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Professional Training

In the Community

Dog Training Elite Richmond

Request Free Assessment

Request Free Assessment

Our Local Dog Training Could Help:
Basic obedience
Socialization
Separation anxiety
Aggression management
Off-leash training
Housebreaking

Local Dog Trainers in Richmond, VA

Are you looking to hire local dog trainers in Richmond, VA? Thanks to four decades of experience, Dog Training Elite Richmond is one of the highest-rated dog trainers to choose from. We train dogs of all breeds, sizes, and ages, helping them become well-behaved and confident. From basic obedience to advanced skills, our methods deliver dependable results.

At Dog Training Elite Richmond, we focus on clear communication and positive reinforcement to strengthen the bond between dogs and their families. If you’re training a new puppy, a rescue, or an older dog, our expert trainers help every dog become a well-mannered and valued part of your family.

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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!

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • 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!
  • Josh K
    Jun. 20, 2025
    Great meeting Matt very informative looking forward to working together with my German Shepard
  • Mary Kay Romaine
    Jun. 20, 2025
    I met with Matt today and I was impressed with all his information
  • Arjun Kainth
    Jun. 6, 2025
    Paul and his team are fantastic and their love of animals shines in the training experience!
  • Ellan Armstead
    Jun. 2, 2025
    Very pleased with the assessment! Matt was calm, courteous and friendly with both of the dogs, and was able to very quickly and accurately understand what my dog needs to improve and was able to recommend the exact program that we need, definitely recommend!
  • Dave McGrath
    May. 22, 2025
    Dublin was a rowdy silver lab puppy. Thanks to Paul, and the Dog Training Elite program, he’s now an amazing Service Dog! Dublin’s progression from basic obedience through final Service Dog Certification was remarkable. This dog has directly impacted my quality of life. I’m constantly getting comments of how well-behaved he is and I can’t thank the DTE Richmond team enough! Their personal commitment to build on the unique bond between dog and owner is what makes them different. They are the best!
  • Linda Huckstep
    Mar. 31, 2025
    Matt Perales is a great trainer, and a very nice person.
  • Angela Haule
    May. 19, 2025
    I learned so much during our first session. I'm looking forward to continuing to work with Matt to help Ruby achieve her Therapy Dog certification.
  • Willie Addison
    Apr. 29, 2025
    Matt was prompt exactly early and seemed knowledgable.
  • Amina Alidina
    Apr. 24, 2025
    It has been pleasure meeting you Matt for home assessment it was wonderful experience and we are looking forward to start regular training.
  • Rebecca Taylor
    Mar. 7, 2025
    I absolutely believe we have the best trainer, Matt. He has come into our home and won the trust of our 10 month old GSD, Bocephus. It’s amazing the transformation we have witnessed by Matt’s training. Not only is Bocephus retaining what he has taught him, Matt, has taught us how to understand our dog as well. So, if you are reading the reviews to make sure this is the place for your dogs, then please trust in this company!! Best decision we have ever made!! Matt is THE BEST!!!
  • Katie Gurrentz
    Jan. 30, 2025
    We had our consult with Matt today for our puppy. He was very organized and helpful. We discussed a plan for our dog and I’m very excited to select a program and begin training! The whole process has been simple and straight forward. We also met and worked with Paul during our process. He was great to work with and our puppy is really catching on well to the training!
  • Kelly Gartner
    Mar. 14, 2025
    Excellent information for my introductory meeting. Would trust working with him!
  • C Pessemier
    Mar. 14, 2025
    When we started working with Paul at Dog Training Elite, our newly adopted one-year-old German Shepherd, Wyatt, was not leash trained, had tons of energy, and just about knocked us over when he jumped on us. If Wyatt saw another dog while we tried to walk him, he barked and lunged like crazy, and it was tough to hold him back. He's a big boy! He wasn't aggressive but just wanted to play with other dogs, and he made it known. After we started lessons in our home with Paul, we saw the difference immediately. By the fifth lesson, Wyatt's leash walking improved significantly, and he learned and followed the place, sit, down, heel, and off commands. Now, we can walk him anywhere and he does an amazing job. Other dogs, kids playing, and wild rabbits are still triggers for him, but it's easy to get him back in the zone with all the training we learned to apply with him. Yes, Paul trained us too! 😊 We have graduated to group lessons with other dogs, which Wyatt loves. Below is a picture of Wyatt in the place command, on a platform, in group training. We are so thankful to Paul for showing us how to train Wyatt. It has given us so much freedom to know we can take him for walks and do so many things we couldn't before because he is a pretty well-behaved dog now. 100% worth every penny!
An obedient dog being trained in the community by Dog Training Elite Richmond's local dog trainers.

Our Training Method

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When it comes to training, the approach matters. At Dog Training Elite Richmond, we rely on a balanced combination of positive reinforcement and gentle electronic collar techniques to provide the best results for you and your dog.

  • Positive Reinforcement: Dogs are eager to please and we take advantage of this in our training method. Unlike other trainers that use harsh punishment to reinforce behavior, we only use positive tactics. By showing dogs what we want them to do with positive reinforcement, we receive a better response. This is the preferred method for dog lovers! We certainly do not want to harm dogs, and we know most dog owners agree with us.
  • Electronic Collar: Our trainers use an electronic collar to support their positive reinforcement training methods. This is not a shock collar. The electronic collar simply gets your dog's attention and ensures superior training results when paired with a command.
  • Stronger Bonds: To develop stronger bonds between dog and family, we ask dog owners and other family members to take part in training sessions. Our goal is to help you train your new dog as a valuable member of your family with love and trust.

We Also Offer

Dog Training Elite Richmond - DTE. E-Collar in Dog Training in Richmond, VA

E-Collar in Dog Training

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

Military / Retired Vet Programs

Dog Training Elite Richmond -

Private Dog Training

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

A leashed dog recieiving training from local trainers at Dog Training Elite.

Local Dog Trainers in Richmond, VA

Build a Stronger Bond with Your Dog Today

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At Dog Training Elite Richmond, our mission is to build stronger, healthier relationships between dogs and their families. Through positive reinforcement, we teach dogs to listen and respond to their owners without fear. Our local dog trainers in Richmond, VA provide the tools and support needed for long-term success. Whether you need in-home dog training, basic obedience, or advanced skills, we’re ready to help you achieve your goals and create a well-behaved companion.

Contact us today to start building the bond you've always wanted with your dog!