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Puppy Obedience Training

Dog Training Elite

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Request Free Assessment


An adorable puppy being held by their owner - get professional puppy obedience training in Richmond, VA with Dog Training Elite today.

Start Training Young with DTE

Puppy Obedience Training in Richmond, VA

Training is one of the most important steps in raising a well-mannered dog. Pups are eager to learn from a young age, and structured training helps prevent unwanted behaviors before they become habits.

DTE offers professional obedience training for pups in Richmond, VA that is designed to meet your needs. Our experienced trainers focus on building strong communication, reinforcing positive behaviors, and preparing puppies for more advanced training techniques as they grow.

See Training Packages
A little puppy sitting in grass, contact Dog Training Elite Richmond today.

Puppy Essentials Webinar

Free 70-Minute video

$45 Value

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Our trusted puppy class is now available "on-demand" from the comfort of your home! This webinar video is designed for owners of puppies age 8-16 weeks old, and will be accessible to you for free after completing the form below or with the purchase of one of our puppy packages!

Access Webinar

Our webinar includes education on the following topics:
  • Introducing a new puppy to your home
  • Health & well-being
  • Veterinary care & vaccines
  • Nurturing a good temperament
  • Scruffing & calming signals (e.g. dog yoga)
  • Basic Treat Obedience Including: Come, sit, loose-leash walking, and down
  • Puppy Corrections (Stop biting, digging, jumping, etc.)
  • Crate Training / Housebreaking
  • Socialization Tips
  • Environmental Hazards
  • Puppy Enrichment
  • Caring for Your Puppy

The Benefits of Puppy Training

Dog Training Elite

Early training shapes a puppy’s behavior for life. Teaching structure, commands, and impulse control early makes daily life easier and sets the stage for a well-behaved dog.

Without proper guidance, puppies can quickly develop habits like jumping, barking, or chewing that become harder to correct over time.
Training strengthens communication and trust, creating a better relationship between owner and dog.
Exposure to new people, places, and other dogs helps puppies become more adaptable and reduces anxiety in unfamiliar situations.
Obedience commands provide control in unpredictable situations, keeping puppies out of harm’s way.
An adorable puppy being trained by the experts at Dog Training Elite - get Richmond puppy obedience training today.

Puppy Training 101

Key Commands For Puppies

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Obedience commands help puppies understand what is expected of them and how to respond in different situations. These skills are fundamental for shaping a well-behaved and responsive dog:

  • Down: The "down" command teaches a puppy to lie down and stay in place until released. This command helps with impulse control and keeps a dog calm in busy environments or when guests visit.
  • Break: "Break" lets the puppy know they are free to move after following a previous command. This command helps structure training by showing the puppy when a command is over and they are allowed to move.
  • Heel: "Heel" teaches a puppy to walk calmly at the owner’s side rather than pulling ahead or lagging behind. Practicing this skill improves leash control, makes walks more enjoyable, and helps the dog stay focused in public settings.
  • Come: A reliable recall command is one of the most important skills a dog can learn. "Come" trains a puppy to return immediately when called, helping to prevent dangerous situations like running into traffic or getting lost.
  • Leave It: "Leave it" teaches a puppy to ignore or drop objects they shouldn’t touch, such as harmful food, household items, or dangerous materials. This command helps prevent destructive behavior and keeps the puppy safe.

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An golden retriever puppy outdoors - recieve expert guidance and training today from Dog Training Elite Richmond.

What to Expect from Dog Training Elite’s Puppy Program

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Training a puppy can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time owners. Professional training makes the process easier by providing clear structure, proven methods, and expert guidance to help puppies learn faster and with better results.

Dog Training Elite offers in-home training programs structured to meet the needs of each dog. When you sign up for our puppy training program, you can expect:

  1. Initial Assessment: Our trainers will provide a personalized evaluation of your puppy’s temperament, behavior, and current skills to create a customized training plan.
  2. Training Schedule: Private, in-home sessions are scheduled to fit your routine, allowing your puppy to learn in a familiar environment with real-world distractions.
  3. Clear Goals: Training focuses on impulse control and basic commands, helping your puppy develop respect and responsiveness.
  4. Owner Involvement: Hands-on guidance ensures you feel confident reinforcing commands at home for long-term success.
  5. Ongoing Support: Additional group classes and advanced training programs are available after puppy training to continue building on your puppy’s progress.

Dog Training Elite gives owners the tools and support they need to raise a well-behaved puppy without the frustration of trial and error.

A dog being trained with Dog Training Elite - book puppy obedience training in Richmond, VA today.

Start Obedience Training with Your Puppy Today


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The first few months of a puppy’s life are the most important for shaping their behavior, but training during this stage doesn’t have to be difficult. With the right approach, even the most energetic dogs can learn obedience and self-control.

Dog Training Elite provides expert guidance to make puppy training effective and rewarding. Our hands-on techniques keeps you actively involved in the process, teaching you how to reinforce good behavior even after the sessions are completed.

Schedule a free consultation today to learn more about our training programs.

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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See An Elite Dog in Action

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • 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!
  • Angel Inspire
    Feb. 6, 2025
    Very informative, knowledgeable with dog training and puppies behavior, learning tips for puppy, training programs and payment plans are available with ease. All in all a pleasant visit and looking forward to participating in a training program.
  • 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.
  • Hannah Mayton
    Jan. 23, 2025
    Paul was a pleasure to work with! He helped bring structure into myself & my dog’s life which has substantially improved her behavior & willingness to obey! He was so patient with her & helped me adapt & learn how to take control back over my home. I would recommend he & his business to everyone! The training techniques they use are beyond effective & I saw improvements in as little as 2 sessions.
  • Kathleen Adams
    Jan. 5, 2025
    Matt Perales gave an interesting and persuasive presentation; and I have no doubt that he would have helped me to train my dog very well. The ONLY reason that I didn't sign up for training right then and there is because Dog Training Elite uses electronic collars during their training sessions. As Matt explained, only very low settings are used except in cases of dogs who know what the commands are and the dog is refusing to obey. But I don't want to use any amount of aversive conditioning to train my dog. Thank you for coming out to see us, Matt.
  • Hannah Baker
    Dec. 20, 2024
    Matt gave so much information and I appreciated it.
  • janet geisler
    Dec. 6, 2024
    Matt was very professional, assessed quietly with great observations. Took his time quietly getting to know teddy's personality. Was very honest and fair in his explanation of assessment. Explained program very thoroughly. I would feel very comfortable and confident with Matt guiding us through the process.
  • Rhalynn Blackburn
    Dec. 5, 2024
    I've only had an assessment session with Matt, but it was great! I might be seeing what i want to see, but my dog was more calm and her behavior was better for the rest of the day after meeting with him!
  • sally bobbitt
    Dec. 4, 2024
    Matt is great with both Mercy our GSD and her two humans. Calm, steady, thorough - he teaches all of us with clear instruction and walk-through, then guides us through hands on work with her. She really loves him and is "getting it". Thanks Matt!
  • Richmond Family Magazine
    Dec. 4, 2024
    Dog Training Elite did wonders for our dog, Charlie! We thought he was untrainable, but Paul worked his magic, and it's like we have a new and improved pooch! Thank you, Paul!
  • Kathleen Fulton
    Dec. 3, 2024
    Paul is such a caring and knowledgeable trainer. I have a difficult dog and Paul is very patient and helpful. Highly recommend.
  • Kathleen Fulton
    Dec. 3, 2024
    Paul is such a caring and knowledgeable trainer. I have a difficult dog and Paul is very patient and helpful. Highly recommend.
  • 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
  • Dawn White McGuire
    Dec. 3, 2024
    Third session: Sadie Mae is quite the character. Timid and shy, fearful, but yet curious, and stubborn when she doesn’t want to. Matt surprised us today, as Sadie came out of her shell for him, and responded to his gentle commands. Paul and Matt have both been very patient with her and we see PROGRESS before our eyes😊 thank you…
  • Julie
    Nov. 21, 2024
    I cannot say enough good things about Dog Training Elite. Paul is basically a dog whisperer! He is the fourth trainer we worked with and nothing has worked other than this. Please take a chance...you will not regret it. Even our family members have noticed the improvement in our pup's behavior and asked us what we did!
  • Katy Carter
    Oct. 29, 2024
    Patient. Kind fun, sweet, good at the dogs. Excellent
  • Dave Traub
    Nov. 12, 2024
    Paul is a very good dog trainer. He understands dogs and is very patient. He always explains the reasons behind the training methods.
  • Mary Mills
    Nov. 8, 2024
    Ella lives working with paul! We've learned a lot from his methods of training!
  • Dallas Weston
    May. 30, 2024
    Paul, our trainer is very easy to work and give us needed help. Our dog has improved greatly.
  • david palombo
    Nov. 5, 2024
    Matt was friendly and knowledgeable.
  • 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!
  • Angel Inspire
    Feb. 6, 2025
    Very informative, knowledgeable with dog training and puppies behavior, learning tips for puppy, training programs and payment plans are available with ease. All in all a pleasant visit and looking forward to participating in a training program.
  • 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.
  • Hannah Mayton
    Jan. 23, 2025
    Paul was a pleasure to work with! He helped bring structure into myself & my dog’s life which has substantially improved her behavior & willingness to obey! He was so patient with her & helped me adapt & learn how to take control back over my home. I would recommend he & his business to everyone! The training techniques they use are beyond effective & I saw improvements in as little as 2 sessions.
  • Kathleen Adams
    Jan. 5, 2025
    Matt Perales gave an interesting and persuasive presentation; and I have no doubt that he would have helped me to train my dog very well. The ONLY reason that I didn't sign up for training right then and there is because Dog Training Elite uses electronic collars during their training sessions. As Matt explained, only very low settings are used except in cases of dogs who know what the commands are and the dog is refusing to obey. But I don't want to use any amount of aversive conditioning to train my dog. Thank you for coming out to see us, Matt.
  • Hannah Baker
    Dec. 20, 2024
    Matt gave so much information and I appreciated it.
  • janet geisler
    Dec. 6, 2024
    Matt was very professional, assessed quietly with great observations. Took his time quietly getting to know teddy's personality. Was very honest and fair in his explanation of assessment. Explained program very thoroughly. I would feel very comfortable and confident with Matt guiding us through the process.
  • Rhalynn Blackburn
    Dec. 5, 2024
    I've only had an assessment session with Matt, but it was great! I might be seeing what i want to see, but my dog was more calm and her behavior was better for the rest of the day after meeting with him!
  • sally bobbitt
    Dec. 4, 2024
    Matt is great with both Mercy our GSD and her two humans. Calm, steady, thorough - he teaches all of us with clear instruction and walk-through, then guides us through hands on work with her. She really loves him and is "getting it". Thanks Matt!
  • Richmond Family Magazine
    Dec. 4, 2024
    Dog Training Elite did wonders for our dog, Charlie! We thought he was untrainable, but Paul worked his magic, and it's like we have a new and improved pooch! Thank you, Paul!
  • Kathleen Fulton
    Dec. 3, 2024
    Paul is such a caring and knowledgeable trainer. I have a difficult dog and Paul is very patient and helpful. Highly recommend.
  • Kathleen Fulton
    Dec. 3, 2024
    Paul is such a caring and knowledgeable trainer. I have a difficult dog and Paul is very patient and helpful. Highly recommend.
  • 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
  • Dawn White McGuire
    Dec. 3, 2024
    Third session: Sadie Mae is quite the character. Timid and shy, fearful, but yet curious, and stubborn when she doesn’t want to. Matt surprised us today, as Sadie came out of her shell for him, and responded to his gentle commands. Paul and Matt have both been very patient with her and we see PROGRESS before our eyes😊 thank you…
  • Julie
    Nov. 21, 2024
    I cannot say enough good things about Dog Training Elite. Paul is basically a dog whisperer! He is the fourth trainer we worked with and nothing has worked other than this. Please take a chance...you will not regret it. Even our family members have noticed the improvement in our pup's behavior and asked us what we did!
  • Katy Carter
    Oct. 29, 2024
    Patient. Kind fun, sweet, good at the dogs. Excellent
  • Dave Traub
    Nov. 12, 2024
    Paul is a very good dog trainer. He understands dogs and is very patient. He always explains the reasons behind the training methods.
  • Mary Mills
    Nov. 8, 2024
    Ella lives working with paul! We've learned a lot from his methods of training!
  • Dallas Weston
    May. 30, 2024
    Paul, our trainer is very easy to work and give us needed help. Our dog has improved greatly.
  • david palombo
    Nov. 5, 2024
    Matt was friendly and knowledgeable.