Reviews & Testimonials

Dog Training Elite in Chicago

Hear From Our Customers

Kevin Minard
Nov. 21, 2024 - google
Chicago DTE is amazing! My sessions with Jess have been great, and every lesson so far has been effectively tailored to my dog’s needs and abilities - way beyond your run of the mill standard program or curriculum.
Laura Simpler
Nov. 11, 2024 - google
Very accommodating, knowledgable, and comforting. Our dog is going great!!
Jessica guerino
Nov. 7, 2024 - google
Pauline and Grace have been amazing. I got a cane corso mixed puppy a few months back and she has been the best girl to the training program. These girls have been loving and patient with my dog and it’s definitely paid off. She is starting to learn confidence and I even got her to place on a pot without having to ask multiple times. Thanks ladies! Lily loves you both & thanks you guys for everything!!!
Bunni “Alexis” Redscale
Oct. 18, 2024 - google
DTE has been an integral part of my training journey with my dog. They are incredibly understanding and will help explain anything you need. I am working through their service dog training program and it has been incredibly easy for me to understand and implement the skills that they teach my dog and I. I also did the puppy training program and I never thought I would ever be able to self train my dog to such a high skill level while he was so young. I highly recommend this group for your training needs!
Diana Kassel
Oct. 17, 2024 - facebook
My Lilly( Boston terrier) earned her service dog certification and is wonderful and helps in many ways. My puppy Leona has been thru her basics and I have been able to add some training at home. Leona is able to bring me my medications ( golden retriever) she is not currently in her service training, but will be. Leona recently brought me meds and I did not notice, however Miss Lilly did. She stomped she kicked at the bag and did whatever she could until I took notice that I had my medication. Truly amazing. Tim and Katie are amazing. The programs are amazing I was so impressed with both my champions.
Kelly N
Oct. 14, 2024 - google
DTE is incredible. They have helped my dog and I develop a deeper bond and trust, all while teaching her how to be a good listener!! Grace and Pauline are super experienced, make group classes fun, and truly love what they do which the dogs can tell! The owners, Katie and Tim are so knowledgeable, I have seen them help dogs and owners come into their own (myself included). I simply cannot express how amazing DTE has been for me and my dog. It is worth every penny. I get compliments all the time for how well behaved my dog is, and its the result of the guidance of the DTE crew. You got to put the work in for it to be worth it, but that’s needed to improve at anything!
Jennifer Curran
Oct. 8, 2024 - google
I used DTE to help me train my German Shepard. He was my first dog ever and I had no idea what I was doing but I was committed to learning and knew I wanted to give him the best so we could enjoy each other and I wouldn’t have a huge dog that was hard to control. I also decided to give the scent and service dog program a try in order to train him as a gluten detection dog for my celiac. I loved how helpful Katie was when I originally reached out and spent a lot of time explaining the process and they evaluated my dog to make sure he would be a good fit. This also included basic obedience training as well. I loved that I didn’t have to send my dog away for weeks or months either and allowed me a more hands on process with training my dog which I think was a huge help. When you sign up you automatically have the group classes for life. These are really great for us and helps my dog learn to be around other dogs in a safe environment where I have help from all the amazing trainers since I really had no idea how to go about socializing my big dog in a safe way. I am so happy I invested my time and money here! It was worth it!! So much better than programs where you send your dog away for 2 weeks and get them back. All the trainers are so amazing and as someone who knew nothing prior to this I now have a dog who can pick up gluten scent and we’re on our way to service dog status!
Heather Krupa
Oct. 4, 2024 - google
When I chose to get a service dog, I looked for somewhere that would help me train my dog from puppy all the way through service dog. The only place I found was DTE. After working with them for the past twelve months, I would chose them all over again. *DTE provided a personality assessment for my pup before I adopted him. *DTE came to my home and helped me train my pup during weeks 8-16. *My dog did 2 weeks of boot camp and jumped ahead in his quickness in listening to basic commands. *This year we have attended group classes and improved obedience in a wide variety of settings and with creative distractions. Now that my pup is a "teenager," we are working on not responding to other dogs when they are being agressive. *DTE is quick to answer questions I have about training during the week and give me creative ideas in continued training. *This past year I have taken my pup with me almost everywhere in public and DTE has guided me in how to handle different scenarios. I have NEVER trained a dog before or had a dog (other than an outdoor farm dog when young). I get compliments ALL THE TIME on how well behaved my 12 month old dog is. I'm no super hero and my dog is no saint! We have just applied with skills that Pauline, Grace, Tim and Katie have taught us. You have to put in the work, but it is worth every penny.
jason seldomridge
Oct. 4, 2024 - google
They are very attentive and invested in your dog's success. The training regiment is easy to follow and if you put in the effort your dog will respond quickly.
steven gore
Sep. 30, 2024 - google
Jeff is the real deal. I have a sweet but stubborn pit bull. I have went to a couple training classes over the years but nothing stuck. She was an extreme puller and was stubborn coming a command. Also when the doorbell rang we could not control her. After 6 sessions with Jeff, and some homework, we have the most well behaved dog at the park. She comes on command, places when told and I am even able to walk her off leash. Jeff is punctual, knowledgeable and I highly recommend.
Kelly
Sep. 20, 2024 - google
We had a great experience with Dog Training Elite! Our trainer, Rich, was incredibly knowledgeable and patient. He took time to understand the specific needs of the family. Before training with Rich, our dog was a typical puppy – full of energy, easily distracted, and a little bit mischievous. Not only have we seen improvement in Apollo’s obedience, Rich helped us understand how to reinforce good behavior. Apollo is now a well-mannered member of the family! If you're looking to strengthen your bond with your dog and see real, positive changes in their behavior, Dog Training Elite is the way to go. Our experience has been nothing short of fantastic, and we can’t wait to continue our training journey!
Desiree Martinez
Sep. 16, 2024 - google
My dog Boog and I have been going through the Puppy Platinum training program at DTE with Jess and it has been such a tremendous help with raising him! Boogs been with DTE since he was 20 weeks old and he’s about to be 1 next month. He is so well behaved and gets a lot of praise about it from everyone he encounters. Jess has done a great job with providing both Boog and I with tons of resources and knowledge on dog obedience. Boog absolutely loved having his 1 on 1 sessions and loves his group classes even more.
Courtney Palicka
Jul. 17, 2024 - google
Pauline was so great to work with! She was very friendly and made us feel welcomed with our two dogs. Our dogs loved their 7 day camp at the facility and responded very quickly. Pauline gave helpful feedback and always mentioned celebrations from the training. We would totally recommend DTE!
Pat Behnke
Jul. 16, 2024 - google
We are extremely pleased with Dog Training Elite in Naperville! We had our initial consultation in our home with Tim and Grace and their dog! We were very impressed on the training method they use with the Easy Educator collar. Our 9 month old boxer was in need of discipline and Gunner is doing fantastic! Five one hour private in home sessions and 12 one hour lessons teaching healing etc! The cost is well worth having a happy dog with happy owners too!
Debra P
Jun. 25, 2024 - google
We have just finished our at home classes are excited for group class which will start tomorrow. Grace came out to our home and every class was a success and Sam, my rambunctious 11 month old Labrador was always so excited to see Grace. She was very professional and very friendly. Grace always took the time to answer all my questions and helped out with a couple concerns I had with Sam. He learned quickly and is always excited to work. Dog Training Elite has very knowledgeable owners and trainers and I’m so very happy to have them to work with me and my dog. I’m looking forward to a long relationship with them and they are worth every penny. Also of note, they always respond in a very timely manner whenever you need to text with questions, concerns or scheduling times.
Meghan Grzetich
May. 29, 2024 - google
The most patient & kind trainers ever! We are having huge success after just a few weeks of working with Dog Training Elite.
Stephanie Roatis
May. 3, 2024 - google
Jeff completely transformed our border collie/blue heeler mix. When we moved back to Chicago, our dog was anxious of everything in the city including buses, bikes, and even runners. He pulled on his leash constantly and lunged at moving objects. We were active with him physically but not mentally. With the private lessons, Jeff handled Tucker so well at the at-home lessons, giving him tasks to calm his mind & setting him up for success. After, the group lessons were also incredibly effective, since it gave us a chance to interact with other dogs. I will say, you HAVE to do the homework *every day*. This is a course for owners as much as the dogs. Our dog is so much calmer now; still an incredibly energetic herding dog who needs LOTS of activity, but you can tell how much more collected he is on walks, at the park, or when guests are in our home. This course transformed my dog & we couldn't be happier with the results! Also, dog aside, I really jived with Jeff's communication methods & attendance policies. He was always on time, so I was always on time. The mutual respect of everyone's time was much appreciated.
KEN BRANDT
May. 3, 2024 - google
Our dog, Rodney, was 5 when he started developing a serious barking problem. This happened when our grandchildren started coming to us for daycare 3 days a week. He was so loud with an almost constant barking that we couldn’t stand it. Finally we found your company. Karen, our weekly trainer, came to the house and worked with us and Rodney to get him back to his normal self. We use the training vibration collar with remote and that almost immediately curbed his loud bark. Karen also helped us keep control during walks with on leash training. We didn’t think an older dog could learn new tricks but this company and staff did it. We’d recommend Dog Training Elite!
Lara Lambrecht
Apr. 30, 2024 - facebook
Jeff has been working with our dog Max for nearly three years now. I am simply amazed at the relationship that he has built with Max and all the dogs that he works with.🙂
Lara Lambrecht
Apr. 30, 2024 - google
I have been watching Jeff work with our dog now for nearly three years. It simply amazes me at the connection that he has developed with Max and all the dogs that He works with.
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About Dog Training Elite in Chicago

Dog Training Elite in Chicago - Meet Our Elite Team. Dog Training Elite in Chicago
Meet the Team
Get to know the dedicated professionals behind Dog Training Elite in Chicago. Our team of experienced trainers is passionate about helping dogs and their owners build strong, lasting bonds. Learn about their backgrounds, expertise, and what drives them to deliver the highest level of training in the industry.
Dog Training Elite in Chicago - Frequently Asked Questions. Dog Training Elite in Chicago
FAQs
Our FAQs cover the most common inquiries about our training methods, programs, and what you can expect when working with Dog Training Elite in Chicago. If you’re curious about anything related to our services, this is where you will find the information you need.
Dog Training Elite in Chicago - Careers. Dog Training Elite in Chicago
Careers
Join the Dog Training Elite in Chicago family! If you’re passionate about dogs and interested in making a difference, explore career opportunities with us. We are always looking for dedicated individuals who share our commitment to excellence in dog training and customer service. Discover how you can grow with us and become a part of a team that truly cares about dogs and their owners.
Dog Training Elite in Chicago - Our Gallery. Dog Training Elite in Chicago, IL
Gallery
Our gallery features photos and videos of dogs in training, successful graduates, and highlights from community events. See what Dog Training Elite in Chicago can offer your dog and get a glimpse of the work we’re passionate about.
Dog Training Elite in Chicago - Local Dog Trainers in Chicago, IL. DTE
In the Community
At Dog Training Elite in Chicago, we’re proud to be an active part of the community we serve. Check out recent events in our area where we’ve had the privilege to participate in local events, support fellow small businesses, and promote responsible dog ownership.

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FAQs

One of our trainers will visit your home to meet you and your dog and discuss any issues you're facing. We will then demonstrate one of our model dogs so you can see what you can expect after hiring our trainers. From there, we will discuss the various packages we offer and which we feel best suit your (and your dog's) needs.
We provide full obedience training that covers all basic commands, both on and off-leash. Our in-home visits target specific issues like counter-surfing, digging, and more. Unlike some trainers, we work with all breeds, including those often considered challenging.
Yes. You (and anyone in your family who wants to be involved) are integral to your dog getting trained. We need you to practice 5-6 days a week, about 15-20 minutes a day for optimal results.
Once a week. We come to you (with the silver, gold and platinum packages) once a week to start your dog off, then you come to park sessions which are held once a week in Chicago.
We train dogs of all breeds, sizes, and temperaments. Whether your dog is a tiny Chihuahua or a large Mastiff, we have the experience and expertise to work with them.

Our Team

Jeff Lambrecht - Owner & Trainer
Jeff Lambrecht
Owner & Trainer

Jeff grew up in rural Northern Wisconsin where dogs have always been a part of his life. Ginger, Buster, Snoopy, Chopper, and Buddy were his personal favorites!

In 2021, Jeff retired from the full-time ministry after more than two decades of serving schools and churches throughout the Midwest. Dog Training Elite connects his passion for animals and his desire for a service-oriented business to provide new ways of being committed and connected to his community.

Shortly before opening Dog Training Elite of Kenosha and Chicagoland North, Jeff and his wife Lara adopted a Goldendoodle named “Max.” Both Jeff and Max are excited to be working together training dogs and their families from Racine to Chicago offering a better way of living and working together.

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Maximilian
Maximilian "Max" Gustavo
Co-Owner & Lead Demonstrator

Maximilian “Max” Gustavo is an F1B Goldendoodle who was born April 2, 2021, with 13 sibling puppies at his birth home outside of Iowa City, Iowa. On June 27 of that same year, Max was adopted by Jeff and Lara Lambrecht to be the co-owner of Dog Training Elite of Kenosha and Chicagoland North. It is here that his primary responsibilities include demonstrating the many skills that the canine world has to offer.

The command “Make a Friend” is his favorite.

When not on the job, Max enjoys riding in the truck, swimming, running in the yard, playing fetch, tummy rubs, sleeping, and meeting new people and canines alike.

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Lara Lambrecht - Partner & CESO
Lara Lambrecht
Partner & CESO

Lara grew up in the suburbs of St. Louis, Missouri, and has had both dogs andcats over the years. She particularly remembers her Miniature Schnauzer named “Heidi.”

Married to Jeff since 2000, they have often spoken about what would be their ideal dog choice and in 2021 agreed on a Goldendoodle named “Max.”

When not working at Dog Training Elite of Kenosha and Chicagoland North, Lara enjoys traveling, eating out, cruising, and spending time with family and friends.

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Karen Leoni - Senior Trainer
Karen Leoni
Senior Trainer

Growing up in Chicago, Illinois, dogs were an important part of her early life. You could say it all started with “Penny,” a Boarder Collie; and “Brandy,” a German Shepherd. From there she has had many canine favorites and currently Karen has “Gem,” a German Shepherd rescue.

Karen graduated from Elmhurst College with a Bachelor’s of Science in which dog training played a huge part. It is with this lifelong passion that Karen has led an extremely fulfilling part-time career doing dog training in addition to working full-time as a medical lab research professional.

Apart from her love for dogs, Karen enjoys making people laugh, eating out, trap and skeet shooting with her husband – Keith, and spending family time with her mother and siblings.

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Katie Matt - Owner /Trainer
Katie Matt
Owner /Trainer

Hi, I’m Katie! I grew up in the Southwestern Chicago suburbs and have always loved dogs. Before my husband and I decided to open up our own Dog Training Elite, I was a high school science teacher in the Chicago suburbs. We have grown our family in the area and love the community! We have always had dogs, and love to be out with our pups. Our dogs are a major part of our family, and really complete us with the love and companionship they provide. There are so many dog friendly areas in Chicagoland, and we love to bring the whole family when we go out. I have loved teaching and coaching, and look forward to helping improve families' lives with their dogs.

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Tim Matt - Director of Operations/ Trainer
Tim Matt
Director of Operations/ Trainer

Hi, I’m Tim. I grew up in the Southwestern Chicago Suburbs, and love the community. Before my wife and I decided to open our own Dog Training Elite, I was an educator in the Chicago suburbs. Dogs provide us with love, companionship, and so many amazing services. Our family, 3 kids, and 2 dogs, loves going out and doing all sorts of different activities together. I look forward to helping you create a better connection with your dog and help to provide our community with some wonderful pets and service dogs.

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Rich Naponelli - Owner/Trainer
Rich Naponelli
Owner/Trainer

Hi, my name is Rich and I own Dog Training Elite Michiana. I have always had a love for animals as far back as I can remember, but being 1 of 6 kids, my mother was slow to believe my unconvincing arguments that I could handle a pet. Finally, at the age of 10, she broke down and let me get my first parakeet, Petey. Since Petey, I have had more birds, a few hamsters, a frog, fish, dogs, and even bunnies. Currently, we have our dog, Ajax, and our bunnies, Cooper and Lenny.

While I am an attorney by training, I got into the pet care business in 2022, when I opened Fetch! Pet Care of Michiana, a dog walking and pet sitting franchise. My day-to-day interaction through Fetch! with people and their dogs showed me the immense impact dog training can have on people, families, and their dogs and the incredible need for experienced dog trainers. That is why I decided to bring Dog Training Elite to Michiana.

Dog Training Elite brings a proven system to teach basic obedience to dogs, but couples that with a passion for training service and therapy dogs, all while basing its philosophy in community and helping people and pets. We look forward to meeting you and your pup and starting the Dog Training Elite journey with you.

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Jess Arundale - Trainer
Jess Arundale
Trainer

Hi, I'm Jess! I'm the Lead Trainer with DTE Chicago. My favorite part about dog training is learning from our dogs and using the information they give us to help strengthen bonds and communication skills. Knowing dogs on an individual level is always key to reaching out training goals.

Growing up I was fascinated by the way our family dog understood me and I was inspired to train him for fun. I really enjoyed teaching him to jump over agility jumps, and that is still one of my favorite skills to train!

During college I began working with dogs in my home and in a large dog daycare facility. That gave me an amazing opportunity to observe a wide range of dog behavior and become a pro at reading dog language. After earning a bachelor's degree in psychology I went on to earn my certification in dog obedience training from Animal Behavior College in 2019. 

Ember - Lead Demo

Meet Ember, a sweet and spunky Miniature Pinscher who loves to show off her skills! You can catch her exploring the city on walks, shopping in dog-friendly stores, or snoozing with my two senior dogs at home.

Fun fact, Ember and I share the same birthday! 

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Pauline Picardi - Trainer
Pauline Picardi
Trainer

Pauline has always been passionate about animals and is enthusiastic about dog training. She has two daughters and two dogs; a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Bernedoodle. In her free time she enjoys a good book, crafting, and visiting new places with her family. 

Dogs have always been a big part of Pauline's life. Whether they were her own or a family member's dog, she has made close connections with them throughout the years. Pauline has always enjoyed helping people, and dog training has allowed her an opportunity to not only train, but to help people make deeper connections with their dogs. She has completed basic through advanced training at DTE. She is currently a Premier Service Dog Trainer certified, and continues her education in scent based service dogs.

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Grace Schwegel - Trainer
Grace Schwegel
Trainer

I grew up with dogs and have always loved animals, but my passion for dogs developed when I  took a summer job during college as a dog daycare and boarding attendant. I loved spending time with the dogs and getting to know their personalities and breed characteristics, but I was often frustrated by their lack of obedience and manners. This led me to pursue a career in dog training at the Tom Rose School for Professional Dog Trainers (TRS) after graduating from college. At TRS, I trained a malinois puppy and my personal dog, a small munsterlander, in competitive obedience, agility, tracking, scent detection, and the AKC’s CGC test. After graduating from TRS, I moved to Illinois and took a job as a trainer at a dog daycare facility where I worked for 3 years before I found Dog Training Elite. I’ve enjoyed helping clients understand their dogs better, and I’ve learned so much from the various dogs, clients, and other trainers I’ve worked with. I truly look forward to learning more as my career progresses.

In my free time, I love being outside, trying new foods, working and pheasant hunting with my dog Dreya, and spending time with friends and family.

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Michelle Kritch - Trainer
Michelle Kritch
Trainer

Michelle grew up in the early eighties near Wildwood, IL, and began grooming and caring for both cats and dogs at a boarding kennel in Lake Forrest where Michelle became the assistant manager. It was her dog ‘Pee-Pee’ that Michelle fondly remembers as never liking to be the practice of her grooming skills.

In 1994, Michelle received her degree in animal science and zoology after which she began to train dogs as a career, a joy she has had ever since. She now comes to Dog Training Elite of Kenosha & Chicagoland North with both a passion and drive to be a part of the elite training that is offered.

When not training dogs, Michelle enjoys riding a Harley with her boyfriend and spending time with her dog “Alex,” listening to good music, going to concerts, gardening, and always bringing a smile to people’s faces.

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Alea Tibayan - Trainer
Alea Tibayan
Trainer

lea comes to Dog Training Elite of Kenosha & Chicagoland North as our newest team member all the way from Davao, PH, where she recently graduated with a degree in Psychology.

In her role as a virtual assistant, Alea is heading up sales appointments, group class management, Social Media development, and a large chunk of data entry. As Dog Training Elite of Kenosha & Chicagoland North continues to grow, her attention to detail and knowledge of Google & CRM software will be invaluable.

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Sarah Knopp - Trainer
Sarah Knopp
Trainer

Hello! My name is Sarah and I am a Trainer at Dog Training Elite Michiana. Growing up, my family has always had dogs. I spent a lot of time outside with them playing fetch with a ball or a Frisbee. I remember teaching them tricks like sit, shake(paw), down, bow, and heel. I always loved feeding them, bathing them, and brushing out the burrs from their fur after playing in the woods. It was a dream of mine to work in the pet industry from the start!

My love of animals has grown with each new opportunity I have grasped. I have worked in many different areas which have required the utmost care of client pets. I had my start at a daycare facility which gave me the opportunity to be trained in basic manners and dog body language. I have had experience in boarding, daycare, grooming, swimming, training, and post-surgery pet care.

These experiences have shown me the importance of teaching basic manners, bonding with, and socializing your dogs. Dog Training Elite provides that training to you and your dog to help you navigate through life with the best start and helping to fix problems that arise along the way.

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