Dog Training in Essex County, MA

Meet Michaela, co-owner of Dog Training Elite, whose entrepreneurial drive and love for dogs are at the heart of everything she does. Originally from Massachusetts, Michaela earned her degree in Marketing from the University of Rhode Island. After college, she moved to Tempe, Arizona, where she met her fiancé and now business partner, Marcus. The two later returned to Massachusetts to launch and grow their business together.

While Marcus leads in the field, Michaela runs the backend operations — handling client communication, scheduling, marketing, and the day-to-day systems that keep everything running smoothly. Her background in marketing, combined with her attention to detail and natural empathy, helps ensure every client feels heard, supported, and confident from start to finish.

Michaela’s love of dogs is central to her story. She and Marcus share their lives with three beloved companions: Fisher, their loyal black lab and working dog; Quinn, a one-eyed rescue who survived a coyote attack as a feral puppy; and Tiki, a resilient rescue adopted from a homeless individual. Michaela has a soft spot for dogs that others may overlook, and that compassion shines through in how she supports both clients and her team.

With her strong organizational instincts and heart for helping others, Michaela ensures the entire experience — for both people and their dogs — is thoughtful, professional, and grounded in care.

This is Marcus and his one-eyed rescue dog, Quinn. Originally from Santa Clara, California, Marcus attended Arizona State University in Tempe, earning a degree in Business Administration. After relocating to Massachusetts with his fiancée Michaela, he became co-owner and lead trainer at Dog Training Elite. Together, they bring a deep passion for helping families and their dogs build lasting, positive relationships.

Marcus’s training philosophy blends structure, empathy, and problem-solving. He’s known for his calm, caring approach and his ability to understand and meet each client’s specific goals. By focusing on trust, consistency, and communication, Marcus helps both owners and dogs gain confidence and clarity throughout the training process.

Marcus and Michaela share their home with three dogs—Fisher, their black lab and working dog; Quinn, a one-eyed rescue who survived a coyote attack as a feral puppy; and their newest addition, Tiki, a sweet and resilient dog adopted from a homeless individual. Their commitment to rescuing dogs others might overlook is a reflection of their belief that every dog deserves a chance to thrive.

Outside of training, Marcus is an avid sports fan—especially baseball—and finds joy in helping families overcome challenges and grow closer through the training journey.

Meet Matt, a dedicated military veteran with a deep-rooted passion for helping dogs and their humans build stronger bonds. With 21 years of service in the U.S. Coast Guard, Matt discovered his calling while working as a protection dog decoy alongside his regular duties — an experience that sparked his lifelong dedication to canine behavior and training.

During his time in the Coast Guard, Matt became involved in training programs that supported service members with PTSD, gaining firsthand experience in how dogs can transform lives. That work laid the foundation for his transition into full-time professional training after retirement, where he now specializes in helping dogs with behavioral issues and reactivity.

Matt is known for his calm presence, methodical approach, and unwavering commitment to progress — especially with dogs that require extra patience and structure. His goal is to create lasting change through trust, consistency, and clear communication.

At home, Matt shares life with Echo and Nova, two loyal companions who embody the bond he strives to create for every client. Whether working with a reactive dog or guiding an overwhelmed owner, Matt is committed to helping each family find clarity, confidence, and connection.

Meet Tiffany, a former client turned trainer whose journey with Dog Training Elite came full circle. What began as a desire to better connect with her own dogs quickly became a deep passion for helping others do the same. Today, Tiffany brings both personal experience and professional skill to every training session, making her an empathetic and results-driven member of the team.

Tiffany shares Marcus’s balanced training philosophy, rooted in clarity, structure, and trust. Her firsthand experience as a client gives her a unique perspective — she knows exactly what it’s like to be in the owner’s shoes and uses that insight to support families with patience, compassion, and clear guidance.

She shares her life with two beloved dogs, who continue to be both her motivation and her practice partners. Tiffany is deeply committed to training her own dogs to the highest standard so she can lead by example, demonstrating what’s possible with consistency and teamwork.

Whether working with new puppies or guiding owners through complex behavior challenges, Tiffany is passionate about helping each dog reach their full potential while making the journey rewarding and empowering for their humans.

Matt K is a professional dog trainer who joined the team in 2023 and brings six years of hands-on experience working with dogs. He began his career as a handler at a doggie daycare and gradually worked his way up to training, eventually earning a puppy training certification. His passion lies in helping new dog owners, especially during the critical early stages of puppy development. Matt believes in making training an effective and positive experience through clear communication, consistency, and trust—building a lifelong bond between dog and owner. Clients can expect a cool, calm, and consistent presence in every session. One of his favorite success stories is about a high-energy Lab puppy named Milo, who learned impulse control and basic obedience through structured routines and short, positive sessions. Outside of training, Matt enjoys hiking, outdoor sports, and spending time with family. He shares his life with a Dutch Shepherd and enjoys working with clients directly in their homes to create lasting results.

Patrick joined our team in 2023, bringing with him over eight years of hands-on experience working with dogs—especially high-drive breeds like Australian Shepherds. His passion for dog training started with his own herding dog, and that experience inspired him to dive deep into the craft and later work alongside Marcus to refine his skills and help others build better relationships with their dogs.

Patrick has a particular interest in shaping behavior in puppies and preparing them for more advanced training tracks. He’s especially drawn to herding breeds and understands the importance of giving energetic, intelligent dogs a fulfilling outlet. His training style is rooted in consistency, communication, accountability, and positive reinforcement. Clients can expect a practical, real-world approach that integrates training into everyday routines like feeding, walking, and play. Patrick’s goal is to help owners see their dog not just as a pet—but as a responsive, well-adjusted partner.

When he’s not training, Patrick is usually outside mountain biking, skiing, hiking, or playing basketball. He grew up in Framingham, MA, where his first job was on a working farm caring for horses and chickens. That’s also where he met the herding dog that sparked his lifelong passion for working dogs and the training process.

Patrick currently shares his life with an Australian Shepherd—his favorite training partner and best trail buddy.