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About Us

Dog Training Elite Richmond

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A woman walking with a service dog - Dog Training Elite can train your puppy or dog in Richmond, VA.

In-Home Dog Training in Richmond, VA

Why Choose Dog Training Elite?

At DTE, we bring over 45 years of proven experience to every training session. Founded by a dedicated family of dog owners, our company is committed to enhancing the bond between dogs and their handlers with expert obedience training. We focus on teaching dogs to perform at their best, even amidst the toughest distractions.

Our approach is simple and professional, and we maintain the highest industry standards for training service dogs, therapy dogs, and family pets. We believe in training each dog based on their individual needs.

With our in-home dog training in Richmond, VA, you can rest assured your dog receives the most effective training possible.

See Training Packages

Dog Training Elite Richmond


We offer in Home & Facility Training Options
8147 Staples Mill Rd

Henrico, VA 23228
Dog Training Elite Richmond
Request Free Assessment

Request Free Assessment

About Dog Training Elite Richmond

Dog Training Elite Richmond - Meet Our Elite Team. Dog Training Elite in Richmond

Meet the Team

Get to know the dedicated professionals behind Dog Training Elite Richmond. Our team of experienced trainers is passionate about helping dogs and their owners build strong, lasting bonds. Learn about their backgrounds, expertise, and what drives them to deliver the highest level of training in the industry.
Dog Training Elite Richmond - Our Reviews. DTE in Richmond, VA

Reviews

Our testimonials showcase the success stories of dogs and their owners who have benefited from our training programs. From basic obedience to advanced service dog training, see how Dog Training Elite Richmond has transformed the lives of countless dogs and their families!
Dog Training Elite Richmond - FAQs. DTE in Richmond, VA

FAQs

Our FAQs cover the most common inquiries about our training methods, programs, and what you can expect when working with Dog Training Elite Richmond. If you’re curious about anything related to our services, this is where you will find the information you need.
Dog Training Elite Richmond - Careers. DTE in Richmond, VA

Careers

Join the Dog Training Elite Richmond family! If you’re passionate about dogs and interested in making a difference, explore career opportunities with us. We are always looking for dedicated individuals who share our commitment to excellence in dog training and customer service. Discover how you can grow with us and become a part of a team that truly cares about dogs and their owners.
Dog Training Elite Richmond - Our Gallery. Dog Training Elite in Richmond, VA

Gallery

Our gallery features photos and videos of dogs in training, successful graduates, and highlights from community events. See what Dog Training Elite Richmond can offer your dog and get a glimpse of the work we’re passionate about.
Dog Training Elite Richmond - Local Dog Trainers in Richmond, VA. DTE

In the Community

At Dog Training Elite Richmond, we’re proud to be an active part of the community we serve. Check out recent events in our area where we’ve had the privilege to participate in local events, support fellow small businesses, and promote responsible dog ownership.

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!

A DTE team member and dog waiting to participate in a podcast.

Our Values


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At Dog Training Elite Richmond, our core values are the foundation of everything we do. These values guide our approach to dog training and define our commitment to our clients, their pets, and the community.


Commitment to Our Customers

We believe each customer is our most important customer. We understand every dog and owner is unique, and we customize our services to meet those individual needs. From the first consultation to the final training session, we are dedicated to providing prompt, courteous, and elite service. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we go above and beyond to make sure you and your dog have a rewarding and successful experience.

Integrity and Professionalism

Every training service we provide at Dog Training Elite Richmond is designed with integrity and professionalism. Whether working with a family pet, a service dog, or a therapy dog, we maintain the highest standards in the dog training industry. Our dedication to ethical practices and professional excellence is evident in every aspect of our work.

Customer Ease and Satisfaction

We strive to make the training process as easy and rewarding as possible for our customers. By offering the tools and resources to build a lasting bond with their dog, we help owners enjoy the pride and comfort of a well-behaved pet. Our training programs are designed to exceed expectations and make the journey effective and enjoyable.

Excellence in Service

We stand behind our work with confidence. As dog training experts, we have the tools, knowledge, and experience to deliver on our promises. We are committed to continuous improvement and always strive to improve our training techniques. If a client is ever unhappy with our services, we do our best to make it right.


At Dog Training Elite Richmond, these values are promises we keep every day as we provide elite in-home dog training to owners and families in the Richmond community.

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Lisa McCall
    Jan. 4, 2026
    Dog Training Elite Richmond is the perfect place to go for excellent dog training. My 2-year-old golden retriever is training to be a working therapy dog. Our trainer, Matt, has been working with Charlie, and we have seen so many improvements. Paul worked with us at the beginning to determine where to place Charlie, as he had completed puppy training classes in NC before moving to VA and had already passed his Canine Good Citizen Test. Matt worked one-on-one with Charlie at our home, then a few sessions at various community locations. Charlie is now attending group classes, and he is doing a fantastic job. I love how Paul and Matt look at each dog and focus on what the dog needs. They are patient, they give great advice, and my dog absolutely loves them! I highly recommend Dog Training Elite Richmond! Lisa McCall
  • Carole Bourgeacq-Hardt
    Dec. 23, 2025
    Paul and his staff were very helpful with the training of our chocolate lab, Max. At the beginning the sessions happened in a calm environment by patient and knowledgeable trainers. Then, Max was exposed to busy surroundings like Lowe’s. I feel like Paul took the time to know Max and his needs. He always has helpful comments and pointers pertinent to Max.
  • Ralph Condit
    Dec. 22, 2025
    I can’t say enough good things about Dog Training Elite and especially Paul. I needed a service dog and after being told by numerous organizations that I would have to wait several years I purchased a puppy and found DTE to help me train him. Paul was amazing and flexible when it came to where we would do training because where I lived was out of the area they could do in home training. With Paul’s great training and mentorship of working with my dog I was able to get him to his Canine Good Citizen and Advanced Canine Good Citizen and Public Access in almost record time. This was a life saver for me and helped with my ability to be out in public and just live a happier life. Paul’s continual support and group classes are a great place to work my dog around other well-behaved dogs but to be able to showcase to newer people how well the training works. Ralph
  • Kylee Nicole
    Dec. 21, 2025
    After careful consideration, hours of scouring reviews and best training programs in the area, we were brought to DTE Richmond. I called Paul and set up our training—it was SO easy and Paul was so informative and welcoming. Matt has been training our dog Samson over a stretch of months now, we still have more sessions to go and Samson was already turning into a completely different dog after our first couple of sessions. Matt has been a godsend for Samson & my husband and I. We needed a good foundation to help us help our dog learn his manners and Matt has shown us how to do that. We take everything we learn and put the work in daily. Again, cannot say enough amazing things about Matt. Samson absolutely adores him and gets so excited to see his car pull up. I highly recommend DTE, especially their platinum program. We’re very excited to start group classes and love that this is a lifetime thing we can be a part of.
  • Laura Quintero
    Dec. 21, 2025
    Matt was thorough and patient with my son and his dog, Colby. He is 8 yrs on 12/22 and he flunked the beginner session at a local pet store. He passed the repeat and didn’t finish the second. He is strong willed but as time went on we tried to use what we learned and he did have a few successes. Our big issues with the Colbmyster was excessive pulling combined with never knowing when. We decided to try DTE. The change has been pretty remarkable. Our problem now is the human element. Consistency consistency consistency 🤦🏼‍♀️
  • Samantha White Cook
    Dec. 21, 2025
    We currently use them and they are amazing are puppy is 8 months and already passed his AKC and we are starting his service training in January! All thanks to Dog training elite Richmond! Our trainer is Matt and he is very thorough and explains step by step if you have a concern not only does Matt help but the owner Paul does too ! It’s hard finding a company where the owner is involved but Paul definitely is him and Matt take turns doing the weekly group classes! The structure is great and honestly the pricing is amazing too ! And the equipment is high quality. We are so glad we went with them ! Also very family oriented !
  • Alexandra Kerlin
    Feb. 7, 2025
    Matt was professional, nice, and knowledgeable at our free home assessment for my dog Butch! I'm excited to start scheduling training sessions to help with Butch's separation anxiety behaviors and basic training. Thanks Matt! Update! We've been through our in home sessions and 6 months of group classes and DTE was phenomenal! Matt was our trainer and was always on it to help with any issue that popped up with Butch and Paul and Megan are always great! We love them and hope to come back for therapy dog training some day!
  • Cliff Gregory
    Nov. 26, 2024
    Matt handled Ponyo so smoothly, and she learned so much this week. He helped us learn to walk her better. They are the very best.
  • 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.
  • justin barnes
    Nov. 14, 2025
    Paul brings the highest level integrity to everything he does. Couldn’t recommend him more!
  • Chris Owens
    Nov. 9, 2025
    Dog Training Elite Richmond has been fantastic for Champ and myself! We did the in-home program with Matt and the results have been above and beyond what I expected. Champ was a very reactive dog that had trouble focusing. It was a challenge to get him to go on walks around my apartment complex with out being overly exited about other dogs, constantly pulling. I was hesitant to take him out to other places. Matt was able to provide both me and Champ the correct way to handle these situations and the walks are now so much fun for both of us! We now know all the commands, sit, down, come, off and place. My own anxiety about some of the previous ways Champ use to act has gone down tremendously and it has been wonderful for both of us. I cannot say enough good things about Matt's approach and instruction how to address situations and his training methods. We have attended the group classes with both Matt and Paul as well which are a must. This really allowed Champ and myself to gain the confidence and experience needed in an interactive environment with other dogs. Overall, Dog Elite Training Richmond has been fantastic and I could not be more please or recommend enough!
  • 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
  • tara boyle
    Oct. 15, 2025
    Matt took the time to listen to my concerns and address them…hopefully Otis the wonder dog will find some zen!
  • Nancy Smith
    Jul. 11, 2025
    From the moment Matt arrived to our home we felt so comfortable with his energy. He is incredibly knowledgeable. His calm and positive approach ensured us we have chosen the right person to move forward with training for our anxious german shepherd. Thank you Megan and 'Matt!
  • Joshua Kidd
    Jul. 11, 2025
    Very knowledgeable! Great first experience! Excited to continue classes
  • Georgia Delamar
    Jul. 10, 2025
    Matt answered all my questions and was very informative!
  • Jeannie Friedrich
    Jul. 10, 2025
    Matt just left after the initial assessment. I am blown away. He had Chloe calm within 20 minutes. Can’t wait to work with him!
  • Kristine Adams
    Jun. 19, 2025
    I believe we are on our third in home and Matt has been amazing!! Our rescue that has gone thru severe abuse has grown to not be afraid in a short period of time and Matt has been amazing with me to answer all my questions each visit and again the most patient. I’m so happy that Elite is whom I have chosen to help us and my sweet rescue. Thank you is not enough
  • Nicole Nikolis
    Jun. 24, 2025
    Matt was awesome. He was punctual, polite and talked us through their approach. He also told us what to expect when he was introduced to our pack. We were able to see right from the beginning how the approach worked with them!
  • Aaron Swart
    Jun. 23, 2025
    Great experience with Matt today- knowledgeable, calm, and kind. Jocko can’t wait to be a therapy dog!

Photo Gallery

See An Elite Dog in Action

An adorable dog outside with a trainer - Dog Training Elite Richmond.

Our Balanced Methods

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At Dog Training Elite Richmond, we are deeply committed to creating well-behaved dogs and empowered owners, offering more than basic commands or temporary fixes. Our goal is to be the last dog trainer you will ever need.

  • A Commitment to Compassionate Training: At Dog Training Elite Richmond, our trainers understand dogs respond best to positive reinforcement, where good behavior is rewarded and trust is built. By focusing on rewards, praise, and encouragement, we help dogs learn desired behaviors in an effective and humane way.
  • Safety and Trust at the Forefront: At Dog Training Elite Richmond, we know that your dog is a beloved member of your family, and their safety and well-being are our top priorities. You can trust your dog is protected and nurtured in the hands of our skilled trainers. We take pride in creating a safe, supportive environment where dogs can learn, grow, and build a strong bond with their owners.
  • Proven Methods, Positive Results: We have seen time and time again that dogs crave structure and consistency. Our training ensures long term success resulting in happier dogs and stronger relationships between dogs and their families. Whether you’re working on basic obedience or advanced training, you can feel confident our methods will bring out the best in your dog without causing fear or stress.
An image of a girl holding her puppy at home - discover the benefits of Richmond in house puppy training with Dog Training Elite.

Richmond In House Puppy Training

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At Dog Training Elite Richmond, we believe in-home dog training is the most effective way to address your dog’s needs. Unlike traditional obedience schools, which often provide a one-size-fits-all approach, in-home training allows our team to observe and address your dog’s behavioral issues within the environment they naturally occur.

For instance, if your dog has a habit of barking at the mailman or chasing the neighbor’s cat, our trainers can work directly with your dog in those exact situations. This personalized approach ensures we target the root of the behavior, making it easier for your dog to understand and follow commands.

In-home training minimizes distractions and allows your dog to focus better on learning. By starting in the home and gradually introducing group lessons, our program helps your dog retain commands and respond accordingly to their surroundings.

An adorable golden retriever puppy getting in-home dog training in Richmond, VA from Dog Training Elite.

Benefits of In-Home Training Techniques

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  • Develop a Strong Bond
  • Dogs thrive in training sessions when they are with their loved ones. Learning commands is a way for your dog to connect with you, and your praise and treats make the experience enjoyable and strengthen your bond.

    Sending your dog to obedience school separates you from the training process, missing out on this important connection. At Dog Training Elite, we involve you and your family in every in-home training session. Our trainers focus on teaching you how to train your dog and enhance your bonding experience.

  • Quickly Teach Obedience
  • Obedience commands are crucial for any comprehensive dog training program. They ensure your dog’s safety and prevent unwanted behaviors. At the core of successful training, these commands must be mastered before progressing.

    Our in-home training program emphasizes foundational obedience, teaching essential commands like sit, down, come, and drop it. Once these basics are solidified, our trainers will guide you and your dog through more advanced skills.

  • Correct Problem Behaviors
  • If your dog jumps on guests, charges the door when the bell rings, or begs at the table, these issues can be effectively corrected with the right training techniques.

    Group classes or basic training programs often overlook these specific problem behaviors, which usually occur in your dog's familiar home environment. Bringing a trusted trainer into your home ensures these behaviors are addressed in the context where they happen, leading to more effective solutions.

A group of dogs being trained by the expert team at Dog Training Elite Richmond.
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Educate, Empower, Elevate, Elite

Victory Begins With Elite Education

Schedule Your Free Consultation with Dog Training Elite: A Company That Cares

Richmond In-House Puppy & Dog Training


At Dog Training Elite Richmond, we provide elite dog training services in Richmond. Our unique and personalized in-home dog training approach ensures your dog’s needs are met and you’re satisfied with the results.

As passionate dog lovers, we’re committed to helping you build a positive, lifelong relationship with your pet. Our proven training methods are designed to bring out the best in your dog while fostering a foundation of trust, love, and loyalty.

Schedule your free consultation for Richmond in-house puppy training and experience the difference of working with a company that truly cares.