DTE offers flexible, in-house payment plan tailored to fit your budget, ensuring a worry-free experience.

Meet the Team

Dog Training Elite in Sarasota / Venice, FL

Denise Yenchochic - Owner & Trainer
Denise Yenchochic
Owner & Trainer
Dog Training Elite of Southwest Florida
Alisa Kellington-Welsh - Trainer
Alisa Kellington-Welsh
Trainer
Dog Training Elite of Southwest Florida
Danielle Kellington-Welsh - Marketing
Danielle Kellington-Welsh
Marketing
Dog Training Elite of Southwest Florida
Deene Yenchochic - Owner & Operations
Deene Yenchochic
Owner & Operations
Dog Training Elite of Southwest Florida
Chris Davila - Trainer
Chris Davila
Trainer
Dog Training Elite of Southwest Florida
Anthony Rinehart - Trainer
Anthony Rinehart
Trainer
Dog Training Elite of Southwest Florida
Renee Juliano - Trainer
Renee Juliano
Trainer
Dog Training Elite of Southwest Florida
Ximena Ibarra - Office Manager
Ximena Ibarra
Office Manager
Dog Training Elite of Southwest Florida
Denise Yenchochic - Owner & Trainer
Denise Yenchochic
Owner & Trainer | Dog Training Elite of Southwest Florida

🐾 Meet Denise and Tanner 🐾

Hello, I'm Denise, and this is my exuberant Goldendoodle, Tanner. As an AKC Certified Trainer, I specialize in various advanced training techniques, including Puppy Development, Service Dog Training, Fetch and Mobility Training, as well as Scent and Diabetic Alert Training.

Driven by a deep passion for giving back, my mission is to help people foster a stronger bond with their canine companions. There's nothing more rewarding than witnessing the positive impact we can create together, transforming not just the lives of the dogs but also the owners and their families.

I thrive on being goal-oriented and am dedicated to making a lasting difference. Through the proven methods of Dog Training Elite, I ensure clear and consistent training, sticking to a process that delivers remarkable results. And here's the best part – I believe in having fun during training sessions, because building a better relationship with your dog should be an enjoyable journey!

Join me in the wonderful world of dog training, where every day brings new opportunities to make a positive change.

Close
Alisa Kellington-Welsh - Trainer
Alisa Kellington-Welsh
Trainer | Dog Training Elite of Southwest Florida

This is Alisa and her partner, Cash. Cash is a 3-year-old, enthusiastic Aussiedoodle rescued from Zanesville, Ohio. Alisa graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2001 where she earned her B.S. in Biological Sciences and M.A.T. in Instruction and Learning. She dedicated 21 years teaching underprivileged students in the public-school system where she helped students grow educationally and personally. Alisa has been an animal lover her entire life and often used her love of dogs as an escape from the grind of her professional career. Eventually her passion for teaching students shifted into a passion for training animals.

Alisa’s training philosophy is deeply rooted in the science of animal behavior and how animals learn. Her positive energy and calm approach will quickly put you and your dog at ease. She maintains that developing and fostering trust between you and your dog is the key to successful training. Alisa’s instructional clarity, patience, and adaptability teaches you and your dog reciprocal skills needed to nurture a resilient bond, clear communication, and a happy and healthy lifetime together.

Alisa is also known to create opportunities that combine her enthusiasms for exploration and volunteerism and is always in search of ways to serve others around the world and in the southwest Floridian communities.

Close
Danielle Kellington-Welsh - Marketing
Danielle Kellington-Welsh
Marketing | Dog Training Elite of Southwest Florida

Danielle and Carter (7-year-old loyal and loving Goldendoodle) moved to southwest Florida from Pittsburgh, PA. Danielle studied business marketing at the University of Phoenix and proceeded to work in the demanding, fast-paced, corporate setting, shaping campaigns for several iconic brands. As a beer and spirits ambassador, she created ads for Guinness, Sam Adams, Absolut, Patron, and many more. Then switching industries, she boosted Pillsbury, Cheerios, and YoPlait sales, growing annually during her tenure at General Mills. Danielle jokes, “I went from destroying livers to ‘healthying’ hearts!”.

Danielle helps people fall in love with brands because of her creativity and results-oriented personality. Danielle has a proven track record of achievements in developing new social media strategies and creating original social media content. Allow Danielle photos and videos of your dog in training, and you’ll be amazed at the content she creates for you!

Close
Deene Yenchochic - Owner & Operations
Deene Yenchochic
Owner & Operations | Dog Training Elite of Southwest Florida

My name is Deene and this is my rescue mix, Tucker. As a child, I was scared to be around dogs because I was bitten by a German Shepherd. As an adult, I have fallen in love with every dog I have met! I learned that a well-trained dog becomes a treasured companion who is safe around people and who also has a pretty darn good quality of life themselves!

I spent most of my career in higher education and marketing/management consulting. For 16 years, I found myself owning and operating a KOA campground that was located along a rails-to-trails bike trail. During that time, I learned a lot about how dogs react and behave on a trail with many other dogs and people around-plus wildlife to add some mystery.

I am amazed every day with just how brilliant a dog can be and how quickly they learn new behaviors. I look forward to seeing you and your dog achieve great success!

Close
Chris Davila - Trainer
Chris Davila
Trainer | Dog Training Elite of Southwest Florida

My name is Christopher Davila and this is my American Staffordshire Terrier, “Nahko”. I am originally from Boston, MA.

My dog training experience includes working in the board and train environment, being a dog behaviorist and trainer, as well as running private and group classes. I enjoy working as a decoy in protection training work and I am ABC Dog Obedience certified.

I love being a trainer because it is an opportunity to improve the lives and relationship bonding between people and their pets. By training people and dogs with a clear and direct communication style I hope to accomplish building a relationship that leads to a happy and healthy home for the entire family.

Close
Anthony Rinehart - Trainer
Anthony Rinehart
Trainer | Dog Training Elite of Southwest Florida

This is Anthony Rinehart and his American Staffordshire terrier Buzz!

Anthony was born and raised in Sarasota and has dedicated his life to bettering dogs’ lives. His experience has taught him that he can impact the entire household by helping owners learn how to understand and communicate better with their furry friends!

Anthony has experience working with a wide variety of dogs and issues including training puppies, basic obedience and specialty training as well as addressing aggressive and reactive dogs.

He prides himself on his positivity and patience with both dogs and their owners during training.

His passion for bettering the lives of dogs and their families makes Anthony committed to making sure you will have the confidence and knowledge you need to improve your life with your dog!

Close
Renee Juliano - Trainer
Renee Juliano
Trainer | Dog Training Elite of Southwest Florida

This is Renee and her staffy mix, Nash! 

Renee was born and raised in New Jersey, graduating with a BA in Communication from Rutgers University. She spent 8 years as an educator, teaching children from preschool to 6th grade. She became interested in dog training after adopting Nash. Training helped Nash overcome her fears after having lived life as a stray, and allows her to live life more fully and confidently! 

Training dogs professionally blends Renee’s passion for helping animals with her love of educating others. She believes that training helps dogs become the best version of themselves, and she loves being part of that journey with them! Renee is proud to help teach owners how to strengthen their bond with their furry family members. 

Renee has experience in board and train, group classes, and in-home sessions, working with dogs of all ages on both obedience and behavioral issues, such as reactivity, aggression, and fear.

Close
Ximena Ibarra - Office Manager
Ximena Ibarra
Office Manager | Dog Training Elite of Southwest Florida

Meet Ximena Ibarra, a passionate dog lover who has found her calling in rescuing and fostering dogs in need with a commitment to raising awareness about animal welfare issues.

Marley, her faithful American Staffordshire Terrier, is not only her companion but also a symbol of her dedication to helping stray dogs find loving homes.

Ximena brings prior experience to her position as Office Manager at DTE Southwest Florida. She fields questions from potential clients and schedules in-home evaluations, supports the trainers who are in the field, facilitates communication with clients and manages the day-to-day office operations. 

Ximena's journey from Guatemala to Florida has been a transformative one. Her journey has led her to a profession on the Dog Training Elite team where she has been able to learn from industry experts to further her goals of improving the lives of dogs.

Close

Get Your Free Consultation

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!

About Dog Training Elite of Southwest Florida

Dog Training Elite of Southwest Florida - Customer Reviews. Hear from Happy Dog Training Elite of Southwest Florida Clients
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 of Southwest Florida has transformed the lives of countless dogs and their families!
Dog Training Elite of Southwest Florida - Frequently Asked Questions. Dog Training Elite of Southwest Florida
FAQs
Our FAQs cover the most common inquiries about our training methods, programs, and what you can expect when working with Dog Training Elite of Southwest Florida. If you’re curious about anything related to our services, this is where you will find the information you need.
Dog Training Elite of Southwest Florida - Careers. Dog Training Elite of Southwest Florida
Careers
Join the Dog Training Elite of Southwest Florida 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 of Southwest Florida - Our Gallery. Dog Training Elite in Sarasota / Venice, FL
Gallery
Our gallery features photos and videos of dogs in training, successful graduates, and highlights from community events. See what Dog Training Elite of Southwest Florida can offer your dog and get a glimpse of the work we’re passionate about.
Dog Training Elite of Southwest Florida - Local Dog Trainers in Sarasota / Venice, FL. DTE
In the Community
At Dog Training Elite of Southwest Florida, 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.

Video Gallery

Videos

FAQs

One of our trainers will visit your home to meet you and your dog and discuss any issues you're facing. We will then demonstrate one of our model dogs so you can see what you can expect after hiring our trainers. From there, we will discuss the various packages we offer and which we feel best suit your (and your dog's) needs.
We provide full obedience training that covers all basic commands, both on and off-leash. Our in-home visits target specific issues like counter-surfing, digging, and more. Unlike some trainers, we work with all breeds, including those often considered challenging.
Yes. You (and anyone in your family who wants to be involved) are integral to your dog getting trained. We need you to practice 5-6 days a week, about 15-20 minutes a day for optimal results.
Once a week. We come to you (with the silver, gold and platinum packages) once a week to start your dog off, then you come to park sessions which are held once a week in Sarasota / Venice.
We train dogs of all breeds, sizes, and temperaments. Whether your dog is a tiny Chihuahua or a large Mastiff, we have the experience and expertise to work with them.

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Michelle Balancio
    Oct. 28, 2024
    The program set my dog Teddy up for Success. Our trainer, Renee, went above and beyond. She gave me all the tools and tricks to get Teddy on the path of being obedient and mindful. Renee was confidant and well skilled when assisting me in working w Teddy. He is now doing things that I never thought were possible. Renee was so easy to work with and always answered all my questions and concerns. She is the best.
  • Susanne Adams
    Oct. 22, 2024
    The trainers at Dog Training Elite are very talented, delightful to work with and were so great with our dog. They were always able to troubleshoot any bumps in the road. Renee was his primary trainer and she was spectacular! Videos everyday that she worked with him and detailed notes on things for us to work on. Alissa was also a big help and very knowledgeable and helpful with teamwork. After 4 weeks our dog was able to be a certified service dog and handled flights and airports with ease and comfort. We can’t recommend this training program enough! A+++
  • AJ Schlake
    Oct. 16, 2024
    Whiskey was sweet but unsure of himself. He could be testy with new people. Whiskey’s demeanor and posture has shifted beautifully. Renee has been amazing in helping both of us. We look forward to continuing our journey as companions. Whiskey says, ‘obedience is hard work’ he takes himself to bed by 830p.
  • Jerome Schwich
    Oct. 15, 2024
    It all started when Denise came for our in-home assessment, and she heard all of our concerns about our dog and was very honest about what the path(s) were for helping her. We appreciated how she made it all seem relatable and achievable. Anthony was an excellent individual dog trainer for our dog. He is patient and very instructive, and very accommodating for our dog as well as our other dog that wanted to be involved in training! Our dog has seen immense progress in just five sessions, and we are so grateful for how communicative, accommodating, and helpful Denise and her team have been. We are really looking forward to group classes!
  • Kelly Spires
    Sep. 17, 2024
    Very, very happy with our experience with Dog training, we thought there was no hope for our rat looking dog. We highly recommend!!
  • Frank
    Sep. 4, 2024
    I couldn’t be happier with the team from Elite dog training. From my very first meeting to having now been thru my 11 home sessions, puppies then advanced obedience, Anthony has been a true delight to work with. Their methodology and hands on training of dogs and me has been excellent. After 30 years of showing English Setters I really wanted an intelligent highly trainable dog, which has turned out to be a Moyen poodle and she has been great. Planning on taking her into therapy and service work and can’t wait to continue now with group classes. Look no further, Elite is exactly that, highest quality. We’ll worth the money!!!
  • Anne Gornto
    Aug. 24, 2024
    We highly recommend Dog Training Elite and have had a very positive experience with our trainer Chris, who has given us such valuable puppy and obedience training lessons with our border collie Theo. Denise, the owner is also fabulous! We just came back from a group training session and noticed how much our 1 year old dog’s behavior has improved over the past few months, especially around other dogs. Thanks, Chris, Denise and group trainers for the top notch training which has been so helpful to us and Theo! 🐾
  • Marcella Di Santo
    Jul. 17, 2024
    I can't thank Chris from Dog Training Elite enough for the Service Dog Training of Leroy he provided. Quite thorough and rigorous, my (now) little service man learned quickly and the skills he gained have been so valuable for my well being I almost can't put into words what it means to me. I travel quite frequently and being able to confidently navigate busy spaces with Leroy in public not only helps keep me calm but also provides a life line if needed. This has improved my experiences not just in airplanes and at the airport but out and about as well, allowing me to feel safe and enjoy myself again, wherever we are. Most important is the specific task Leroy learned, which is now an invaluable part of my life. I recommend setting up a consultation to go over your unique dog training needs and determine the right path for your pack, whether basic obedience or service dog training. Our plan consisted of intensive in-home training to start, then once a regiment of commands were mastered we started attending group sessions, which were both fun and challenging. Surprisingly, training isn't just about our dogs, and Chris tailored some very unique public sessions for us (so grateful). This included going to the airport as well as other public spaces (mall, pet food store, dog park etc) in order to make sure I knew how to take the lead and maintain it in a variety of environments. BTW, the whole team is great ~ Anthony, Alisa and Denise were on hand during the group training, putting all the dogs through their paces and helping them master their newfound skills. Extra special thanks to Chris though, who was very patient, accommodating and put up with me getting stressed out, which was more than once! DTE SW Florida overall is a very caring group and I wouldn't hesitate to contact them and find out for yourselves how they can help you help your dogs put their best paws forward!
  • Nikki Hampton
    Jul. 14, 2024
    Chris was an amazing asset to our puppy’s training. With him we have a completely different pup. Not only is our puppy’s obedience under control he is much calmer, especially in walking him. Chris changed our lives forever and taught me the tools to continue with Chevys training once he’s a year old. We look forward to seeing Chris at our group sessions.
  • Katherine Mitchell
    Jul. 13, 2024
    Our experience with Dog Training Elite of SWF specifically CHRIS has been life changing for us. Chris has travelled far out of his usual travel zone to help us with our adopted 8yr old Lab Winter.Seriously, his patience and kind supportive instruction has made all the difference in helping Winter become a well behaved dog. Today was our first group lesson and I was very anxious as to how it would turn out. Winter did fabulous!!! I highly recommend Chris and the DTEOSWF group. They really have made a difference and it has been worth every penny. Thank you.
  • Harry schoenfeld
    Jul. 12, 2024
    Overall we were pleased with the 5 in-home sessions. Marshall is doing well with all of his commands. Loose leash training is still somewhat difficult, especially in the early morning when he is most excited. We could have benefitted from more calming techniques.
  • Mai Tran
    Jul. 8, 2024
    Such an amazing team! Anthony did a wonderful job at training both German Sheps and myself! Highly recommend 🙌
  • Dundie Crisp
    Jul. 3, 2024
    Anthony was great! Cooper loved him too and we all learned a lot !!
  • Brittany Ortiz
    Jun. 19, 2024
    We love DTE! Highly recommend to anyone. Everyone tells me my dog is so well behaved. He’s only 7 months and listens incredibly well. He sits at the front door (with it open) and doesn’t run out before our outings. Enough said??! Chris did our in-home visits and we always felt encouraged after seeing him. Honestly I thought all this training was going to be a lot harder than it has been. They break it up so it’s little by little, and more fun and focused rather than rigid. Also they are QUICK to respond. Always. Whenever I needed to talk to Chris, he would call me soon after I texted the team. They know what they’re doing. Totally worth it. I guess you should know that we were very committed also… I was consistent in training daily and our hard work paid off. This wasn’t a once every two week training session and then expecting the dog to act right. The in-homes help with answering questions and moving to the next phase of things to work on, but if that’s the only training you do with the dog, I can’t imagine how that would be effective. Thank you Chris and DTE!!! What an awesome experience - you guys make this FUN!
  • Corrie Bexley
    Jun. 5, 2024
    10/10 would recommend. Chris was very caring in communicating different ways to help me train my high energetic dog. My dog now looks for me for direction and commands. I cannot recommend DTE enough for training!
  • Michael Heaton
    Jun. 1, 2024
    The in-home classes and group classes are great. My trainer Chris has helped me with training my dog Benjamin and takes time to make sure that I'm doing ok with the training. He is wealth of knowledge that has made me a better dog handler. I would recommend Dog Training Elite to anyone.
  • Seraina Leubin
    May. 21, 2024
    Chris was great to work with and our Girl Chica did amazing with him. He‘s reliable, his knowledge with dogs and how he trains is great! Chica didn’t need a lot of training and got it down really well and understood it quickly. We can definitely recommend him and Dog Training Elite to anyone that is looking to get their dog trained on or off leash at home. We are super happy. Thank you so much
  • Joan Flynn
    May. 14, 2024
    Chris was amazing.
  • Marjorie Shoobe
    Apr. 3, 2024
    We have a reactive dog who has done really well with the training. I appreciate Anthony’s patience and knowledge. He made it fun. I’m looking forward to getting our dog to some of the group training as well
  • Andrea Couture
    May. 9, 2024
    I can't recommend Chris from Dog Training Elite highly enough! From the very first session, it was clear that Chris is not just a dog trainer but a true professional who genuinely cares about the success of every dog he works with. My experience with him while training my pup Gaia has been exceptional in every way. Chris's patience throughout the training process was remarkable. He took the time to understand Gaia's unique personality and tailored the training sessions accordingly. His punctuality was also impressive; he always arrived on time with a smile, ready to dive into the training sessions. What sets Dog Training Elite apart is their commitment to excellence. They have a well-organized approach with a clearly defined roadmap to success. Whether it's one-on-one sessions or group classes, every aspect of the training is well-planned and executed. One thing that stood out to me was the personal touch. The team at Dog Training Elite knows their customers by name and goes above and beyond to provide help and support. This level of dedication is rare to find and speaks volumes about the company's values. But what truly sets Dog Training Elite apart is the passion that Chris and the entire team bring to their profession. They make training fun and engaging, and my pup Gaia always looks forward to her classes—a sure sign that they're doing something right!
A well-trained DTE dog on a surfboard.
Dog Training Elite of Southwest Florida light star icon.

Educate, Empower, Elevate, Elite

Unleash Your Dog's Potential

Photo Gallery

See An Elite Dog in Action