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Training is key to creating a safe, loving environment for your canine companion. Dogs are great learners and always eager to please their owners. With the right techniques, a little patience, and consistency from the whole family, Fido can learn just about anything.
Besides teaching your dog respectful behaviors (like no excessive barking and no begging from the table), training keeps your dog:
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Safe
If your dog knows to come on command, or “stay” in place, both of you will be safer when outdoors. Untrained dogs may dart off into the road, or become distracted by their surroundings and get lost. -
Smart
Consistent instruction is mentally stimulating and improves your dog’s cognitive health. Learning also prevents boredom and the destructive habits that result from it.
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Happy
Dogs thrive on positive, loving relationships with their human family members. A dog that doesn’t know proper behavior is unlikely to have a positive relationship with the people around him. By teaching your dog what behaviors are acceptable, you establish a comfortable and loving environment.
Effective training is key to a positive dog-owner relationship. Learning how to communicate with your canine companion is difficult without assistance, however. If you’ve been struggling with your dog’s behavior, it may be time to find a professional dog trainer near you.
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)
Finding Professionals In An Unregulated Industry
There is no regulating body or licensing process for professional dog trainers. Anyone can advertise themselves as a trainer, whether they have the necessary skills and knowledge or not.
Navigating through this unregulated industry can be tricky. As a dog owner, you want a qualified trainer that will:
- Respect you, your dog, and your family.
- Stick to your schedule.
- Use positive training methods.
- Never harm your dog.
- Address your dog's unique needs and behaviors.
- Teach you how to better communicate with your dog.
- Provide ongoing support and check-in after training sessions.
- Train in various settings, environments and stages.
- Empower you to build a healthy, loving bond with your dog.
It takes years of experience and education for trainers to be able to offer all of the above. So how do you find a professional that fits your and your dog’s needs?
Se habla español!
"Pawsitive" Indicators of a Good Dog Trainer
Some things to look for when searching for a Fitchburg / Leominster dog trainer include:
Training Technique
There are various training methods out there, but the most effective is positive reinforcement. According to the American Kennel Service, positive reinforcement techniques “are based on the science of animal learning and have the bonus of strengthening the dog-owner bond.”
- “Alpha Dog” or dominance-based training techniques. Dominance theory is based on incorrect assumptions of dog and wolf behavior. Dog behaviorists have proven that positive techniques are the only healthy way to communicate with dogs. Dominant, punishment-based training causes anxiety, fear and aggression.
- Trainers that use choke-chains, shock collars, sprays, and other punishment tactics.
Stay Away From:
Personality
You want to enjoy the time spent with your trainer, so find someone with a happy, exciting personality. You’re looking for a professional, of course, but we are all dog lovers here, so light-hearted attitudes are important. Your dog must connect well with a trainer for efficient learning, so pay attention to how your dog reacts to your chosen trainer.
- Trainers that make you feel bad about your relationship with your dog or your dog’s behavior.
- Rude, dismissive attitudes, and trainers that are too uptight.
- Trainers that use harsh words and aggressive tactics.
Stay Away From:
Empowerment
A dog trainer is truly a teacher at heart, and their goal is to teach you how to better communicate with your dog. You need a coach who helps you connect better with your pet, empowering you to build a strong bond. When the trainer is gone, you’ll be the one giving the commands, so make sure you find someone that is understanding, patient, and committed.
- A trainer that does not want to involve you and your family members in the process.
- Programs that only offer board and train -- effective training involves various settings, including classes and inside the home.
- Trainers that cannot explain how dogs learn and cannot teach you how to communicate with your dog.
Stay Away From:
Credentials
Dog trainers do not need a license, but there are various education programs available. Look for a trainer that can prove their credentials with experience, education, and certifications. If you have a specific need, such as personal protection or service training, be sure to find a trainer that is experienced in that area.
At Dog Training Elite, our dog trainers are educated and experienced with training dogs of all breeds, sizes and ages. All locations are registered with the Professional Retriever Trainers Association, the International Association of Canine Professionals, and the American Kennel Club.
Trainers that cannot prove their education, experience, or background.
Stay Away From:
Customization
All dogs have unique personalities and life experiences that shape their behaviors. A well-qualified trainer offers customizable programs tailored to the unique needs of each client and dog. In-home training approaches are preferred, so the trainer can observe your dog in his home environment (where he feels most comfortable acting naughty!).
You should also look for a trainer that covers both basic obedience and advanced programs.
- Trainers that can’t teach more than basic obedience commands.
- A trainer that diagnoses medical issues as reasoning for problem behaviors. Trainers are not licensed veterinarians and should never diagnose a dog. If a medical issue is suspected, a qualified trainer will recommend you speak to a vet.
Stay Away From:
Good References
References and consumer reviews are key to finding a reliable trainer. Ask around at the dog park for good references, and research each trainer or company. Read through customer reviews and take a look at how professional their website appears.
- Trainers that have no website or online references, or trainers that have poor reviews.
- Trainers with reviews that mention aggressive tactics, fear-based techniques, and punishment-based theory.
Stay Away From:
Se habla español!
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.
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.
Trust Your Gut
Choosing a trainer is an important part of being a dog owner, and in the end, you want to choose the professional you feel comfortable with. This is someone that you’ll be inviting into your home and spending plenty of time with! A dog trainer with credentials, experience, and a friendly personality that makes your dog’s tail wag is most likely a great choice.
You also want to make sure you get your money’s worth, so choose a trainer that is invested in you and your dog. At Dog Training Elite, we follow up with our clients even after training sessions have ended. Our goal is to help clients build strong relationships with their pets, and that takes consistent effort. Our professional dog trainers are some of the best in the Fitchburg / Leominster area. We cover training programs such as obedience, personal protection, anxiety, aggression, and service dog.