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When you first brought home your dog, you most likely envisioned long walks, a game of fetch at the dog park, extended cuddle time, and an overall enjoyable life with your new best friend. This vision probably didn't include excessive barking, cat terrorizing, leash pulling, and other disobedient behaviors. Building a relationship with your pet is difficult when you have a pup who just won't listen. But don't stress - the obedient, loyal friend you dreamed of is just a few professional dog training sessions away!
No matter your dog's behavioral problems, appropriate training can eliminate disobedience and encourage a healthy dog-owner relationship.
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Central Massachusetts location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
Silver
$1,545
Training Equipment Included: E-Collar
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 3 Sessions
- Come
- Heel (walk with you, loose leash no pulling)
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Place(go to bed)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Off(furniture when desired)
Gold
$1,945
Training Equipment Included: E-Collar
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 5 Sessions
- Group Park Training Sessions 12 Sessions
- Come
- Heel (walk with you, loose leash no pulling)
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Place(go to bed)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Off(furniture when desired)
- Down(lay next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Load Up (go into kennel, car, or dog house)
- Manners, Safety & Boundaries
- Calm Anxiety & Build Confidence
- Housebreaking / Potty Training
- STOP Jumping on People
- STOP Mouthing & Nipping
- STOP Chewing & Digging
- STOP Begging & Stealing Food
- STOP Bolting Through Doors & Running Away
- STOP Chasing Animals, Cars & Bikes
- STOP Reactivity (dog & human)
Platinum
$2,745
Platinum offers advanced obedience/behavioral modification with a goal of off-leash control. Includes additional training options and offers more one-on-one and group sessions than Gold.
Training Equipment Included: E-Collar
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 9 Sessions
- Group Park Training Sessions 16 Sessions
- Come
- Heel (walk with you, loose leash no pulling)
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Place(go to bed)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Off(furniture when desired)
- Down(lay next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Load Up (go into kennel, car, or dog house)
- Manners, Safety & Boundaries
- Calm Anxiety & Build Confidence
- Housebreaking / Potty Training
- STOP Jumping on People
- STOP Mouthing & Nipping
- STOP Chewing & Digging
- STOP Begging & Stealing Food
- STOP Bolting Through Doors & Running Away
- STOP Chasing Animals, Cars & Bikes
- STOP Reactivity (dog & human)
- *Stay With You on a Jog or Bike Ride (off-leash)
- *Emotional Support Dog Training(ESA)
- *Control Aggression(dog & human)
- *Calm Extreme Anxiety(behavioral modification)
Why DIY Training So Often Fails
No dogs are truly bad. They are just dogs, trying to navigate a human world. What we consider bad behavior is a result of anxiety, fear, or misunderstanding. Dogs are eager learners and can easily be taught the appropriate behaviors to follow. For that reason, disobedience usually stems from improper training techniques.
It can be difficult for new dog owners to train their pets without the proper knowledge or time. Training takes more than a few sessions and treats, and it certainly does not involve punishment, yelling, or aggression. If you’re struggling with your dog’s behavior, you’re not alone. The most common mistake pet owners make is underestimating the knowledge, commitment, and effort needed to train a dog.
Proper training requires:
- Experience and education
- A deep understanding of dog behaviors
- Patience and commitment
- Knowledge of various training techniques
- Experience with dogs of various breeds and ages
- Ability to teach people as well as dogs
- Detecting emotional changes in dogs (anxiety, aggression, fear)
- Skills for training in distracting environments
- Ability to recognize problem behaviors
The average pet owner does not have the above skills. It takes more than a deep love for doggies to know how to train them! Fortunately, professional dog trainers do have these skills. Education, certification, and experience are all marks of a well-qualified dog trainer.
When it comes to dog training, you want to find someone that you can trust. Many dog owners are reluctant to entrust their pets to a stranger. That is why it is important to find a trainer that fits you and your dog’s 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.
What a Professional Dog Trainer Can Do For You
Most people see dog trainers as canine teachers when they are more people teachers. Professional dog trainers teach you how to communicate with your dog. During dog training sessions, you must actively participate to learn how to establish boundaries with your dog. The dog trainer teaches you how your dog learns so that you can give him or her the right cues.
Common areas covered in dog training sessions include:
Obedience
Commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come” form the foundations of training, and most dogs learn them quickly. These cues keep your dog safe and help him or her confidently navigate the world. Once your dog has mastered obedience, more advanced training can take place.Behavior
While obedience commands are easy for every dog to learn, behavior issues are unique to each dog. Examples of behavior issues include chasing the mailman, jumping up during greetings, excessive barking, and destroying the house when left alone. These behaviors have an underlying cause that must first be addressed before the appropriate behavior can be learned.Pet-Owner Relationship
The most important part of any dog training program is the bond formed between dog and owner. Without a strong relationship, your dog simply won’t listen. A true professional will work side by side with you to ensure that your dog understands you and responds appropriately.
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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!
Best decision I have made! Marcus is fantastic. He is calm, knowledgeable and just an all around great trainer and person. I have two dogs with different personalities and he has taught me in a short time how to work with both of them. Ten plus in my book. Highly recommend.— Kelly Medeiros
Posted December 1st 2023
We've been training Roni (our 9 month old mix breed) at Dog Training Elite since the beginning of March and I can't say enough good about them. When we first started our journey of training my dog for service work, I was both excited and apprehensive, unsure of whether or not myself and my dog would be capable of learning everything. From the very beginning, Dog Training Elite stood out as a beacon of expertise, professionalism, and dedication, and I am thrilled to say that my expectations have been exceeded in every way. The one-on-one training sessions are nothing short of transformative. Each trainer's patience, attentiveness, and unwavering focus on my dog's progress has created an environment where she's eager to learn. What truly sets their one-on-one training apart is their ability to empower not only my dog but also myself. They recognize the importance of equipping the dog owners with the knowledge and skills to reinforce and maintain the training outside of the sessions. The clear and concise guidance, coupled with practical demonstrations, has allowed me to become an effective partner in my dog's ongoing development and success as a service dog. The group training sessions offer guidance on dealing with distractions, as well as providing some socialization. During group training sessions, Marcus and the entire team have demonstrated an unparalleled level of knowledge, skill, and genuine care for the well-being of each dog. The trainers exhibited not only a deep understanding of various dog breeds and temperaments but also an unwavering commitment to the success and happiness of their four-legged students. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with them, and Roni loves them too! In summary, their approach to service dog training is nothing short of outstanding. They have tailored the training program to meet my dog's specific needs, taking into account both her individual strengths and challenges. I would have never thought that I could bring Roni out in public, to restaurants, to stores etc. and she would be as well behaved as she is. Some of the tasks we've completed during our training sessions leave me extremely proud of her and super grateful for this training program. She still has a little ways to go before she's completely ready, but at 9 months old I couldn't be more proud. The biggest compliment is no matter where we are with her, or who we are with - friends & strangers all comment on how well behaved she is. I love hearing that. Dog Training Elite is hands down the best decision I made for Roni.— Krista Herzberg
Posted August 15th 2023
Our experience with Marcus and his team has been fantastic. I took Kodak, my German Sheppard in for a 2 week boot camp. We have been struggling with dog aggression issues. The evaluation and training techniques had him figured out and then they translated to me what I need to do to improve as well. Yup - I needed boot camp also. It’s an on going project and they have a number of training options to help keeping it on the right track. It has been a relief to have a path to take to make Kodak the best he can be!— Suzanne Sinnery
Posted July 24th 2023
Marquis is fantastic. He's done wonders teaching my dog, Harley. He also takes the time to help us understand his training methods and what we need to do in order to maintain our dog's learning. I highly, highly recommend!— The Local Spotlight
Posted June 21st 2023
Marcus is an amazing trainer !!! Extremely professional and kind— Tony Chianese
Posted June 21st 2023
Nyla loves her weekly meet-ups with pups her own age. She otherwise wouldn’t have that socialization opportunity. She’s almost done with puppy classes, graduating to adult training. Very exciting! Thank you, Marcus and Michaela, for your patience, commitment, and love for our rambunctious Va’Nyla Bean.— Marina Doktor
Posted March 25th 2023
Marcus & Kara have been amazing to work with...Gustav loves every moment of his classes! My pup is on his way to being a service dog thanks to the teachings of DTE and I am beyond pleased with the results. Very exciting to keep up the hard work.— Kelly Malone
Posted February 16th 2023
Marcus and Michaela are the best trainers! They had my sassy samoyed obeying commands and picking up a few tricks after just a few sessions. Highly recommend training with DTE!— BCRS Nest
Posted February 11th 2023
We have been working with Dog Training Elite for a couple of months now. One of the reasons we chose them was because they offer both in home and “real world” classes; it wasn’t just one or the other. We could not be happier with how flexible they were when scheduling the in home visits and how knowledgeable they are. They are kind and patient both with our German Shepherd puppy and my family. They took care to include my two children with the training and help educate them as well. I highly recommend them for any puppy training needs.— Erin Giusti
Posted January 28th 2023
Had my first session with michaela and marcus and i am impressed with how quick my dog has learned already— B Day
Posted October 4th 2022
By far the most knowledgeable trainers we have met! Highly recommend working with these guys!!— Dan Lutchko
Posted October 1st 2022
I brought my dog with severe behavioral issues to Elite Training central mass recently. She came back a brand new pup! So sweet and loving. The owners were extremely helpful and made me feel comfortable leaving my dog with them each day. Definitely recommend them to anyone having difficulties with their furry friend!— Salvatore
Posted September 30th 2022
Best experience I’ve ever had with dog trainer. I would recommend DTE to anyone in search of a trainer!— Emily Albert
Posted September 30th 2022
They are very professional and committed to helping you train your dog!— Rosbin Mayen
Posted September 29th 2022
Excellent dog trainers! They are very knowledgeable— parker fillmore
Posted September 28th 2022
Great caring business owners that will treat your dogs like their own !— Kayla Costa
Posted September 27th 2022
Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation
At Dog Training Elite Central Massachusetts, 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 Central Massachusetts 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.
Positive Reinforcement -
The Recommended Technique
While there are various dog training techniques, positive reinforcement is the only recommended method. Trainers that offer programs based on punishment, “alpha dog” methods, and fear should be avoided.
Dogs must be taught which behaviors to perform, not punished for doing something wrong. Our canine companions don’t understand why we are yelling at them, they just fear us. When we catch our dog doing the right behavior and award him for it, he learns which behaviors are acceptable.
At Dog Training Elite, we combine positive reinforcement techniques with a private training setting. Our in-home approach has a high success rate.
Years of training experience have taught us in-home dog training is the most effective as it offers a personalized training experience for both dog and owner.
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No Distractions
Your home is where your dog feels most comfortable, and where he is most likely to exhibit problem behaviors. Jumping on guests or destroying the home when you leave are behaviors that only occur inside the home. A private dog trainer that assesses your dog in his or her home environment catch and correct these behaviors on the spot.The home is a calm, relaxed place for your pal. There are no other dogs or large crowds to distract him from the lesson at hand. Once your dog has learned the basics at home with a private dog trainer, his or her new skills can be practiced out in public.
Family Involvement
Ingrained behavioral changes only take place when the entire family is committed to training your dog. When a trainer comes to your house, you can take advantage of the times when everyone is home and willing to participate. Once you all agree on appropriate behaviors and the associated cues, your dog can happily learn from everyone.
The Private Dog Trainers in Fitchburg / Leominster That You Can Trust
At Dog Training Elite, we understand your dog is like a family member and that you want the best for your pet. That’s why we use positive reinforcement in all of our training procedures. We never use punishment or pain techniques - training should be an enjoyable experience for your pet. Our combination of positive reinforcement, an electronic collar (not a shock collar), and including family members is a well-rounded training experience. Dog Training Elite stands behind our training programs, and we are focused on empowering owners with our established techniques.