Professional

Dog Training in Murfreesboro / Spring Hill


How to Bond With Your Puppy

Call to Schedule FREE In-Home Assessment

844-744-3647


Se habla español!

Request a Free Assessment

Contact Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville

Or Call to Schedule FREE In-Home Assessment

844-744-3647


Se habla español!

Develop a Stronger Bond Through Training


Bringing home a new puppy can be a fun and special time. Puppies are cute and playful and bring a lot of joy into a home! They can also bring a lot of chaos and messes. Early days spent with your puppy are important for both bonding and training. In fact, if you’re wondering how to bond with your puppy, training can be a great way, as they look to you for guidance and direction. Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville is here to help.


Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.


Dog Training Elite in Murfreesboro / Spring Hill can help teach you how to bond with your puppy.
Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville In-Home Puppy Training

Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville’s offers comprehensive in-home puppy training. For the first 4-6 weeks, trainers use “treat training” before moving onto more advanced puppy training. Puppies will learn the following behaviors:

  • Come, sit, loose-leash walking, and down
  • Puppy corrections (Stop biting, digging, jumping, etc.)
  • Crate training/ housebreaking
Trainers will also help owners learn about the following:
  • Socialization tips
  • Environmental hazards
  • Puppy enrichment
  • Caring for your puppy
  • And more!

Training a puppy can feel overwhelming. By pairing you with a professional trainer, not only will your puppy learn quickly, but you will feel confident and empowered to continue training your puppy after the sessions are completed. Training in your own home will help you bond with your pup so even after the professional trainer leaves, you and Fido can continue to progress together.

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.


Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville is the top company near you that uses professional positive dog training methods.
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).

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.

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.

See Our Pricing

In-Home Puppy Trainers


Working with a trainer and your puppy in your own home will help your puppy stay focused. Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville dog trainers create personalized training plans for individual puppies that will also address any unique needs or issues.

Once a puppy has completed in-home training, Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville offers puppy group classes for further training. These group classes are a great option for exposing a young puppy to other dogs, people, new sounds and sights so they become well socialized.

Positive Reinforcement Training Methods


The Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville training method focuses on encouraging proper behaviors with positive reinforcement. Punishment is never used as a form of training as it can lead to aggression and fear in dogs. Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville does use an electronic vibration collar (not a shock collar) to help puppies stay alert, and treats for extra encouragement.

Positive reinforcement teaches a puppy that performing obedient behaviors wins love and affection from their owner. Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville’s professional puppy trainers include owners in the training process so that puppies learn who is in charge. Working with professional trainers of Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville, your puppy will not only develop deep-rooted obedience, but working alongside these trainers will help you and your puppy build a strong, healthy relationship founded on loyalty and trust.

Elite Dog Training in Murfreesboro / Spring Hill All Breeds. All Sizes. All Ages.

Pricing Free Demo

Tips on How to Bond
With Your Puppy

Training is a great way to establish a deep, loyal bond with your puppy. Outside of your training sessions, there is more you can do to strengthen your bond. Here are some more tips for how to bond with your puppy:

Your puppy may not understand the words you’re saying, but he or she will understand your tone of voice. Speaking in an excited tone of voice will get your pup excited and motivate them to do what you want them to. Speaking in a low, calm voice can help soothe and relax your puppy.

Puppies thrive on routine. A consistent schedule will help your puppy adjust to their new home, and to you and your family. A puppy’s schedule needs to include eating, playtime, puppy training, potty breaks, and nap times.

As mentioned above, playtime is an important part of your puppy’s schedule. Playing with your puppy will help strengthen your bond and stimulate their brains. Walks are an easy and great way to give your puppy much-needed exercise. Start small, walking around in your yard or driveway and gradually extending the distance around your neighborhood.

Creating boundaries in your home for your puppy helps strengthen your bond because your puppy will look to you for direction and guidance. It will also help your puppy avoid bad habits. Baby gates and playpens are a useful way to create physical boundaries.

Puppies can become overwhelmed about all the new things they’re exploring. Crate training is a perfect way to allow your puppy to have their own space where they feel safe and comfortable and help them develop some independence so they grow into a well-adjusted dog.

The most adorable way to bond with your puppy is by cuddling them! Snuggling with your pup can help him or her feel comforted and safe. The best time to get a cuddle session with your puppy is when they are sleepy. Cuddling also helps puppies get used to having their paws, belly, face, etc. handled, and can be a good time to introduce light grooming practices like brushing their fur.

It’s OK to be nervous about bringing your puppy home. But with the professional dog trainers and programs at Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville, plus these tips on bonding with your puppy, you will develop a rewarding relationship with your new best friend.

Schedule a free training demo today!

Pricing Programs Free Assessment

Se habla español!

Learn training tips on bonding with your puppy with help from Dog Training Elite in Murfreesboro / Spring Hill.

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!

My 3.5 yr. old lab mix, Oreo, was becoming more reactive and territorial over time. He was our first dog (Covid dog), and we hadn’t properly socialized him or taken him places. It gradually grew to the point where we were having to put him up when guests came over and run outside to get him when anyone pulled up. His unpredictable behavior made me extremely anxious! I knew we had to do something, so I looked up dog trainers. The first thing that drew me to Elite was the free in-home evaluation and positive reviews … some related to reactivity and aggression. I met Brad and felt very comfortable with him. He was knowledgeable and extremely thorough when asking questions about history and behavior. He genuinely wanted to know what was going on with my dog and how to help him. Oreo responded well to Brad immediately. Brad was always right on time and even stayed a little longer at times to work on something we’d mention. The in-home sessions were so helpful, and he showed us what to do between visits. We are now in the stage of doing group classes, which I was very nervous about. My alpha male, reactive, unsocialized dog just attended his first group class and did amazing! I was/am shocked at how quickly he has progressed. At home, we are still figuring out guest interaction and logistics, but I have confidence knowing that on the leash I can control him in most any situation. With a bit more time and practice, I think we’ll be able to control him just using voice commands. He already responds to all of his voice commands off leach under normal circumstances. I can’t recommend Elite enough for most any issue. I honestly wasn’t sure if it would work or work well enough to be worth the cost for our dog, but it definitely has been. I realize now how wrong we went about things … we had not given him boundaries or taught him how to behave in a way he could understand. Just like with kids, I actually think he likes his boundaries and feels safe when they are in place. I’m excited for Oreo’s future and continued learning.
— Jesse Davis
Posted September 11th 2024
google
I highly recommend Dog Training Elite. My trainer was Brad. He was very knowledgeable and patient with our dog. Great results.
— Gary Okeson
Posted August 19th 2024
google
Dog Training Elite is absolutely the BEST. I have had dogs my entire life and never seen a dog more wild than our Flair. She is a strong black lab & has so much energy we had lost control. We could not even walk her around the block due to jumping, pulling and running. My parents nicknamed her "the wrecking ball." After being knocked down and having my elbow dislocated, I decided to get help. I'm so thankful to have found Brad. He came to our home for a consultation and then began coming on Friday mornings for training. Brad is so knowledgable, patient, caring, and kind. He is definitely the kind of person you would want training your dog. He also taught my daughter and I how to work with and support all the new behaviors Flair was learning. I was amazed at how quick she responded to training. After a few weeks she listens, follows directions, does not jump on furniture or people. Flair even walks on a leash like a champ. This morning we moved from walking in the neighborhood to Lowes. She is doing better than I ever expected and it is all because of Brad. We are so thankful to Dog Training Elite for helping us enjoy every moment with our sweet girl. Flair even got her first pup cup today as a reward for doing such a great job!
— Hayley Preston
Posted June 1st 2024
google
We just finished our in-home classes. Brad is a great trainer. He's serious about his work but he also makes it fun. He's patient, he listens, and he cares. It's amazing what he can do with our stubborn dog, Willow, in such a short period. My husband and I have learned so much from him and we are extremely grateful. I'm happy that Jackie has joined him. She's lovely and a great trainer as well.
— Cha Sloan
Posted June 2nd 2024
google
Brad is an exceptional dog trainer who transformed our Australian shepherd into the best-behaved boy both at home and in public. His expertise and effective training methods worked wonders, and we saw remarkable improvements in our dog's behavior in a short period. Brad's approach is professional, compassionate, and tailored to our dog's unique needs. We're so impressed with the results that we've already planned to have him train our new puppy, Keeko. We highly recommend Brad to anyone looking for a skilled and reliable dog trainer!
— Shaelyn Alexander
Posted May 31st 2024
google
My trainer Brad was awesome and worked well with my dog. He gave me lots of practice to help myself and my dog master the new skill. He was informative, patient, and personable. I enjoyed each session and the group sessions gave me the perfect opportunity to see how well my dog really did after receiving the training. It is well worth the cost.
— Dia Mimms
Posted May 31st 2024
google
Great training and excellent trainer. In home training Malancy was very knowledgeable, personable, and has a passion for training. She made us feel at ease and was able to train us as well without making us feel dumb. If you want a trainer, she's the best.
— Richard Colvin
Posted January 6th 2024
google
Malancy was our trainer and she was wonderful! She was calm and patient with our very young, energetic and head strong boxer dog! She was extremely knowledgable and confident in her abilities. She gave me the confidence to know that my dog was not untrainable. I have seen tremendous improvement in my dog. My dog is listens and respects me now and doesn’t try to rule the house anymore. I loved our experience! Thank you Malancy!
— Andrea Bumbalough
Posted December 21st 2023
google
Malancy (our trainer) is fantastic!! She really understands my GSD and within minutes of meeting us was able to assess our dynamics and relationship. Sofia WAS very reactive and we didn't gave good experiences leash walking or participating in canine/human activities. Working with Malancy has been a game changer for us. Sofia and I participated in a human/canine obstacle course race and she did not react one time to dog teams we passed during the race or even getting to the start line. I highly recommend Malancy to help improve the relationship you have with your K9!!!!
— Active RN
Posted November 11th 2023
google
ELITE - 5 STARS - Working with Malancy has been a blessing.I was at my wits end. One of my four canines began acting out in an aggressive behavior toward another one. They could no longer be in the same room. Since working with Elite the tension has lessened, they can now be in the same room or outside, together, and with each session I learn something new on how to continue to be a happy canine family. Malancy practices really easy, practical, and life lessons training. Highly recommend if training is needed.
— Sharon Smotherman
Posted November 2nd 2023
google
When your puppy goes from the size of a baked potato to the size of a small bear in a single year its easy to miss some critical training! Our trainer Malancy got us back on course and really helped me through some frustrating behaviors while never wasting time on things I wasn't worried about. I appreciated that she didn't come into our training with her own idea about how Herman should behave, but listened to what things were important to me. No shaming me into keeping him off the furniture or the silly "alpha" rhetoric that's all over the internet. Just simple, executable commands that all build upon each other to help your dog understand exactly what you need from him. He didn't learn any silly tricks but rather improved significantly on his manners. Additionally, she helped us work through the difficulties of training one dog in a two dog household and tailored the training to include both dogs where possible. She was super flexible with scheduling and incredibly patient with my giant, lazy boy.
— Jessica Merrill
Posted November 2nd 2023
google
So happy to have found Dog Training Elite for our 11 month old Pyredoodle, Sophie! Gracie, Sophie’s trainer (and I suppose ours as well 😊) is fantastic! She is patient and consistent whenever we have a lesson. We always looked forward to the in home lessons with Gracie and now look forward to the off site ones as well. Sophie is becoming (and continues to become) a well mannered pup thanks to Gracie!! Shout out to Brad and Malancey as well, Dog Training Elite is AWESOME!!
— Diane Williams
Posted October 5th 2023
google
Malancy (our trainer) is fantastic. We have gone from a wild boxer puppy (10 months), named Kash, to an easily controllable one year old in a few short weeks, with her help. The progress on a weekly basis is unbelievable. I come away from each session completely shocked at what our puppy is learning and the control that Malancy is teaching my wife and I to have with him. An added bonus is it really seems like Kash is enjoying being trained. I highly recommend this program to anyone who has a four legged friend that needs help with manners. The difference is night and day and we certainly have not regretted this decision.
— Brandon Clemmons
Posted August 24th 2023
google
Malancy with Dog Training Elite has been my savior! Before working with her my schnoodle Luna was extremely stubborn and even though she knew basic commands, she refused to listen. I specifically chose DTE for behavioral training, and I am so happy I did. Not only does Luna LOVE malancy, I finally feel like she loves me too! This training program has made our relationship so much better. She’s learned discernment around other dogs, walks and heels perfect on a leash, listens to all basic commands and it has even helped her stay calmer alone when I leave her to go to work. I can’t thank DTE and Malancy enough. Now that she’s fully training I feel comfortable getting her a playmate and I will once again work with Malancy when puppy comes home. :)
— Krys Nicole
Posted August 17th 2023
google
Malancy was an amazing trainer, her energy and passion was infectious! Tess loved every minute of her training and I couldn’t be happier with the results! Thank you to Dog Training Elite.
— Craig Anderson
Posted June 27th 2023
google
We are so pleased we chose your company for training. Malancy is so good at her job that we were fortunate to get her. We’ve come to love her and what isn’t to love. Our puppy has learned from the best of the best. We’re gonna miss her. This is the best training in this area.
— Tom Gaumer
Posted June 7th 2023
google
These guys deliver! After a few sessions, I was able to take my dog on a walk without fearing she’d be aggressive to others. Malancy and Brad are super!
— Cathi Phillips
Posted May 30th 2023
google
We were assigned Melancy to help train our pup. Very friendly and knowledgeable. Highly recommend her and Dog Training Elite!!
— Lynne Gaumer
Posted May 27th 2023
google
My dog is so much better! I have a husky mix with a huge running away problem but after the in home sessions in our package his recall is amazing. He’s improved so much! Our trainer Malancy is so knowledgeable about dogs and how their minds work, somehow she was able to conquer his stubbornness and showed me how to make this a forever change! Love Dog training elite and Malancy!
— Angel Durrani
Posted May 25th 2023
google
I am totally satisfied and happy with the results. My dog “Jackson” was very difficult to deal with. He was always dragging me or pulling, he was combative with other dogs and just uncontrollable . However, after a few lessons we got him to sit, finally! Then lie down, then go to your place. We got him use to walking near other dogs. Now I look forward to walking him in the park, I can take him to dog park he has learned to play rather than be aggressive. Brad was very patient and did a good job teaching me how to teach Jackson.
— James Knott
Posted May 27th 2023
google

All Reviews Set Up an Assessment Today!