Dog Training Elite Suncoast Facility

So it turns out you can teach old dogs new tricks! We have an 11-year-old and a 5-year-old dog with some listening and behavioral issues that my husband and I admittedly let go unchecked for too long. Recently, we decided to get help—and I’m so glad we did. From the very beginning, it was clear this team is passionate and truly loves what they do. Finding a training team we felt comfortable with was really important to me. I was specifically looking for trainers who offer in-home assessments before asking for payment, because I wanted realistic expectations about what our dogs actually needed. Aaron spent hours with us, providing incredible information, honest guidance, and practical ideas tailored to our dogs. At no point did I feel pressured into anything unnecessary— we left the conversation feeling confident, informed, and completely at ease. The pricing was also very reasonable compared to similar training facilities in the area, especially considering everything that’s included. In just two weeks, we’ve already seen an amazing transformation in both dogs. They can still be stubborn at times, but we’ve been given the tools to better manage and support them—and we’re learning just as much as they are. All of the trainers have been fantastic. My dog Trudy is usually very shy and slow to warm up to new people, but by week two she was giving kisses and excited to show up each day. That alone was incredible to see. The detailed training videos we receive are also extremely helpful and thorough. We’re really looking forward to continuing with our in-home and group sessions. This is an amazing place filled with people who genuinely care. Both of our dogs love it here, and I recommend them to anyone who will listen. I’ll absolutely be bringing any future puppies here—it’s 100% worth it. Honestly, the only thing I wish is that we had started sooner. Thank you to the entire team—we truly appreciate you!

I had a wonderful experience with Dog Training Elite. They are a family-run business, and you can truly feel how much they care about each dog that comes through their doors. The trainers are patient, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in the dogs’ well-being, not just quick results. Our dog was treated with kindness and respect, and the progress we saw was impressive. It’s clear this isn’t just a job for them — it’s a passion. Highly recommend to anyone looking for thoughtful, caring, and effective dog training

This review is on the long side because I wanted to share my experience searching for a dog trainer and those specific qualities, I found at Dog Training Elite Suncoast that made this program a good fit for me and my dog, Riley. I hope you find it helpful. I had been researching and visiting different dog training facilities in the Tampa Bay area as my German Shepherd, Riley, was very aggressive towards small dogs. In the past I had hired a professional dog trainer who came to my house and worked with Riley on this and I but there was no change in his behavior. Then my worst nightmare happened. Riley bolted out of the house and injured a neighbor’s little chihuahua. Fortunately, the chihuahua survived the attack but I knew I had to get Riley under control. I researched many area dog trainers and was almost ready to go with a 4-week board and train program when I came across Dog Training Elite (DTE) in Clearwater. It was right before Thanksgiving when I called for a free evaluation. The receptionist told me the days they would be closed for the holiday. When she asked me when I wanted to come, my response was “right now”. She made that happen and I was at their facility within the hour. I was met by Ryan, one of the owners/trainers of DTE. After I gave him Riley’s history, he took the leash and did several things with him. I noticed how comfortable Ryan was handling my 95 lb. German Shepherd right from the start. Then he explained what Riley’s behavior stemmed from and how it could be resolved. What he said made sense to me. At one point Ryan brought his own dog to interact with Riley. I noted how well his dog was followed Ryan’s instructions and how calmly Ryan instructed him what to do. This was the exact type of relationship I wanted to have with Riley. After car4eful consideration I signed up for a two-week in-facility Day Camp Training program. This also included 3 home visits, unlimited group classes for the life of the dog, an e-collar and a leash. The cost was around $3,000. I thought to myself that it seemed like a lot of money but if I could get Riley’s prey drive under control and me in better control of him it would be worth it. Riley has now completed the two-week program as well as his first group session and I could not be more satisfied. The change is unbelievable. Where I used to have to be on “high alert” when someone came to my front door, I can now tell Riley to “place” on his cot and he stays there as I open the door to let the person in. No more trying to bolt out the door. Just waits patiently until I say “Break.” Riley and I go through the different commands each day and he just gets better and better. I attribute this success to several things but the most obvious is the trainer. Kim, the head trainer and co-owner of DTE, is an excellent trainer and got Riley do things that I never expected, such as basic scent training, sitting up on a stand and running through one of those long tunnels, all in addition to basic obedience training. She was always willing to take the time to listen to my questions/concerns and guide me into being a better owner/trainer. One of the most beneficial services for me personally was the fact that videos are made of some of Riley’s training sessions and sent to me by the end of the day. This level of transparency is excellent in itself but it also allowed me to watch the trainer and the training and refer back to it to ensure I was doing it correctly as Riley and I worked at home. This made a huge difference for me and, of course, for Riley. I’m sure I will do advanced training with Riley as he loves to work and learn new things. The one thing I won’t have to do again is search for a dog trainer. Maureen

Total professionals, friendly and effective. They went out of their way for me and my dog, even picked up my dog and dropped him off ! This is the way to go. They are family run and very knowledgeable. Don't look any further. Thank you to all that trained my German Shepherd into being a service dog. It was worth every penny.

Ryan, Kim, Aaron, Alyssa are all wonderful people with such a passion for dog training that it pours out of them with every visit & session. They are not only amazing with the dogs & their training but more than willing to provide extra help, answer questions or just chat with you about dog life in general 😊 Bethany who works the front desk is super sweet & knowledgeable as well. She answered all my questions thoroughly & with kindness when I called to inquire about what service dog training entails & what type of dog I should be looking for. I think we shocked everyone when 48 hours after my initial phone call to feel it out, I was calling back to say “surprise! A poodle just dropped into my lap yesterday!” 🤣 Oak, my poodle, started immediately with at-home obedience training then progressed onto his 2 weeks of service dog boot camp. With the help of the trainers, he has absolutely exceeded any & all expectations I had! Upon finishing the 2 weeks of training, this week he has been out with us to 2 restaurants, stores & appointments this week. He has done an AMAZING job & has had no issues while we have been out. I cannot believe what they were able to achieve in just 2 weeks! Even before Oak started camp & after the in-home sessions started, everyone who saw us on walks were amazed at how well behaved he was for such a young pup (4 months old at the time, just turned 5 months old now). I definitely attribute it to what the trainers taught us. Oak still has Saturday training group training sessions left, one week of camp later on when he’s a little older, has to complete his task training that they’ve already been able to start laying ground work for & to pass his public access test before he’s fully a service dog but we are so excited about how far he’s come already in such a short period of time. It truly is absolutely mind blowing! Enjoy this picture of Oak during his camp, where they got him to do advance place on top of a fire hydrant because they knew he could do it, wanted to challenge him, knew he loves agility & being challenged & wanted to help grow his confidence 💕