Do NOT use this training company. They demand the use of a Choke Collar and a shock Collar on a 5 lb poodle. I did not know this until I arrived at the Class and then when I realized this they refused to refund me, saying that I showed up for the class and therefore was in-illegible for the refund. They also had inexperienced trainers come who had not clue what they were doing. Choke Collars: Check out the Humane Society's website: http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/dogs/tips/collars.html#Aversive_collars Here is a summary from the Humane Society on Choke Collars: "there is no way to control how much the choke chain tightens, so it's possible to choke or strangle your dog. It can also cause other problems, too, such as injuries to the trachea and esophagus, injuries to blood vessels in the eyes, neck sprains, nerve damage, fainting, transient paralysis, and even death...More humane collars and good obedience training should make it unnecessary to resort to this aversive collar." Choke Collars are dangerous and can have severe effects both physically and mentally on your dog. They are adversarial and barbaric methods of training. We are way past this idea. It is in-humane. Check out this website: http://www.peta.org/about/faq/What-are-the-dangers-of-using-choke-and-prong-collars.aspx. Here is a summary from PETA: "The use of choke collars has been associated with whiplash, fainting, spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis, crushing of the trachea with partial or complete asphyxiation, crushing and/or fracture of the bones in the larynx, dislocated neck bones, bruising of the esophagus, bruising and damage to the skin and tissues in the neck, brain damage and prolapsed eyes caused by sharp increases in pressure in the head, and other injuries." Also, States are passing laws throughout the country to protect animals from this cruel type of treatment. See this link for Cook County in Chicago: http://www.humanesociety.org/news/press_releases/2010/01/cook_county_tethering_bill_012910.html. Summary of Cook County Ordinances: "The ordinance also prohibits pinch, prong or choke collars and requires that the tether be attached to the dog by a properly fitting collar." If you love your dog...do not use Dog Training Elite. They use barbaric, adversive, unkind and inhumane forms of treatment to train your pet. Please know that they also never refunded me my money and it did not matter. I would never use their method of training on my dog. Also, the owner brought his teenage sons to train. They stepped on the dogs foot. They did not know what they were doing. And They charged $300.00 for the class and it was a huge waste of money. I have done other training classes in the past and would NEVER use dog training Elite. I would have given them a zero but that is not an option. RUN from Dog Training Elite if you love your pet. And if you do not love your pet, find them a new home. read more

We had the pleasure of seeing John and his team from Dog Training Elite at the Salt Lake Home Show in October 2013 and again in January 2014. What their dogs could do was nothing short of amazing. At the time, our family didn't have a dog but I picked up one of their flyers anyway. Fast forward a few months and we were on the wait list for a Sheepadoodle. It would be another 6 months before our name came up not he wait-list. When we found out we would be in the next litter, I was emailing Kelly in (who does the scheduling) to see when would be appropriate to have them come for an evaluation. Our puppy's first visitor was John the week he came home. John came out to our home and talked a little about his company, gave my teenager a demo with one of his dogs (which my teen has declared "the coolest thing ever") and then talked with us what we wanted out of training and what things that we were hoping to accomplish from training. Our puppy is now 16-weeks-old and has had one-on-one training with either John or Aidan almost every week that we have had him. We have been able to discuss with them issues that we may be having (normal puppy issues such as nipping, jumping, potty training, etc.) and getting advice on how to deal with the issues. Additionally, we have a set of commands that our dog is familiar with and responds to. I never felt like a question was a stupid question and was very reassured when they would ask if they had answered all of them. We are getting to the point where our puppy can progress to the group park class and we are all excited for that. He has learned sit, come, off, place and heel and we are working on mastering them. I like knowing that when we do go out in public, my dog will be one that stays with me and listens to me. This will keep him and everyone around him safe. I tell everyone I know about Dog Training Elite--I believe in them and their product that much! They are extremely knowledgeable in dog matters. We have learned so much and have a very well behaved puppy and it will only get better! I am so glad that took the time to watch their presentation, even though I didn't even have a dog! The financial investment is worth the peace of mind that I get knowing that I am doing everything I can to make sure that our puppy is well-mannered and safe, especially around young kids or in public. read more

My dog Aja and I have been together for over 10 years. She was a stray and I adopted her from a shelter when she was about 1 year old. Things got off to a pretty good start and although Aja has always been very sweet and friendly with me, she was a different dog around strangers. I couldn't have friends over because she was so aggressive and the whole experience was too upsetting for everyone, including Aja. She showed the same aggression towards other dogs, which made walks stressful. And she loved to bark at the neighbor's dog. I tried everything I knew to improve the situation, but without success. This included private lessons with a trainer that was all about constant rewards and A LOT of treats. That was fine, as long as there were treats around; but when the treats disappeared, well... About 6 months ago a friend introduced me to Aidan at Dog Training Elite. I was a little skeptical having already had a less than satisfying experience with a professional dog trainer, but decided that I had nothing to lose and should give it a try. I had reservations about using a shock collar, which is the method employed by Dog Training Elite; but once Aidan explained how to use the collar appropriately all my reservations were gone. It's not used as a punishment, as I had always thought, but rather as a way of getting your dog's attention and keeping them focus on what you want them to do. I learned from Aiden that Aja's "aggression" was a manifestation of her anxiety and lack of confidence. By following his example I also learned to be calm and patient while working with Aja. Well, after 6 months of working with Aidan I have a new dog. Our walks together have gone from 30 minutes of stress to 60 minutes of relaxing, satisfying fun! And I can have friends over without all the craziness. She is relaxed, confident and a much happier dog overall. She still likes to bark at the neighbor's dog occasionally, but now she stops as soon as I tell her to. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite to any dog owner in need of training advice and assistance!! read more

We have an energetic, head-strong, intelligent Border Collie named Niki. We had been trying to obedience train her since she was 8 weeks old. She knew all of the commands but would obey them at her leisure. She knew what the rules of the house were, but again, would only obey them if she felt like it. Eventually we decided we needed help. Aidan from Dog Training Elite came and did an in-home consultation for us. He meet Niki and assured us that she could learn to be obedient. He demonstrated the results we should expect by showing us how obedient his own dog Arrow was. We were really impressed by Arrow. He recalled immediately, heeled off leash, would sit and stay even when a toy was thrown. He even had a place command where Aidan would point to a "place" and Arrow would go and wait there until further notice. Aidan claimed Niki would be doing the same in 5-6 weeks. We didn't believe him--but if Niki could be even half as obedient as Arrow we would be happy. We purchased the Gold Package. We just had our last in-home training session with Aidan and Niki can do everything that Arrow did that first visit. This service has exceeded our expectations 100 fold. Niki is the perfect companion. She is pleasant around the house and accompanies us hiking and camping. She is almost always off leash as we hike and camp, even around other dogs, and she is perfectly obedient. Niki is happier as well now that she knows her boundaries and can accompany us as a partner on our adventures. We were initially concerned about the price but, looking back, we consider the investment well worth it--and we haven't even started our park classes yet. I would highly recommend Dog Training Elite. read more

My daughter and I had aggression issues with her 5 year old rescue dog and a dog I rescued off the streets,somewhere around 1 year old. Serious issues, fights that escalated to severe biting, both me and one of the dogs. After trying several internet training techniques to no avail,we contacted DTE after recommendations from a friend. We met with Aidan, signed that day for the package that worked on aggression as well as general behavior commands and have been pleased ever since! This has been the best experience for us and our dogs, Do not wait another second if you have issues! Aidan was fantastic at explaining the program, working with us and emphasizing that the long term training is up to the handler. They are professional, patient and Aidan went out of his way to work with us and be certain that we are comfortable with them together. Both dogs now play well together and respect each other boundaries as well as obey the commands. They are the best behaved dogs as well around other dogs. The process is not easy and it takes a commitment on your part as well, but the end result is well worth the price and commitment. Do your self a favor and make the call today!! read more

When I showed up at home with a puppy dog I picked up from the gas station, my wife wasn't pleased with me. After I agreed to have the dog trained, my wife agreed that we could keep the dog. Then my dog and I began the journey through two different dog classes and a trainer. (I should have been more critical of the individual that tried to pass himself of as a dog trainer while he was in between restocking shelves at one of the major pet stores.) I first saw a demonstration from dog training elite at the home and garden show in salt lake. After John came and evaluated my dog and gave a demonstration, I signed up quickly. John delivered on everything he told me we could teach me to teach my dog to do. This includes having the dog get me a beer from the fridge (I kid you not!), pick up pine cones from the yard and put them in a bucket, bring me the newspaper from the front porch, and bark when she wanted to go outside. This was done in addition to all the things that a regular trainer may teach, i.e. sit, down, stay, etc. I would recommend this company to anyone who wants the very best training for themselves and their dog. read more

If you were like me, you might still be deciding if you should really do this for your dog. I will tell you this, don't wait a minute longer. It took me two years to finally take the plunge and now all I keep saying is, "Why on earth didn't I do this sooner?!". My entire family is truly amazed at the IMMEDIATE and incredible difference in our pooch. Here's an example: Our dog loves, loves, loves to chase chipmunks. If the slider was barely cracked, she would bolt to chase one (and then go for a little romp). After one session, she got out, started to bolt, but I used the command and (honestly) was floored when she came right back to me. As the owners, we really have been diligent in doing everything John taught us and it has worked wonders. We tried and tried treat training, but at the end of the day, she still chose the deer over the "jackpot treat". Dog Training Elite is patient and fully explains what, why and how they are training. Under John and his team, my family feels more knowledgeable and confident about our dog and we're ALL happier for it. read more

A year and half ago we adopted a Sheltie/Minni Aussie mix named Foster. Foster is extremely high energy was working his way to putting my wife in a mad house. We made the decision to call Dog Training Elite and it's been the best decision that we've made. Foster was aggressive while on his leash and even worse somewhat aggressive towards children. We refused to have this and the team at DTE have been working hard with us to ensure this won't be the case moving forward. Now when we have company we can easily put him on place and he will relax and settle down until we tell him to break at which time he is much more calm which allows people to enjoy him much more. I could go on and on about he his a better dog by 1000 times from when we started less than 5 months ago. I would recommend Dog Training Elite to anyone that is having issues or feeling frustrated with their dog. The answer is not to give it up or sell it, Dog Training Elite will change your dog and your household. read more

I knew I needed professional dog training when I was the only person who loved my dog and everybody else hated him. He was extremely hyper and was always jumping up on my guests, he would pull my down the sidewalk on a leash, he would bolt out the front door when it was opened. My only option before training was to lock him up when my guests came over, but when I did that, he wouldn't stop barking. After doing a little research, I believe I found the best dog trainer in Utah. I saw his dogs first hand, and what they were able to do, and I also saw what his clients dogs could do and I was sold. I wanted my dog to be able to do what his dogs do, and now he can. I do believe that Dog Training Elite is the best there is in Utah. After I started training I saw results immediately with my dog. No more jumping up on my guests, no more pulling me down the sidewalk, no more bolting out the front door and running away. He is the perfect family pet and now everybody loves him. read more

Hired this company to train our three little chihuahuas, In obedience. Our dogs are extremely well behaved now. And our lives have been made way easier having fully trained dogs. The thing we love about this company is that they train you to train your dog. When your the one training your own dog they respect you more as the leader. My four kids have been learning to also train our dogs they are also respected by them. We have since the gotten a big dog. A Belgium Malinois. Dog Training Elite is also helping us to learn how to train him too. He is learning obedience as well as retrieval and home protection. All four of our dogs are very obedient and respectful to everyone in my family. We have all loved Dog Training Elite's service and have loved having dogs that are so well behaved. We defiantly recommend Dog Training Elite to anyone who needs help with their dog/dogs. read more

I own a very nervous protective adopted dog. We had been through several group training classes, and individual personal trainers before finding Dog Training Elite. Since we adopted our dog after she was a couple years old, she was set in her ways. However, Dog Training Elite has helped obtain control of our dog. The trainers are friendly, and great to work with. After having some individual dog training classes at our home, we started attending group training classes. This made me nervous, because our dog was dog aggressive. We've since worked through these issues, and I feel so much better about being able to take my dog with me when we go places. read more

After meeting with John I knew that he and his team where the ones to help me with my 6 yr old German Shepherd. They're technics are for training and conditioning me first then translate that to my dog. We have tried other avenues of training and I have failed her as well as the other "trainers" telling me she would never be a service dog. After our very first session I knew all the people in our past were dead wrong she will be service trained thanks to John and his amazing team. My greatest regret with my dog is I didn't have there guidance and expertise sooner!! read more

The folks at Dog Training Elite are, in a word, awesome! After only two sessions my black Russian terrier sits and heels like a pro. The problems I was having were as much mine as they were my dog's. The trainers showed me the correct way to let her know what I wanted her to do and we've been sailing right along ever since. I can hardly wait for our next session! read more

My service animal was trained by Dog Training Elite and I could not be happier! He is not only much better behaved in public, but he now knows and LOVES his job. To be able to confidently take him everywhere with me has been wonderful. The Dog Training Elite team is with you every step of the way and made sure that I was a part of each step. read more

Twice now Dog Training Elite has helped me with training my service dogs. I have know and thought highly of the Dog Training Elite team for 8 almost 9 years. Right now they are helping me with a skittish dog and they are great! Thanks Dog Training Elite for years of support with my service dogs and pets. read more