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FAQs

Dog Training Elite in South Bend / Elkhart, IN

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Frequently Asked Questions

General
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 South Bend / Elkhart.
To effectively resolve specific issues, we need to start with a solid foundation in obedience. This approach helps you become a confident leader for your dog, which is key to addressing and preventing behavioral problems.
Nope. Those are dangerous grounds to tread upon. We'd much rather train a vicious dog!
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.
Yes. Working with and controlling aggression is one of our specialties in South Bend / Elkhart.
We focus on training companion dogs for veterans and individuals with PTSD and other psychological conditions. In addition to service animals, we also train therapy dogs that visit hospitals, nursing homes, and treatment centers.
To be a service dog, your dog needs to have an even temperament. Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Standard Poodles, Goldendoodles, etc. typically have a great temperament for service work. For some types of service work, your dog will need to have AKC certifications (such as Canine Good Citizen or Community Canine) which we are able to certify. As always, we would be happy to assess your dog's aptitude for service work for free!

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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 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 - 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.

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • 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!!
  • Anna Kosloski
    Nov. 27, 2024
    Sarah and Rich Does amazing with the dogs.
  • 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!
  • Mark Ellis
    Nov. 21, 2024
    I am an old military dog handler and have had dogs for near 70 years. The professionalism and expertise is top notch. Anyone who has had many dogs, and even went through training before, can use this as a helpful refresher course. Excellent all around.
  • Kimberly Ridenour
    Nov. 13, 2024
    Rich is great with home training. I would highly recommend their services.
  • Janet Harcek
    Nov. 12, 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.
  • Josh
    Sep. 29, 2024
    We found Dog Training Elite Michiana through Fetch! and we knew our stubborn pup(German Shepherd) would need serious training due to her grown habits. She had some bad habits that we were struggling to handle and we needed valuable tools and training to correct them. She is an incredibly intelligent, stubborn(strong-willed) and determined dog and we wanted her to be okay around the family. She needed valuable training to and Dog Training Elite was able to provide. We met Rich on our first appointment and he has refused to give up on her ever since. You could tell he was reading the room and her behavior well as he was really good at translating her cues to us. Our dog showed lots of improvements very quickly and we are no longer late to functions. We feel a lot more comfortable with her around the family. Dog Training Elite means serious business and Rich's overall experience was clearly evident as he was able to acknowledge and correct our dog(who was stuck in a rut) and help her become a valuable member of our family. Rich was very determined, worked really well with our dog and read her like a book. We are greatly appreciative for the training to not only our dog, but to us so we can react appropriately to her reactions/actions. We look forward to continuing to work with Dog Training Elite as our beloved dog grows.
  • Michelle Quinn
    Sep. 20, 2024
    Rich has been working with our family and our two dogs…a puppy and a ten yr old dog. We are new to the e-collar technology and it has been an amazing transition in their obedience. Rich is extremely knowledgeable and professional! Always on time and flexible with our schedule! He has helped us become better dog owners and our dogs now actually love each other!!
  • Karli Saner
    Jun. 22, 2024
    The best thing I ever did for myself and my dog was reach out to Dog Training Elite. There are hundreds of dog trainers around, but what this program offers is true support and understands YOUR dog—I mean it. I cried the first day of class watching my puppy become accustom to new things (habits I allowed her into), but four weeks later...I already have a new dog. It just keeps getting better. I couldn't recommend a better program and better trainers. They teach you about their methods, they train YOU as the owner, and they listen. Huge shoutout to Rich who has been absolutely nothing but kind and gracious to me and Aspen. He's a fantastic person and trainer. I've now become the dog owner who genuinely cares about who my dog interacts with and why. She's an amazing 8 month old puppy and she deserves the best life. I will give it to her.
  • Taylor Feeheley
    Jun. 7, 2024
    If you are looking for some training for your dog then Dog Training Elite is your answer! We just completed the last session yesterday and couldn’t be more happy with the progress made. Huge thanks to Rich for being patient and really working with my dog Cass. Cass went from a hyper active bozo to a well mannered boy!
  • Ziebart
    Jun. 6, 2024
    So happy to have Richard working with my dog Elvis. We are six weeks in on classes and he is addressing all behavioral problems successfully. I would highly recommend Dog Training Elite.
  • Echo Higueros
    May. 21, 2024
    Diane is the nicest and best trainer. She found AJ my sdit when I was attending Purdue. He has become such a big part of my world! She is also a big part of his life too! I send her updates all the time about his progress and she'll answer any questions or worries I have. Definitely recommend her to help with any training for a service dog or just obedience training!
  • Gabrielle Fisher
    Feb. 20, 2024
    I have nothing but gratitude for DTE. My dog Bun has gone from a good dog who I adore to an absolute support to me on top of that. I can not wait to continue this journey with Bun and DTE. They have helped me start my journey of creating a relationship with my dog where he is truly a dog who can help me on days where I can't and that is priceless. From getting his basics in to working towards service it has been extremely clear and so easy to follow. They are truly passionate about this work and it shows.
  • Gabrielle Fisher
    Feb. 19, 2024
    I have nothing but gratitude for DTE. My dog Bun has gone from a good dog who I adore to an absolute support to me on top of that. I can not wait to continue this journey with Bun and DTE. They have helped me start my journey of creating a relationship with my dog where he is truly a dog who can help me on days where I can't and that is priceless. From getting his basics in to working towards service it has been extremely clear and so easy to follow. They are truly passionate about this work and it shows. Diana has worked with me and all of my issues and how to adapt while working with my dog. I really can't thank them enough.
  • Chubby Supreme
    Feb. 13, 2024
    My experience with DTE and my trainer Diana has been second to none and totally invaluable. Starting service dog training with my lab Luna has been life changing thanks to Diana providing us with the knowledge and skills we need to be successful. Diana is kind, patient, compassionate, understanding, knowledgeable, experienced— literally everything you could ever want in a trainer. I highly recommend DTE Michiana to anyone looking for dog training services. Thank you Diana for all that you’ve done for us and continue to do!
  • Diane Hyepock
    Nov. 19, 2023
    Great trainers who are passionate about their work.
  • Kristin Basham
    Jul. 6, 2023
    Can't wait to have Diane train my new puppy.

Our Team

Rich Naponelli - Owner/Trainer
Rich Naponelli
Owner/Trainer

Hi, my name is Rich and I own Dog Training Elite Michiana. I have always had a love for animals as far back as I can remember, but being 1 of 6 kids, my mother was slow to believe my unconvincing arguments that I could handle a pet. Finally, at the age of 10, she broke down and let me get my first parakeet, Petey. Since Petey, I have had more birds, a few hamsters, a frog, fish, dogs, and even bunnies. Currently, we have our dog, Ajax, and our bunnies, Cooper and Lenny.

While I am an attorney by training, I got into the pet care business in 2022, when I opened Fetch! Pet Care of Michiana, a dog walking and pet sitting franchise. My day-to-day interaction through Fetch! with people and their dogs showed me the immense impact dog training can have on people, families, and their dogs and the incredible need for experienced dog trainers. That is why I decided to bring Dog Training Elite to Michiana.

Dog Training Elite brings a proven system to teach basic obedience to dogs, but couples that with a passion for training service and therapy dogs, all while basing its philosophy in community and helping people and pets. We look forward to meeting you and your pup and starting the Dog Training Elite journey with you.

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Ajax - Demo Dog
Ajax
Demo Dog

Hi, I’m Ajax and I am a Basenji. Basenjis are known as the barkless dog. That’s right, I don’t bark, but instead I like to yodel, especially when the piano is playing. Rich is my dad, but I also have 3 others in my family. My mom is Jenn and my two favorite smaller people are Ally and Trey. When I’m not training, I love lounging in the sun, chasing my toy duck, and chewing my bully sticks.

I’m just a pup right now, but I’m training to help my dad in Dog Training Elite. My favorite part is getting to meet all the people at different events. Come by sometime and see how much I’ve learned.

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Sarah Knopp - Trainer
Sarah Knopp
Trainer

Hello! My name is Sarah and I am a Trainer at Dog Training Elite Michiana. Growing up, my family has always had dogs. I spent a lot of time outside with them playing fetch with a ball or a Frisbee. I remember teaching them tricks like sit, shake(paw), down, bow, and heel. I always loved feeding them, bathing them, and brushing out the burrs from their fur after playing in the woods. It was a dream of mine to work in the pet industry from the start!

My love of animals has grown with each new opportunity I have grasped. I have worked in many different areas which have required the utmost care of client pets. I had my start at a daycare facility which gave me the opportunity to be trained in basic manners and dog body language. I have had experience in boarding, daycare, grooming, swimming, training, and post-surgery pet care.

These experiences have shown me the importance of teaching basic manners, bonding with, and socializing your dogs. Dog Training Elite provides that training to you and your dog to help you navigate through life with the best start and helping to fix problems that arise along the way.

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