You are at Chicago Change Location
You are at Chicago
Change

Elite, Award Winning Dog Training in Chicago, IL

All Breeds. All Sizes. All Ages.

Pricing Programs Free Assessment

Se habla español!

Request A Free Assessment

Contact Dog Training Elite Chicagoland today!

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

Learn More! Free Assessment

We strongly believe that the key to sustained obedience and training is to empower owners to be an integral part of the training experience.

Dog Training Elite Chicagoland offers expert in-home dog training near you in Chicago.
In-Home Training

Dog obedience classes are held on a consistent basis and are included in most packages. Our dog obedience training classes are designed to place yourself and your dog in public places (surrounded by other dogs, people, smells, and sounds)!

Dog Training Elite Chicagoland offers professional group dog training programs near you in Chicago.
Socialized Group Training

Request your own
FREE In-Home Assessment
from Dog Training Elite!


Se habla español!

Dog Training Elite Chicagoland

224-335-9383

Directions Pricing Free Evaluation

Giving Back


Coupon Dog Trainer in Denver

Active Public Service First Responders Discount
at Dog Training Elite Chicagoland!

We understand the important role that first responders play in our communities. Whether you are a police officer, an EMT, a firefighter, or nurse, Dog Training Elite Chicagoland offers a 10% discount to first responders in the Chicago community.


224-335-9383

Coupon Dog Trainer in Denver

Active US Military and Retired US Veterans Discount
at Dog Training Elite Chicagoland!

Whether you are on active duty in the military or a retired vet, we want to show our gratitude by offering a discount on any training package. Call to learn more!


224-335-9383

Award Winning Dog Training Services in the Chicago, IL Metro Area


Welcome to Dog Training Elite Chicagoland! We are a professional, family owned Chicago, IL-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, IL 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. Dog Training Elite Chicagoland also trains service animals and dogs ready to volunteer in the community as therapy dogs and companions to those with special needs. We also offer a fun and challenging personal protection program as well!

Se habla español!

Request an Assessment Se habla español

Meet Our Trainers

(Click photo for full bio)


Jeff Lambrecht

Owner & Trainer

Maximilian "Max" Gustavo

Co-Owner & Lead Demonstrator

Lara Lambrecht

Partner & CESA

Karen Leoni

Lead Dog Trainer

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.


  • 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).
  • 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.
  • 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.
Dog Training Elite Chicagoland has award winning in-home dog trainers and top rated dog training programs.

Why Dog Training Elite Chicagoland?

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.

Come Meet Us!

We are often at home shows in your area! Our passion for dogs and service sets us apart. All of our local dog trainers are trustworthy, willing to be there for our clients and love what they do. We want to build a community for our clients that love their dogs just as much as we do and once you begin the training process with us, you become a part of the Dog Training Elite family.

Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation

At Dog Training Elite Chicagoland, 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, Dog Training Elite Chicagoland works with the Malinois Foundation to heal and empower these individuals with a specialized service animal, a partner in life, and a new best friend.

Learn More

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!

We had a wonderful experience with Jeff and Elite dog training. Currently our Goldendoodle “Buster” is almost done with service dog training and his transformation has been nothing short of extraordinary. Jeff and his wife came to our house and did a great presentation and they are both very personable and knowledgeable of the training processes. Our Buster was extremely timid and at same time extremely energetic which gave Jeff, self admittedly, doubts about Busters ability to become a service dog. With the EZ educator and Jeff’s guidance we’ve been able to turn our dog into a very successfully trained little ball of awesomeness. Was the best money I’ve spent as the benefits of having a dog that doesn’t need a leash and listens well is priceless. Thanks Jeff and Lara from Mike, Caitlin and Buster!
— Bodhi U
Posted March 18th 2024
google
Jeff did a fantastic job with obedience training for our energetic, larger than life Newfoundland, Burly. After 6 sessions Burly, successfully mastered sit, down, come, place, heel, and was even able to walk off leash in heel and come when called across a large field. He tremendously improved in his response and listening skills and Jeff taught us how to better train and reward Burly moving forward. Our family was very impressed by his new skills when we brought him home for the holidays. Burly has also loved the one on one time to work on his skills and it is easier to bring him to new places and have visitors at the house with his improved temperament and listening skills. Thank you Jeff!
— Helen Moore
Posted December 4th 2023
google
Jeff is a fantastic trainer. I worked with him on getting my 2.5 year old dog properly trained to be a service dog. I wasn't sure he'd actually get to that point as he still has puppy energy, but within just a few months working with Jeff I saw incredible changes and in less than 6 months my dog was able to pass his public access test. Jeff is extremely helpful and guides you through the training process as an owner, understanding that sometimes we need just as much (if not more) training than our dogs! Jeff was truly a pleasure to work with and I would definitely recommend him for training dogs of all ages.
— Jessica Godt
Posted November 27th 2023
google
Jeff did a wonderful job training my 4-5 month old Australian Shepherd. He helped Westley and myself learn quickly and effectively. Jeff is extremely knowledgeable and able to help with a wide variety of training challenges or issues that arise. This training program is WORTH IT! For a well trained and adjusted dog. You cannot go wrong with choosing this program. Thanks Jeff! Adrienne & Westley
— Adrienne East
Posted October 12th 2023
google
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
google
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
google
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
google
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
google
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
google
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
google
DTE’s trainer Laren L. is a true gift. She has helped me with my 20 month old 100 pound puppy to become a rock star. He can walk calmly next to me in the heel position on leash and off which was one of our main goals. He is responsive to my commands and has learned to look to me for direction. He was very ambitious in every way causing me to have many serious falls and broken bones I was seriously considering rehoming him for personal safety reasons. Karen literally saved me from the potential of more serious injuries. Then we found the answer. Karen has such a gift, the knowledge, patience and abilities to communicate effectively with me to teach me how to train my puppy. I now trust my puppy and have the confidence in myself to be a better dog mom so he can continue to be successful in all his accomplishments. The investment in this program is an investment/end result in a calm, obedient puppy. We are still a work in progress with Karen’s guidance and direction. Thank you Karen L. for literally saving both of us. we owe you so much. 🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾
— Deborah Peterson-Bandy
Posted July 20th 2022
google
Dog Training Elite has done a tremendous job training my service dog. Their entire team is outstanding with their knowledge, dedication, and getting results to help you and your dog. In addition to helping train your dog, they train you to properly handle the dog and re-enforce the lessons in a humane and loving structure.
— Richard Corbin
Posted June 29th 2022
google

All Reviews Set Up an Assessment Today!