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About Us

Dog Training Elite Michiana

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Request Free Assessment


A woman walking with a service dog - Dog Training Elite can train your puppy or dog in South Bend / Elkhart, IN.

In-Home Dog Training in South Bend / Elkhart, IN

Why Choose Dog Training Elite?

At DTE, we bring over 45 years of proven experience to every training session. Founded by a dedicated family of dog owners, our company is committed to enhancing the bond between dogs and their handlers with expert obedience training. We focus on teaching dogs to perform at their best, even amidst the toughest distractions.

Our approach is simple and professional, and we maintain the highest industry standards for training service dogs, therapy dogs, and family pets. We believe in training each dog based on their individual needs.

With our in-home dog training in South Bend / Elkhart, IN, you can rest assured your dog receives the most effective training possible.

See Training Packages

About Dog Training Elite Michiana

Dog Training Elite Michiana - Meet Our Elite Team. Dog Training Elite Michiana
Meet the Team
Get to know the dedicated professionals behind Dog Training Elite Michiana. Our team of experienced trainers is passionate about helping dogs and their owners build strong, lasting bonds. Learn about their backgrounds, expertise, and what drives them to deliver the highest level of training in the industry.
Dog Training Elite Michiana - Customer Reviews. Hear from Happy Dog Training Elite Michiana 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 Michiana has transformed the lives of countless dogs and their families!
Dog Training Elite Michiana - Frequently Asked Questions. Dog Training Elite Michiana
FAQs
Our FAQs cover the most common inquiries about our training methods, programs, and what you can expect when working with Dog Training Elite Michiana. If you’re curious about anything related to our services, this is where you will find the information you need.
Dog Training Elite Michiana - Careers. Dog Training Elite Michiana
Careers
Join the Dog Training Elite Michiana 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 Michiana - Our Gallery. Dog Training Elite in South Bend / Elkhart, IN
Gallery
Our gallery features photos and videos of dogs in training, successful graduates, and highlights from community events. See what Dog Training Elite Michiana can offer your dog and get a glimpse of the work we’re passionate about.
Dog Training Elite Michiana - Local Dog Trainers in South Bend / Elkhart, IN. DTE
In the Community
At Dog Training Elite Michiana, 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.

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!

A DTE team member and dog waiting to participate in a podcast.

Our Values


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At Dog Training Elite Michiana, our core values are the foundation of everything we do. These values guide our approach to dog training and define our commitment to our clients, their pets, and the community.


Commitment to Our Customers

We believe each customer is our most important customer. We understand every dog and owner is unique, and we customize our services to meet those individual needs. From the first consultation to the final training session, we are dedicated to providing prompt, courteous, and elite service. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we go above and beyond to make sure you and your dog have a rewarding and successful experience.

Integrity and Professionalism

Every training service we provide at Dog Training Elite Michiana is designed with integrity and professionalism. Whether working with a family pet, a service dog, or a therapy dog, we maintain the highest standards in the dog training industry. Our dedication to ethical practices and professional excellence is evident in every aspect of our work.

Customer Ease and Satisfaction

We strive to make the training process as easy and rewarding as possible for our customers. By offering the tools and resources to build a lasting bond with their dog, we help owners enjoy the pride and comfort of a well-behaved pet. Our training programs are designed to exceed expectations and make the journey effective and enjoyable.

Excellence in Service

We stand behind our work with confidence. As dog training experts, we have the tools, knowledge, and experience to deliver on our promises. We are committed to continuous improvement and always strive to improve our training techniques. If a client is ever unhappy with our services, we do our best to make it right.


At Dog Training Elite Michiana, these values are promises we keep every day as we provide elite in-home dog training to owners and families 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.

Photo Gallery

See An Elite Dog in Action

An adorable dog outside with a trainer - Dog Training Elite Michiana.

Our Balanced Methods

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At Dog Training Elite Michiana, we are deeply committed to creating well-behaved dogs and empowered owners, offering more than basic commands or temporary fixes. Our goal is to be the last dog trainer you will ever need.

  • A Commitment to Compassionate Training: At Dog Training Elite Michiana, our trainers understand dogs respond best to positive reinforcement, where good behavior is rewarded and trust is built. By focusing on rewards, praise, and encouragement, we help dogs learn desired behaviors in an effective and humane way.
  • Safety and Trust at the Forefront: At Dog Training Elite Michiana, we know that your dog is a beloved member of your family, and their safety and well-being are our top priorities. You can trust your dog is protected and nurtured in the hands of our skilled trainers. We take pride in creating a safe, supportive environment where dogs can learn, grow, and build a strong bond with their owners.
  • Proven Methods, Positive Results: We have seen time and time again that dogs crave structure and consistency. Our training ensures long term success resulting in happier dogs and stronger relationships between dogs and their families. Whether you’re working on basic obedience or advanced training, you can feel confident our methods will bring out the best in your dog without causing fear or stress.
An image of a girl holding her puppy at home - discover the benefits of South Bend / Elkhart in house puppy training with Dog Training Elite.

South Bend / Elkhart In House Puppy Training

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At Dog Training Elite Michiana, we believe in-home dog training is the most effective way to address your dog’s needs. Unlike traditional obedience schools, which often provide a one-size-fits-all approach, in-home training allows our team to observe and address your dog’s behavioral issues within the environment they naturally occur.

For instance, if your dog has a habit of barking at the mailman or chasing the neighbor’s cat, our trainers can work directly with your dog in those exact situations. This personalized approach ensures we target the root of the behavior, making it easier for your dog to understand and follow commands.

In-home training minimizes distractions and allows your dog to focus better on learning. By starting in the home and gradually introducing group lessons, our program helps your dog retain commands and respond accordingly to their surroundings.

An adorable golden retriever puppy getting in-home dog training in South Bend / Elkhart, IN from Dog Training Elite.

Benefits of In-Home Training Techniques

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  • Develop a Strong Bond
  • Dogs thrive in training sessions when they are with their loved ones. Learning commands is a way for your dog to connect with you, and your praise and treats make the experience enjoyable and strengthen your bond.

    Sending your dog to obedience school separates you from the training process, missing out on this important connection. At Dog Training Elite, we involve you and your family in every in-home training session. Our trainers focus on teaching you how to train your dog and enhance your bonding experience.

  • Quickly Teach Obedience
  • Obedience commands are crucial for any comprehensive dog training program. They ensure your dog’s safety and prevent unwanted behaviors. At the core of successful training, these commands must be mastered before progressing.

    Our in-home training program emphasizes foundational obedience, teaching essential commands like sit, down, come, and drop it. Once these basics are solidified, our trainers will guide you and your dog through more advanced skills.

  • Correct Problem Behaviors
  • If your dog jumps on guests, charges the door when the bell rings, or begs at the table, these issues can be effectively corrected with the right training techniques.

    Group classes or basic training programs often overlook these specific problem behaviors, which usually occur in your dog's familiar home environment. Bringing a trusted trainer into your home ensures these behaviors are addressed in the context where they happen, leading to more effective solutions.

A group of dogs being trained by the expert team at Dog Training Elite Michiana.
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Educate, Empower, Elevate, Elite

Victory Begins With Elite Education

Schedule Your Free Consultation with Dog Training Elite: A Company That Cares

South Bend / Elkhart In-House Puppy & Dog Training


At Dog Training Elite Michiana, we provide elite dog training services in South Bend / Elkhart. Our unique and personalized in-home dog training approach ensures your dog’s needs are met and you’re satisfied with the results.

As passionate dog lovers, we’re committed to helping you build a positive, lifelong relationship with your pet. Our proven training methods are designed to bring out the best in your dog while fostering a foundation of trust, love, and loyalty.

Schedule your free consultation for South Bend / Elkhart in-house puppy training and experience the difference of working with a company that truly cares.