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A happy, well trained dog from Dog Training Elite, your trusted source for dog training in Cleveland, OH
Dog Training Elite Northeast Ohio star

Where Education
Meets Excellence

Elite Methods. Elite Results.

Dog Training Elite Northeast Ohio

We offer in Home & Facility Training Options
6119 Highland Rd

Highland Heights, OH 44143
Dog Training Elite Northeast Ohio

Get A Free Consultation

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The Art of Dog Training

Transform your pup with Dog Training Elite


At Dog Training Elite Northeast Ohio, we're not just dog trainers; we're your elite partners in creating a happier, harmonious life with your cherished canine companion. Through carefully crafted programs and expert trainers, Dog Training Elite ensures that each pup attains a level of mastery that sets them apart. As the premier choice for canine training and behavior modification in the Cleveland area, we're dedicated to transforming your beloved furry friend into a champion of obedience and a source of boundless joy for your family.

A well trained dog and their owner posing in front of a Dog Training Elite wall.

Our Story

Dog Training Elite Northeast Ohio

Our programs are flexible and designed to meet the needs of each client’s schedule and their dog’s unique behavior, home environment, and situation. We are a family-owned, professional dog training company with over 40 years of experience specializing in strengthening the bond between you and your dog.

We offer in-home dog training, basic obedience, advanced training, and specialized programs like Service Animals and Therapy Dogs. No matter the breed, size, or behavioral issue, the Dog Training Elite team is here to help. Let our professional Cleveland dog trainers help you today.

About Us

Our Services

Behavioral Solutions

Fear & reactivity, staying & coming, barking and more

Training Programs

Obedience, Service, Group Classes and More

Our Team

Andrea Johnson - Owner & Trainer
Andrea Johnson
Owner & Trainer

Hello and welcome to our website! My name is Andrea Johnson, I am an owner and trainer here at Dog Training Elite of Northeast Ohio. I was born and raised in the Cleveland, Ohio area, and I am proud to call this home. I have always had dogs as pets, have always adored and admired them for their unconditional love and loyalty. I am excited to be able to help others strengthen their bond with their pets through training and service, excited to enhance others’ lives.

I am a retired Dental Hygienist/Assistant, entered the dental field in 1991. I had an extremely rewarding career, thoroughly enjoyed helping make peoples’ smiles to be bright and healthy.

Married to Kevin Johnson since 1996, we have three wonderful children, two adorable Yellow Labs.

I enjoy traveling, swimming, reading, theater, and spending time with family and friends.

Thank you for considering us for your dog training needs. We look forward to meeting you and working with you!

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Kevin Johnson - Owner & Trainer
Kevin Johnson
Owner & Trainer

Hello, my name is Kevin Johnson and I want to thank you for considering Dog Training Elite of Northeast Ohio. I was born in North Carolina and raised on a farm where we bred and trained hunting dogs. I’ve always enjoyed working with dogs to enhance the lives of their human families. I left North Carolina when I joined the Air Force where I served at the Pentagon and Andrews Air Force Base for 7 years. I met my wonderful wife and business partner, Andrea, in 1994. We have 3 great children and two energetic Yellow Labradors. We have a passion for improving the bonds between families and their K9 family members through greater communication and consistency. We look forward to improving the bond you have with your dog.

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Jimmy Morelli - Trainer
Jimmy Morelli
Trainer

Hello, my name is Jimmy Morelli. I was born in Cleveland but grew up in South Florida. I moved around a lot my adult years before returning home to the Cleveland area when I retired in 2016. I retired from The Department of Homeland Security where I proudly served and protected my country at home and abroad. In my retirement, I have taken on a new passion which is fostering dogs in need. With the help of North Coast Boxer Rescue, I have rescued and found loving forever homes for multiple foster dogs. It is sad (in a way) to see them go but it is so rewarding to know you helped them find a forever home and get to help a future rescue dog. Most of my foster dogs have had heartworms or other medical issues so it’s extra rewarding to know you helped them back to good health. My buddy Scooby is my current foster dog but he is gonna be staying with me for the long haul.

In my spare time I enjoy attending live sporting events, traveling, cooking, and gardening. I am a season ticket holder for all the local sports teams. I have traveled extensively throughout the United States and overseas.

I grew up around dogs and love them for their loyalty and unconditional love. I look forward to working with you and your “best friend”.

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Deacon - Training Dog - Yellow Labrador Retriever
Deacon
Training Dog - Yellow Labrador Retriever

Hi! My name is Deacon. I am an 8yr old Yellow Labrador Retriever. I live with my family in a home with a nice big yard and a pool and I love to romp and swim. Some of my other favorite things to do are eat, sleep, and snuggle! I am a very laid-back kind of guy, and I prefer sneaking up onto the couch whenever I can.

Unfortunately, my brother Cooper passed away in 2020 and I was very sad. My family brought a new puppy into our home, another Yellow Lab, and they named her Minnie. I was not too sure about her at first, but now we are best buddies! I love to romp and swim and play with her now and hope to teach her all I know about eating, sleeping, and snuggling.

I am very excited to be a DTE dog and can’t wait to meet you!

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Minnie - Training Dog - Yellow Labrador Retriever
Minnie
Training Dog - Yellow Labrador Retriever

Hello! My name is Domenica Angela Rose, but you can call me Minnie. I am still just a puppy, six months old, but I am one smart Yellow Labrador! I was born in Salt Lake City as a Tattle Tails Diabetic Alert Dog (DAD), now I live with my family in Northeast Ohio where I work as a DTE demo dog. In my free time, I love to play fetch and swim and run all around our big backyard.

I am very curious, playful, and I can run really fast! Deacon can’t catch me! I love learning new tricks, training and being a demo dog. I am excited to help other dogs and puppies train and learn new tricks, too! Hope to meet you soon!

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Scooby - Training Dog - Boxer
Scooby
Training Dog - Boxer

Hi! My name is Scooby. At best guess, I am about 4 years old. You see, I didn’t have the best life early on. I was found as a stray running the streets in Cleveland and then captured and entered into the system (dog pound!). Yeah...I did some time. That is until this great company, North Coast Boxer Rescue, found me and sprung me from the clink. I went to live with Jimmy Morelli as a foster. I was heartworm positive at the time so he set up treatment for me but before I could begin that treatment they found a mass on my hind leg. It was the dreaded “C” word (Cancer). We had the mass removed and I stayed with this fellow during my recovery. Then we tackled the heartworm issue. I must have made an impression with Jimmy because I have been with him ever since.

I am a typical boxer. I am a lovable goofball with lots of energy. I do love my naps though. I live with my fur sister Bonne. She is a hound/boxer mix who was also a rescue pup. We have a big fenced-in backyard to play in. Which is great because I get to run and wrestle with her. I love people so I am excited to be a part of the Ohio DTE Team.

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The Solution to your Dog’s Behavior Problems

We're Ready for Our Doggy Make-Overs


Dear Pup Parents, we're the troublemaking squad, a.k.a. the canine chaos creators. We've chewed shoes, dug craters, and claimed your house as our own personal domain, pushing you further away with each crime we commit. We're not just about social mishaps; we've excelled in causing all sorts of furry commotion!

But here's the scoop: We're willing to learn, and are ready for our doggy make-over! Help us be the good citizens you've always dreamed of by hiring Dog Training Elite. They'll guide us with pawsitive training methods, making us the well-behaved, model pups you deserve. Let's emBARK on this journey of boundless happiness and obedience together!

Dog Training Elite Northeast Ohio - Cleveland Dog Socialization Classes. DTE
My Problem:
Poor Socialization
My name is Milo
Hi. My name is Milo, and I have a bit of a 'ruff' time making friends with my fellow canines. You see, I'm all about making new friends, but when it comes to meeting other dogs, I get a tad overwhelmed. I’d like to get out more, please.
Dog Training Elite Northeast Ohio - Stop Puppy Biting in Cleveland, OH. DTE
My Problem:
Nipping & Biting
My name is Scout
Hello, everyone, my name is Scout, and I have a little, um, 'nipping' habit. I'm all about spreading love and happiness, but sometimes, my excitement gets the best of me, and I end up with a playful nibble or two. I want others to feel safe around me.
Dog Training Elite Northeast Ohio - Reactive Dog Training in Cleveland, OH. DTE
My Problem:
Fear Aggression
My name is Zuko
Hi…I get afraid when strange dogs or people get near me so I try to scare them off to protect myself. I want to make new friends and not worry my parents, but someone has to protect them. Can you help me?
Dog Training Elite Northeast Ohio - Separation Anxiety Training for Dogs in Cleveland, OH. DTE
My Problem:
Separation Anxiety
My name is Nora
I'm Nora, and I'm in the process of tackling something called 'separation anxiety.' While I thrive in family togetherness, there's a hiccup when my beloved humans step out – I tend to get a little jittery. I would love to feel more confident.
Dog Training Elite Northeast Ohio - Excessive Barking Training in Cleveland, OH. DTE
My Problem:
Excessive Barking
My name is Link
Woof! I'm Link, and I've got a little quirk – a tendency to let my barks fill the air a bit more than necessary. I'm all about helping to maintain a harmonious vibe, but sometimes, I just can't resist the call of the wild, or the squirrel on the neighbor's fence.
Dog Training Elite Northeast Ohio - Staying and Coming Training in Cleveland, OH. DTE
My Problem:
Staying & Coming
My name is Dexter
I'm Dexter, and I've got a bit of a wild streak when it comes to the 'down' and 'come' commands. Sometimes my adventurous spirit leads me astray when those commands are in play. It would really make me happy to learn how to listen.
Dog Training Elite Northeast Ohio - Destructive Chewing and Digging Training in Cleveland, OH
My Problem:
Chewing & Digging
My name is Charlie
I'm Charlie, and I've got a little hobby, or shall we say, an issue – destructive chewing and digging. I simply can't resist the allure of gnawing on furniture or unearthing buried treasures in the garden. I'm on a mission to mend my ways. 
A line of dogs at one of Dog Training Elite group training classes.

We Offer Group Classes

Social Savvy & Ongoing Skill Development

Socialization is a fundamental aspect of a dog's development, and continual group classes play a pivotal role in fostering positive social interactions and behaviors in our furry friends.

Training Programs

Flexible & Customized for your Pet

At Dog Training Elite, we go beyond basic obedience and train dogs to excel in real-world situations. Our programs cover everything from service dog preparation to therapy dog training, emphasizing practical skills and reliability.

Our dog training in Cleveland, OH produces dogs that are prepared for real-world challenges and enrich your daily life. We focus on creating lifelong bonds of love and trust, helping your dog become a confident, trusted family member.

Dog Training Elite Northeast Ohio - Dog Obedience Training in Cleveland, OH. DTE
Obedience Training

Our obedience training for dogs in Cleveland, OH is designed to teach essential commands and reinforce good behavior, ensuring your dog is well-mannered in any situation.

Dog Training Elite Northeast Ohio - Elite Puppy Training in Cleveland, OH. DTE
Puppy Training

Our puppy training in Cleveland, OH builds a strong bond between you and your new puppy by focusing on early socialization, basic commands, and good behavior.

Dog Training Elite Northeast Ohio - Elite Service Dog Training in Cleveland, OH. DTE
Service Dog Training

Our Cleveland service dog training turns dogs into dependable companions, trained to perform tasks like retrieving items, providing stability, or alerting to medical conditions.

Dog Training Elite Northeast Ohio - Aggressive Dog Training in Cleveland, OH. DTE
Anxiety & Aggression

Our Cleveland aggressive dog training targets and corrects behaviors driven by anxiety and aggression, helping your dog stay calm and well-behaved in challenging situations.

Dog Training Elite Northeast Ohio - Therapy Dog Trainer in Cleveland, OH. DTE
Therapy Dog Training

Our Cleveland therapy dog training equips dogs with the skills needed to provide comfort and emotional support in various settings. These trained dogs help reduce stress, ease anxiety, and improve the overall well-being of their owners.

Dog Training Elite Northeast Ohio - Top Group Dog Training in Cleveland, OH. DTE
Group Classes

Our group dog training classes in Cleveland, OH offer a structured environment where dogs can learn and practice essential skills while socializing with other dogs and their owners.

A dog owner signing their dog up for affordable training classes at Dog Training Elite Northeast Ohio.

Fund Your Dog’s Education!

Call for details about our payment options

Call 440-290-1500

Video Gallery

Videos

FAQs

One of our trainers will visit your home to meet you and your dog and discuss any issues you're facing. We will then demonstrate one of our model dogs so you can see what you can expect after hiring our trainers. From there, we will discuss the various packages we offer and which we feel best suit your (and your dog's) needs.
We provide full obedience training that covers all basic commands, both on and off-leash. Our in-home visits target specific issues like counter-surfing, digging, and more. Unlike some trainers, we work with all breeds, including those often considered challenging.
Yes. You (and anyone in your family who wants to be involved) are integral to your dog getting trained. We need you to practice 5-6 days a week, about 15-20 minutes a day for optimal results.
Once a week. We come to you (with the silver, gold and platinum packages) once a week to start your dog off, then you come to park sessions which are held once a week in Cleveland.
We train dogs of all breeds, sizes, and temperaments. Whether your dog is a tiny Chihuahua or a large Mastiff, we have the experience and expertise to work with them.
A DTE trained dog - we are a proud veteran owned business!
Dog Training Elite Northeast Ohio veteran owned badge.

Dog Training Elite Northeast Ohio is a

Proud Veteran
Owned Business

As a proud veteran-owned business, we bring the values of discipline, commitment, and service to our dog training programs. We are especially committed to supporting fellow veterans and their families. Our background drives us to deliver the highest standards in training, focused on building strong, trustworthy bonds between dogs and their owners.

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Susan Patterson
    Aug. 26, 2024
    Our dog did very well and we were very pleased with the results. The team members are all great with the dogs and we look forward to future training sessions.
  • Katie Fioritto
    Jun. 28, 2024
    I came across Dog Training Elite from a Google search when an unexpected health problem and upcoming surgery meant we needed to sharpen our puppy’s skills, and fast. From the moment I first contacted them and talked with Andrea, I knew we were in good hands. Toni and Andrea did our free home consultation and reviewed in detail their philosophies and different programs available. We started our six week in home training program the next week and after the first training session we could already see a positive difference in our pup. They provided instructions with the skills to work on each week and took their time to make sure we were comfortable. We had the opportunity to meet a few different trainers over the weeks (Kevin and Bernadette) and everyone was so kind and professional. We haven’t yet done the group classes but I appreciate them ensuring that your dogs skills are consistent, not only at home but also outside of the home and with distraction. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite Northeast Ohio to anyone looking for help with training their dog.
  • Reannin Bailey
    Jun. 4, 2024
    Could not recommend more! Had my pug thing trained to be a service dog. They offer boot camps, at home visits, public outings, group classes, and a free consultation! They are super patient and friendly, and never made me feel rushed or stupid.
  • Yvonne Thompson
    May. 25, 2024
    We gave our rescue Grey a great home with lots of patience and love! "DOG TRAINING ELITE" gave us the tools, training and skillset to build on that foundation! With their help, we have been able to build Grey's confidence so he can be a GREAT DOG!!! The owners Kevin, and Andrea and their team are great pack leaders!!! Their leadership builds confidence in the handlers and canines to trust and have confidence in each other. We strongly recommend DOG TRAINIG ELITE for all dog training. Lynn & Yvonne
  • Kim Burger
    May. 21, 2024
    Trust worthy, Veteran owned. Does great work!
  • Tonya Knowles
    Feb. 13, 2024
    Andrea has helped us train our golden retriever to be a service dog for my child. She and her team are incredibly phenomenal and I would highly recommend them. Kiddo was admitted to hospital and Andrea even met us there to work with him on some hospital specific skills. They’ve become part of our family!
  • Kim Pintar
    May. 13, 2023
    They are so positive and patient with our anxious dog and always willing to help with anything and answer any questions we have. We have seen major improvements!
  • Dave
    May. 3, 2023
    Kevin and Andrea are top notch trainers. Their passion for dogs and dog training was immediately evident in the results we have seen with our lab Nala. There has been a huge difference in her behavior within the first few sessions. More importantly they have provided us with an effective training method. Thanks so much for training us as well as Nala!
  • Joshua Lopez
    Mar. 12, 2023
    Kevin and Andrea, are extremely passionate and take the time to ensure your dog is trained the proper way. Andreas attention to detail is unmatched. You can't go wrong entrusting Kevin and Andrea with your dog training needs.
  • BrennanOMalley
    Jan. 3, 2023
    Great people! Caring and super helpful!
  • Brad Okeson
    Dec. 26, 2022
    Kevin and Andrea are so wonderful! You are in excellent hands!
A child with their happy, obedient dog with training from Dog Training Elite.

We Train Every Breed

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Each dog breed has different behaviors and personalities due to a combination of genetics, selective breedings, and environmental factors. At Dog Training Elite, we work with every dog. Our team understands canine behavior and the unique challenges of every breed.

We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we apply specific breed training techniques to bring out the best in your dog. From impulse control in terriers to focused mental stimulation for herding breeds, we’ll work with you and your dog to design a personalized training plan.

Get Your Free Consultation

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!

Two dog owners with a group of trained dogs.

Dog Training in Cleveland, OH


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At Dog Training Elite, we’ve seen how DIY dog training can lead to inconsistent results and frustration. Our qualified professionals bring the expertise needed to assess your dog’s unique needs and apply methods that work. Choosing experienced trainers makes a noticeable difference in attaining reliable, lasting behavior changes.

We rely on positive reinforcement, a training method that delivers lasting results, even with the most challenging dogs. Our trainers are skilled in addressing any behavioral issue and can help your dog to reach their full potential with encouragement and proven techniques.

An obedient corgi on a leash after recieving affordable training from Dog Training Elite.

Affordable Dog Trainers in Cleveland, OH

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At Dog Training Elite, we believe every pet owner should have access to expert dog training without breaking the bank. To make this a reality, we offer our training programs at fair and affordable prices so that cost is never a barrier to a well-behaved and happy dog. Whether you’re looking for basic obedience training, specialized behavior modification, or advanced service dog training, our programs fit various budgets.

Investing in dog training is one of the best decisions you can make for your pet's long-term happiness and health. Proper training helps curb unwanted behaviors, reduces anxiety, and builds a strong, lasting bond between you and your dog. By providing low-cost dog training without compromising quality, our dog trainers in Cleveland, OH make it possible for more families and dogs to benefit from professional training.

A well-trained DTE dog on a surfboard.
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Educate, Empower, Elevate, Elite

Unleash Your Dog's Potential

Photo Gallery

See An Elite Dog in Action

A dog that has just graduated from Dog Training Elite's award-winning training program.

Award-Winning
Dog Training

With Dog Training Elite


At Dog Training Elite, we are proud to offer training services recognized for outstanding results and effective methods. With skilled trainers dedicated to helping dogs and their owners build strong, lasting relationships, we guarantee your dog receives the best care and guidance.

Our programs cover everything from basic obedience to advanced behavior modification, customized to your dog’s needs. Whether you’re addressing behavioral issues, improving obedience, or strengthening your bond, our methods deliver reliable results.

Experience the difference our award-winning training can make in your dog’s life.

Dog Training Elite Northeast Ohio's woman owned badge.
Dog Training Elite Northeast Ohio's veteran owned badge.
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