A happy, well trained dog from Dog Training Elite, your trusted source for dog training in South Bend / Elkhart, IN

Elite, Award-winning

Dog Training in South Bend / Elkhart, IN

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Dog Training Elite Michiana - Dog Training Elite. Dog Training Services South Bend / Elkhart, IN

Obedience Training

We believe sustained obedience comes from empowering owners and their dogs to build strong, lasting bonds through training.

All Training Programs

Service Dog Training

Built on 40+ years of experience, Dog Training Elite proudly leads the way in professional service dog training tailored to your needs.

Service Dog Programs

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Empowering Owners

We work with dogs of any breed, size or age - and we empower owners with lifelong skills to continue successes.

Leash Walking & Heel Training
Barking Issues
Aggression & Reactivity
Separation Anxiety
Jumping & Hyperactivity
Sitting & Stay Commands
Destructive Chewing & Digging
Recall Training (Come When Called)
Boundary Training (Off Furniture or Beds)
Vehicle Behavior
Training for Specific Tasks
And More

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Training Programs

Flexible & Customized for your Pet

At Dog Training Elite, we go beyond basic obedience and train dogs to excel in real-world situations. Our dog training in South Bend / Elkhart, IN produces dogs that are prepared for real-world challenges and enrich your daily life. We focus on creating lifelong bonds of love and trust, helping your dog become a confident, trusted family member.

Obedience Training

Our obedience training for dogs in South Bend / Elkhart, IN is designed to teach essential commands and reinforce good behavior, ensuring your dog is well-mannered in any situation.

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Puppy Training

Our puppy training in South Bend / Elkhart, IN builds a strong bond between you and your new puppy by focusing on early socialization, basic commands, and good behavior.

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Service Dog Training

Our South Bend / Elkhart service dog training turns dogs into dependable companions, trained to perform tasks like retrieving items, providing stability, or alerting to medical conditions.

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Anxiety & Aggression

Our South Bend / Elkhart aggressive dog training targets and corrects behaviors driven by anxiety and aggression, helping your dog stay calm and well-behaved in challenging situations.

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Therapy Dog Training

Our South Bend / Elkhart therapy dog training equips dogs with the skills needed to provide comfort and emotional support in various settings. These trained dogs help reduce stress, ease anxiety, and improve the overall well-being of their owners.

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Dog Training Elite Michiana - Group Class Dog Training in South Bend / Elkhart, IN. DTE

Group Training

Our group dog training classes in South Bend / Elkhart, IN offer a structured environment where dogs can learn and practice essential skills while socializing with other dogs and their owners.

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All Training Programs

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Our Story

Dog Training Elite Michiana

Our programs are flexible and designed to meet the needs of each client’s schedule and their dog’s unique behavior, home environment, and situation. We are a family-owned, professional dog training company with over 40 years of experience specializing in strengthening the bond between you and your dog.

We offer in-home dog training, basic obedience, advanced training, and specialized programs like Service Animals and Therapy Dogs. No matter the breed, size, or behavioral issue, the Dog Training Elite team is here to help. Let our professional South Bend / Elkhart dog trainers help you today.

About Us

Our Team

Rich Naponelli

Ajax

Sarah Knopp

Meet the Team

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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Giving Back

How Dog Training Elite Michiana strengthens the community

Dog Training Elite Michiana military and veteran discount.

Military & Veteran Discount

We proudly support our military members and veterans with discounts on our dog training services. Thank you for your service; let us serve you and your loyal companion.

Dog Training Elite Michiana teachers and educators discount.

Active Public Service First Responders Discount

We understand the important role that first responders play in our communities. Whether you are a police officer, an EMT, a firefighter, or nurse, Dog Training Elite Michiana offers a 10% discount to first responders in the South Bend / Elkhart community.

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

Randy Schmidt

Apr. 26, 2025

Awesome, handle a highly anxious dog with skill and patience.
Caiya Raes

Apr. 22, 2025

If anyone has considered working with this company, I highly recommend! They came out quickly to do a free consultation and got our first session scheduled quickly. Sarah, who has worked with my dog over his whole course of training was very informative, sweet and someone I really enjoyed spending my sessions with. They are very flexible with scheduling and come to your home for training which is a huge plus! I enjoyed their training so much, I decided to extend my package to further work on training. Overall, I am beyond happy with my experience with this company and Sarah. I look forward to the group sessions where my doggo will continue to learn and grow. Bentley and I thank you so much!
Anna Kosloski

Nov. 27, 2024

Princess past her service dog test. And I owe all the guidance to the Dog Training Elite Michiana for everything!!!!
Darlene Ralph

Apr. 21, 2025

Great experience, Rich is very knowledgeable and we enjoyed getting first hand information on puppy training,
Angie Davis

Apr. 18, 2025

The free consultation was great and very informative. I have faith that they'll be able to fix my needs. I will add more later as the training begins and prospers.
Virginia Warsco

Dec. 20, 2024

Demon adores Sarah and responds well to her energy. We love her and how much better our relationship is with our boy since starting training with Dog Training Elite. I adore her and enjoy our training sessions. When I met with Rich I was like many people who didn’t understand the way that each training tool works when used properly and under their guidance I became the owner demon needs to be his best self. I highly recommend them for your training needs.
James Jesse

Apr. 7, 2025

Both our first and second meetings were great. We are already seeing positive results
Joan Bartus

Apr. 6, 2025

I was so happy to find DTE Michiana to help with my yellow lab Cash. I reached out to them after my dog had an altercation with an unfriendly neighbor dog resulting in a potential dangerous dog designation. I purchased the Platinum training program which consisted of 8 in home training sessions and lifetime group training with other dogs. Cash's reactive behavior was corrected quickly, and I particularly liked that the training sessions were in our home where we could practice the commands and boundaries in a familiar setting. The group sessions allowed us to practice what Cash learned at home with the distractions of an outdoor environment along with other dogs. Rich, Sarah and Lyra run a first class business. Rich and Sarah are very knowledgeable dog trainers and are flexible to work around your schedule. Lyra is quick to respond to emails and communication with DTE is great. I am very happy with the services I have received and would highly recommend DTE Michiana.
Kandy Grzegorek

Mar. 27, 2025

He was very friendly< Showed me what am getting into. Atlas responded to some of his techniques right away. Looking forward to the whole experience.
Erin

Mar. 23, 2025

We are so grateful to find Elite Dog Training! They have been so wonderful to work with, both for us and for our dog! It is very obvious how much they care about dogs and how knowledgeable they are. We couldn’t recommend them more!
Jessica Fuller

Mar. 22, 2025

Training with Dog Training Elite Michiana has been the best decision for our Golden Retriever. Rich and Sarah are extremely knowledgeable. Our Golden has been learning by leaps and bounds and we are excited for her to become a therapy dog. Training with DTEM is personalized to your dog every single session. Trainers do an excellent job of training the dog AND educating the owners.
Savannah Shepherd

Mar. 21, 2025

Dog Training Elite has been a wonderful experience and they have helped me get my dog under control, and have taught me how to train my dog, they are sweet and they care deeply about there clients! Wonderful company
Mark Ellis

Nov. 20, 2024

My dog, Madigan, has completed her Basic Obedience, and I am very pleased with the results. Today we finished up proofing her skills with Sarah. Can't wait to start attending group classes. Also, Madigan is being trained as my Service Dog and that training starts next month. Looking forward to continuing with Dog Training Eliote Michaiana.
Kimberly Ridenour

Nov. 13, 2024

Rich is great with home training. I would highly recommend their services. Sarah is awesome as well. Just had our last training session and so pleased the progress that our Sadie made! ❤️
Kenneth Jongsma

Dec. 20, 2024

Always patient, works to solve behavioral problems from multiple angles. You can tell he likes what he does. Excellent trainer.
Jamie Wiles-Smith

Dec. 4, 2024

We have been working with Rich and now Sarah for several months with our 10 mo old puppy. I highly recommend them. Both trainers are very kind, encouraging and patient with our family as we work on improving our skills. They introduce games to keep the sessions fun. Our daughter feels more confident and comfortable as a result of their time.
Joan Getz

Dec. 2, 2024

Rich has been awesome training Ruby and Me. He is positive, professional and very good at his job. We are so glad to have picked him to help Ruby become a great therapy dog!!
carl

Nov. 25, 2024

We are very pleased with the help we have received from Rich of Dog Training Elite. We needed professional help training our unruley Jack Russels to make them more compliant and to help them get along better with another addition to our family, a little Yorkie. Thank you Rich for your knowledge and professionalism. You are helping to make our home happier!
Janet Harcek

Nov. 11, 2024

Rich is great! Thanks to him, Maisie is the best behaved dog we have ever owned!
shane spangler

Oct. 24, 2024

I got the puppy platinum package and I had a great experience. My dog Maus is very well behaved and has come a long way. He is much less reactive than he was, and Rich and his team has taught me how to teach my dog how to behave properly. It does require work on my part, but that work really pays off. I couldn't be happier.
Randy Schmidt

Apr. 26, 2025

Awesome, handle a highly anxious dog with skill and patience.
Caiya Raes

Apr. 22, 2025

If anyone has considered working with this company, I highly recommend! They came out quickly to do a free consultation and got our first session scheduled quickly. Sarah, who has worked with my dog over his whole course of training was very informative, sweet and someone I really enjoyed spending my sessions with. They are very flexible with scheduling and come to your home for training which is a huge plus! I enjoyed their training so much, I decided to extend my package to further work on training. Overall, I am beyond happy with my experience with this company and Sarah. I look forward to the group sessions where my doggo will continue to learn and grow. Bentley and I thank you so much!
Anna Kosloski

Nov. 27, 2024

Princess past her service dog test. And I owe all the guidance to the Dog Training Elite Michiana for everything!!!!
Darlene Ralph

Apr. 21, 2025

Great experience, Rich is very knowledgeable and we enjoyed getting first hand information on puppy training,
Angie Davis

Apr. 18, 2025

The free consultation was great and very informative. I have faith that they'll be able to fix my needs. I will add more later as the training begins and prospers.
Virginia Warsco

Dec. 20, 2024

Demon adores Sarah and responds well to her energy. We love her and how much better our relationship is with our boy since starting training with Dog Training Elite. I adore her and enjoy our training sessions. When I met with Rich I was like many people who didn’t understand the way that each training tool works when used properly and under their guidance I became the owner demon needs to be his best self. I highly recommend them for your training needs.
James Jesse

Apr. 7, 2025

Both our first and second meetings were great. We are already seeing positive results
Joan Bartus

Apr. 6, 2025

I was so happy to find DTE Michiana to help with my yellow lab Cash. I reached out to them after my dog had an altercation with an unfriendly neighbor dog resulting in a potential dangerous dog designation. I purchased the Platinum training program which consisted of 8 in home training sessions and lifetime group training with other dogs. Cash's reactive behavior was corrected quickly, and I particularly liked that the training sessions were in our home where we could practice the commands and boundaries in a familiar setting. The group sessions allowed us to practice what Cash learned at home with the distractions of an outdoor environment along with other dogs. Rich, Sarah and Lyra run a first class business. Rich and Sarah are very knowledgeable dog trainers and are flexible to work around your schedule. Lyra is quick to respond to emails and communication with DTE is great. I am very happy with the services I have received and would highly recommend DTE Michiana.
Kandy Grzegorek

Mar. 27, 2025

He was very friendly< Showed me what am getting into. Atlas responded to some of his techniques right away. Looking forward to the whole experience.
Erin

Mar. 23, 2025

We are so grateful to find Elite Dog Training! They have been so wonderful to work with, both for us and for our dog! It is very obvious how much they care about dogs and how knowledgeable they are. We couldn’t recommend them more!
Jessica Fuller

Mar. 22, 2025

Training with Dog Training Elite Michiana has been the best decision for our Golden Retriever. Rich and Sarah are extremely knowledgeable. Our Golden has been learning by leaps and bounds and we are excited for her to become a therapy dog. Training with DTEM is personalized to your dog every single session. Trainers do an excellent job of training the dog AND educating the owners.
Savannah Shepherd

Mar. 21, 2025

Dog Training Elite has been a wonderful experience and they have helped me get my dog under control, and have taught me how to train my dog, they are sweet and they care deeply about there clients! Wonderful company
Mark Ellis

Nov. 20, 2024

My dog, Madigan, has completed her Basic Obedience, and I am very pleased with the results. Today we finished up proofing her skills with Sarah. Can't wait to start attending group classes. Also, Madigan is being trained as my Service Dog and that training starts next month. Looking forward to continuing with Dog Training Eliote Michaiana.
Kimberly Ridenour

Nov. 13, 2024

Rich is great with home training. I would highly recommend their services. Sarah is awesome as well. Just had our last training session and so pleased the progress that our Sadie made! ❤️
Kenneth Jongsma

Dec. 20, 2024

Always patient, works to solve behavioral problems from multiple angles. You can tell he likes what he does. Excellent trainer.
Jamie Wiles-Smith

Dec. 4, 2024

We have been working with Rich and now Sarah for several months with our 10 mo old puppy. I highly recommend them. Both trainers are very kind, encouraging and patient with our family as we work on improving our skills. They introduce games to keep the sessions fun. Our daughter feels more confident and comfortable as a result of their time.
Joan Getz

Dec. 2, 2024

Rich has been awesome training Ruby and Me. He is positive, professional and very good at his job. We are so glad to have picked him to help Ruby become a great therapy dog!!
carl

Nov. 25, 2024

We are very pleased with the help we have received from Rich of Dog Training Elite. We needed professional help training our unruley Jack Russels to make them more compliant and to help them get along better with another addition to our family, a little Yorkie. Thank you Rich for your knowledge and professionalism. You are helping to make our home happier!
Janet Harcek

Nov. 11, 2024

Rich is great! Thanks to him, Maisie is the best behaved dog we have ever owned!
shane spangler

Oct. 24, 2024

I got the puppy platinum package and I had a great experience. My dog Maus is very well behaved and has come a long way. He is much less reactive than he was, and Rich and his team has taught me how to teach my dog how to behave properly. It does require work on my part, but that work really pays off. I couldn't be happier.

Reviews & Testimonials

A dog owner signing their dog up for affordable training classes at Dog Training Elite Michiana.

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Call for details about our payment options

Call 574-500-3647

A child with their happy, obedient dog with training from Dog Training Elite.

We Train Every Breed

Each dog breed has different behaviors and personalities due to a combination of genetics, selective breedings, and environmental factors. At Dog Training Elite, we work with every dog. Our team understands canine behavior and the unique challenges of every breed.

We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we apply specific breed training techniques to bring out the best in your dog. From impulse control in terriers to focused mental stimulation for herding breeds, we’ll work with you and your dog to design a personalized training plan.

Local Dog Training Services in South Bend / Elkhart

And Surrounding Areas

Elkhart

Georgetown

Granger

Gulivoire Park

Lydick

Michiana

Mishawaka

Notre Dame

Osceola

Roseland

South Bend

St. Joseph County

Two dog owners with a group of trained dogs.

Dog Training in South Bend / Elkhart, IN

At Dog Training Elite, we’ve seen how DIY dog training can lead to inconsistent results and frustration. Our qualified professionals bring the expertise needed to assess your dog’s unique needs and apply methods that work. Choosing experienced trainers makes a noticeable difference in attaining reliable, lasting behavior changes.

We rely on a balanced training method that delivers lasting results, even with the most challenging dogs. Our trainers are skilled in addressing any behavioral issue and can help your dog to reach their full potential with encouragement and proven techniques.

An obedient corgi on a leash after recieving training from Dog Training Elite.

Professional South Bend / Elkhart Dog Trainers

Pet owners often have many options when it comes to dog training, including low-cost, quick-fix programs that claim immediate results. However, our training methods stand apart by focusing on sustainable, long-term success rather than temporary fixes. We provide a high standard of expert dog training that is built to last, ensuring that you and your dog benefit from a deeper, enduring bond and advanced obedience that continues over time.

Investing in effective dog training is one of the most valuable choices you can make for your pet’s health, behavior, and happiness. Our trainers are dedicated to delivering personalized training plans that target your dog’s unique needs, going beyond basic obedience to include specialized behavioral work and service dog training. Our goal is to be the last dog trainers you’ll ever need — bringing advanced training quality to the South Bend / Elkhart, IN area for lasting, meaningful results.

Educate, Empower, Elevate, Elite

Unleash Your Dog's Potential

Call 574-500-3647 Free Assessment Pricing

A dog that has just graduated from Dog Training Elite's award-winning training program.

Award-Winning
Dog Training

With Dog Training Elite

At Dog Training Elite, we are proud to offer training services recognized for outstanding results and effective methods. With skilled trainers dedicated to helping dogs and their owners build strong, lasting relationships, we guarantee your dog receives the best care and guidance.

Our programs cover everything from basic obedience to advanced behavior modification, customized to your dog’s needs. Whether you’re addressing behavioral issues, improving obedience, or strengthening your bond, our methods deliver reliable results.

Experience the difference our award-winning training can make in your dog’s life.

Elite, Award-winning