well-behaved and confident adult dog. Early training helps instill essential commands and good behavior, preventing future issues and strengthening the bond between you and your puppy.

Dog Training Elite Southeast Michigan - Off Leash Dog Training in Metro Detroit, MI. DTE

Off Leash Training

Our off-leash dog training in Metro Detroit, MI, helps your dog achieve complete freedom and control, even in distracting environments. With expert guidance, we’ll teach your dog to follow commands confidently without the need for a leash, giving you both greater flexibility and trust in your dog's behavior.

Dog Training Elite Southeast Michigan - Dog Agility Training in Metro Detroit, MI. DTE

Agility Through Basic Obedience Training

While we don't offer formal agility dog training in Metro Detroit, MI, our basic obedience programs can significantly enhance your dog's agility. By focusing on essential commands and improving coordination, speed, and focus, your dog will develop the skills and discipline that naturally improve their agility and overall physical abilities.

A godlen retriever at a show demo with Dog Training Elite in Metro Detroit, MI.
Dog Training Elite Southeast Michigan

What to Expect from Dog Training Elite’s Obedience Program

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Dog Training Elite stands apart from other dog obedience training companies. Our high-quality results and customized approach provide the desired results for dog owners everywhere.

What you can expect:

  • Initial Assessment: An experienced Dog Training Elite trainer will evaluate your dog to understand their temperament and behavior.
  • Clear Goals: The Dog Training Elite trainer will discuss with you what they found and present realistic, measurable goals for your dog. Because every dog is so different, goals will differ between all dogs to ensure each one reaches their full potential.
  • Training Schedule: We offer flexible options for in-home training sessions to fit your schedule. For best results, you should find time to work with your dog on commands and recall outside of scheduled training sessions.
  • Owner Involvement: A benefit of in-home training is owners will be taught how to continue training between sessions. Involving everyone in the household in the training process leads to even better training results.
  • Ongoing Support: We want your dog to continuously progress after obedience training, so Dog Training Elite also offers group classes or other advanced training courses.
A Dog Training Elite Southeast Michigan owner with her black lab dog, our obedience training for dogs in Metro Detroit, MI can help strengthen your bond.
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Invest in Your Dog’s Future with Dog Training Elite

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Obedience training is a lifelong gift for your dog, fostering safety, social skills, and trust. At Dog Training Elite, we provide professional, customized training services for lasting results.

With a focus on balance and long-term results, we stand apart as leaders in the dog training industry and are the best option for obedience training.

Take the first step toward a better-behaved dog. Contact us today for a free consultation!

A group of dogs being trained by the expert team at Dog Training Elite Southeast Michigan.
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Dog Training Elite Southeast Michigan

Common Questions About Obedience Training

Still have questions about obedience training? We’ve got you covered! Below are some frequently asked questions that might help clarify any remaining concerns you have. At Dog Training Elite Southeast Michigan, we're here to ensure you and your dog have the best training experience possible.

The earlier, the better. Puppies are welcome! That being said, old dogs truly can learn new tricks - there is no reason an older dog can’t learn basic commands.
Besides basic commands, dog obedience training can address issues such as chewing, whining or barking, jumping to greet others, and begging for food.
No. Pain or punishment is never used in any form during training programs. The electronic collars we use produces a gentle “tug” to get a dog's attention. It is not a shock collar and does not harm or alarm a pet.
In-home training is necessary because it allows trainers to focus on the particular issues of individual dogs (like terrorizing a pet cat or chasing the mailman). During in-home training sessions trainers also work side by side with owners and any other family members so the dog understands who is in control.