YOUR LOCAL EXPERTS
YOUR DOG’S BEST RESULTS
Proven training programs designed around your dog, your home, and your lifestyle.
Training Programs
A Well-Trained Dog Brings Out the Best in Life
Wouldn’t it be nice if your dog could explore the beautiful trails of Northern Utah with perfect off-leash manners? At Dog Training Elite Northern Utah, we use a balanced training approach that focuses on effective behavior modification to build a foundation of trust between you and your canine. Our experienced trainers are equipped to handle everything from puppy fundamentals and obedience training to specialized service dog programs. We also address challenging behaviors like reactivity and separation anxiety, giving you the tools to create a well-behaved and confident companion. Let us help you and your dog achieve a more rewarding and harmonious relationship.
Hear From Our Customers
Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite northern utah
Northern Utah’s Top-Rated Dog Trainers
Book an evaluation and see why local families choose Dog Training Elite northern utah to
unlock their dog’s potential.
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Northern Utah Graduates
Colleen T.
Owner & Trainer
Colleen grew up in Lansing, Michigan with parents who bred and co-owned Golden Retrievers with a professional trainer who specialized in field trial retrievers and obedience. She can’t remember a time when a retriever in training was not actively a part of her family. During her teens, Colleen got her first taste of training service puppies, when her family acted as a puppy raiser for, Coco, a Chocolate Lab who went on to pass training with Leader Dogs for the Blind and ended up with a recipient in Spain.
In addition to working with Golden’s, Colleen also grew up near a horse farm, where she taught riding lessons for a Hunter/Jumper Horse Show Barn. Her experience working with horses allowed her another view at the powerful connection animals large and small might have with humans.
Colleen moved to Utah after obtaining a degree in Environment Journalism at Michigan State University and worked in Customer Service Management in the Hospitality and Software Industries. While living in Park City, Utah after college, Colleen got back to her canine roots as a popular dog sitter for several families.
When Colleen met her husband, Dan, and moved to Salt Lake City years ago, the couple happened upon a puppy in Central Utah that excelled within the Dog Training Elite program. Initially, as Dog Training Elite clients, Colleen and Dan realized how special the Dog Training Elite program was and how much fun it would allow them to have with their dogs! Colleen and Dan loved the training so much, they would go on to become trainers for Dog Training Elite and volunteers for The Malinois Foundation, training and placing service dogs with those in need.
Colleen used her puppy experience as a youth to specialize in the developmental training for the over 14 puppies she’s had a hand in training over the last several years. She’s excited to help her clients find and train their perfect canine companion!
When Colleen isn’t training dogs, she is an avid outdoor enthusiast who loves skiing, hiking, biking and paddleboarding in Northern Utah with her dogs.
Dan H.
Owner & Trainer
Born and raised in Utah, Dan’s family always had multiple dogs that would accompany the family on trips to the mountains and deserts, including Lake Powell. As a teenager, Dan frequently visited his grandfather’s farm in South Jordan and developed a passion for working with animals.
After graduating from the University of Utah, Dan volunteered for Greyhound Pets of America, fostering and rehabilitating retired Greyhounds.
After meeting and training with Dog Training Elite Founder, John Mestas, in 2012, Dan found a true passion for training and helping clients and dogs alike! He now specializes in task-specific training for service dogs and specialized, advanced training for his clients.
Dan is an avid runner, skier and outdoor adventurer who in his spare time enjoy’s exploring new places with his dogs!
Trevor R.
TRAINER
Trevor discovered a love for animals at an early age. He went to Veterinarian School, but found that he had a real love for training specifically. So, he decided to enroll in Animal Behavioral College, and graduated and became a certified dog trainer.
Since then, he has donated his time to adoption clinics, training dogs with behavioral problems to help them get placed, and has donated his time to The Malinois Foundation, training service animals for people in need.
Trevor has become the lead trainer at Dog Training Elite and enjoys training dogs to very high levels and improving the relationship between our clients and their dogs.
Melanie H.
TRAINER
Born and raised in Utah, Melanie has grown up having quite a bit of animals in her household (Hamsters, gerbils, rabbits, fish, turtles, snakes, cats, and dogs). She loves all animals and in particular has a deep passion for dogs.
Melanie has worked at two different vet clinics taking care of the cats and dogs boarding and also managing a doggy daycare of 25+ dogs all together with just herself alone. This allowed her to learn the science of dog behavior over the full 15 years of experience dealing with all different breed types and sizes. While she worked with dogs every day, the kennel setting didn’t allow her to fully train and help dogs with their behavior. With all of her experience, she wanted to expand her love for dogs and joined the DTE Northern Utah team to fulfill a personal dream.
In her spare time, Melanie loves to be outdoors up in the mountains camping or hiking with her dogs all year round. She also loves art and likes to draw.
Obedience Training
Dog Training That Solves Everyday Problems
A dog should bring joy, not stress. Without structure, even the most loving pet can pull on the leash, jump on guests, or ignore commands. Our obedience training fixes these issues so your dog becomes the calm, reliable companion you always wanted.
Designed Around Your Lifestyle
We know every family is different. That’s why our programs include in-home sessions for personal coaching and group classes for real-world practice. From basic commands to advanced on- and off-leash training, we prepare your dog to listen at home, in the neighborhood, and out in public — no matter the distractions.
More Than Training — A Lasting Investment
The real cost of skipping training is safety. Investing in obedience now gives you a dog you can trust anywhere, anytime. Starting young sets puppies up for a lifetime of good behavior, while older dogs benefit too — breaking bad habits, building confidence, and staying active and healthier for years to come.
Obedience Training Programs Focus:
- Mastering Core Commands
- Improved Behavior at Home & in Public
- Proper Canine Socialization
- Leash Etiquette
- Human/Canine Trust & Teamwork
- Mental Stimulation
- Confidence Building
- Impulse Control
- Polished Public Manners
Life-Changing Support Through Service Dog Training
Service dogs are specially trained to perform tasks like interrupting, alerting, retrieving and assisting that support individuals with physical, medical, or emotional disabilities. At Dog Training Elite Northern Utah, our programs are built around your unique medical needs and lifestyle, ensuring both dog and handler are set up for long-term success:
● Personalized Dog Selection – Don’t have a dog yet? We’ll help you choose one with the right temperament and traits to fit your unique needs.
● Current Dog Evaluations – Already own a dog? We’ll evaluate whether they can meet the demands of service work.
● Time Matters – Our training produces fully prepared service dogs in 6–18 months, customized to the needs of each handler’s medical condition.
● No Wait List – Unlike other providers with multi-year delays, we can start your service dog training journey right away.
● Lifetime Support – We stand behind every service dog we train, providing ongoing support for the life of your dog.
Please note that not all Dog Training Elite locations are certified for every type of medical condition training; however, our nationwide network works closely together to ensure your local representative can help meet your specific needs.
Personalized Service Dog Training
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety & Depression
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Epilepsy & Seizure Disorders
- Diabetes
- Mobility Impairments
- Hearing Impairments
- Cardiac Conditions
- Migraine Response
- Allergy Detection
- Other Chronic Illnesses requiring daily support
Puppy Training
Puppy Training Foundations
Bringing home a new puppy should be joyful, not overwhelming. Yet many new owners quickly realize that without the right guidance, challenges like chewing, accidents, barking, and boundless energy can feel unmanageable. Too often, well-meaning families struggle, believing their puppy is “too difficult” or that they aren’t cut out for dog ownership.
At Dog Training Elite Northern Utah, we believe every puppy has the potential to thrive, and every owner deserves the confidence to enjoy the journey. Our Puppy Training Foundations program is designed to set you and your puppy up for lasting success. Through proven methods and hands-on coaching, we help you build a strong bond, foster trust, and establish the communication that will carry through your dog’s entire life.
This isn’t just training. It’s the first step toward the loyal, well-mannered companion you’ve always envisioned.
Puppy Obedience Training Focus:
- Consistent Potty Training
- Disciplined Leash Skills
- Dependable Recall & Name Response
- Secure Crate Confidence
Stop Problem Puppy Behaviors:
- Stop Nipping & Rough Play
- Stop Food Begging & Guarding
- Stop Excessive Barking & Whining
- Stop Destructive Chewing
- Stop Yard & Carpet Digging
- Stop Stealing Food & Belongings
Behavior Modification
Behavior Modification Training
Living with a dog that struggles with anxiety, aggression, or other serious behavior problems can be exhausting. Simple moments like welcoming house guests, taking a walk, or relaxing at home become stressful, unpredictable, and sometimes even unsafe. Many owners feel isolated, frustrated, or guilty, unsure if their dog can ever truly change.
At Dog Training Elite Northern Utah, we understand the weight of those challenges, and we know how to turn them around. Our Behavior Modification Program doesn’t just mask unwanted behaviors; it addresses the root causes. Through proven, balanced training methods, we help dogs replace fear, anxiety, and aggression with calm, confident responses.
Let us help you build the safe, trusting relationship you and your dog both deserve.
Behavior Modification Addresses:
- Calm & Quiet Communication (freedom from relentless barking)
- Safe, Predictable Interactions (no growling or snapping)
- Balanced Social Responses (dog and human reactivity addressed)
- Controlled Movement (no lunging at people or pets)
- Relaxed State of Mind (pacing and restlessness resolved)
- Emotional Stability (trembling and shaking replaced with confidence)
- Respectful Habits (destructive chewing eliminated)
- Gentle Engagement (nipping or biting corrected)
- Secure Boundaries (resource guarding removed)
Group Classes
Expert Group Training Classes
At Dog Training Elite Northern Utah, our group classes are included in most training programs, giving every dog the opportunity to practice and excel in a structured, real-world environment. These sessions provide the perfect balance of instruction, socialization, and exposure to everyday distractions that can’t be replicated at home.
Our trainers incorporate targeted exercises, interactive games, and agility challenges designed to sharpen obedience and build confidence. With professional guidance and the added benefit of working alongside other dogs and owners, your dog learns to stay focused and reliable in any setting.
Group training delivers lasting results by reinforcing obedience, strengthening the dog–owner bond, and preparing both of you for real-world success.
Please note: Classes are open to all dog breeds and sizes, but all dogs are required to be immunized.
Group Class Focus:
- Elevated Socialization Skills
- Command Mastery Amid Distractions
- Confidence Building (for you and your dog!)
- Strengthened Dog–Owner Partnership
- Reinforced Obedience
- Focused Trainer Guidance
What to expect?
- Interactive Games
- Intro to Agility
- Dynamic Real-World Exposure
Therapy Dog Training
What is a Therapy Dog?
Therapy dogs bring joy, comfort, and connection wherever they go—from calming children in schools, to easing travel stress at airports, to lifting spirits in senior living communities. At Dog Training Elite Northern Utah, our Therapy Dog Training program equips you and your dog with the confidence and skills to serve others and make a meaningful impact.
Together, you’ll create powerful moments of comfort, healing, and happiness for those who need it most.
Becoming a therapy dog team is more than training, it’s a chance to give back. With your dog by your side, you can volunteer in hospitals, schools, senior living communities, and beyond, spreading joy and making a difference in people’s lives every day.
Therapy Dog Program Focus:
- Mastering Core Commands
- Public Access Test and Certification
- Handler Confidence and Control
- Socialization Skills
- Real-World Readiness
Sample Volunteer Opportunities:
- Schools and Libraries
- Hospitals and Clinics
- Senior Living Communities
- Airports and Travel Hubs
- Rehabilitation and Therapy Centers
- Community Events















