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Dog Training Elite in Port Charlotte, FL

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Denise Yenchochic - Chief of Pack OPS
Denise Yenchochic
Chief of Pack OPS
Dog Training Elite of Port Charlotte
Alisa Kellington-Welsh - Chief of Pack Training
Alisa Kellington-Welsh
Chief of Pack Training
Dog Training Elite of Port Charlotte
Danielle Kellington-Welsh - PAWSitive Support
Danielle Kellington-Welsh
PAWSitive Support
Dog Training Elite of Port Charlotte
Deene Yenchochic - Chief of Bark & Order
Deene Yenchochic
Chief of Bark & Order
Dog Training Elite of Port Charlotte
Renee Juliano - Pack Leader (Elite Training Camp)
Renee Juliano
Pack Leader (Elite Training Camp)
Dog Training Elite of Port Charlotte
Jessica Higdon - Elite Trainer (In-Home & Elite Training Camp)
Jessica Higdon
Elite Trainer (In-Home & Elite Training Camp)
Dog Training Elite of Port Charlotte
Kelsie Johnson - Elite Trainer (In-Home & Elite Training Camp)
Kelsie Johnson
Elite Trainer (In-Home & Elite Training Camp)
Dog Training Elite of Port Charlotte
Justin Ward - Elite Trainer (In-Home & Elite Training Camp)
Justin Ward
Elite Trainer (In-Home & Elite Training Camp)
Dog Training Elite of Port Charlotte

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About Dog Training Elite of Port Charlotte

Dog Training Elite of Port Charlotte - Our Reviews. DTE in Port Charlotte, FL

Reviews

Dog Training Elite of Port Charlotte - Careers. DTE in Port Charlotte, FL

Careers

Dog Training Elite of Port Charlotte - Our Gallery. Dog Training Elite in Port Charlotte, FL

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Dog Training Elite of Port Charlotte - Local Dog Trainers in Port Charlotte, FL. DTE

In the Community

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Mary Jo Linscott
    Aug. 18, 2025
    My dog, Ms Beasley, and I just completed our 5 week training program with Jessica. I am so impressed by Jessica’s professionalism, patience, and care for Beasley and I. She is available at all times when I have questions or concerns. She has prepared us well to be successful in our next step…service dog training. This is the most successful program in which we have invested. Many thanks to Jessica and all of the amazing people at Dog Training Elite. They have gone above and beyond by helping to set up our training in another city for the holidays. They are truly elite!
  • Itz Statik
    Sep. 18, 2025
    Jessica was awesome very helpful and a very good teacher
  • Pat Coderre
    Sep. 17, 2025
    Jessica of Dog Training Elite has been amazing! She has helped us to understand our rescue and helped us learn how to help him feel safe and loved in our home. He has a long way to go but we would have been totally lost without her help! Thank you!!!
  • Bobbi Edmonds
    Sep. 10, 2025
    Jessica was awesome! Knowledgeable and showed me exactly what I need to do.
  • NE Erickson
    Sep. 10, 2025
    Jessica is a great trainer. She is patient with the dog (as long as they obey… kidding). I would highly recommend her and the Dog Training Elite SW Florida team.
  • Melanie Corbett
    Aug. 26, 2025
    Jessica is the best! Not only does she work in a loving and professional way to my pup. She also communicates very well with me.
  • Deb Hollis
    Sep. 6, 2025
    Jessica is very professional. She is extremely knowledgeable and understands the task at hand while handling our girl. After 2 lessons our girl is concurring her commands.
  • Riley Couto
    Sep. 5, 2025
    First day training with Jessica. It was great and we are looking forward to completing the course!
  • Mike Stevens
    Aug. 28, 2025
    Great first session. Jessica loves dogs and obviously training them. Having two is a huge challenge and she is up for the challenge. Looking forward to homework and our next session.
  • Susan Ruettimann
    Aug. 5, 2025
    Jessica came to our house for our e-collar and first lesson. She was AWESOME!!! Very patient, thorough and knowledgeable. Great energy and very easy to learn from. We are looking forward to practicing our lessons with our crazy border collie! We need all the luck we can get l - but we have a great chance at success because of Jessica!
  • Sharon Lesko
    Aug. 4, 2025
    Jessica and the rest of the team are awesome trainers! Jessica is teaching us how to train our two year old Corgis and it's going great! It's amazing how fast the dogs are learning! (and us too) We're so glad we are going with Dog Training Elite for our obedience training.
  • Jerry Hommes
    Jun. 25, 2025
    Tucker and I enjoyed our session and look forward to the next one
  • Laurie Kohl
    Jun. 19, 2025
    Jessica really helped me get over my frustration over Sully’s progress. I couldn’t believe the difference this training makes.
  • Richelle Sterling
    Sep. 24, 2024
    We had a great time with Chris! Our dog loves him, and always responded positively to his training and guidance. Chris was energetic, engaging and had a lot of important insight for us to learn from. We hope to have a strong bond with our family pet and look forward to more enrichment with our pup in the future. This training program exceeded our expectations and was an excellent first time program for him!
  • Reeves Martin
    Nov. 15, 2024
    I can’t say enough great things about Dog Training Elite! They completely transformed my dog, Tippy, into a well-behaved and confident pup. Before training, Tippy was overly excited on walks and struggled with basic commands. After just a few sessions, the difference was night and day! The trainers were incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and took the time to understand Tippy’s unique personality. They taught me how to reinforce training at home, which made a huge difference. Now, Tippy is a joy to take on walks, listens to commands, and is so much happier overall. If you’re looking for professional, results-driven training, I highly recommend Dog Training Elite. They truly care about you and your dog. Thank you for helping Tippy become her best self!
  • Grace Randazzo
    Nov. 14, 2024
    Elite Dog Training exceeded all expectations! Their expertise and personalized approach transformed my dog's behavior in no time. Professional, compassionate, and results-driven—highly recommend!
  • Rickey Truelove
    Oct. 23, 2024
    I cannot even begin to express how strongly I recommend Dog Training Elite Oklahoma for any training needs. We are using them for our service dog training. Their love for the animal and it's potential is amazing. They have been so gentle with Rose during her service dog training and in just 3 weeks she is a completely different dog! We can't wait to she her live up to her full potential and have a purpose after service dog training.
  • Kathy Chappina
    Oct. 21, 2024
    Absolutely amazing company, they go well above and beyond to help you and your best friend. The care, understanding and love of their profession shines through. How very lucky we are to have them in our lives!!
  • Marcy Torsell
    Oct. 18, 2024
    I cannot say enough good things about Dog Training Elite! From start to finish, their team was professional, knowledgeable, and so patient with my dog. We signed up for the obedience training program, and the results have been amazing. My dog used to pull on the leash constantly, bark at the door, and never listened to basic commands, but now he’s walking calmly by my side, ignoring distractions, and following every instruction like a pro! The entire team provided support and guidance every step of the way, from in-home training through group class training. We always felt confident, thanks to their expertise. If you’re looking for dog training in Southwest Florida, look no further than Dog Training Elite! They’re truly the best. 🐾
  • Kason Taylor
    Oct. 17, 2024
    Chris was a great teacher and worked well with buddy!
  • Mary Jo Linscott
    Aug. 18, 2025
    My dog, Ms Beasley, and I just completed our 5 week training program with Jessica. I am so impressed by Jessica’s professionalism, patience, and care for Beasley and I. She is available at all times when I have questions or concerns. She has prepared us well to be successful in our next step…service dog training. This is the most successful program in which we have invested. Many thanks to Jessica and all of the amazing people at Dog Training Elite. They have gone above and beyond by helping to set up our training in another city for the holidays. They are truly elite!
  • Itz Statik
    Sep. 18, 2025
    Jessica was awesome very helpful and a very good teacher
  • Pat Coderre
    Sep. 17, 2025
    Jessica of Dog Training Elite has been amazing! She has helped us to understand our rescue and helped us learn how to help him feel safe and loved in our home. He has a long way to go but we would have been totally lost without her help! Thank you!!!
  • Bobbi Edmonds
    Sep. 10, 2025
    Jessica was awesome! Knowledgeable and showed me exactly what I need to do.
  • NE Erickson
    Sep. 10, 2025
    Jessica is a great trainer. She is patient with the dog (as long as they obey… kidding). I would highly recommend her and the Dog Training Elite SW Florida team.
  • Melanie Corbett
    Aug. 26, 2025
    Jessica is the best! Not only does she work in a loving and professional way to my pup. She also communicates very well with me.
  • Deb Hollis
    Sep. 6, 2025
    Jessica is very professional. She is extremely knowledgeable and understands the task at hand while handling our girl. After 2 lessons our girl is concurring her commands.
  • Riley Couto
    Sep. 5, 2025
    First day training with Jessica. It was great and we are looking forward to completing the course!
  • Mike Stevens
    Aug. 28, 2025
    Great first session. Jessica loves dogs and obviously training them. Having two is a huge challenge and she is up for the challenge. Looking forward to homework and our next session.
  • Susan Ruettimann
    Aug. 5, 2025
    Jessica came to our house for our e-collar and first lesson. She was AWESOME!!! Very patient, thorough and knowledgeable. Great energy and very easy to learn from. We are looking forward to practicing our lessons with our crazy border collie! We need all the luck we can get l - but we have a great chance at success because of Jessica!
  • Sharon Lesko
    Aug. 4, 2025
    Jessica and the rest of the team are awesome trainers! Jessica is teaching us how to train our two year old Corgis and it's going great! It's amazing how fast the dogs are learning! (and us too) We're so glad we are going with Dog Training Elite for our obedience training.
  • Jerry Hommes
    Jun. 25, 2025
    Tucker and I enjoyed our session and look forward to the next one
  • Laurie Kohl
    Jun. 19, 2025
    Jessica really helped me get over my frustration over Sully’s progress. I couldn’t believe the difference this training makes.
  • Richelle Sterling
    Sep. 24, 2024
    We had a great time with Chris! Our dog loves him, and always responded positively to his training and guidance. Chris was energetic, engaging and had a lot of important insight for us to learn from. We hope to have a strong bond with our family pet and look forward to more enrichment with our pup in the future. This training program exceeded our expectations and was an excellent first time program for him!
  • Reeves Martin
    Nov. 15, 2024
    I can’t say enough great things about Dog Training Elite! They completely transformed my dog, Tippy, into a well-behaved and confident pup. Before training, Tippy was overly excited on walks and struggled with basic commands. After just a few sessions, the difference was night and day! The trainers were incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and took the time to understand Tippy’s unique personality. They taught me how to reinforce training at home, which made a huge difference. Now, Tippy is a joy to take on walks, listens to commands, and is so much happier overall. If you’re looking for professional, results-driven training, I highly recommend Dog Training Elite. They truly care about you and your dog. Thank you for helping Tippy become her best self!
  • Grace Randazzo
    Nov. 14, 2024
    Elite Dog Training exceeded all expectations! Their expertise and personalized approach transformed my dog's behavior in no time. Professional, compassionate, and results-driven—highly recommend!
  • Rickey Truelove
    Oct. 23, 2024
    I cannot even begin to express how strongly I recommend Dog Training Elite Oklahoma for any training needs. We are using them for our service dog training. Their love for the animal and it's potential is amazing. They have been so gentle with Rose during her service dog training and in just 3 weeks she is a completely different dog! We can't wait to she her live up to her full potential and have a purpose after service dog training.
  • Kathy Chappina
    Oct. 21, 2024
    Absolutely amazing company, they go well above and beyond to help you and your best friend. The care, understanding and love of their profession shines through. How very lucky we are to have them in our lives!!
  • Marcy Torsell
    Oct. 18, 2024
    I cannot say enough good things about Dog Training Elite! From start to finish, their team was professional, knowledgeable, and so patient with my dog. We signed up for the obedience training program, and the results have been amazing. My dog used to pull on the leash constantly, bark at the door, and never listened to basic commands, but now he’s walking calmly by my side, ignoring distractions, and following every instruction like a pro! The entire team provided support and guidance every step of the way, from in-home training through group class training. We always felt confident, thanks to their expertise. If you’re looking for dog training in Southwest Florida, look no further than Dog Training Elite! They’re truly the best. 🐾
  • Kason Taylor
    Oct. 17, 2024
    Chris was a great teacher and worked well with buddy!
A well-trained DTE dog on a surfboard.
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See An Elite Dog in Action

Denise Yenchochic - Chief of Pack OPS
Denise Yenchochic
Chief of Pack OPS | Dog Training Elite of Port Charlotte

🐾 Meet Denise and Tanner 🐾

Hello, I'm Denise, and this is my exuberant Goldendoodle, Tanner. As an AKC Certified Trainer, I specialize in various advanced training techniques, including Puppy Development, Service Dog Training, Fetch and Mobility Training, as well as Scent and Diabetic Alert Training.

Driven by a deep passion for giving back, my mission is to help people foster a stronger bond with their canine companions. There's nothing more rewarding than witnessing the positive impact we can create together, transforming not just the lives of the dogs but also the owners and their families.

I thrive on being goal-oriented and am dedicated to making a lasting difference. Through the proven methods of Dog Training Elite, I ensure clear and consistent training, sticking to a process that delivers remarkable results. And here's the best part – I believe in having fun during training sessions, because building a better relationship with your dog should be an enjoyable journey!

Join me in the wonderful world of dog training, where every day brings new opportunities to make a positive change.

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Alisa Kellington-Welsh - Chief of Pack Training
Alisa Kellington-Welsh
Chief of Pack Training | Dog Training Elite of Port Charlotte

This is Alisa and her partner, Cash. Cash is a 3-year-old, enthusiastic Aussiedoodle rescued from Zanesville, Ohio. Alisa graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2001 where she earned her B.S. in Biological Sciences and M.A.T. in Instruction and Learning. She dedicated 21 years teaching underprivileged students in the public-school system where she helped students grow educationally and personally. Alisa has been an animal lover her entire life and often used her love of dogs as an escape from the grind of her professional career. Eventually her passion for teaching students shifted into a passion for training animals.

Alisa’s training philosophy is deeply rooted in the science of animal behavior and how animals learn. Her positive energy and calm approach will quickly put you and your dog at ease. She maintains that developing and fostering trust between you and your dog is the key to successful training. Alisa’s instructional clarity, patience, and adaptability teaches you and your dog reciprocal skills needed to nurture a resilient bond, clear communication, and a happy and healthy lifetime together.

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Danielle Kellington-Welsh - PAWSitive Support
Danielle Kellington-Welsh
PAWSitive Support | Dog Training Elite of Port Charlotte

Danielle and Carter (7-year-old loyal and loving Goldendoodle) moved to southwest Florida from Pittsburgh, PA. Danielle studied business marketing at the University of Phoenix and proceeded to work in the demanding, fast-paced, corporate setting, shaping campaigns for several iconic brands. As a beer and spirits ambassador, she created ads for Guinness, Sam Adams, Absolut, Patron, and many more. Then switching industries, she boosted Pillsbury, Cheerios, and YoPlait sales, growing annually during her tenure at General Mills. Danielle jokes, “I went from destroying livers to ‘healthying’ hearts!”.

Danielle helps people fall in love with brands because of her creativity and results-oriented personality. Danielle has a proven track record of achievements in developing new social media strategies and creating original social media content. Allow Danielle photos and videos of your dog in training, and you’ll be amazed at the content she creates for you!

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Deene Yenchochic - Chief of Bark & Order
Deene Yenchochic
Chief of Bark & Order | Dog Training Elite of Port Charlotte

My name is Deene and this is my rescue mix, Tucker. As a child, I was scared to be around dogs because I was bitten by a German Shepherd. As an adult, I have fallen in love with every dog I have met! I learned that a well-trained dog becomes a treasured companion who is safe around people and who also has a pretty darn good quality of life themselves!

I spent most of my career in higher education and marketing/management consulting. For 16 years, I found myself owning and operating a KOA campground that was located along a rails-to-trails bike trail. During that time, I learned a lot about how dogs react and behave on a trail with many other dogs and people around-plus wildlife to add some mystery.

I am amazed every day with just how brilliant a dog can be and how quickly they learn new behaviors. I look forward to seeing you and your dog achieve great success!

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Renee Juliano - Pack Leader (Elite Training Camp)
Renee Juliano
Pack Leader (Elite Training Camp) | Dog Training Elite of Port Charlotte

This is Renee and her staffy mix, Nash!

Renee was born and raised in New Jersey, graduating with a BA in Communication from Rutgers University. She spent 8 years as an educator, teaching children from preschool to 6th grade. She became interested in dog training after adopting Nash. Training helped Nash overcome her fears after having lived life as a stray, and allows her to live life more fully and confidently!

Training dogs professionally blends Renee’s passion for helping animals with her love of educating others. She believes that training helps dogs become the best version of themselves, and she loves being part of that journey with them! Renee is proud to help teach owners how to strengthen their bond with their furry family members. 

Renee has experience in board and train, group classes, and in-home sessions, working with dogs of all ages on both obedience and behavioral issues, such as reactivity, aggression, and fear.

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Jessica Higdon - Elite Trainer (In-Home & Elite Training Camp)
Jessica Higdon
Elite Trainer (In-Home & Elite Training Camp) | Dog Training Elite of Port Charlotte

Jessica is an experienced dog trainer with 10 years of experience in training dogs, beginning her journey at the age of 15 when she started training horses. This early experience with horses laid the foundation for her transition into dog training. Jessica currently lives with three dogs: Guardian, Raya, and Bex. Jessica is passionate about strengthening the bond between dogs and their owners through patience, consistency, and clear communication. As an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator (CGC), Jessica believes that with regular, consistent handling and obedience training, all dogs can thrive and live happier lives. With a focus on all stages of a dog’s life, from puppies to adults, she has provided private and group lessons and has experience working with a variety of breeds and temperaments. Jessica's training philosophy centers around building trust, respect, and mutual understanding, creating lasting relationships between dogs and their families.

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Kelsie Johnson - Elite Trainer (In-Home & Elite Training Camp)
Kelsie Johnson
Elite Trainer (In-Home & Elite Training Camp) | Dog Training Elite of Port Charlotte

Meet Kelsie Johnson, Peanut and Houndoom! Kelsie has a passion for training service dogs and has worked with dogs for about 10 years. Before this, she studied game art and design at Ringling College and taught math, science, and art in elementary and middle school—which probably explains why Kelsie loves creatively turning big goals into clear, doable steps. At home, her crew keeps her inspired: Peanut, a rescued Husky–Doberman mix who kicked off Kelsie's training journey and is now enjoying a well-earned retirement; Houndoom, a Native American Indian Dog stepping in as Peanut’s replacement; and Eevee, her tiny Chihuahua with a big personality.

Kelsie's approach is blended and balanced—always humane, always tailored to the dog-and-handler team in front of her. “All things service dog” is Kelsie's happy place, from task training and public-access prep to the everyday manners that make life smoother. Kelsie is constantly reading and researching dog behavior, psychology, and training styles, and she brings the best of that back to her clients. Kelsie has been curious about training since she was a kid (early experiments even included teaching a family cat to walk on a leash). Kelsie's goal is simple: help people understand their dogs more clearly so they can move through the world together with trust, joy, and independence.

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Justin Ward - Elite Trainer (In-Home & Elite Training Camp)
Justin Ward
Elite Trainer (In-Home & Elite Training Camp) | Dog Training Elite of Port Charlotte

Meet Justin and June! Justin grew up in a small town in South Carolina where his love for animals started at an early age. Surrounded by dogs his whole life, he developed a passion for understanding their behavior and building strong connections with them. That passion led him into the world of dog training, where he combines patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement to help dogs thrive. His goal is not only to train dogs, but also to empower owners with the tools and confidence they need to enjoy a lasting bond with their pets.

Over the past three years, Justin and his Belgian Malinois, June, have been dedicated to building an unbreakable bond rooted in trust, confidence, and nerves of steel. Their journey has been anything but easy, yet every challenge has strengthened their partnership, highlighting the remarkable synergy that defines their performance on the French Ring field. French Ring is a dynamic protection dog sport that originated in France. This sport challenges both dog and handler through a combination of jumps—hurdle, palisade, and long/broad jump—along with rigorous obedience and protection exercises.

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