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Two dog owners and a group of pups in our Wilmington dog socialization classes - contact Dog Training Elite to schedule your free consultation today!

Professional

Socialization Dog Training

Dog Training Elite Wilmington

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Our Socialization Dog Training Could Help:

Reduce anxiety
Improve dog and other animal interactions
Build confidence with people
Reduce fear-based aggression
Encourage calm behavior in public
Teach proper responses to distractions
Strengthen bond with owner
Foster positive play

Dog Training Elite

Wilmington Dog Socialization Classes

Socialization is crucial for a dog’s development, significantly impacting their anxiety levels, aggressive tendencies, and overall well-being. At Dog Training Elite, we recognize this importance and offer socialization training to help your pup feel comfortable around different people, animals, and unfamiliar places.

We introduce socialization in a controlled and structured way. Once you and our trainers are confident in your dog’s obedience training, we gradually introduce them to our Wilmington dog socialization classes and public settings. By prioritizing obedience first, we ensure your dog has a strong foundation of self-control and responsiveness, making the process smoother and more successful.

At Dog Training Elite, we are committed to minimizing stress for both you and your dog. We only use positive reinforcement techniques and involve you from the very beginning. Whether you’re out for a walk, visiting a friend, or navigating a busy public space, you’ll have confidence in your abilities and your dog’s behavior.

Call us today to schedule your free consultation!

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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!

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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 Wilmington.
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.
Three lab puppies experiencing new things together at Dog Training Elite's Wilmington dog and puppy socialization classes.

Dog Training Elite Wilmington

When to Socialize Your Puppy

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Socialization for dogs should be happening throughout their lifetime. Still, getting a good start as early as possible is always best.

Socialization for puppies starts at just three weeks old as they begin to engage with their littermates and the world around them. The “sensitive period of socialization,” when puppies are primed and ready to try new things, is from 3-14 weeks of age. Because puppies can go to new homes at around eight weeks old, you only have a small window to get that necessary socialization training done.

You can start Wilmington dog socialization classes with DTE as soon as you bring your puppy home at eight weeks old! Our classes are puppy safe and provide an excellent opportunity for your puppy to meet new dogs and people while having new experiences outside your home.

Multiple dogs sitting on a bench during a group class with Dog Training Elite.

Dog Training Elite

What Do Our Wilmington Dog Socialization Classes Look Like?

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Puppy and dog socialization is not about teaching new commands or obedience but creating a positive experience around new stimuli. Socialization can look like taking them around your neighborhood, letting them hear and smell things at their own pace, and offering plenty of positive reinforcement and soft treats. It can also look like introducing them to a friend's healthy dog in a safe place and allowing them to greet the dog and learn about social cues and behavior from them, all while offering treats and praise.

Our socialization classes teach your puppy or dog that even if something is new, it can be safe and fun to explore! We create opportunities for your pet to safely meet new dogs, smell new things, hear new sounds, walk on different surfaces, and meet new friendly people.

Socialization is all about removing fear and entering new situations with curiosity. We do this by ensuring they are in a safe environment and offering plenty of positive reinforcement and yummy treats.

Additional Behavioral Training

Dog Training Elite Wilmington - Stop Puppy Biting in Wilmington, NC. DTE
Biting
Dog Training Elite Wilmington - Reactive Dog Training in Wilmington, NC. DTE
Fear & Reactiveness
Dog Training Elite Wilmington - Destructive Chewing and Digging Training in Wilmington, NC
Destructive Chewing & Digging
Dog Training Elite Wilmington - Separation Anxiety Training for Dogs in Wilmington, NC. DTE
Separation Anxiety
Dog Training Elite Wilmington - Excessive Barking Training in Wilmington, NC. DTE
Excessive Barking
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Stealing Food, Clothing, or Other Objects
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Resource Guarding
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Food Guarding & Begging
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Mouthing, Nipping & Rough Play
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Anxiety & Submissive Urination
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Jumping Up & Hyperactivity
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Excessive Licking
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Leashing
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Abnormal Repetitive Behaviors
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Escaping
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Dog Training Elite Wilmington - Dog & Puppy Potty Trainer in Wilmington, NC. DTE
Potty Training
A group of dogs at our Wilmington dog socialization classes.

Dog Training Elite Wilmington

Discover the Benefits of Socialization Classes Today

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Proper socialization from a young age offers many benefits as dogs grow. It teaches puppies about the world from a place of safety and curiosity instead of fear and anxiety. Doing this allows them to enter any situation confidently, which grants you the freedom to bring them along for the ride as you both experience life.

Whether you have an older dog or a brand new puppy, our Wilmington dog socialization classes will give them the tools to be comfortable with new sights, sounds, smells, and experiences.

Give your furry companion the best chance at a happy and exciting life with our elite training. Schedule your free consultation today!

A group of dogs being trained by the expert team at Dog Training Elite Wilmington.
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Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Don Bullard
    Sep. 20, 2024
    Excellent professionalism and experienced trainer. Working together we accomplished a lot with my Frenchie. Highly recommend.
  • Paula Mazzoccante
    Aug. 20, 2024
    The training for my golden was a fantastic experience in all aspects ! I was dealing with a lovable, energetic, sweet 4 year old pup that would not walk on a leash and immediately would hide when I would bring the leash out. Katy immediately developed a bond with her and soon developed a trust with her. Katy was patient and knowledgeable in her techniques. It was surprising how fast my dog began to respond to her training. I highly recommend Elite to anyone with a dog in need of training. Katy provided excellent recommendations and was professional and pleasant to work with even for the owner who also may need training! 😃
  • Laurie McGeoghegan
    Jun. 3, 2024
    This program was a wonderful fit for me and my dog, Finn. Our trainer, Katy, is excellent to work with. Katy is patient, kind, knowledgable and Finn loved her (and I did, too!)! I purchased the platinum plan which includes 10 in-home training sessions and then unlimited group classes. Katy came to our house each time on time and ready to work, and Finn really responded to the training techniques. I feel confident that I have better command of Finn now and he learned a few cool tricks, as well. I would absolutely recommend Dog Training Elite of Wilmington and we look forward to beginning our group classes on Saturday! Thank you, Katy! We will miss our Mondays with you!
  • Shirley Tedesco
    Feb. 1, 2024
    My name is Shirley and my dog Brandy. We live in a suburb of Wilmington, N.C. 4 years ago, I rescued Brandy from a shelter. She was 10 months old. She has from day one, been a very energetic and friendly, loving dog. However, she displayed the following behavioral issues: 1) pulling on the leash (I had to stop walking her, 2) jumping on people, 3) not coming when called 4) Very aggressive when seeing other dogs. She now is 5yrs old and continues to be sweet and loving. But she had been far from obedient. I had enrolled her in a number of dog training classes including a 3week stay at a boot camp obedience program that all proved to be unsuccessful. At the boot camp. I was informed that she did well there. On her last day of training, I was given a demonstration of how obedient she was with the trainers. However, as the dog owner, I was provided with less than 2 hours of training instructions. After the amount of money that I had paid for what I thought would be “good training” turned out to be extremely disappointed. I had resigned myself to never having Brandy becoming an obedient pup. It was disheartening. And then I discovered while browsing the WEB, “ELITE AWARD WIINNING DOG TRAINING***** in Wilmington. After reading their positive reviews, their mission statements, and meeting with the Owner, I enrolled Brandy in their training program. Darren and Katy who I now refer to as “my Angels” provided the training and so much support. All training was done at my home where Brandy was the most comfortable. The results far exceeded my expectations for both Brandy and myself. Darren and Katy are phenomenal trainers. Their philosophy in training dogs is unique and uses gentle guidance. The training session were always fun and engaging for both Brandy and me. Every training session began with playing with Brandy and ending the session with play time again. She always looked forward to their visits. Katy and Darren were always patient and supportive, answering all my questions and addressing all concerns. Their support included checking in with me between training sessions and addressing any questions/concerns I had and providing recommendations as needed. This never occurred with any of the prior training programs. I was also given homework assignments and tips to practice at home and reinforce what was learned during each training session. After only a few weeks of training, Brandy is a completely different dog. She... • No longer pulls on her leash nor gets distracted. Our walks are longer and enjoyable. • Comes immediately when I call her. • Greets people without jumping on them. • Does not try to “escape” when someone comes to the door. • Has become sweeter and more loving. • Is a happier dog and I am a happier human. Darren and Katy helped me achieve all my goals. I am so very grateful for all their work and all their support.
  • Cedric Green
    Jan. 3, 2024
    Loved the service came out to my home and trained my 13 week old shi tzu zak the trainer was lovely and very helpful definitely recommend
  • Kathleen Gilliam
    Dec. 31, 2023
    I got a new puppy recently and Hayley came and helped me set her up for success! She provided awesome tips and was super friendly, I'm very satisfied and can't wait for another session in the future!
  • Leanne Young
    Dec. 20, 2023
    I was having trouble walking my strong black lab who likes to take the lead and pull me down the street. He often gets distracted, and wants to follow a scent and would end up dragging me into bushes or the grass. It was painful to say the least. I tried using treats, a gentle leader leash and a pinch collar to keep him next to me without success. I called Dog Training Elite because I couldn’t take it anymore. Caden came to my house for a free consultation. After testing my dog’s ability to obey commands, Caden assured me the technique they use would train him to walk beside me on our walks. I CANNOT believe the difference the training has made! It took 3 sessions, with daily training from me in between. The trainer, Mark was very detailed and thorough as to what I needed to do to get the behavior I needed from my dog. He was patient with me and spelled out everything I need to know. I am beyond thankful! I now have a dog who walks beside me. I would give this company a 10 star review if I could!
  • diana topjian
    Dec. 20, 2023
    We had an amazing experience with the team and 2 of our pups we currently have under rescue. In the short time they worked with them, the difference was truly impressive. Thank you! #freedombridgeanimalrescuenc
  • Abby Ramsey
    Dec. 6, 2023
    We loved working with the Dog Training Elite team! We did their puppy training with our 3 month old Labrador Retriever. They gave us the tools to teach our puppy basic commands and laid the foundation for a well-behaved pup. It was super helpful to have access to the trainers via text or call if we had any questions or needed advice (even over a holiday weekend!). We can't wait to work with them more!
  • Alexandria Price
    Nov. 10, 2023
    Katy is the best and I cannot recommend her enough!! I loved working with her and my pups love her even more!!
  • Averee Gerold Coley
    Nov. 5, 2023
    Darren and Kati joined us and our pup this afternoon. It was a great experience with educational tips and tricks to help our dog listen and love to learn. 5 out of 5 stars! We will be booking more sessions.
  • Kiernan Berger
    Oct. 31, 2023
    What a great experience this has been. We had a good dog and he’s only gotten better. The knowledge from the trainers goes beyond teaching our dog to be better, but has helped us be better owners for our dog. The difference in a few short weeks is nothing short of life changing for our family.
  • Madison Berger
    Oct. 30, 2023
    I’d highly recommend Dog Training Elite to anyone. The dog trainers are fantastic and in just a couple of weeks we saw drastic improvements in our dog. We are so thankful for Dog Training Elite!
  • JAKE MOORE
    Oct. 19, 2023
    Great attention to detail. Would highly recommend to friends and family.
  • Ramiro Rodriguez
    Oct. 18, 2023
    Very professional and knowledgeable in dog training. Their trainers were able to assist with training our Irish Setter with ease and ensure that we understood what was needed to be good dog parents and have a successful program. Highly recommended for anyone looking for top quality dog training and professional services! 🦮🐾