Our Values at
The founders of have been successfully training dogs, providing support to dog owners and working closely with charity organizations for over 40 years. Our passion for dogs and service has driven us to create an innovative training method that sets us apart and elevates our trainers to a higher standard of training. We have worked to build a team of trustworthy local dog trainers that reflect our values and possess the necessary skill and qualities that strengthen our mission and advance our unique training model.
We provide comprehensive, generous support to our clients and balanced, sustainable dog training in Chicago to every dog we work with. We genuinely love what they do and aim to build a community for our clients that love their dogs just as much as we do. Once you begin the training process with us, you become a part of the Dog Training Elite family.
Our values are reflected in the work we do with The Malinois Foundation to provide service animals for those in need. We strongly believe in the healing power and helping benefits a service dog has for those with mental or physical disabilities/ disorders as well as the elevated love and joy that the companionship of a dog can bring into the lives of individuals and families in general.
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FREE In-Home Evaluation
from Dog Training Elite!
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Empowering Owners
We work with dogs of any breed, size or age - and we empower owners with lifelong skills to continue successes.
- Leash & potty training
- Staying & coming
- Destructive chewing & digging
- Stealing food, clothing, or other objects
- Barking, howling & whining
- Food guarding & begging
- Mouthing, nipping & playing rough
- Anxiety & submissive urination
- Jumping up & hyperactivity
- Aggression & anxiety
Not all training packages may be available at our location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation
At , we believe that Service Dogs save lives. It is our mission to make these life-saving companions available to our Veterans, First Responders, Women Survivors, and Children with Medical Needs. Whether it be for PTSD, Mobility Support, or Special Needs, work's with the Malinois Foundation to heal and empower these individuals with a specialized service animal, a partner in life, and a new best friend.





Award Winning Dog Training Services in the Chicago Metro Area
Welcome to ! We are a professional, family owned Chicago-based 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 Chicago dog training programs are certain to meet all of your training needs. Unlike a lot of other dog training companies, we understand that each client has different needs, so we tailor our dog training programs to accommodate your unique situation. also trains service animals and dogs ready to volunteer in the community as therapy dogs and companions to those with special needs.
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Our Balanced Theory
We base our training around the "Classical Conditioning" model (a.k.a. "Pavlovian" or "respondent conditioning"). This includes developing conditioned or automatic reflexes to commands. In its simplest form (after proper conditioning), when the owner says "sit," the dog automatically sits without thinking about it. Our unique techniques ensure our program is a success no matter what behavior we encounter.
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Empowering Owners
We empower Owners to train so their dog knows who to obey at all times. -
Personalized
We deal with problem behaviors on a personal basis. -
Environment Specific
We train wherever issues tend to arise (i.e. jogging, park, home).
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Supportive
We support Owners in the off-hours (when training is "not in session"). -
Involved
We work with all members of the household. -
Simplified & Customized
We plan training around the owner's schedule and require only 20 min/day follow-up practice.
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Continued Training
Additional programs / group sessions offered after in-home training. -
Lifetime Investment
We follow up & are invested in the owner's success long-term. -
Satisfaction Ratings
Our high client satisfaction rating sets us apart from competitors.
clas·si·cal con·di·tion·ing
PSYCHOLOGY
noun
A learning process that occurs when two stimuli are repeatedly paired; a response that is at first elicited by the second stimulus and is eventually elicited by the first stimulus alone.
Meet Our Team

Why ?
Lifetime Investment
We follow up & are invested in the owner's success long-term.
Value Priced
We pride ourselves on being able to offer our professional services at prices that are budget friendly.
Local Trainers
All of our local dog trainers are trustworthy, willing to be there for our clients and love what they do.
Simplified & Customized
We plan training around the owner's schedule and require only 15 min/day follow-up practice.
We help your dog become a valued companion and beloved member of the family. Read what our customers have to say and then give us a call!
Karen is a supportive and patient trainer. We adopted our dog when she was 3, which means 3 years of anxiety to work through. Before working with Karen and DTE, walks were stressful because our dog would react aggressively to any other person out. Now we can enjoy our time out together, keeping her focus on me and not all the other distractions. Thank you, Karen & DTE.— Gini Griffin
Posted May 19th 2023
Jeff did a wonderful job getting my 3 year old Siberian Husky, Che, certified to become an official service animal. It was very challenging to get Che to listen at first, given how stubborn Huskies are as a breed, but with persistence, practice, and some great one-on-one sessions, we were able to get Che over some large hurdles. Che is super obedient now compared to how he used to be, well-behaved off leash, and has successfully traveled on a plane! I never thought we could get here with Che's training and I am very grateful to Jeff and his guidance.— Juliana Siward
Posted May 16th 2023
Our experience with Elite has been wonderful. Our 10 month old Cavapoo has been learning so much and continues to learn. It has been nothing but enjoyable with my puppy Frisco. He is doing amazing and I'm so proud of him. I appreciate everything Tim has done. Thank you so much!!!!!— Catrina Monroe
Posted April 10th 2023
I have been working with Katie & Tim at Elite Dog Training for a couple months now and I have seen a tremendous difference with my dogs behavior. They are very personable, the training is easy for me to continue on my own at home, and very effective. I can’t wait to see how much further along me and my pup can go.—
Posted April 9th 2023
I am endlessly thankful that I chose Dog Training Elite for Maiseys training. Katie and Tim are kind, patient, and incredibly knowledgeable. They listened to my concerns and tailored their approach to suit my anxious dog. If you are looking for basic training for a puppy or even extended training for an older dog like mine, I cannot recommend them enough.— Alyssa Stanczak
Posted April 4th 2023
Great trainers who go above and beyond to make sure you have a great experience and a well trained dog. They strive to be the last trainer you ever need and have lived up fully to that mantra.— Justin Laskowski
Posted April 4th 2023
Absolutely incredible at helping with training my dog into a service dog. They helped me understand everything clearly and recommended the best way to train my 11 month old puppy and see the best results possible I am extremely happy with working with them. Karen, Laura and Jeff have been amazing and understanding of my physical limits.— charisse graham
Posted March 23rd 2023
I teach first graders at GEMS World Academy Chicago. We do a six week unit of inquiry into accessibility. Jeff, Lara and their dog Max came into our classroom. Jeff and Lara are incredibly knowledgable and were great with the kids. They answered all of their questions about service dogs and more. We were very impressed with all three of them. I would feel very comfortable and lucky to have Jeff or Lara come into my home to train a dog for me personally or for a friend requiring ta service dog.— Kirsten Richards
Posted March 6th 2023
Katie and Tim have done an amazing job helping me with the transition to adding a service animal to my family, the continued obedience training and the service training! The group classes have been a great asset to the training structure as they provide training in a distracted environment...it has really helped Scout (and myself) learn to focus on each other and not outside activity. In addition, Katie and Tim have been very helpful each time I had a question or felt like I needed a modification that was specific to my family. I would highly recommend Dog Training Elite-Western Chicago!— Nadine Stanley
Posted January 10th 2023
Katie and Matt are helping my highly energetic, rambunctious puppy learn manners and the foundations of being a service dog. I've seen drastic changes over the past 3 months. I can now confidently bring my puppy to dog-friendly facilities without worrying that he will cause a scene or be disruptive. Thanks Katie and Matt!— S. Carter
Posted January 9th 2023
We are so happy with the training and support we received from Tim and Katie! The one-on-one in-home support was great and they are so responsive. The group classes are great for practicing and enhancing the skills taught. Our dog was so reliant on treats the he would steal and guard an item (growl and snap) just to get a treat. It was a seemingly never ending cycle. While we never thought we’d be open to a e-collar, the stimulation is really very low and effective. The first days were rough, trying to get our dog used to the collar and new commands. He was stubborn and very reserved during that time, but with some continued work he got used to the training and continues to respond well even when we have to take the collar off. Tim and Katie also include additional basic training for our 5 year old dog that he did not receive during his puppy training classes from another company. We use his new training all the time now. The implied stay is something we never knew was even possible! (Just have to remember to use the release word!) We couldn’t be happier with the outcome of the training especially with young children in the house! Thank you, Tim and Katie!— Kate Blackburn
Posted December 9th 2022
We are so happy with the training and support we received from Tim and Katie! The one-on-one in-home support was great and they are so responsive. The group classes are great for practicing and enhancing the skills taught. Our dog was so reliant on treats the he would steal and guard an item (growl and snap) just to get a treat. It was a seemingly never ending cycle. While we never thought we’d be open to a e-collar, the stimulation is really very low and effective. The first days were rough, trying to get our dog used to the collar and new commands. He was stubborn and very reserved during that time, but with some continued work he got used to the training and continues to respond well even when we have to take the collar off. Tim and Katie also include additional basic training for our 5 year old dog that he did not receive during his puppy training classes from another company. We use his new training all the time now. The implied stay is something we never knew was even possible! (Just have to remember to use the release word!) We couldn’t be happier with the outcome of the training especially with young children in the house! Thank you, Tim and Katie!—
Posted December 9th 2022
Jeff and his team are fabulous. He is patient and kind. He was an incredible part of training my puppy. So happy I chose Dog Training Elite— Michele Kehrer
Posted December 2nd 2022
Katie was awesome. She is extremely knowledgeable and decoded our dog. She still growls a little bit but she is 1000 times better. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite— Cheryl A. Hagedorn
Posted November 28th 2022
Katie is such a wonderful trainer! She is helping me train my puppy to be a service dog and he has already learned so much in the few weeks I have been attending training! I am excited to continue training with her and would highly recommend this company even if you are just looking to teach your dog obedience and patience.— Powder Marie Antkiewicz
Posted November 28th 2022
Jeff did a wonderful job teaching us how to train Louie. He was responsive with questions and I feel very comfortable that as my puppy grows, I’ll have a well behaved dog thanks to his guidance and direction!! Thank you!!— Shanna
Posted November 11th 2022
Although I have loved & wanted a dog for decades, it wasn't until August that I actually had one of my own. I wanted the experience to be all that I envisioned and Katie has helped make that possible. In addition to the training, she is supportive & shares insights about my Britta's behavior and overall knowledge of dogs and especially puppies. It is so reassuring knowing that I have that support! I would highly recommend! We are still on our journey and I'm confident that with my training as well as Britta's we will have great adventures together!—
Posted November 3rd 2022
Katie and Matt have been fabulous. I thought I did not need a trainer but realized I did if I wanted to have our new Weimaraner pup advanced in his obedience instead of waiting 5 years for him to mellow out. After just four one-on-ones, I am confident of having him well-behaved at home and in public. He recently showed how excellent his training was during a block party. Screaming kids and food all around, and he stayed on his place cot. I interviewed a lot of trainers, but none were are credible as Katie. She is honest and engaging with owners and gentle yet firm with pups. She knew how to engage Oliver, and he never seemed stressed. If you are uncertain about what trainers to engage, look no further. The one-on-one classes are tremendous and outdoor group classes extremely effective in reinforcing the training. I could not be happier. I know people who are training their dog for the fourth time. The reasons are clear. They did not have the essentials in the mix. You need two things 1) a great trainer and 2) regular reinforcement. Katie and Matt are committed to being the only trainer I will ever need. I believe it!— D J
Posted September 25th 2022
Highly recommend calling Katie and Tim if you are struggling training your dog. Their techniques will absolutely get the job done.— David Webb
Posted September 23rd 2022
Tim and Katie are awesome dog trainers! They are kind , patient and knowledgeable. They are skilled at teaching customers how to train their dogs.— Danielle Sanderson
Posted September 23rd 2022