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I began training with Dog Training Elite and Vince after doing extensive research on local programs. While I had some experience with service dog training, I didn’t feel confident starting the process on my own with a five-month-old puppy. We started with private lessons, and Vince was incredibly kind, patient, and thorough throughout the process. He always made sure I fully understood what to work on before each session ended. Every week, I saw dramatic improvements in Gus. We eventually moved into group classes, and I quickly realized how valuable they were. At home and around people, Gus had been doing wonderfully, so I felt confident he would be the perfect gentleman in class. However, the group setting showed me that training around other dogs is a completely different challenge. Gus was very excited by the other dogs, and I realized the skills we had practiced at home and in the community were not yet as solid in higher-distraction environments. Since attending the group classes, it’s been amazing to see how much Gus has grown. His training has become far more reliable and consistent in all situations. I’ve truly enjoyed the classes, getting to know the other owners and dogs, and the welcoming environment Vince creates each week. Every class introduces new lessons and opportunities to expand our training. I’m extremely grateful to Dog Training Elite, and especially Vince, for everything he has done to help shape Gus on his path to becoming a service dog. I look forward to continuing our training journey with him.

I highly recommend Vince Conrad of Dog Training Elite Pittsburgh. Vince is a very patient and professional teacher of dogs and dog owners. Vince did an outstanding job of training my two large Newfoundland puppies and providing my wife and I with the tools and instruction necessary to make us better dog owners. The private at-home training sessions in combination with the highly effective outdoor group classes have resulted in two well-behaved large puppies that comply consistently when faced with real-world distractions.

Vince is great. He explains everything in detail and why we are doing it. He listened to my questions and answered them promptly. He took the time during our consultation to understand what I need and want out of the dog training and my wishes for my dog to be able to be a service dog with the proper training. He worked with Ziti in a calm and reassuring manner at all times.

Would 100% recommend Vince for dog training! I live an hour from where he is located but he worked with finding times for training and was flexible. He is knowledgeable about dogs, behavior, and training. My dog started training a little older than is typical and I was worried she wouldn’t be successful but I saw significant improvement after just the first session.

I can’t say enough great things about Vince at Dog Training Elite! Over the course of our six sessions, I’ve seen a huge improvement not only in Scottie’s behavior, but also in my own confidence as a dog owner. Before working with Vince, Scottie was very dog reactive and difficult to walk on a leash, which made everyday outings stressful. Thanks to Vince’s guidance and training approach, Scottie has made incredible progress - walks are now much more controlled and enjoyable, and his reactivity has improved significantly. Since Scottie is now two, Vince helped us break his stubborn patterns. What really stood out to me was how available and supportive Vince was throughout the entire process. Anytime I had questions or was unsure how to handle a specific behavior, he was quick to respond and always took the time to talk things through. He provided practical, effective strategies that made a real difference, especially in tougher situations. Thanks to Vince’s expertise, Scottie is more well-behaved, and I feel much more confident handling different scenarios. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely caring dog training support!

Why we chose Vince at DTE to train our Presa Canario puppy Mater. I first spoke with Vince over the phone he had a kind gentle nature. Not only does Vince love dogs but he also loves people. Our puppy Mater took to him immediately as did my husband and I. We just finished our 6 in home sessions and we couldn't be more pleased with Maters progress but also our own progress Vince is so knowledgeable and relates that information so we understand. We learned so much. Vince isn't afraid to take extra time to answer questions, to work with you and your dog. He is a fantastic, caring, compassionate and knowledgeable trainer. Highly recommend his service for anyone looking for a great trainer.

Dog Training Elite has been amazing to work with. While looking for someone to train our Chihuahua puppy, Vince and DTE seemed to be a perfect match. Our puppy has come such a long way and there is a night and day difference. We couldn’t be more happy with the time, communication, and effort that DTE has shared with us. Highly Recommend!

My 7 month old German Shepherd, BoJack, started working with Vince when he turned 16 weeks, and I couldn’t be happier with his progress since then! The in-home classes were a great start for BoJack to understand basic obedience, as well as for me to learn how to use the collar. He has since been to a handful of group classes and seems to have adjusted well. Even when it’s in the 30s out, he always has the best time with the other dogs. From the very beginning Vince makes sure you understand how the entire process will work and what is required from you for this training to be successful. You may be surprised to find out that you as the owner are the one who has a lot to learn and practice! If you are someone that’s committed to putting the time and effort into training and growing with your dog, Dog Training Elite Pittsburgh is for you!

My husband found Vince online when looking for a trainer to make our great dane Loki a service animal. I was hesitant at first, but after speaking with Vince I knew he would do an amazing job. Loki just finished his home sessions where he learned valuable skills that not only taught Loki but taught us as the handlers. Vince is extremely knowledgeable and has a way with dogs. He is flexible and understanding and overall an amazing trainer. Our first group session for distractions starts next week and we couldn't be more excited. After that his service animal training really begins and I know because of Vince, Loki will excel at this. Vince sets you up for success, and you can tell he actually wants you to succeed and to me thats a breath of fresh air. Looking forward for more training soon!

Our experience with Vince was excellent. He is a patient teacher of both dog & human and, in that regard, taught us a lot about how our dog perceives and responds to training. We made great progress with our dog and learned how to continue working with him after our lessons with Vince. Vince was very knowledgeable and takes the time to listen to your individual concerns and tailor the training to suit the objectives. I think anyone who is willing to put in the effort and time to work with their dog would find Vince an excellent instructor.

Exceptional Results and Unwavering Professionalism from Elite Dog Training! We couldn't be more thrilled with the transformation of our miniature schnauzer after completing the in-home private sessions with Elite Dog Training. From our very first consultation, Vince's communication and professionalism were nothing short of excellent. He meticulously explained the training philosophy, set clear expectations, and consistently provided constructive, easy-to-follow guidance in every session. Crucially, our pup was immediately comfortable and obedient with Vince, which speaks volumes about his effective and humane approach. The results we've achieved are genuinely impressive. Our schnauzer has mastered all the basic commands, but more importantly, she has developed an incredible ability to focus and maintain control even when exposed to high-level distractions. Situations that were previously challenging—like passing other dogs or reacting to passing cars—are now handled with a calmness we didn't think possible. She now has a strong, reliable foundation that we are excited to build upon. Having successfully completed the private training, we are eagerly looking forward to the outdoor group sessions to further solidify her control in complex, real-world environments. I highly, highly recommend Elite Dog Training!

Vince from Pittsburgh Elite Dog Training is an amazing dog trainer. He is so patient, kind and knowledgeable of dog behaviors. Our journey of owning a service dog started a little over 2 years ago when a doctor suggested to my daughter that a service dog might be very helpful to her. She decided she wanted a Doberman Pincher. We never owned this breed and definitely needed help. Vince spent a long time explaining the process of obedience training and service dog training. Vince came to our house weekly and spent time with our dog and my daughter training not only the dog but my daughter to be a handler. After weeks of home training they were ready to introduce distractions and group training. Our experience with Vince will forever hold a special place in my heart. His training enabled my daughter to have her service dog and life a full life. Rowe went to College with Keria full time at 1year old, she is fully off leash and made a trip to Disney with us. Rowe and my daughter now work a full time job and they are both happy and thriving. Thankyou Vince, we could not have done it with out you.

We have had a really good experience with Vince! Our puppy was a little shy at first and it took her a few days to get used to the e-collar. Vince was very patient and went slow with her and worked with me to be consistent with her. We are hoping to train her as a service dog and she has made so much progress!

We needed a service dog and fast. Finding a dog was easy, finding someone to provide service training was a challenge. I called Tonya at DTE-Tampa as my last chance to find someone who could help. Her first words “don’t worry, I can definitely help”. We now have a dog that helps support my husband through his challenges and is certified to be with him at all times. Tonya was patient and helped us through the process. If you need a trained or certified dog, I highly recommend you contact them.

We cannot thank Vince at Dog Training Elite Pittsburgh enough for the work he’s done with our American Bully, Rooney. When we reached out, we were desperate for answers. Rooney had become very anxious and reactive after we had kids, and we weren’t sure how to help her. Vince came in with so much expertise and a deep understanding of dog behavior. He walked us through every step of the training process and gave us the tools to help Rooney manage her anxiety. His approach not only helped Rooney become more confident and calm, but also empowered us as owners. Thanks to Vince, Rooney has made amazing progress. She listens to us more each day and handles her usual high-stress situations so much better than before. Most importantly, we now understand why she reacts the way she does, and that knowledge has made the biggest difference. We highly recommend Vince to anyone struggling with their dog’s behavior.

Vince is a kind, patient, and phenomenal trainer. He has certified two service dogs for me, and without his expertise, I could not have had such well trained dogs.

Vince did an excellent job training Marley. My dog is much improved reacting to strangers and other dogs. He now know heel, leave-it, place, down, sit, and off. My neighbors have even commented how Marley has improved with his behavior.

Vince is a great trainer. Prior to Vince, my husband and I could not take our dogs for a walk. Now, our dogs are well-behaved and walks are enjoyable. Our dogs are learning better behavior around other dogs. In the process, my husband and I learned how to be better dog owners, too. :-)

We had a great experience with Vince! Oakley responded very well to the techniques and I was impressed by how quickly she picked up on the training. We will continue to use the lessons that we learned from Vince, and are excited to join the group classes.

Our 8-month-old Golden retriever, Henry, was energetically pulling us by the leash and reacting to every person, dog, and squirrel in view. We are not inexperienced - he is our 6th dog over the past 38 years, but we could not get his attention to slow him down! He was so excited to see our grandkids that we were afraid that he would knock them down. Vince showed us how to use an "e-collar" and worked with Henry and with us for 6 private lessons. What a difference! Henry now walks by my side and no longer jumps up on people. We have now attended two of the 12 group sessions with other dogs Vince trains, and Henry is SO much easier to control, even while walking past other dogs and all the distractions in a public park. Vince is kind, patient, and obviously loves dogs. We are so glad that we found him! AND - I have held the e-collar while the transmitter button is pushed, and I could barely feel it. It is more like a tapping - not a shock.