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A happy, well trained dog from Dog Training Elite, your trusted source for dog training in Richmond, VA
Elite, Award-winning

Dog Training in Richmond, VA

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Dog Training Elite Richmond - Dog Training Services in Richmond, VA

Obedience Training

We believe sustained obedience comes from empowering owners and their dogs to build strong, lasting bonds through training.

All Training Programs
Dog Training Elite Richmond - Service Dog Training in Richmond, VA. Dog Training Elite

Service Dog Training

Built on 40+ years of experience, Dog Training Elite proudly leads the way in professional service dog training tailored to your needs.

Service Dog Programs
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Empowering Owners

We work with dogs of any breed, size or age - and we empower owners with lifelong skills to continue successes.

  • Leash Walking & Heel Training

  • Barking Issues

  • Aggression & Reactivity 

  • Separation Anxiety

  • Jumping & Hyperactivity 

  • Sitting & Stay Commands

  • Destructive Chewing & Digging

  • Recall Training (Come When Called)

  • Boundary Training (Off Furniture or Beds)

  • Vehicle Behavior

  • Training for Specific Tasks

  • And More

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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 dog training in Richmond, VA 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 Richmond - Dog Obedience Training in Richmond, VA. DTE

Obedience Training

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

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Dog Training Elite Richmond - Puppy Training in Richmond, VA. Dog Training Elite

Puppy Training

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

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Dog Training Elite Richmond - Service Dog Training in Richmond, VA. Dog Training Elite

Service Dog Training

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

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Dog Training Elite Richmond - Anxiety & Aggressive Dog Training in Richmond, VA

Anxiety & Aggression

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

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Dog Training Elite Richmond - Therapy Dog Training in Richmond, VA

Therapy Dog Training

Our Richmond 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.

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Dog Training Elite Richmond - Group Class Dog Training in Richmond, VA. DTE

Group Training

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

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All Training Programs
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Our Story

Dog Training Elite Richmond

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 Richmond dog trainers help you today.

About Us

Our Team

Paul Hearn - Owner
Paul Hearn
Owner

A Virginia native who has never left, Paul loves the variety the state has to offer, such as beaches, mountains, countryside, and urban destinations. He has been fortunate to have had the opportunity to see much of it in his travels during his previous 22-year career in the electronic security industry. His love for dogs began when his father brought home a stray puppy when he was very young, the family naming her Tippy. Sadly, she ran away not too long after, but Paul’s love of dogs remained. A fan of dog training for many years, in December 2021, he decided to change careers and jumped at the opportunity to join the Dog Training Elite family. He is extremely excited to better the lives of families through their relationships with their dogs and thrilled to offer service and therapy dogs to those who need them in the future.

Paul lives in Chesterfield, VA, with his wife Shanon, two boys, Caiden and Evan, and their two dogs, Milo and Amber. In his spare time, he enjoys Mountain Biking, hiking, and tinkering in his garage with electronics, car stereo, and small construction/woodworking projects. He is also his family’s pro-bono handyman and jack of all trades.

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Megan Celestino - Office Administrator
Megan Celestino
Office Administrator

As the office administrator, Megan is the welcoming voice that greets you at the start of your journey with Dog Training Elite Richmond. Megan's passion for helping others shines through in every interaction. Her journey with DTE began as a client, working alongside Paul to train her dog, Pixie. Inspired by the transformation she witnessed, Megan decided to dedicate herself to helping other families achieve the same success with their dogs. She believes in the life-changing power of our training methods and is eager to share this with everyone! In addition to Pixie, she lives with her husband, three children, and two ferrets.

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Meet the Team

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!

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Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • John R. Smith
    Dec. 2, 2025
    My Bernese Mountain puppy was thoroughly trained by Matt and Paul. They took a special interest in him and we appreciated that. I recommend DTE to anyone interested in such training. It pays off and is worth the money because it is an investment that keeps on giving.
  • Annette Byron
    Jul. 29, 2026
    Love Dog Training Elite!!! Our dog is still very much a work in progress but Matt and Paul have been patient with him (and me). Thankful for all their assistance. Hopefully, one day, we’ll make the Facebook page as a success!!!
  • Elizabeth Smartt
    Oct. 16, 2026
    These guys have helped us SO much with Uncle Rico, our pug puppy! We still take him to the occasional group class to make sure he can behave around other dogs. It's been a game-changer to have their guidance from the beginning. We highly recommend them!
  • Ryan Cummins
    Oct. 16, 2026
    Matt and the Dog Training Elite team were fantastic to work with when we picked up our puppy. Highly recommended!
  • Ben Lever
    Oct. 20, 2025
    Matt did a great job training our dog. He is very knowledgeable about dog behavior and personalities. He is very friendly with the dog and vice versa. The dog seemed to like him very much. A year after his training, Farley still remembers his commands and is extremely well behaved. We also love the opportunity to take him to group classes where he gets to see other dogs and have his training refreshed.
  • Bethany Dannelly
    Oct. 16, 2026
    Paul has been helping us train our 10-month old golden retriever puppy. The consistent work and combination of individual sessions and group sessions is exactly what we need. The lessons are making a huge difference and our puppy continues to learn and become more responsible. We have had an excellent experience with Paul and are excited to keep getting better!
  • Kimberly Sousa
    Oct. 16, 2026
    Thank you Paul for helping us with Zeus! We are so happy we saw your truck! The in-home training was very helpful and convenient for working parents and we were surprised to see how good he did in his first group class! We still have some work to do, but we can see the progress and so can others! We were out with dog families over the weekend and several people commented on how well Zeus listened!
  • Bruce Bingham
    Oct. 15, 2026
    We had a wonderful experience, getting our yellow lab puppy trained. We thought we wanted a turnkey training like our first yellow lab where she went off to Boot Camp for six weeks. After meeting Paul and hearing how Dog Training Elite program works, we signed up and we’re very pleased that we were hands-on doing the training. Paul even coached us months after training and got back on track when the puppy started acting out. I can’t say enough good things about how satisfied we are.
  • Greg Scheer
    Oct. 15, 2026
    I can’t say enough about the training Jack & Gracie received from Dog Training Elite. Both Paul and Matt are excellent trainers and genuinely cared about the outcome of their services. Being able to attend unlimited group trading has also been an added benefit. If you are looking for training ai highly recommend DTE!
  • Martha Grattan
    Oct. 15, 2026
    I have tried many dog training "services" Dog Training Elite has been by far the best for me Paul was patient with me and implementing a structure to help me keep control of a very mischievous puppy I wanted a "brewery" dog, meaning out in public and listens. No jumping or getting tangled up or pulling on me Highly recommend this company for any and all dogs!!
  • Gary DelRossi
    Sep. 3, 2026
    I really love the group sessions they hold on Saturdays. Paul runs these classes with precision challenging each and every dog helping with tips and tricks along the way. These guys can help you with whatever goal you have with your pup
  • Amy Carney
    Aug. 11, 2026
    We are so impressed with the quality and care we are receiving at Elite Dog Training. We are currently training 2 cane corso puppies and are so pleased with the progress we are making. Paul is fantastic and the communication from Meghan very fast and thorough! Highly recommend.
  • Jeffrey
    Jul. 30, 2026
    Training and Service Certification. Recommend DTE for any type of training and especially adult dogs because older dogs can learn new tricks
  • J B
    Jul. 30, 2026
    Had my dog service certification done in San Antonio with Dog Training Elite. When I moved to Richmond, DTE helped me fix a behavioral issue of moving to a new place. This training center is great from puppies, behavioral issues to overall training is awesome. Getting ready to move to Mexico permanently and Sammy is ready to go as a full service dog. You don’t have to look any further.
  • Maya Stolle
    Jun. 30, 2026
    Paul and DTE was by far the best decision I have made. They are so thorough and passionate with their jobs and truly care about you and your dog. A huge benefit is that the training is personalized for what you need, this is both from a timing, cost, and training perspective. Finally, I like that their training is lifelong and you and your dog can always jump in for a session to join friends or even just reaffirm behaviors. Would highly recommend!
  • Andrew
    Apr. 14, 2026
    We had a great experience with this Dog Training Elite program. They worked with our 8-month-old puppy, and the results have been fantastic. Matt and Paul were both excellent—knowledgeable, patient, and clearly passionate about what they do. One of the best parts of the program has been the weekly group meetups at the park. These sessions have had a huge impact on our puppy’s training, especially with socialization and reinforcing what he’s learned in a real-world environment. We’ve seen a big improvement in his behavior and confidence, and we couldn’t be happier. Highly recommend to anyone looking for professional, effective dog training.
  • Joanne Maitland
    Apr. 8, 2026
    We love Matt! We got the gold plan and hoped to be able to upgrade it, but med bills are expensive right now. I highly recommend. Matt is the best!
  • Victor Martin
    Apr. 2, 2026
    Best dog trainer in Richmond!! I had an outstanding experience with Dog Training Elite, and I can’t recommend them enough. From the very beginning, Paul was knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely invested in helping both me and my dog succeed. What really stood out was how personalized the training was. Paul took the time to understand my dog’s behavior and tailored each session to address specific challenges while also building on strengths. The progress we saw in just a short time was incredible. Better obedience, improved focus, and a much calmer overall demeanor. Beyond the results, Paul made the entire process enjoyable and easy to follow. He explained everything clearly, gave practical tips we could apply daily, and was always encouraging. It never felt overwhelming, just effective. If you’re looking for professional dog training with someone who truly cares, Dog Training Elite is the way to go!!
  • Mike Bell
    Apr. 2, 2026
    Elite Dog Training was a great fit for our pet and family. They helped train our puppy with basic and then advanced commands. They were kind, knowledgeable, and scheduling was flexible and easy. It was well worth the investment.
  • Nicholas Sheehan
    Apr. 1, 2026
    I’ve been really impressed with my first two sessions! These guys know their stuff and are clearly experts. I’m already seeing results and can’t wait to see how this progresses. Also really excited DTE will be bringing my dogs to my wedding. Super comforting having expert handlers for our big day.
Reviews & Testimonials
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Call for details about our payment options

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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.

Serving Richmond

And Surrounding Areas

Ashland
Bon Air
Chesterfield
Colonial Heights
Glen Allen
Henrico
Highland Springs
Hopewell
Laurel
Mechanicsville
Midlothian
Powhatan
Prince George
Quinton
Richmond
And More
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Dog Training in Richmond, VA

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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 a balanced 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.

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Professional Richmond Dog Trainers

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Pet owners often have many options when it comes to dog training, including low-cost, quick-fix programs that claim immediate results. However, our training methods stand apart by focusing on sustainable, long-term success rather than temporary fixes. We provide a high standard of expert dog training that is built to last, ensuring that you and your dog benefit from a deeper, enduring bond and advanced obedience that continues over time.

Investing in effective dog training is one of the most valuable choices you can make for your pet’s health, behavior, and happiness. Our trainers are dedicated to delivering personalized training plans that target your dog’s unique needs, going beyond basic obedience to include specialized behavioral work and service dog training. Our goal is to be the last dog trainers you’ll ever need — bringing advanced training quality to the Richmond, VA area for lasting, meaningful results.

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Educate, Empower, Elevate, Elite

Unleash Your Dog's Potential

Call 804-944-8500 Free Assessment Pricing
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.