We are a professional, family-owned dog training company with over 40 years of experience that specializes in strengthening the bond between your dog and your family, with a strong emphasis on teaching your dog the highest level of obedience, despite even the toughest level of distractions. Our unique in-home dog training model is designed to teach owners how to train their dog alongside a professional dog trainer in their home environment as well as in small group settings. We strongly believe that the key to sustained obedience is to empower owners to be an integral part of the training experience. Once you begin the training process with us, you become a part of the DTE family. Contact us for a free in-home evaluation.
Training & services
Training goals
Behavior consultation
Canine Good Citizen preparation
Obedience training
Puppy training
Behavior support
Aggression training
Counter surfing
Reactivity training
How training happens
Group classes
In-home training
Private training
Dog age
Adult dogs
Puppies
Class options
Small classes
Support between sessions
Personalized training plans
Assistance and working dogs
Medical-alert and mobility assistance
Psychiatric service dog training
Service dog training
Therapy dog training
Additional services
Dog walking
Consultations
Free consultation
Other listed services
View 24 additional details
A K C Testing
Animals And Dogs
Anxious Dogs
Autism Support
Award Winning Dog Training
Customized Training
Distraction Training
Dog Medical
Dog Park
Dog Testing
Dog Whisperer
Facility Training Dog
Free Assessment
Group Sessions
In-Home Assessment
Kennel Training
Military / Retired Vet Programs
Military / retired vet training
Off leash dog training
Potty Break
Ptsd Service
Specialty Training
Support Dog
Teaching Your Dog
Confirm current programs and availability directly.
Questions & answers
From Google
What people have asked about this business.
What if my dog refuses to pay attention to me?
Many dogs struggle to focus, especially in busy areas a winery, market days, or our more crowded Texas State parks. At Dog Training Elite Hill Country, our trainers use positive reinforcement to build attention and communication. Our clients say it best:
“These guys are incredible, super sweet but firm. They really do care and take the time to answer your questions. They are straight to the point and don’t sugar coat anything. I would recommend this company to everyone - total life changers.”
“I did a Google search for in-home dog training and found Gray and Denise with Dog Training Elite Hill Country. I am so thankful and grateful I did! They are available via text with any questions you may have and are very prompt responding. They really do care!”
With our community-based programs in Central Texas, your dog will learn to listen the first time, every time.
👉 Apply now: Schedule your free in-home evaluation today and see why families in Georgetown, San Marcos, and Kerrville trust DTE Hill Country for real results.
Community answer · Dog Training Elite Hill Country · 2025-11-21
Why is in-person dog training better than online or on-demand programs?
Every dog communicates differently through body language, posture, and subtle behaviors. That’s why in-person training with Dog Training Elite Hill Country is so effective. Whether you are in Kerrville, Manor, or Lockhart, our in-person trainers can read your dog in real time and adjust immediately — something videos just can’t do. Training sessions happen right where you live, whether at home or in community parks like San Gabriel or Johnson Park.
👉 Ready to start? From basic obedience and leash manners to advanced service dog training, Dog Training Elite Hill Country provides professional in-home dog training that helps dogs in Central Texas become their best selves - right in your backyard. 🐾🏡
Community answer · Dog Training Elite Hill Country · 2025-10-21
Absolutely. Families across Hill Country trust us for everything from basic obedience and advanced off-leash skills to specialized service dog training. From basic obedience and leash manners to advanced service dog training, Dog Training Elite Hill Country provides professional in-home dog training that helps dogs in Central Texas become their best selves - starting in their own backyards.
Community answer · Dog Training Elite Hill Country · 2025-10-21
Will I (or my family) be involved with the training?
Yes! You—and any family members who want to participate—are an important part of your dog’s training journey. We ask families to practice 5–6 days a week for about 15–20 minutes a day, whether in your backyard, a local park or during hikes in the beautiful Hill Country. When the whole family is consistent with commands, expectations, and boundaries, your dog learns faster and retains skills—helping dogs reach their full potential.
Community answer · Dog Training Elite Hill Country · 2025-10-21
Does Dog Training Elite have a waitlist for service dog training in the Hill Country?
No. Unlike many organizations that require families to wait 1–5 years, Dog Training Elite Hill Country does not operate a waitlist. Our trainers like Gray work directly with families across Marble Falls, Georgetown, and Bastrop, offering immediate access to personalized service dog training.
Community answer · Dog Training Elite Hill Country · 2025-10-21
Puppies can begin basic training as early as 8 weeks old. Starting early is the best way to prevent problem behaviors and build a strong foundation. At this age, we introduce essential obedience skills, positive reinforcement techniques, and crate training to support structure and confidence. Our puppy training programs also include gentle behavior modification strategies for common issues like biting, jumping, and housebreaking. Whether you're in the Hill Country or a nearby area, our locally owned team is here to help your puppy grow into a well-mannered, happy companion.
Community answer · Dog Training Elite Hill Country · 2025-09-21
What types of service dog training do you offer in the Hill Country?
We specialize in service dog training for a wide range of needs, including PTSD support dogs, hearing (deaf) alert dogs, autism support dogs, and dementia assistance dogs. Every program is customized for real-world success in your home and community. If your specific need isn’t listed, reach out - our locally owned team may still be able to help.
Community answer · Dog Training Elite Hill Country · 2025-09-21
Yes! We help anxious dogs across Central Texas feel safe and confident using positive, confidence-building methods. From in-home sessions in Kerrville and Bastrop to gradual exposure by the Guadalupe River or Fisherman's Park, our approach is tailored to your dog’s comfort level—so they can enjoy life in Austin, Killeen, and surrounding areas.
Community answer · Dog Training Elite Hill Country · 2025-09-21
Can dog training help with fireworks anxiety during the Fourth of July?
Yes. Professional dog training can significantly reduce fireworks anxiety using desensitization techniques and structured obedience training. We gradually expose dogs to recorded firework sounds at low volumes while reinforcing calm behavior with rewards. Teaching commands like “place” and “stay” in a quiet, safe zone also builds a sense of security. Starting early gives your dog time to develop confidence before the noise begins. Our locally owned team offers personalized training in the Hill Country to help dogs stay calm and families feel at ease.
Community answer · Dog Training Elite Hill Country · 2025-09-21
How do I pick the right dog for PTSD service work?
The best PTSD service dogs are calm, confident, attentive, and eager to learn. While breed isn’t everything, we often recommend Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Standard Poodles due to their temperament and trainability. At Dog Training Elite Hill Country, we conduct temperament testing and offer professional guidance to help match individuals with dogs that meet the physical, emotional, and task-based demands of psychiatric service work. Whether you’re in Spring Branch, Hutto, or anywhere in Hill Country, our locally owned team is here to support your journey with personalized service dog training.
Community answer · Dog Training Elite Hill Country · 2025-09-21
Service dogs for PTSD are trained to perform specific tasks that interrupt anxiety, provide grounding during flashbacks, and create personal space in crowded environments. These dogs offer constant companionship and help regulate emotional responses by detecting early signs of stress. At Dog Training Elite in Hill Country, we specialize in psychiatric service dog training tailored to real-world situations - helping you regain confidence, independence, and peace of mind. We serve families throughout Hill Country - from Kerrville to Bastrop - with customized service dog training and ongoing support.
Community answer · Dog Training Elite Hill Country · 2025-09-21
We’re actively exploring opportunities to expand into diabetic alert dog training. While we don’t currently offer a full program, our team can help assess whether your dog may be a good candidate and begin foundational training—such as obedience, scent work, and public access skills. These are critical building blocks for future diabetic alert dog training. As a locally owned business, we’re committed to growing our services to meet the needs of families across the Hill Country. Reach out to learn more or get added to our interest list.
Community answer · Dog Training Elite Hill Country · 2025-09-21
Not at all. We train dogs of all ages throughout Hill Country, from young pups in Hutto to seniors in Kerrville. Training not only sharpens obedience—it also helps keep senior dogs active, engaged, and in shape. Our programs are customized to match your dog’s learning style, physical ability, and personality - whether we’re working in your backyard, a local hangout like Louise Hays Park, or favorite spots around the Highland Lakes and Fredericksburg.
Community answer · Dog Training Elite Hill Country · 2025-09-21
What’s the difference between a psychiatric service dog and an emotional support animal?
A psychiatric service dog (PSD) is trained to perform specific tasks that mitigate a diagnosed mental health disability, such as waking someone from night terrors or creating space in crowds. Emotional support animals (ESAs) provide comfort through their presence but do not have the same legal public access rights or task training. At Dog Training Elite Hill Country, we focus on task-based training for PSDs that empower our clients with PTSD and related conditions to navigate life with greater stability and security.
Community answer · Dog Training Elite Hill Country · 2025-09-21
What should I consider before getting a service dog for PTSD?
Service dogs are a long-term commitment that requires time, training, and lifestyle readiness. It’s important to evaluate your daily environment, your ability to engage in training, and your specific goals for support—like anxiety interruption, night terrors, or hypervigilance. Our Hill Country-based team at Dog Training Elite offers personalized consultations to help you determine if a psychiatric service dog is the right fit for your needs and recovery journey. Our locally owned team serves clients throughout Hill Country, including the Highland Lakes, the Texas Wine Country, the Lost Pine region, and surrounding communities.
Community answer · Dog Training Elite Hill Country · 2025-09-21
Most families in the Hill Country spend about 15–20 minutes a day practicing skills between weekly sessions. Our trainers work with you in Georgetown, Canyon Lake, Horseshoe Bay and beyond, giving you clear, simple exercises, so training becomes part of your everyday routine.
Community answer · Dog Training Elite Hill Country · 2025-09-21
5/5I cannot say enough good things about this business. They have truly been a God send from day one. Their level of compassion, and understanding, as well as knowledge of dog training is absolutely outstanding. They are and forever will be part of our family. I initially looked int…Read full reviewClose full review
I cannot say enough good things about this business. They have truly been a God send from day one. Their level of compassion, and understanding, as well as knowledge of dog training is absolutely outstanding. They are and forever will be part of our family. I initially looked into board and train, I met other trainers as well as an initial consultation with Denise and Gray. Unfamiliar with the Pros and cons of each in reguards to my needs with Princess, Denise had no hesitation to help me by answering all my questions from a professional stand point, and made everything make sense. Working with these two have been one of the most rewarding experiences for not only myself, but Princess too. I have complete confidence bringing Princess everywhere i go! I recommend this duo hands down 1000%.
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William Crist
5/5
Training with Gray is a great experience for us and Bailey. We are looking forward to the group training in the coming weeks. Dog
Training Elite Hill Country is a great outfit and I recommend they to anyone who is concerned about their Dog's behavior.
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Alina Ruse
5/5These guys are incredible, super sweet but firm. They really do care and take the time to answer your questions. They are straight to the point and don’t sugar coat anything. If it weren’t for my young German Shepherd’s training here I’d be in a very bad situation and having to g…Read full reviewClose full review
These guys are incredible, super sweet but firm. They really do care and take the time to answer your questions. They are straight to the point and don’t sugar coat anything. If it weren’t for my young German Shepherd’s training here I’d be in a very bad situation and having to give up a dog I love. About 6 months ago I moved into an apartment with my small child and still going strong! There were a few hiccups getting the dog adjusted to a completely different living situation and our trainer was easy to get a hold of and issues were fixed on the spot! I would recommend this company to everyone total life changers.
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rebecca price
5/5
I love Gray's patience and knowledge of my dog breed. His type of training allowed us to work through some issues. Thank you agray.
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Douglas Tenny
5/5We are so glad that we chose Dog Training Elite Hill Country to help us train our young golden doodle. Gray really knows dog training. He is patient, understanding, and knowledgable. He is like the "dog whisperer". When someone can get your dog to do something in a minute th…Read full reviewClose full review
We are so glad that we chose Dog Training Elite Hill Country to help us train our young golden doodle. Gray really knows dog training. He is patient, understanding, and knowledgable. He is like the "dog whisperer". When someone can get your dog to do something in a minute that you have spent an hour on you know you have hired the right person. We knew that the training would include come, sit, down, heel, but for our dog "place" was an unexpected, much used benefit. Gray gave us a systematic approach that could be used to train and even re-train with. It was all done with sensitivity and kindness. Denise was very good at the communication side also. She made it easy and fast to get appointments and answer questions.
Original customer experiences from the collected Google data. Ratings without comments follow written reviews.