Group Dog Training in Richmond, VA

Name: Dog Training Elite Richmond
Address: 8147 Staples Mill Rd, Henrico, VA, 23228, US
Telephone: 804-944-8500
Price range: $$
Rating: 5

Please Note: Group Classes are for Dog Training Elite Richmond Clients Only

Dog Training Elite Richmond offers private dog training classes after obedience training is completed and only once a puppy is fully immunized. Dog obedience classes are held on a consistent basis and are included in most packages. Our dog obedience training classes are designed to place yourself and your dog in public places (surrounded by other dogs, people, smells, and sounds), so that you can train your dog to obey you... regardless of the many distractions screaming for their attention!

Our group class schedule is coming soon...

Our Group Classes Could Help:

Improve Socialization Skills

Foster a Supportive Community

Strengthen the Dog-Owner Bond

Reinforce Basic Obedience

Prepare for Real-World Distractions

Offer Personal Attention in Private Groups

Please Note: Our Group Dog Training in Richmond, VA is for Clients Only

Dog Training Elite

At Dog Training Elite Richmond, our group classes offer an engaging and supportive environment for dogs and their owners. These sessions create an interactive setting where your dog will learn to focus with distractions and develop essential social skills beyond basic obedience training. You can expect a mix of practical training exercises, guidance from experienced trainers, and a strong sense of community with fellow dog owners after signing up for a class.

Our group classes are a perfect blend of structure and socialization, making them an enjoyable experience where dogs can thrive and build lasting skills. Whether you're looking to refine your dog's behavior or simply enjoy a shared learning experience, our group dog training classes in Richmond, VA provide the perfect opportunity.

Please note: Classes are open to all dog breeds and sizes, but all dogs are required to be immunized.

See Training Packages

A calm, obedient dog outside on a leash at a Dog Training Elite's group dog training in Richmond, VA.

Are Dog Training Group Classes Necessary?

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Dog Training Elite knows dog training is truly a lifelong pursuit. As your puppy or dog masters the basics, you can move onto more complicated tricks and training. Maybe you’ve progressed from “sit” to seeing how long they can hold it, or you’re working on taking your pet through an obstacle course.

It can be hard to come up with new ideas to train your dog, and after months of having structured training one-on-one with your pet it can be especially difficult to know what to do next. What will benefit both you and your dog the most?

We offer dog training classes near you for puppies and older dogs that may be the answer you’re looking for. While group training classes aren’t always necessary, they can be extremely beneficial to both your dog and you.

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!

Call 804-944-8500 Free Assessment

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

A group of dogs and their owners building community at a Dog Training Elite Richmond group training class.

Building Social Skills and Community

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Classes are a mix of all dog breeds and sizes, and our classes provide necessary socialization skills and practice around high levels of distraction. We like to make our group classes exciting for both dogs and handlers, and we have created fun training games and an environment that feels less like a class and more like a social outing.

We are building a community and our dog training groups tend to feel like a family and less like a dog training group. Friends are made, bonds are formed, and both dogs and dog Owners look forward to their once a week group training sessions.

Three dogs sitting on a bench who are ready for group training with the experts at Dog Training Elite Richmond.

Signs Your Dog is Ready for Training

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Every dog can benefit from training, and it can sometimes be a lifelong pursuit. If you’re wondering if training is right for you, here are some signs your dog is ready for training:

Your Dog is Destructive: Whether it’s chewing on furniture or shoes, going to the bathroom in your house, or anything else your dog is not supposed to do -- it’s time to get them trained out of these sorts of behaviors. Even older dogs who were previously well-behaved may develop bad habits later in life and need a training refresher.
Your Dog is Aggressive: Aggression can manifest itself in multiple ways; perhaps your dog growls or snaps at you when you get close to his or her food, or toys. Even more concerning is when your dog is aggressive towards other dogs or humans. Yes, sometimes dogs play in a way that seems aggressive, but if your dog is lunging at or snapping at people or other dogs while you’re on walks, it’s time to get a trainer’s help.
Your Dog Misbehaves on Their Leash: Walking nicely on a leash does not come naturally to most dogs but it is something that can be learned. Again, even older dogs who previously walked well on a leash may start to act out.
Your Dog is Anxious or Fearful: If your dog is dealing with severe separation anxiety, or is fearful in new environments, a trainer can help. For separation anxiety a trainer will work with you and your dog on a routine to reassure your dog. General training, especially in group classes, can help dogs build confidence.
Your Dog Ignores You at the Park: Or on walks, or whenever you’re outside. If your dog is obedient when they’re in your home, but loses their mind outside, he or she would benefit from more training. Group classes can be especially helpful because they put your dog in a safe environment with the kinds of distractions you experience outside. Training your dog in situations where there are other distractions helps them learn to obey even when there are other stimulating sights and sounds.

Additional Training Programs

Obedience Training

Learn More

Puppy Training

Learn More

Service Dog Training

Learn More

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

Anxiety & Aggression

Learn More

Therapy Dog Training

Learn More

A happy, well-trained dog and their owner at an outdoor obedience class from Dog Training Elite Richmond.

Group Dog Training in Richmond, VA

The DTE Difference

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Regardless of whether it’s an in-home training session or a group class, the Dog Training Elite training method is the same. We focus on “Classical Conditioning” or the “Pavlovian” method. Research has shown this approach as more effective with longer lasting results than other training methods.

We do not use harsh punishments or shock collars and instead pair balanced training with an electronic collar for superior results. An electronic collar is not a shock collar and does not harm the dog. It is a gentle electronic pulse, similar to the tug of a leash, used to get the dog’s attention. It is never used as a punishment for bad behavior.

Other dog trainers use harsh static collars or spray collars which have been shown to be less effective. The difference becomes clear when comparing a dog that is trained out of anxiety and intimidation vs. a dog who truly desires to please from the inside out. Our method nurtures a dog’s loving and naturally obedient nature.

Don’t wait! Join a Dog Training Elite Richmond group dog training class today.

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

Educate, Empower, Elevate, Elite

Victory Begins With Elite Education

Call 804-944-8500 Free Assessment Pricing

Benefits of Group Classes

Just like humans, dogs all have their own personalities. Some may receive and respond to all the training they need from private, one-on-one instruction, while others may find great benefit from attending a group class. Group classes can be a great asset to both dogs and their owners, since it provides them with many different situations and experiences they may not otherwise have.

Here are some other benefits of attending group dog training classes:

Socialization

Group dog training classes have a number of benefits, particularly with socialization. Taking a puppy to group classes once they’re immunized will help them grow into a well-socialized dog comfortable with other dogs and humans. Older dogs who weren’t well socialized as puppies can learn to socialize in a small, safe environment. Trainers will recognize signs of possible conflict between dogs and help owners learn how to diffuse situations and take care of their pets, and dogs will learn how to interact appropriately with each other.

Dog training classes can also be beneficial for owners! If you bring your dog to a group class, you’ll meet other dog owners and become part of a community. Dog Training Elite likes to make group classes exciting for both dogs and their owners, so expect to learn fun training games and enjoy an environment that feels less like a class and more like a social outing. Classes meet once a week, and both you and your dog will look forward to going every week.

Focus

Besides the socialization benefits, group classes are a great tool for dogs to learn to work around distractions. If your dog is perfectly obedient at home, but loses his or her mind at the dog park and forgets all they’ve learned, group classes are the way to go. Group classes are a safe way to help your dog learn to listen to you, even when they’re surrounded by exciting sights, smells and sounds.

Hands on Learning

In a dog training class, you are in control of the training. While your pooch may occasionally be used as the ‘demo’ dog, there will be very few instances where your dog only has to listen to the trainer. With a class, you are the trainer, and the instructor is just acting as a guide. With all of Dog Training Elite’s training options - in-home or through a class - you will always be the No. 1 trainer, not just sitting on the sidelines as someone else takes charge.

Each dog is unique, and the small classes at Dog Training Elite Richmond will allow you and your dog to still receive personalized attention and training. You will also have the opportunity to learn from other dogs and their owners. Imagine the trainer advises another owner how to help their dog learn to play independently. Later, you might remember the advice and apply it to your own dog, away from the class.