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Dog Training Elite in Richmond, VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

General

What is involved with a free assessment?

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.

How do your services differ from your competitors?

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.

Will I (or my family) be involved with the training?

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.

How often are the training sessions?

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 Richmond.

I just have a few issues with my dog, can we cover those issues only?

To effectively resolve specific issues, we need to start with a solid foundation in obedience. This approach helps you become a confident leader for your dog, which is key to addressing and preventing behavioral problems.

Can you train husbands, wives or kids?

Nope. Those are dangerous grounds to tread upon. We'd much rather train a vicious dog!

Do you train all breeds, shapes and sizes?

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.

Do you work with aggressive dogs?

Yes. Working with and controlling aggression is one of our specialties in Richmond.

What kind of service dogs do you train?

We focus on training companion dogs for veterans and individuals with PTSD and other psychological conditions. In addition to service animals, we also train therapy dogs that visit hospitals, nursing homes, and treatment centers.

What kind of temperament does my dog need to have to be service trained?

To be a service dog, your dog needs to have an even temperament. Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Standard Poodles, Goldendoodles, etc. typically have a great temperament for service work. For some types of service work, your dog will need to have AKC certifications (such as Canine Good Citizen or Community Canine) which we are able to certify. As always, we would be happy to assess your dog's aptitude for service work for free!

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About Dog Training Elite Richmond

Dog Training Elite Richmond - Meet Our Elite Team. Dog Training Elite in Richmond

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

Lisa McCall

Jan. 4, 2026

Dog Training Elite Richmond is the perfect place to go for excellent dog training. My 2-year-old golden retriever is training to be a working therapy dog. Our trainer, Matt, has been working with Charlie, and we have seen so many improvements. Paul worked with us at the beginning to determine where to place Charlie, as he had completed puppy training classes in NC before moving to VA and had already passed his Canine Good Citizen Test. Matt worked one-on-one with Charlie at our home, then a few sessions at various community locations. Charlie is now attending group classes, and he is doing a fantastic job. I love how Paul and Matt look at each dog and focus on what the dog needs. They are patient, they give great advice, and my dog absolutely loves them! I highly recommend Dog Training Elite Richmond! Lisa McCall
Carole Bourgeacq-Hardt

Dec. 23, 2025

Paul and his staff were very helpful with the training of our chocolate lab, Max. At the beginning the sessions happened in a calm environment by patient and knowledgeable trainers. Then, Max was exposed to busy surroundings like Lowe’s. I feel like Paul took the time to know Max and his needs. He always has helpful comments and pointers pertinent to Max.
Ralph Condit

Dec. 22, 2025

I can’t say enough good things about Dog Training Elite and especially Paul. I needed a service dog and after being told by numerous organizations that I would have to wait several years I purchased a puppy and found DTE to help me train him. Paul was amazing and flexible when it came to where we would do training because where I lived was out of the area they could do in home training. With Paul’s great training and mentorship of working with my dog I was able to get him to his Canine Good Citizen and Advanced Canine Good Citizen and Public Access in almost record time. This was a life saver for me and helped with my ability to be out in public and just live a happier life. Paul’s continual support and group classes are a great place to work my dog around other well-behaved dogs but to be able to showcase to newer people how well the training works. Ralph
Kylee Nicole

Dec. 21, 2025

After careful consideration, hours of scouring reviews and best training programs in the area, we were brought to DTE Richmond. I called Paul and set up our training—it was SO easy and Paul was so informative and welcoming. Matt has been training our dog Samson over a stretch of months now, we still have more sessions to go and Samson was already turning into a completely different dog after our first couple of sessions. Matt has been a godsend for Samson & my husband and I. We needed a good foundation to help us help our dog learn his manners and Matt has shown us how to do that. We take everything we learn and put the work in daily. Again, cannot say enough amazing things about Matt. Samson absolutely adores him and gets so excited to see his car pull up. I highly recommend DTE, especially their platinum program. We’re very excited to start group classes and love that this is a lifetime thing we can be a part of.
Laura Quintero

Dec. 21, 2025

Matt was thorough and patient with my son and his dog, Colby. He is 8 yrs on 12/22 and he flunked the beginner session at a local pet store. He passed the repeat and didn’t finish the second. He is strong willed but as time went on we tried to use what we learned and he did have a few successes. Our big issues with the Colbmyster was excessive pulling combined with never knowing when. We decided to try DTE. The change has been pretty remarkable. Our problem now is the human element. Consistency consistency consistency 🤦🏼‍♀️
Samantha White Cook

Dec. 21, 2025

We currently use them and they are amazing are puppy is 8 months and already passed his AKC and we are starting his service training in January! All thanks to Dog training elite Richmond! Our trainer is Matt and he is very thorough and explains step by step if you have a concern not only does Matt help but the owner Paul does too ! It’s hard finding a company where the owner is involved but Paul definitely is him and Matt take turns doing the weekly group classes! The structure is great and honestly the pricing is amazing too ! And the equipment is high quality. We are so glad we went with them ! Also very family oriented !
Alexandra Kerlin

Feb. 7, 2025

Matt was professional, nice, and knowledgeable at our free home assessment for my dog Butch! I'm excited to start scheduling training sessions to help with Butch's separation anxiety behaviors and basic training. Thanks Matt! Update! We've been through our in home sessions and 6 months of group classes and DTE was phenomenal! Matt was our trainer and was always on it to help with any issue that popped up with Butch and Paul and Megan are always great! We love them and hope to come back for therapy dog training some day!
Cliff Gregory

Nov. 26, 2024

Matt handled Ponyo so smoothly, and she learned so much this week. He helped us learn to walk her better. They are the very best.
John R. Smith

Dec. 2, 2025

My Bernese Mountain puppy was thoroughly trained by Matt and Paul. They took a special interest in him and we appreciated that. I recommend DTE to anyone interested in such training. It pays off and is worth the money because it is an investment that keeps on giving.
justin barnes

Nov. 14, 2025

Paul brings the highest level integrity to everything he does. Couldn’t recommend him more!
Chris Owens

Nov. 9, 2025

Dog Training Elite Richmond has been fantastic for Champ and myself! We did the in-home program with Matt and the results have been above and beyond what I expected. Champ was a very reactive dog that had trouble focusing. It was a challenge to get him to go on walks around my apartment complex with out being overly exited about other dogs, constantly pulling. I was hesitant to take him out to other places. Matt was able to provide both me and Champ the correct way to handle these situations and the walks are now so much fun for both of us! We now know all the commands, sit, down, come, off and place. My own anxiety about some of the previous ways Champ use to act has gone down tremendously and it has been wonderful for both of us. I cannot say enough good things about Matt's approach and instruction how to address situations and his training methods. We have attended the group classes with both Matt and Paul as well which are a must. This really allowed Champ and myself to gain the confidence and experience needed in an interactive environment with other dogs. Overall, Dog Elite Training Richmond has been fantastic and I could not be more please or recommend enough!
Ben Lever

Oct. 20, 2025

Matt did a great job training our dog. He is very knowledgeable about dog behavior and personalities. He is very friendly with the dog and vice versa. The dog seemed to like him very much
tara boyle

Oct. 15, 2025

Matt took the time to listen to my concerns and address them…hopefully Otis the wonder dog will find some zen!
Nancy Smith

Jul. 11, 2025

From the moment Matt arrived to our home we felt so comfortable with his energy. He is incredibly knowledgeable. His calm and positive approach ensured us we have chosen the right person to move forward with training for our anxious german shepherd. Thank you Megan and 'Matt!
Joshua Kidd

Jul. 11, 2025

Very knowledgeable! Great first experience! Excited to continue classes
Georgia Delamar

Jul. 10, 2025

Matt answered all my questions and was very informative!
Jeannie Friedrich

Jul. 10, 2025

Matt just left after the initial assessment. I am blown away. He had Chloe calm within 20 minutes. Can’t wait to work with him!
Kristine Adams

Jun. 19, 2025

I believe we are on our third in home and Matt has been amazing!! Our rescue that has gone thru severe abuse has grown to not be afraid in a short period of time and Matt has been amazing with me to answer all my questions each visit and again the most patient. I’m so happy that Elite is whom I have chosen to help us and my sweet rescue. Thank you is not enough
Nicole Nikolis

Jun. 24, 2025

Matt was awesome. He was punctual, polite and talked us through their approach. He also told us what to expect when he was introduced to our pack. We were able to see right from the beginning how the approach worked with them!
Aaron Swart

Jun. 23, 2025

Great experience with Matt today- knowledgeable, calm, and kind. Jocko can’t wait to be a therapy dog!

Reviews & Testimonials

Our Team

Paul Hearn

Owner

A Virginia native who has never left, Paul loves the variety the state has to offer, such as beaches, mountains, countryside, and urban destinations. He has been fortunate to have had the opportunity to see much of it in his travels during his previous 22-year career in the electronic security industry. His love for dogs began when his father brought home a stray puppy when he was very young, the family naming her Tippy. Sadly, she ran away not too long after, but Paul’s love of dogs remained. A fan of dog training for many years, in December 2021, he decided to change careers and jumped at the opportunity to join the Dog Training Elite family. He is extremely excited to better the lives of families through their relationships with their dogs and thrilled to offer service and therapy dogs to those who need them in the future.

Paul lives in Chesterfield, VA, with his wife Shanon, two boys, Caiden and Evan, and their two dogs, Milo and Amber. In his spare time, he enjoys Mountain Biking, hiking, and tinkering in his garage with electronics, car stereo, and small construction/woodworking projects. He is also his family’s pro-bono handyman and jack of all trades.

Matthew Perales

Trainer

Matt is a man of many talents and has worked in many different fields, but he always knew his dream was to be able to work with dogs. He grew up raising and handling a variety of different breeds both small and large, and has always felt a close bond with every dog that he’s had the opportunity to interact with. He is excited to now be with Dog Training Elite, working with lots of dogs and their owners! Matt loves all dogs, and believes each dog has their own potential to be their best self when given the right leadership! Keep an eye out for Matt and his dog Eko at the many events they attend!

Megan Celestino

Office Administrator

As the office administrator, Megan is the welcoming voice that greets you at the start of your journey with Dog Training Elite Richmond. Megan's passion for helping others shines through in every interaction. Her journey with DTE began as a client, working alongside Paul to train her dog, Pixie. Inspired by the transformation she witnessed, Megan decided to dedicate herself to helping other families achieve the same success with their dogs. She believes in the life-changing power of our training methods and is eager to share this with everyone! In addition to Pixie, she lives with her husband, three children, and two ferrets.

Meet the Team