Obedience training
Say goodbye to negotiating. Say hello to a dog who always listens to you. Even around the toughest distractions. Take your dog to any dog-friendly spot, stress-free.
WE HELP DOGS BECOME THEIR BEST SELVES
in Wilmington and surrounding areas
Elite dog training made easy
Step 1: Have your dog trained in the comfort of your home
Step 2: Learn the skills to keep your dog's good behavior for life
Step 3: Enjoy having a well-mannered dog who listens to you at all times
Service dog training
Transform your dog into a reliable companion you can take anywhere. Through specialized training, your dog can perform tasks unique to your needs, making life easier for you.
Puppy training
Welcoming a new puppy can be challenging. We make it easy. Start on the right foot and enjoy a happy, well-mannered pup for the rest of your life.
Therapy dog training
Does your dog brighten every room they are in? Get them certified as a therapy dog. Bring comfort and joy to those who need it most.
40+ years of experience at your service
Dog Training Elite has spent over 40 years perfecting the art of dog training.
We know you don't have time to spend months on training only to see so-so results. That's why we focus on delivering exceptional, lasting results, quickly.
We make training both enjoyable and effective, so you can confidently take your well-mannered dog anywhere.
From our Google reviews
See what clients are saying
“My family is proud to say that our pup was trained by Dog Training Elite! We 100% recommend these guys. I love that they come to your home and help train alongside you! Katy is an absolute dog whisperer and is quite amazing at what she does.”
Megan W
“What a wonderful experience we have had with our trainer Katy! She was patient, knowledgeable and extremely easy to work with. Our Emma, a one year old lab was having major jumping up and leash pulling issues. Katy taught us how to handle these issues and reinforce positive behavior. Emma is doing very well.”
Toni Schollenberger
“Katy was extremely knowledgeable and helped train Elliott, as well as, us. We had used another trainer with our other dog but did not learn as much as we have learned with Katy and Dog Training Elite. Thank you so much, Katy.”
Susie BurchMeet the team
Kati Chipps
Founder & Owner
Kati grew up training horses on Idaho's rodeo circuit, barrel racing and team roping, and turned that lifelong study of animal behavior toward dogs. She founded Dog Training Elite Wilmington with her husband Troy after they made coastal North Carolina their permanent home.
Troy Chipps
Founder
Troy is a Marine Corps veteran who served as a Military Dog Handler out of Jacksonville, NC, including an assignment with the Secret Service protecting President George H.W. Bush with explosive-detection dogs. After retiring from the Marines, he and Kati founded Dog Training Elite Wilmington to train dogs alongside the people they live with.
Katy
Lead Trainer
Katy started out as a kennel tech at a local boarding and daycare facility at seventeen, and today specializes in behavior modification, advanced obedience, and service and therapy dog training, along with running the weekly group classes. Her own rescue, Mochi, went from a fearful, reactive pup abandoned on a roadside to the confident dog he is today, so she knows firsthand what that road looks like for you and your dog.
Greg
Head of Client Relations
TBD
The Dog Training Elite guarantee
If you're not satisfied with your results, we'll work for free until you are
Things you may be wondering
What does the training process look like?
We come to you, your home, your yard or a nearby park. Most programs run one session a week with your trainer plus about 15 minutes of daily practice, across a handful of private sessions depending on your goals.
What should we expect from the training?
Reliable obedience that holds up in the real world: following commands, staying in position until released, and ignoring distractions. Programs are personalized to your dog and your goals, and you work with the same trainer throughout.
Whether it's puppy biting, leash pulling, reactivity, separation anxiety or simply not listening, we can help.
What is your training approach?
A balanced approach: clear rewards, clear boundaries, and the least pressure needed to change behavior. You train alongside us so the results hold long after we leave.
What is the difference between the service dog and the therapy dog program?
A service dog is trained to perform specific tasks for one person and can accompany them almost anywhere, including on flights. A therapy dog is a well-mannered, friendly dog certified to bring comfort to others in hospitals, schools and care facilities, and doesn't have the same access rights.
Can every dog be successful in your program?
Yes. Every dog can learn obedience regardless of age, breed or temperament. Some progress faster than others, and that's completely normal.
How much does the training cost?
It depends on your dog's behavior and your goals. Leave your details below and we'll call you with a training plan and pricing.