Training Programs
A Well-Trained Dog Brings Out the Best in Life
At Dog Training Elite Richmond, we go beyond obedience. Our proven programs build confidence, strengthen bonds, and prepare dogs for real-world situations. We turn good dogs into great family companions and train critical service animals to support those with disabilities. Effective training for every dog, every stage. Proudly serving Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Los Alamos, the East Mountains, and surrounding areas.
Richmond Graduates
Hear From Our Customers
Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite Richmond
Megan Eik
We love working with Dog Training Elite! Paul is such a phenomenal trainer and is extremely knowledgeable in his trade. Everyone in our family has mentioned how our corgi Gingers training has transformed him into a completely different dog from where we started. He used to bark at everything that moved, jump up on guests, and barely ever listen to a command. It’s a night and day difference from the first training session.
Nicole Nikolis
Matt was awesome. He was punctual, polite and talked us through their approach. He also told us what to expect when he was introduced to our pack. We were able to see right from the beginning how the approach worked with them!
Katie Gurrentz
We had our consult with Matt today for our puppy. He was very organized and helpful. We discussed a plan for our dog and I’m very excited to select a program and begin training! The whole process has been simple and straight forward.
We also met and worked with Paul during our process. He was great to work with and our puppy is really catching on well to the training!
Kristine Adams
I believe we are on our third in home and Matt has been amazing!! Our rescue that has gone thru severe abuse has grown to not be afraid in a short period of time and Matt has been amazing with me to answer all my questions each visit and again the most patient. I’m so happy that Elite is whom I have chosen to help us and my sweet rescue. Thank you is not enough
Susan Hudson
We have mastered, SIT, PLACE(STAY implied) COME, OFF and now DOWN( STAY implied)from up close, to 100 feet away. Zipper is 7 months old and we are only 5-6 weeks into Dog Training Elite with Paul.
I could not be more pleased!
I have trained dogs and horses in the past so the language and intentions are clear. I ask 15 minutes of questions before in home training starts. I am always validated and enlightened.
Julie
I cannot say enough good things about Dog Training Elite. Paul is basically a dog whisperer! He is the fourth trainer we worked with and nothing has worked other than this. Please take a chance…you will not regret it. Even our family members have noticed the improvement in our pup’s behavior and asked us what we did!
Nancy Smith
From the moment Matt arrived to our home we felt so comfortable with his energy. He is incredibly knowledgeable. His calm and positive approach ensured us we have chosen the right person to move forward with training for our anxious german shepherd. Thank you Megan and ‘Matt!
Jeannie Friedrich
Matt just left after the initial assessment. I am blown away. He had Chloe calm within 20 minutes. Can’t wait to work with him!
Rebecca Taylor
I absolutely believe we have the best trainer, Matt. He has come into our home and won the trust of our 10 month old GSD, Bocephus. It’s amazing the transformation we have witnessed by Matt’s training. Not only is Bocephus retaining what he has taught him, Matt, has taught us how to understand our dog as well. So, if you are reading the reviews to make sure this is the place for your dogs, then please trust in this company!! Best decision we have ever made!! Matt is THE BEST!!!
Dave McGrat
Dublin was a rowdy silver lab puppy. Thanks to Paul, and the Dog Training Elite program, he’s now an amazing Service Dog! Dublin’s progression from basic obedience through final Service Dog Certification was remarkable. This dog has directly impacted my quality of life. I’m constantly getting comments of how well-behaved he is and I can’t thank the DTE Richmond team enough! Their personal commitment to build on the unique bond between dog and owner is what makes them different. They are the best!
Obedience Training
Dog Training That Solves Everyday Problems
A dog should bring joy, not stress. Without structure, even the most loving pet can pull on the leash, jump on guests, or ignore commands. Our obedience training fixes these issues so your dog becomes the calm, reliable companion you always wanted.
Designed Around Your Lifestyle
We know every family is different. That’s why our programs include in-home sessions for personal coaching and group classes for real-world practice. From basic commands to advanced on- and off-leash training, we prepare your dog to listen at home, in the neighborhood, and out in public — no matter the distractions.
More Than Training — A Lasting Investment
The real cost of skipping training is safety. Investing in obedience now gives you a dog you can trust anywhere, anytime. Starting young sets puppies up for a lifetime of good behavior, while older dogs benefit too — breaking bad habits, building confidence, and staying active and healthier for years to come.
Obedience Training Programs Focus:
- Mastering Core Commands
- Improved Behavior at Home & in Public
- Proper Canine Socialization
- Leash Etiquette
- Human/Canine Trust & Teamwork
- Mental Stimulation
- Confidence Building
- Impulse Control
- Polished Public Manners
Life-Changing Support Through Service Dog Training
Service dogs are specially trained to perform tasks like interrupting, alerting, retrieving and assisting that support individuals with physical, medical, or emotional disabilities. At Dog Training Elite Richmond, our programs are built around your unique medical needs and lifestyle, ensuring both dog and handler are set up for long-term success:
● Personalized Dog Selection – Don’t have a dog yet? We’ll help you choose one with the right temperament and traits to fit your unique needs.
● Current Dog Evaluations – Already own a dog? We’ll evaluate whether they can meet the demands of service work.
● Time Matters – Our training produces fully prepared service dogs in 6–18 months, customized to the needs of each handler’s medical condition.
● No Wait List – Unlike other providers with multi-year delays, we can start your service dog training journey right away.
● Lifetime Support – We stand behind every service dog we train, providing ongoing support for the life of your dog.
Please note that not all Dog Training Elite locations are certified for every type of medical condition training; however, our nationwide network works closely together to ensure your local representative can help meet your specific needs.
Personalized Service Dog Training
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety & Depression
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Epilepsy & Seizure Disorders
- Diabetes
- Mobility Impairments
- Hearing Impairments
- Cardiac Conditions
- Migraine Response
- Allergy Detection
- Other Chronic Illnesses requiring daily support
Puppy Training
Puppy Training Foundations
Bringing home a new puppy should be joyful, not overwhelming. Yet many new owners quickly realize that without the right guidance, challenges like chewing, accidents, barking, and boundless energy can feel unmanageable. Too often, well-meaning families struggle, believing their puppy is “too difficult” or that they aren’t cut out for dog ownership.
At Dog Training Elite Richmond, we believe every puppy has the potential to thrive, and every owner deserves the confidence to enjoy the journey. Our Puppy Training Foundations program is designed to set you and your puppy up for lasting success. Through proven methods and hands-on coaching, we help you build a strong bond, foster trust, and establish the communication that will carry through your dog’s entire life.
This isn’t just training. It’s the first step toward the loyal, well-mannered companion you’ve always envisioned.
Puppy Obedience Training Focus:
- Consistent Potty Training
- Disciplined Leash Skills
- Dependable Recall & Name Response
- Secure Crate Confidence
Stop Problem Puppy Behaviors:
- Stop Nipping & Rough Play
- Stop Food Begging & Guarding
- Stop Excessive Barking & Whining
- Stop Destructive Chewing
- Stop Yard & Carpet Digging
- Stop Stealing Food & Belongings
Behavior Modification
Behavior Modification Training
Living with a dog that struggles with anxiety, aggression, or other serious behavior problems can be exhausting. Simple moments like welcoming house guests, taking a walk, or relaxing at home become stressful, unpredictable, and sometimes even unsafe. Many owners feel isolated, frustrated, or guilty, unsure if their dog can ever truly change.
At Dog Training Elite Richmond, we understand the weight of those challenges, and we know how to turn them around. Our Behavior Modification Program doesn’t just mask unwanted behaviors; it addresses the root causes. Through proven, balanced training methods, we help dogs replace fear, anxiety, and aggression with calm, confident responses.
Let us help you build the safe, trusting relationship you and your dog both deserve.
Behavior Modification Addresses:
- Calm & Quiet Communication (freedom from relentless barking)
- Safe, Predictable Interactions (no growling or snapping)
- Balanced Social Responses (dog and human reactivity addressed)
- Controlled Movement (no lunging at people or pets)
- Relaxed State of Mind (pacing and restlessness resolved)
- Emotional Stability (trembling and shaking replaced with confidence)
- Respectful Habits (destructive chewing eliminated)
- Gentle Engagement (nipping or biting corrected)
- Secure Boundaries (resource guarding removed)
Group Classes
Expert Group Training Classes
At Dog Training Elite, our group classes are included in most training programs, giving every dog the opportunity to practice and excel in a structured, real-world environment. These sessions provide the perfect balance of instruction, socialization, and exposure to everyday distractions that can’t be replicated at home.
Our trainers incorporate targeted exercises, interactive games, and agility challenges designed to sharpen obedience and build confidence. With professional guidance and the added benefit of working alongside other dogs and owners, your dog learns to stay focused and reliable in any setting.
Group training delivers lasting results by reinforcing obedience, strengthening the dog–owner bond, and preparing both of you for real-world success.
Please note: Classes are open to all dog breeds and sizes, but all dogs are required to be immunized.
Group Class Focus:
- Elevated Socialization Skills
- Command Mastery Amid Distractions
- Confidence Building (for you and your dog!)
- Strengthened Dog–Owner Partnership
- Reinforced Obedience
- Focused Trainer Guidance
What to expect?
- Interactive Games
- Intro to Agility
- Dynamic Real-World Exposure
Therapy Dog Training
What is a Therapy Dog?
Therapy dogs bring joy, comfort, and connection wherever they go—from calming children in schools, to easing travel stress at airports, to lifting spirits in senior living communities. At Dog Training Elite Richmond, our Therapy Dog Training program equips you and your dog with the confidence and skills to serve others and make a meaningful impact.
Together, you’ll create powerful moments of comfort, healing, and happiness for those who need it most.
Becoming a therapy dog team is more than training, it’s a chance to give back. With your dog by your side, you can volunteer in hospitals, schools, senior living communities, and beyond, spreading joy and making a difference in people’s lives every day.
Therapy Dog Program Focus:
- Mastering Core Commands
- Public Access Test and Certification
- Handler Confidence and Control
- Socialization Skills
- Real-World Readiness
Sample Volunteer Opportunities:
- Schools and Libraries
- Hospitals and Clinics
- Senior Living Communities
- Airports and Travel Hubs
- Rehabilitation and Therapy Centers
- Community Events