Elite Obedience Training

Programs include Puppy 101 (10–16 weeks), Intermediate Puppy (4–6 months), Basic Obedience (6+ months), Off-Leash Training, and Board and Train (2 or 4 weeks). Puppy 101 focuses on foundational skills and socialization. Intermediate Puppy builds on this with handler engagement, loose leash walking, and distraction control. Basic Obedience teaches reliable sit, stay, down, heel, and place commands, with options for group or private lessons. Off-Leash Training transfers obedience to off-leash reliability. Board and Train provides intensive, consistent training with owner handoff lessons. All programs include behavior modification for issues like reactivity, jumping, and fearfulness.

Pricing Summary

Private lessons: Intermediate Puppy (3 sessions) $275, Basic Obedience (6 sessions) $500, Off-Leash (3 sessions) $250. Group classes: Basic Obedience (7 weeks) $375. Board and train: 2-week and 4-week programs available with pricing by inquiry. Discounted packages offered for combining Intermediate Puppy with Basic Obedience/Off-Leash.

Elite Obedience Training is a dog training business based in Ankeny, IA, offering puppy foundation, basic obedience, off-leash training, and behavior modification services. They provide private lessons, group classes, and board-and-train programs tailored to individual dogs and their owners. The trainers—Mackenzie, Shanna, and Cynthia—are experienced competitors in Schutzhund (IGP), AKC Obedience, and Rally, bringing high-level expertise in working dog sports and behavior modification. Their unique advantage lies in combining competitive training techniques with practical, relationship-focused methods that help owners build confidence and communication with their dogs. They specialize in high-drive breeds like German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois but serve all dog types. Board-and-train clients receive personalized care, including diet maintenance, nail care, and ear taping, with thorough handoff lessons for owners. They also offer free initial consultations to assess needs before starting any program.

The business merged its two locations to operate solely in Ankeny, IA, but still accepts board-and-train clients from Kansas. They emphasize empowering owners through training, not just correcting behavior, and focus on creating lasting bonds between dogs and their families.

In addition to training, they offer educational blog content through Elite Obedience Essentials and maintain an active social media presence to support dog owners beyond sessions.

Accomplishments

Trainers have multiple IGP, AKC Obedience, Rally, and CGC titles. Draco earned 7 IGP3 titles and FH1 tracking; Envy earned IGP3; Bash and Banner earned BH-VT, CD, and CGC titles; Hera earned CD, PCD, RA, and all three CGC levels. Shanna and Banner placed 11th at 2018 Rally Nationals. Trainers compete nationally and have extensive competition experience in Schutzhund, AKC, and Rally.

How to Get Started!

Client engagement begins with a free initial evaluation/consultation to assess the dog’s needs and determine the best program. After the consultation, clients can book private lessons, group classes, or board-and-train programs based on availability and goals.