Meet the Team

Hi, my name is Rich and I own Dog Training Elite Michiana. I have always had a love for animals as far back as I can remember, but being 1 of 6 kids, my mother was so slow to believe my unconvincing arguments that I could handle a pet. Finally, at the age of 10, she broke down and let me get my first parakeet, Petey. Since Petey, I have had more birds, a few hamsters, a frog, fish, dogs, and even bunnies. Currently, I have a Basenji named Ajax, and a Black Lab named Tink.

While I am an attorney by training, I got into the pet care business in 2022, when I opened Fetch! Pet Care of Michiana, a dog walking and pet sitting franchise. My day-to-day interaction through Fetch! with people and their dogs showed me the immense impact dog training can have on people, families, and their dogs and the incredible need for experienced dog trainers. That is why I decided to bring Dog Training Elite to Michiana.

Dog Training Elite brings a proven system to teach basic obedience to dogs, but couples that with a passion for training service and therapy dogs, all while basing its philosophy in community and helping people and pets. We look forward to meeting you and your pup and starting the Dog Training Elite journey with you.

Hi, I’m Ajax and I am a Basenji. Basenjis are known as the barkless dogs. That’s right, I don’t bark, but instead I just like to yodel, especially when the piano is playing. Rich is my dad, but I also have 3 others in my family. I have my fursibling Tink and my two favorite smaller people, Alley and Trey. When I’m not training, I love lounging in the sun, chasing my toy duck and chewing on my bully sticks.

My Dad and I have trained immensely to help with Dog Training Elite. My favorite part is getting to meet all the people at different events. Come by sometime and see my brain work!

Hello! My name is Sarah and I am a Trainer at Dog Training Elite Michiana. Growing up, my family has always had dogs. I spent a lot of time outside with them playing fetch with a ball or a Frisbee. I remember teaching them tricks like sit, shake(paw), down, bow, and heel. I always loved feeding them, bathing them, and brushing out the burrs from their fur after playing in the woods. It was a dream of mine to work in the pet industry from the start!

My love of animals has grown with each new opportunity I have grasped. I have worked in many different areas which have required the utmost care of client pets. I had my start at a daycare facility which gave me the opportunity to be trained in basic manners and dog body language. I have had experience in boarding, daycare, grooming, swimming, training, and post-surgery pet care.

These experiences have shown me the importance of teaching basic manners, bonding with, and socializing your dogs. Dog Training Elite provides that training to you and your dog to help you navigate through life with the best start and helping to fix problems that arise along the way.

Hi, my name is Chloe. I am a trainer at Dog Training Elite. Animals have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember and I can’t imagine it any other way. At home, I have a bearded dragon, a leopard gecko, two cats, a dog, two milk snakes, and plenty of fish. My journey in animal care began at a boarding facility, where I even got to look after tortoises (and quickly fell in love with them!), and continued at a doggie daycare, where I met some of the most unforgettable pups. Those experiences taught me how every animal has its own personality and how special it is to earn their trust. Now, as a trainer, I’m passionate about helping families build stronger bonds with their dogs through patience, understanding, and training.

Hi, I’m Tink and I am a Black Lab. I am a certified Service Dog and my Dad is Rich. I have had two litters before I came to Dog Training Elite, and most of the babies have gone onto retrieval and service work. When I’m not training, I adore playing fetch with my bumper, sleeping at the feet of any human and posing cutely for the camera.

I go basically everywhere with my Dad, so you’ll probably meet me at your first initial consultation. I love meeting all the new people and showing them a prime example of Dog Training Elites work. I can’t wait to get head pats from you!

Hi, my name is Holly. I am a Trainer at Dog Training Elite. My dog journey started as a young child. My family and I put all our pride and joy in our German Shorthair Pointers for pheasant hunting, and we still do! In the in between years I have had grooming, training, horse care, daycare and boarding experience all under my belt; making my understanding on just how adverse every dog truly is. I took a break from pet care in March of 25’ and quickly realized that this industry was where I was meant to be.

My current household holds an abundance of critters including some fish, a Ball Python, a Crested Gecko and two Leopard Geckos. I also have five cats: Prance, Dug, Kirby, Munch and Thumper; as well as three dogs: Bentley, Ibiza and Scrim. You can find us all snuggled up on the couch or at the Mishawaka Riverwalk taking a stroll (my cat Dug loves walking on his leash and harness)!

My own animals and experience through life have given me the value and love of training dogs. My goal through Dog Training Elite is to suffice every family needs with our quality and persistence. Establishing strong connections between handler and dog is beautiful to watch, and I can’t wait to help you and yours!