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Dog Trainers Near You


How to Choose a Dog Trainer in St. Louis, MO

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Training is key to creating a safe, loving environment for your canine companion. Dogs are great learners and always eager to please their owners. With the right techniques, a little patience, and consistency from the whole family, Fido can learn just about anything.

Besides teaching your dog respectful behaviors (like no excessive barking and no begging from the table), training keeps your dog:

  • Safe
    If your dog knows to come on command, or “stay” in place, both of you will be safer when outdoors. Untrained dogs may dart off into the road, or become distracted by their surroundings and get lost.
  • Smart

    Consistent instruction is mentally stimulating and improves your dog’s cognitive health. Learning also prevents boredom and the destructive habits that result from it.

  • Happy

    Dogs thrive on positive, loving relationships with their human family members. A dog that doesn’t know proper behavior is unlikely to have a positive relationship with the people around him. By teaching your dog what behaviors are acceptable, you establish a comfortable and loving environment.

Dog Training Elite is proud to have the highest rated professional dog trainers near you in St. Louis.

Effective training is key to a positive dog-owner relationship. Learning how to communicate with your canine companion is difficult without assistance, however. If you’ve been struggling with your dog’s behavior, it may be time to find a professional dog trainer near you.


Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite St. Louis location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.


Gold

$1,900

Advanced obedience/behavioral modification with a goal of off-leash control

Have a second pup? Save $500 on a second training package for Gold or Platinum!

  • One-on-One In-Home Training Sessions 6 Sessions
  • Group Training Sessions 6 Months
  • Come
  • Place(go to bed)
  • Heel(walk with you without pulling)
  • Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
  • Get Into Car or Kennel
  • Off(furniture, if desired)
  • Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
  • Down(next to you & off leash at a distance)
  • Housebreaking / Potty Training Help
  • Calm Anxiety & Build Confidence
  • STOP Running Away
  • STOP Digging, Chewing, Running Away, Chasing Animals, Jumping on People, Mouthing/Licking, Getting into Trash

Platinum

$2,700

Platinum offers advanced obedience/behavioral modification with a goal of off-leash control. Includes additional training options and offers more one-on-one and group sessions than Gold.

  • One-on-One & In-Home Training Sessions 8 Sessions
  • Group Park Training Sessions 12 Months
  • Come
  • Place(go to bed)
  • Heel(walk with you without pulling)
  • Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
  • Off(furniture, if desired)
  • Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
  • Down(next to you & off leash at a distance)
  • Housebreaking / Potty Training Help
  • Get into Car or Kennel
  • STOP Digging, Chewing, Running Away, Chasing Animals, Jumping on People, Mouthing/Licking, Getting into Trash
  • Choose to Address Advanced Concerns: - Calm Anxiety & Build Confidence
    - Control Aggression / Reactivity / Resource Guarding (towards other dogs or people)
Best In-Home Dog Trainers Near Me in St. Louis
Highest Rated Dog Obedience Trainers Near You in St. Louis
Top Dog Trainers Near Me in St. Louis
In-Home Dog Trainers Near You in St. Louis

Finding Professionals In An Unregulated Industry


There is no regulating body or licensing process for professional dog trainers. Anyone can advertise themselves as a trainer, whether they have the necessary skills and knowledge or not.

Navigating through this unregulated industry can be tricky. As a dog owner, you want a qualified trainer that will:


  • Respect you, your dog, and your family.
  • Stick to your schedule.
  • Use positive training methods.
  • Never harm your dog.
  • Address your dog's unique needs and behaviors.
  • Teach you how to better communicate with your dog.
  • Provide ongoing support and check-in after training sessions.
  • Train in various settings, environments and stages.
  • Empower you to build a healthy, loving bond with your dog.

It takes years of experience and education for trainers to be able to offer all of the above. So how do you find a professional that fits your and your dog’s needs?

Pricing Programs Free Assessment

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"Pawsitive" Indicators of a Good Dog Trainer


Some things to look for when searching for a St. Louis dog trainer include:

Training Technique

There are various training methods out there, but the most effective is positive reinforcement. According to the American Kennel Service, positive reinforcement techniques “are based on the science of animal learning and have the bonus of strengthening the dog-owner bond.”

    Stay Away From:
  • “Alpha Dog” or dominance-based training techniques. Dominance theory is based on incorrect assumptions of dog and wolf behavior. Dog behaviorists have proven that positive techniques are the only healthy way to communicate with dogs. Dominant, punishment-based training causes anxiety, fear and aggression.
  • Trainers that use choke-chains, shock collars, sprays, and other punishment tactics.
Personality

You want to enjoy the time spent with your trainer, so find someone with a happy, exciting personality. You’re looking for a professional, of course, but we are all dog lovers here, so light-hearted attitudes are important. Your dog must connect well with a trainer for efficient learning, so pay attention to how your dog reacts to your chosen trainer.

    Stay Away From:
  • Trainers that make you feel bad about your relationship with your dog or your dog’s behavior.
  • Rude, dismissive attitudes, and trainers that are too uptight.
  • Trainers that use harsh words and aggressive tactics.
Empowerment

A dog trainer is truly a teacher at heart, and their goal is to teach you how to better communicate with your dog. You need a coach who helps you connect better with your pet, empowering you to build a strong bond. When the trainer is gone, you’ll be the one giving the commands, so make sure you find someone that is understanding, patient, and committed.

    Stay Away From:
  • A trainer that does not want to involve you and your family members in the process.
  • Programs that only offer board and train -- effective training involves various settings, including classes and inside the home.
  • Trainers that cannot explain how dogs learn and cannot teach you how to communicate with your dog.
Credentials

Dog trainers do not need a license, but there are various education programs available. Look for a trainer that can prove their credentials with experience, education, and certifications. If you have a specific need, such as personal protection or service training, be sure to find a trainer that is experienced in that area.

At Dog Training Elite, our dog trainers are educated and experienced with training dogs of all breeds, sizes and ages. All locations are registered with the Professional Retriever Trainers Association, the International Association of Canine Professionals, and the American Kennel Club.

    Stay Away From:
  • Trainers that cannot prove their education, experience, or background.

Customization

All dogs have unique personalities and life experiences that shape their behaviors. A well-qualified trainer offers customizable programs tailored to the unique needs of each client and dog. In-home training approaches are preferred, so the trainer can observe your dog in his home environment (where he feels most comfortable acting naughty!).

You should also look for a trainer that covers both basic obedience and advanced programs.

    Stay Away From:
  • Trainers that can’t teach more than basic obedience commands.
  • A trainer that diagnoses medical issues as reasoning for problem behaviors. Trainers are not licensed veterinarians and should never diagnose a dog. If a medical issue is suspected, a qualified trainer will recommend you speak to a vet.
Good References

References and consumer reviews are key to finding a reliable trainer. Ask around at the dog park for good references, and research each trainer or company. Read through customer reviews and take a look at how professional their website appears.

    Stay Away From:
  • Trainers that have no website or online references, or trainers that have poor reviews.
  • Trainers with reviews that mention aggressive tactics, fear-based techniques, and punishment-based theory.

Pricing Programs Free Assessment

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Our Balanced Theory

We base our training around the "Classical Conditioning" model (a.k.a. "Pavlovian" or "respondent conditioning"). This includes developing conditioned or automatic reflexes to commands. In its simplest form (after proper conditioning), when the owner says "sit," the dog automatically sits without thinking about it. Our unique techniques ensure our program is a success no matter what behavior we encounter.


  • Empowering Owners
    We empower Owners to train so their dog knows who to obey at all times.
  • Personalized
    We deal with problem behaviors on a personal basis.
  • Environment Specific
    We train wherever issues tend to arise (i.e. jogging, park, home).
  • Supportive
    We support Owners in the off-hours (when training is "not in session").
  • Involved
    We work with all members of the household.
  • Simplified & Customized
    We plan training around the owner's schedule and require only 20 min/day follow-up practice.
  • Continued Training
    Additional programs / group sessions offered after in-home training.
  • Lifetime Investment
    We follow up & are invested in the owner's success long-term.
  • Satisfaction Ratings
    Our high client satisfaction rating sets us apart from competitors.

We help your dog become a valued companion and beloved member of the family. Read what our customers have to say and then give us a call!

If I could give this operation 100 stars, I would. We have been taking our new 10 month old beagle, which we purchased from a Craigslist ad to Dog Training Elite St. Louis for 1 week. Before Dog Training Elite, our new pup was an out of control dog with no purpose. She barked/howled incessantly and tried to chew everything in our house. We’ve had a beagle before, so we know their temperaments, and this one was off the charts. After one week at Dog Training Elite, our new pup obeys commands, has stopped pulling on leash, and no longer screams and cries in her kennel. We still have 1 more week of daily in person training and 6 more months of group training with this crew. We are so excited to see even more progress with our pup:) This operation has been worth their weight in gold. The entire staff (if I could name them all, I would) from Matt to Alecia to Tyler, the crew at Dog Training Elite St. Louis has been professional, flexible and positive. We never thought we would have anyone other than us train our pups, but this new pup of ours really pushed our limits. Without Dog Training Elite, we would not have been able to tolerate our new beagle. Thanks to Dog Training Elite St. Louis, we now have an amazing new addition to our family, who we will be able to enjoy for years to come:)
— Gina Weeks
Posted July 21st 2024
google
I do believe that they deserve a five star but I have only been training with my pup for 10 weeks so I can't fully give them an honest five just yet. I would like to make the complaint that I really wish I could tag them in the many posts that I like to give them credit for but I'm not able to tag then. With all that said about the business in general, I must give a huge shout out to number one: Matt, my original contact and an amazingly helpful person in so many different ways! Very friendly, response to messages in a timely manner and has so much knowledge in so many answers for you. Number two: Michelle, our trainer, has been absolutely fabulous! She it's not only there for the service dogs training but is also there for the client in numerous ways! She is very in tune with my health issues and is also very understanding about them. She is also very patient with my episodes that I may have while we are trying to train. She continues to do her job while still being compassionate about my Health situation at that moment. But she does not give up on the dog just because I have an episode. I would like to also add that whoever chose to put Michelle with me, made an amazing decision! We definitely work well together and have experienced a lot of the same types of issues that make her even more compassionate towards my situation. What more can I say? I've already written a book here.
— Michelle Downey
Posted July 1st 2024
google
Tyler was absolutely amazing!!!!
— Heather Mackin
Posted June 26th 2024
google
We love Dog Training Elite! Prior to training, our two reactive corgis were unmanageable. They were extremely aggressive and causing each other harm. After just one session with Tyler, our corgis George and Sam already made significant progress. They listened better and were fighting way less. Now, with one session to go, it’s like we have two new dogs! They are extremely well behaved! We can open the gate to our patio and they don’t run out. We can walk both of them without any issues with barking or seeing other dogs. The progress they have made has been life changing. We are so grateful for the help!!!
— Alyssa Haydon
Posted June 19th 2024
google
An absolute 5 out of 5 stars! Our dog trainer, Tyler, was a true professional with real experience. He took our dog from being wild, uncontrollable, and anti-social pup to being a straight "A" dog student. We really could not have had a better experience. We highly recommend Tyler and DTE!
— SHELLY MESAW
Posted June 13th 2024
google
We were having issues with aggression and anxiety with our dog. It was to the point where he was fighting with another dog in our home, we couldn’t have guests over, etc. We felt extremely defeated. Training with Tyler from Dog Training Elite seriously has changed our lives for the better. We feel like our dog has improved so much. We’ve been given the tools to create structure for our dog so that he can be successful. Our dog’s demeanor is so much better, he doesn’t act out toward our other dogs or guests anymore, and so much more. We are so grateful to have been able to train with Tyler and Dog Training Elite. It’s been an impactful experience and we would highly recommend them to anyone.
— Jacqueline Goering
Posted June 7th 2024
google
Tyler was/is amazing! Our 4yr old mix breed dog was usually terrified of any man that walked into our house. Binny and Tyler became friends after the second training session. We learned SO much and it is very refreshing to have a properly trained dog. Our lives are changed as well as Binny’s. He is now able to just chill and be a dog in his place instead of barking and being scared. We can go to our camper by the river and not worry about him bolting out of the door as soon as someone opens it and he likes to sit outside with us now. We practice everyday and he’s still learning but we were given the proper direction to be able to make Binny more comfortable and our lives less stressful. Thank you so much Tyler we appreciate you and also enjoyed getting to know you as well. 10/10 recommend!
— Crystal Buss
Posted April 3rd 2024
google
My 3-year-old Bernedoodle, Millie, was very reactive to practically any person, dog or thing that moved before training began. After even the first couple sessions with Cameron, she was already showing signs of improvement. Today was her last one-on-one (her eighth session) and we went to the park, which I haven't been to for a walk since getting Millie six months ago. I now have the confidence to walk in the park with her beside me and know that I have everything under control. She's miles from where she was in the beginning, and I'm so proud of her. I could never thank Dog Training Elite enough to see how reactive she was in the beginning and have the confidence to say it could be turned around. I'm also grateful for Cameron's patience with Millie and ME. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect trainer for us. I'm eternally grateful.
— Valeri Pearon
Posted March 29th 2024
google
I contacted Dog Training Elite late last year about my 3 year old Pomeranian, Gus, whose dog and human reactivity has been a problem for the majority of his life. I had taken him to another trainer prior to Dog Training Elite, and my next stop was a priest for an exorcism because his reaction to other people and dogs was demonic. Since working with dog training elite, I have been able to walk him and have people in my home without a nuclear response. We can pass people on walks without him going full demon mode, and for the most part, I no longer see any reaction. He is still a work a work in progress, but I now know how to handle situations better to set him up for success. Kelvin, his trainer, was wonderful to work with and extremely knowledgeable. The group classes have been great to attend to strengthen his training with high distractions, and Gus did not, in fact, ever need an exorcism!
— Rachel McAllister
Posted March 14th 2024
google
DTE is a wonderful organization! Iam now able to safely take a walk with my 100 lb dog Bailey. No more pulling and aggressive behavior. Tyler is an excellent trainer and advisor. It is amazing how much he taught my dog and me in just 6 hour lessons. The park group lessons are also a great adventure and learning experience! I recommend DTE without reservations!
— JoAnne Stanfield
Posted March 12th 2024
google
I had a fantastic experience with these folks training my English Bulldog (I know unusual breed for service animal) to be come a formally trained task-complete service dog. From the initial evaluation with Matt, and the basic training with Kelvyn through the advanced training with Cameron we had a consistently excellent interaction with DTE. Trainers were knowledgable, patient, professional punctual and enthusiastic; expectations were always set appropriately. Use of the e-collar was very sensitive and caring (since my dog was very positively food motivated treats sufficed for the vast majority of her training and we didn't need the collar very much--but it was great learning how to carefully use the device when necessary). The sessions in public places (malls, stores and airport) were terrific in addition to the in home sessions and communications and scheduling were easy and diligent. I look forward to traveling with my pup with confidence in her training and ADA qualifications. Materials provided along with the classes were terrific. This was obviously more intensive (and yes expensive) than simple obedience training, but with patience and consistency it is amazing what can be done. I think the cheap on-line alternatives and shortcut 'take a few video lessons and get a certificate' are nonsense and bogus. This elite training was worth every dollar and DTE stands behind their training and certification for the long run. Special thanks Matt and Cameron!!
— Jeffrey Rose
Posted March 7th 2024
google
Michelle and Tyler were wonderful! I’m looking forward to working with my dog to make her the best she can be! Thank you for your help!
— Pippy P
Posted February 22nd 2024
google
Thank you Kelvin for all your training that you provided Rayna and myself...I've learned how important it is to know and be able to read your dog...think like your dog so they will know what to expect 😉. Thank you for showing me how to give your dog commands, positive reinforcement and praise. Rayna says thank you for fixing me.
— Susan Brown
Posted January 21st 2024
google
Highly recommend Elite. Matt and his staff worked with our rescued female Doberman, Carly, and we are thrilled with the outcome. Elite was recommended to us by a friend who also had a great experience with their two dogs. We believe the investment was well worth it! We also love the group classes that are available once the one-on-one training has been completed.
— Bill L
Posted December 27th 2023
google
If you are ever thinking about going to dog training elite, go with your gut and say yes. I chose to go with dog training elite, and my dog and me came out better than ever. They don’t just work with your dog for whatever training you choose like service dog, protection work, basic obedience, therapy dog work, and more, they work with you also so when training is over you can thrive at what you have learned throughout your whole training. I got so lucky because I don’t trust my dog with just anyone especially the person who’s gonna help my dog help me out more than he already did. I got lucky with Cameron, she helped me past what you would think you would get back from dog training. She is funny, amazing, and just Cameron. If you ever get to meet her she will bring a light into your life and your dog’s life. My dog’s tail wags faster than anything in this world when he hears that he gets to see Cameron. Cameron goes above and beyond what the job entails. She shows you that dog training elite is the best choice to go with for dog training. It didn’t just make my dog a better service dog it made me a better service dog owner so my dog is and will be the best that he can be with his tasks. Kai will forever be grateful for Cameron because now he can help me his parent out with all that I go through. I will also forever be grateful for Cameron and the whole dog training elite company that has helped me and kai get through this process, but especially Cameron. Also just thought I should show you how perfect kai is, he’s in his goggled and dog training elite vest
— Savahnah Olander-Walsh
Posted December 20th 2023
google
Saved my dog! A totally new dog! The aggressive behavior has been changed.
— Paula Bryant
Posted December 18th 2023
google
I picked Dog Training Elite because of its high rating on Google. I was desperate at the time to be able to walk my 5 month old Bernese Mountain Dog with a stroller and not hurt my harms from all of his pulling. The training was simple, the trainers were great. Within a week, our dog learned to heel and walks were peaceful again. I reserved my review for over a year because they told me that with repeated, quick daily sessions, when he was closer to 2 years old I wouldn’t rely on the training collar and his training would be solid. Here we are, Boomer Sooner is 2 years old and although I still put a collar on him most days, he is so well trained in every area that I rarely use it. My 3 year old is able to walk him on a leash. He’s not a robot but he knows what we expect from him. Today, something happened to remind me to leave a review for these trainers. With all the wind, our backyard gate blew open while our dog was outside and because we’ve taught him not to rush the door or rush gates, he stood there looking at it and then his recall was immediate, the first time I called him. I’m grateful for the training we received from this company and the well behaved dog we have as a result!
— Corianne B
Posted December 18th 2023
google
Matt and his team were incredible. As an owner who had previously only used treat-based training before, I was extremely hesitant to try other methods such as an eCollar. Despite my hesitation, Matt took the time to explain to me what an eCollar was actually used for and dispelled many of the misconceptions I had heard on the internet. Like treats, an eCollar is a tool, and one that surprisingly DOES NOT HURT! How do I know? We tried it on ourselves at the setting we would be using on our dog! After our introductory meeting, we were paired with Hunter, who is just the most incredible dog trainer any owner could hope for. Our dog was working on reactivity toward other dogs. Hunter took the time to explain both high-level dog psychology to establish a framework for us to think about our dog's behavior, as well as multiple tangible tricks and training routines that we could put into daily practice. What I really like about Hunter's style of training is that he doesn't apply some inflexible, his-word-is-law approach, but meets our needs and our dog where they are. Could not recommend Dog Training Elite more highly (except by saying, work with Hunter if you can)!
— Robert Chen
Posted July 5th 2023
google
We cannot say enough about Matt and his team at Dog Training Elite. We recently completed our sessions for the service training and certification of our Labrador puppy, and they worked to make us each successful every step of the way. The trainers are all responsive and passionate about their work, and best of all, the dogs with which they train. Both the individual sessions and the group training sessions were well managed and essential components for our dog’s training. We are forever grateful to Matt and all of the staff at Dog Training Elite!
— Jennifer Falk
Posted June 18th 2023
google
Could not recommend Dog Training elite more!! Extremely dedicated group of people with a deep knowledge of dog behavior. Very compassionate and will work with you nonstop until you meet your goals with your pup!! Very happy with this amazing team.
— Natalie
Posted May 26th 2023
google

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Dog Training Elite is the top dog training company with the best dog trainers near you in St. Louis.

Trust Your Gut


Choosing a trainer is an important part of being a dog owner, and in the end, you want to choose the professional you feel comfortable with. This is someone that you’ll be inviting into your home and spending plenty of time with! A dog trainer with credentials, experience, and a friendly personality that makes your dog’s tail wag is most likely a great choice.

You also want to make sure you get your money’s worth, so choose a trainer that is invested in you and your dog. At Dog Training Elite, we follow up with our clients even after training sessions have ended. Our goal is to help clients build strong relationships with their pets, and that takes consistent effort. Our professional dog trainers are some of the best in the St. Louis area. We cover training programs such as obedience, personal protection, anxiety, aggression, and service dog.

Pricing Programs Free Assessment

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