A well-trained dog with training from an expert Dog Training Elite dog behaviorist in Fitchburg / Leominster, MA.

Behavioral Solutions

Dog Training Elite Central Massachusetts

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A happy leash trained dog walking with their owner - if you are in need of Fitchburg / Leominster dog behavior training, contact Dog Training Elite today!

Fitchburg / Leominster Dog Behavior Training

Does your dog chew on things, pee indoors, or bark excessively? If so, your dog may benefit from a dog behaviorist in Fitchburg / Leominster. MA, and DTE is here to help. Our experienced trainers specialize in correcting unwanted behaviors and can address various issues your dog may face at home.

Behavior-focused training differs from basic obedience training and requires knowledgeable, experienced trainers. DTE trainers can identify and address the root causes of problematic behaviors, such as separation anxiety or excessive barking, and teach your dog to respond more appropriately to those triggers.

Through consistent training and positive reinforcement, your dog can learn new, desirable behaviors that last.

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Our Behavioral Solution Programs

Dog Training Elite Central Massachusetts - Fitchburg / Leominster Dog Socialization Classes. DTE
Socialization

Our Fitchburg / Leominster dog socialization classes teach dogs to maintain control and obedience around other dogs, people, and various distractions, reducing fear and aggression while promoting calm, confident behavior.

Dog Training Elite Central Massachusetts - Stop Puppy Biting in Fitchburg / Leominster, MA. DTE
Biting

Through targeted puppy biting training in Fitchburg / Leominster, MA, we address aggressive tendencies and teach dogs to inhibit biting, helping them develop better self-control.

Dog Training Elite Central Massachusetts - Reactive Dog Training in Fitchburg / Leominster, MA. DTE
Fear & Reactiveness

Our reactive dog training in Fitchburg / Leominster, MA, focuses on managing and reducing fear-based reactions to common triggers, helping dogs be more relaxed and well-adjusted.

Dog Training Elite Central Massachusetts - Destructive Chewing and Digging Training in Fitchburg / Leominster, MA
Destructive Chewing & Digging

Our destructive chewing and digging training in Fitchburg / Leominster, MA addresses your dog’s destructive chewing and digging by redirecting these behaviors toward more appropriate and constructive outlets.

Dog Training Elite Central Massachusetts - Separation Anxiety Training for Dogs in Fitchburg / Leominster, MA. DTE
Separation Anxiety

Our separation anxiety training in Fitchburg / Leominster, MA helps dogs overcome the stress of being alone, which curbs destructive behaviors and makes departures easier for everyone.

Dog Training Elite Central Massachusetts - Excessive Barking Training in Fitchburg / Leominster, MA. DTE
Excessive Barking

We address the root causes of barking with our excessive barking training in Fitchburg / Leominster, MA, teaching your dog to communicate appropriately and reduce unnecessary noise.

Dog Training Elite Central Massachusetts - Staying and Coming Training in Fitchburg / Leominster, MA. DTE
Staying & Coming

Our staying and coming training in Fitchburg / Leominster, MA focuses on improving your dog’s reliability in following essential commands like down and come, ensuring they respond promptly in any situation.

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Stealing Food, Clothing, or Other Objects

Our trainers work with your dog to curb the habit of stealing items, teaching them to respect boundaries and avoid problematic behaviors.

Dog Training Elite Central Massachusetts -
Resource Guarding

We tackle resource guarding behaviors by addressing the underlying causes of your dog's insecurity. Our training helps your dog feel more secure, which reduces aggression over food, toys, or personal spaces.

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Food Guarding & Begging

Through consistent and focused training, we teach dogs to eat politely and reduce persistent begging behaviors. This approach creates a more peaceful and enjoyable mealtime experience for everyone involved.

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Mouthing, Nipping & Rough Play

Our program teaches dogs to play gently, reducing the risk of injury and making playtime safe and enjoyable.

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Anxiety & Submissive Urination

We work with anxious dogs to build their confidence. This program will help to reduce incidents of submissive urination and make your dog feel more secure.

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Jumping Up & Hyperactivity

This program helps dogs learn to greet people calmly and manage their energy levels, reducing hyperactivity and inappropriate jumping.

Dog Training Elite Central Massachusetts -
Excessive Licking

We address compulsive licking behaviors, helping dogs find more appropriate ways to express themselves and reducing skin issues.

Dog Training Elite Central Massachusetts -
Leashing

Our leashing program teaches dogs to walk politely on a leash, making walks more enjoyable and less stressful for you and your dog.

Dog Training Elite Central Massachusetts -
Abnormal Repetitive Behaviors

We help your dog break free from compulsive actions like spinning or tail chasing, focusing their energy on healthier habits.

Dog Training Elite Central Massachusetts -
Escaping

We train your dog to respect boundaries, significantly reducing the risk of escape and keeping them safe at home.

Dog Training Elite Central Massachusetts -
Heeling

Our training improves your dog’s ability to heel, keeping them close by your side during walks and improving their overall leash manners.

Dog Training Elite Central Massachusetts - Dog & Puppy Potty Trainer in Fitchburg / Leominster, MA. DTE
Potty Training

We help dogs learn to relieve themselves outdoors with our Fitchburg / Leominster dog potty training, reducing accidents in your home and fostering good habits that last a lifetime.

Get Your Free Assessment

You and your canine companion really can have it all. See how easy it can be to become a member of the elite pup society by requesting a free consultation today!

A dog with expert behaviorial training from Dog Training Elite Central Massachusetts.

What is Behavioral Training?


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Behavioral and regular obedience training serve different but equally important roles in shaping a well-behaved dog.

Obedience training teaches your dog basic commands like sit, heel, and come. This training helps your dog follow instructions in different situations and builds clear communication between you and your pet.

Behavioral training, however, goes deeper by addressing the root causes of problematic behaviors like aggression, anxiety, or excessive barking. While obedience training tells a dog what to do, behavioral training focuses on changing undesirable habits and reactions.

Combining obedience training with targeted behavioral solutions helps dogs overcome specific issues, resulting in a more balanced and adjusted pet.

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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 Fitchburg / Leominster.
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.

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Brianna LaGuardia
    Sep. 17, 2024
    Marcus was great! Training was something I had debated doing for a long time, especially since my dog was 4 but I’m so glad I did and so glad I chose Dog Training Elite. From the beginning, there was no judgement and they were flexible and accommodating. My dog has come a long way and I have so much more trust in him than I did before. I also appreciate being able to email questions and notes and get feedback that way (outside of our sessions). Overall, I’m very happy with the service provided and would highly recommend!
  • Kathy Friberg
    Sep. 9, 2024
    Dog Training Elite Marcus came today and explained everything to us! We have a Parson Jack Russell who is out of control they will help us get Maggie trained and be a better dog.. we can’t wait for training to begin.. They showed us another dog who was trained it was a real treat to watch Duncan. We are hoping Maggie will do as well as Duncan ( there’s hope)
  • Michael Shannon
    Sep. 7, 2024
    Our experience with this company has been truly exceptional, and I cannot recommend their services highly enough. Matt Fennell, in particular, was an outstanding trainer and exceeded all of our expectations. It's important to note that the trainers focus on equipping you with the skills to effectively train your dog, and Matt excelled in this regard. As someone who has always had a deep connection with dogs and grown up with them, this was my first time seeking professional training. The results have been so amazing, and the bond I now share with my dog is stronger and more rewarding than ever before. If you are committed to following the guidance provided by Matt or any of the trainers, and are willing to put in the effort both during and outside of the training sessions, you will notice the same results I did. Such a great experience!
  • Lisa Blanchard
    Aug. 21, 2024
    Matt was informative and helpful!
  • Courtney Tompkins
    Sep. 5, 2024
    Marcus and Patrick were amazing. They helped us train our lab puppy. She had a lot of energy and was a bit of a challenge compared to our last pups. The trainers are very knowledgeable and helpful. If we had questions in between sessions we could just reach out and they would guide us on whatever challenges we were having. They accommodated my work schedule which was a huge help. We feel it was definitely worth the money and highly recommend them!
  • Nichole McIvor
    Sep. 4, 2024
    I have been very happy with the services both Marcus and Matt have provided me and my family while working with my 6-year-old German Shepherd, Whiskey. She is so smart but very high strung and constantly in overdrive and they are committed to leading my partner and me in navigating her training while helping her to meet her full potential! I’m excited to continue with them!
  • Sarah Geller
    Jul. 31, 2024
    DTE and especially Marcus are THE BEST. No one I’ve ever met knows and works with dogs like Marcus at dog training elite. We call him the “dog whisperer” but in truth mostly he has to train me, the handler, as much as my dog Wally. He has a really clear and consistent way of communicating which has transformed Wally from a nippy jumping puppy into a dog who is about to pass his public access test for service dog work. The company in general is excellent and all the staff and trainers are really responsive and work with me and Wally to make the best training sessions around my schedule, meeting at our house or public places to practice his service work. I would absolutely recommend Dog training elite and Marcus to anyone who wants to properly and seriously train and develop their relationship with their dog and is willing to put in the time and energy! Wally is learning so much so fast and is doing great. Thank you!! Update: Wally just passed his public access test!! Thanks so much Marcus for everything you’ve taught us both!!!
  • Christine Fuller
    Sep. 4, 2024
    Patrick was friendly and knowledgeable, great experience so far!
  • This is Life
    Jul. 29, 2024
    You guys are amazing! We are learning so much, we’re making a lot of progress I’m so thankful.!!
  • Russ Morris
    Aug. 9, 2024
    Barbara was awesome. Matt was awesome Marcus was awesome
  • Lisa Dipadua
    Aug. 30, 2024
    Matt is very knowledgeable and completely honest about training our dog. I am grateful and hope to be able to Train myself and my husband to train our dog and help him to live a healthy happy life.
  • Amy B
    Aug. 29, 2024
    My reactive dog, Shelby (6) and I were paired with Matt as our trainer and he changed our lives! I will admit I was intimidated at first hearing all the expectations but I wouldn’t trust anyone else but Matt with Shelby. I can’t even find the words to express how thankful I am for his help and guidance. He was encouraging and always thorough in his explanation. Most importantly he made me more confident with Shelby. Shelby is now able to be around other dogs and strangers. A month ago she would bark, growl, lunge at them. Now she is able to do group training since we are done with private training and I was so proud of how well she did around others. The only regret I have is not doing this sooner! Shelby has been in two other training programs and never did this well. If you’re reading this and on the fence, do it! It is the best money I ever spent. Thank you so much Matt for changing our lives! Also thank you Michaela for helping me in the decision process and not making me feel pressured to buy the most expensive plan and to do what works for me. I have already recommended DTE to 3 people!
  • erin morvan
    Aug. 28, 2024
    Patrick was very polite and knowledgeable. Great with meeting our dogs!
  • Megan Burgess
    Aug. 21, 2024
    Always gives such good advice to help me and my service dog grow!
  • tamea smith
    Aug. 10, 2024
    I want to give a huge thank you to all of the trainers that helped Marlo and I. Before the training sessions we were experiencing trouble on basic commands, dog on dog aggression, and pulling on walks. It was so bad that my partner and I were almost at our breaking point due to the safety of others. Most people looked at him as just a typical Pitbull who was “aggressive” and could not be saved. But The trainers always came with a positive mindset, gave him a lot of love and praise, and showed me how this statement was untrue. As a whole everyone was very hands on with Marlo. They even set a great example for Marlo by introducing their dogs to him and helped teach him how to behave properly. Overall, I learned how to be more confident with Marlo which helped reflect on his behavior. We now have a happy behaved pup ready to take on this world stress free!
  • soo wang
    Aug. 2, 2024
    Love it! Matt handled my aggressive dog so well. I’m glad that I reached out to them.
  • Susan Purcell
    Jul. 29, 2024
    Barbara is an excellent trainer. She explains things clearly, demonstrates and then has me do it. I am so excited seeing the progress my dog is showing.
  • Sharon Lindsay
    Aug. 8, 2024
    Barbara was the trainer that came to my home. She was a wealth of experience and knowledge. She had the patience of a saint. She really got my 10-month-old Rottie to blossom. He had a lot of fear issues which she helped him to over come and got him to listen to commands. She was very prompt in arriving to my home and gave me the full hour I paid for.
  • Esther Hering
    Aug. 2, 2024
    Really enjoyed working with Barbara. She catered our training sessions to the needs of our dog. Dog training elite was very responsive when I reached out asking for additional training advice. Would highly recommend.
  • Wendy Castagna
    Jul. 24, 2024
    Matt was great with Pepper. Very patient!!!

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See An Elite Dog in Action

Behavior Training Techniques

At DTE, we use techniques rooted in positive reinforcement to encourage lasting behavior changes in dogs. Our methods focus on rewarding desired behaviors with treats or praise, creating a positive association that motivates dogs to repeat those actions.

Here’s how we do it.

We use a clicker to mark the exact moment your dog performs the correct behavior. The click signals a coming reward and helps your dog learn which actions are worth repeating.
Similar to clicker training, this method uses a specific word or phrase like "yes" or "good" to mark the behavior. This verbal cue reinforces positive behavior and strengthens the communication between you and your dog.
By demonstrating correct behaviors with a "model" dog, other dogs in the group learn through observation. This method taps into dogs' natural tendency to imitate, making it easier for them to adopt positive behaviors.
Building a strong bond between dog and owner is key. We build trust and understand your dog's needs to create a cooperative training environment where your dog is more likely to respond positively.
A stick or specific spot is used to guide your dog to the desired behavior, encouraging them to touch or follow the target. Once they succeed, we reinforce the action with a reward. This technique is ideal for teaching complex behaviors and improving focus.
An owner and their happy, healthy dog with expert training from Dog Training Elite Central Massachusetts.

Classical Conditioning, or the Pavlovian Model

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Classical conditioning, pioneered by Russian physiologist Ivan Pavlov's work, is a fundamental principle in dog training. Pavlov’s study showed dogs could learn to associate a neutral stimulus, like a bell, with food, prompting them to respond to the bell alone.

At Dog Training Elite, we apply this principle using positive reinforcement in our behavioral training programs. We pair a command with two stimuli: a clicker (or marker word) and a reward like a treat or praise. The clicker signals the correct behavior, and the reward reinforces it. This method helps dogs quickly understand what’s expected and encourages them to repeat desired behaviors.

Unlike punishment-based methods, classical conditioning with positive reinforcement shapes behavior effectively and creates a well-adjusted, happy dog.

A dog with classical conditioning training from Dog Training Elite Central Massachusetts.

Your Expert Dog Behaviorist in Fitchburg / Leominster, MA

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Our certified, experienced trainers are experts in solving various behavior problems, from aggression and anxiety to excessive barking and destructive habits.

We focus on understanding your dog’s personality, environment, and behavior triggers to develop customized training plans. Our trainers will work to resolve these issues and their root causes to prevent them from returning.

What Makes Our Trainers Stand Out?
  • Certified and Experienced: Our trainers are certified professionals with years of experience handling behavioral challenges. With a proven track record of success, they’re equipped to deliver the best results for your pet.
  • Breed-Specific Knowledge: We understand the unique traits of different breeds and customize our training methods to match your dog’s natural behaviors, making the training more effective.
  • Friendly and Understanding: Our trainers are approachable and empathetic, working closely with you to build trust and create a supportive training environment for your dog.
A group of dogs being trained by the expert team at Dog Training Elite Central Massachusetts.
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Why Choose Dog Training Elite?

Proven Methods for Successful Dog Training


If you're looking for a top dog behaviorist in Fitchburg / Leominster, MA, Dog Training Elite is the top choice.

Our experienced trainers handle various issues, including aggression, anxiety, excessive barking, and more. With a personalized approach focused on positive reinforcement, we help dogs overcome their challenges and build stronger, happier relationships with their owners.

No matter how challenging your dog’s behavior may seem, there is hope. Whether your dog’s behavioral issues are minor or more serious, we’re here to help.

Reach out today for a free consultation!