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Reviews & Testimonials
Dog Training Elite St. Louis
Hear From Our Customers
Matthew St John
Nov. 8, 2025 - google
Matt, Dom, John and the whole staff were awesome. Highly recommend. They’re great at communication and they get results.
Julia Lutker
Oct. 19, 2025 - google
We took are dogs Batman and Lexi here back in June or July and I have nothing but positive things to say about these dog trainers they know what to do and how to make your dog listen the right way. Before I could barely walk are pity and he used to scream every time the saw a dog or a person. Walks were miserable… now today we took him down to the park with so many people and he walked past them like everything was normal. I couldn’t say enough positive things about Dog Training Elite
chris perkins
Sep. 29, 2025 - google
Dog Training Elite Helped Brody Become a Certified Service Dog—Thank You, Matt! When we first brought Brody, our golden retriever puppy, to Dog Training Elite, we were hopeful but unsure of what to expect. We knew we wanted him to become a service dog for our 10 year old daughter but we also knew that would take serious training, consistency, and the right guidance. From the very beginning, the team at Dog Training Elite impressed us with their professionalism, experience, and genuine care for both dogs and their owners. Each session was thoughtfully structured and tailored to Brody’s personality and learning pace. The trainers were patient, clear, and incredibly knowledgeable—not just about dog behavior, but about how to build lasting habits that stick. They didn’t just teach Brody commands; they helped him develop focus, reliability, and calmness in a wide range of environments. Today, at 10 months old, Brody is a certified service dog, and the difference in his behavior and confidence is remarkable! He’s attentive, well-mannered, and capable of handling complex tasks in public and at home. We’ve seen firsthand how much effort and expertise went into his training, and we couldn’t be more grateful. A special thank you to Matt, the owner of Dog Training Elite. Matt’s leadership and hands-on involvement made a huge impact. He was always available to answer questions, offer advice, and make sure Brody was progressing the right way. His commitment to quality and care is reflected in every part of the program. If you’re looking for serious training with real results, Dog Training Elite is the place to go. They helped Brody reach his full potential, and we’re incredibly thankful for the journey.
D
Sep. 21, 2025 - google
My dog Kate has been with this company for a few years now. We still go to group classes. Matt and the people that work for him are just outstanding, would highly recommend this company to anyone with a dog!!! It’s exactly what your dog needs.
Emelie Fredrikson
Aug. 14, 2025 - google
Huge improvements with our miniature dachshunds! Our 5yr old doxie had gotten tough to walk over the past couple of years - she was very reactive on the leash and constantly barking at other dogs. We couldn't let her say hi to other dogs because she would lunge and show aggression. This behavior is completely gone after in-facility training and several group classes where she has learned confidence, focus, and appropriate behavior with other dogs. This was the third training facility we tried with her and it finally worked!! This was also the first training session for our 1yr old dachshund, who has made huge improvements in understanding and listening. We are staying patient with her as she is still easily distracted as a young puppy, but this has given her such great exposure to other people, dogs, and different environments. Our dogs absolutely love the group training classes and adored all of the trainers. You know its a good sign when they can't stop wagging their tails when they recognize the instructors!
Jeffrey Russell
Aug. 14, 2025 - google
Really couldn’t be happier with the results from Matt and his staff. Despite persistent training, our golden doodle remained a problem and we were faced with a decision whether he could be managed at all. We elected the intensive two-week training option. He came home a bit “down” the first couple days, something mentioned in their materials since he is learning his place in the pack for the first time. After those first couple days, however, he became happier than we had ever seen and we started to see immediate improvement. His progress continues with the follow on classes, which are great for reinforcing and strengthening obedience. Our dog now comes reliably, can greet guests and share life with our family. Matt and his staff really know the dogs, both by name and temperament. Thank you for coming to the rescue!
paige schulze
Aug. 11, 2025 - google
We've had a bit of bad luck in the past when it came to finding the right trainer for our Malamute, Mako. When he was still a puppy, we tried a newer daycare and training facility, thinking it would be a great way for him to socialize with other dogs while getting some basic training. Unfortunately, after just a couple of weeks, he was removed from the program without any clear explanation. I was worried it might have been due to aggression, but they assured us it wasn't that. We then worked with another trainer for a few months, and she was wonderful. However, we had to part ways when she started her family. As Mako grew older, his energy turned to reactivity, leading to constant conflicts with our other male Malamute. He became reactive around other dogs, weary of new men, and his leash manners were getting too challenging for me to handle. On top of that, he had no recall at all. Our main goal was to train him on recall so we could safely take him to the river. One afternoon, I happened to drive by Dog Training Elite (DTE) and decided to stop in. From the moment I walked through the door, I was impressed by the calm atmosphere and the sight of several dogs patiently holding their place commands along the walls. That day, I met with Matt and shared my concerns about our 120-pound, reactive, intact Malamute. He listened attentively and expressed strong confidence that he and his team could help get Mako on the right track. He was absolutely right. I had the pleasure of working with Amanda during our one-on-one training sessions. She taught me how to recognize subtle body language cues that signal when my males might be about to fight, and she showed me effective ways to prevent those situations from escalating. Since starting with (DTE)several months ago, we've gone from fights every few days to just two incidents in total since we started at (DTE)!—remarkable improvement! We absolutely love the group classes, too. They've helped build Mako's confidence around other dogs tremendously. He's come so far from making intense, prolonged eye contact that would set off other dogs, to now just glancing briefly before turning his attention back to me. I'm incredibly proud of his progress. I'm so glad that I drove by (DTE) that day and took a leap of faith by walking in. The team at (DTE) has equipped me with the tools and confidence I needed to make life less stressful and much happier for both me and my dog. I posted a photo of Taco Mako OFF LEASH (with his e collar) at the River. We are so excited that we can now take him swimming with his siblings. We have gone 4 times so far this summer and he listen's very well and sticks close to us. Thank you Dog Training Elite for giving us our dog back!!
Luke Paino
Aug. 5, 2025 - google
Dog training elite has been worth every penny. Their staff is very friendly and knowledgeable and they have helped our dog tremendously. I can’t recommend enough.
Cynthia Coleman
Jul. 30, 2025 - google
Highly, highly recommend!! We had an incident with our dog that left us wondering if we could keep him. I reached out to Matt and he was quick to respond and met with us right away squeezing us in with my tight schedule. I could tell right away this was the place to help us. I had called several other places, and they did not have the confidence that Matt had! We had 8 in home training sessions with Dom- who is absolutely amazing!!!! He always brought such great energy to the sessions, and not only trained my dog but trained me as well! Dom was very patient with me and my millions of questions. It turned out though, that my dog was having a reaction to the collar, and developed a small sore. I was so upset, and unsure if I wanted to continue with this type of training. I reached out to Matt who truly took the time to talk through it with me and help me figure out what happened. Turns out my dog was allergic to it! He found a collar for my dog that did not hurt him, and was very patient with me as we worked it out. All I can say is that now I have confidence with my dog again! His behavior has changed so much, and I am no longer nervous around him! Thank you guys so much!
Kamryn Wileman
Jul. 26, 2025 - google
Both of our two-year-old girls absolutely love DTE—and so do we! Our pups—a Beagle and a Rottweiler—used to struggle a lot. They often fought, dealt with serious jealousy issues, were completely unwalkable, and were reactive toward strangers. It was overwhelming, to say the least. But even after just a few in-home sessions, we saw a huge difference. Dom got us started, answered all of our questions, and explained everything so clearly. Then Alex became our main trainer, and it truly warmed my heart to see how confidently they handled our fearful Rottie—who has never liked strangers. Watching her open up to them was incredible. Dom and Alex weren’t just amazing with our dogs—they were amazing with us, too. We’ve learned so much. Now we have multiple tools at our disposal (like e-collars, prong collars, and leash pressure), but more importantly, we know how to use them safely and effectively. That’s all thanks to DTE! We now attend group classes every Monday and Saturday, and it’s been a game-changer. Our girls are doing things I never imagined they could. Their confidence has skyrocketed! Axel leads the group classes and he’s fantastic—always staying late to answer questions and keeping the sessions fun and engaging for both dogs and humans. Today, both of our girls are walkable (I can even walk them by myself without getting dragged around!), and I trust them even when neighborhood dogs run up to us unexpectedly. They can be around other dogs and people without being reactive, and our relationship with them is so much stronger now. There’s trust on both sides—and that’s priceless. We’re not done with our training journey yet, but I’m genuinely excited to keep going. I’ll recommend DTE to everyone I know! I wish I had more action shots of the girls—but here they are after a Saturday class! 😂
Omar
Jun. 7, 2025 - google
A Game-Changer for Our Reactive German Shepherd! Our family was at our wits' end with our German Shepherd, Journey. We love her dearly, but her reactivity towards other dogs and sometimes even people had become a significant source of stress. Walks were a nightmare, and having guests over was always a gamble. After extensive research, we decided to entrust Dog Training Elite with our beloved Journey, and we can honestly say it has been a life-changing experience, thanks to the incredible guidance of Matt and Michelle. From our very first session, Matt’s calm confidence and deep understanding of dog behavior put us at ease. He didn't just train Journey; he trained us. He patiently explained the psychology behind Journey's reactivity and equipped us with the tools and techniques to become the confident leaders she needed. Michelle’s compassionate and encouraging approach was the perfect complement. She helped us understand Journey's perspective and celebrated every small victory with us, which kept us motivated throughout the process. The transformation in Journey has been nothing short of remarkable. While she is still a work in progress, the dog we have today is worlds away from the anxious, reactive girl we brought to them. She is calmer, more focused, and looks to us for guidance in situations that would have previously sent her into a frenzy. We are now able to enjoy walks with her, and she is learning to coexist peacefully with the world around her. What we appreciate most about Matt and Michelle's approach is their emphasis on real-world application. The tips and strategies they provided were not just for training sessions; they have become an integral part of our daily routine. The work with Journey continues, as true behavioral change takes time and consistency. However, we are now armed with the knowledge and support to continue her progress. Matt and Michelle have given us hope and, most importantly, a more manageable and enjoyable life with our sweet Journey. We are incredibly grateful for their expertise and dedication and wholeheartedly recommend Dog Training Elite to any family struggling with a reactive dog.
David Wells
May. 7, 2025 - google
Matt and his Staff are true professionals! The Staff at DTE worked with our dog “Ryker” and we are very pleased with the outcome. Throughout the entire process the Staff was helpful, positive, flexible, and were always giving tips to help you understand what they were teaching. It has been a very rewarding experience and I would recommend DTE highly to anyone! R. Wells
Stephanie M
Mar. 9, 2025 - google
They helped us train our two dogs to be better with listening and obeying commands. Our life with these puppers went from horrid to amazing with their help. They also have helped me find replacement parts for their training collars.Thank u so very much.
Katie Gould
Feb. 1, 2025 - google
Matt and his staff are amazing!!!! They are patient and kind. While getting our service dog trained they were supportive through every step. I have owned dogs all my life and I never thought about going through training but through out this whole process I have watched not only my dog but others in the classes transform into amazing animals :)
Lenell Moeller Weiler
Oct. 5, 2024 - facebook
Our puppy, Bailey benefited from the Puppy Training program so much. Matt and team were so great at handling her because she can be stubborn. We plan to continue her training at Elite with the Therapy classes because my husband visits homebound and nursing home members at our church. Will keep you updated!
Bev D
Sep. 23, 2024 - google
We were very pleased with DTE program and our trainer Chelsea! Tinkerbelle is a better dog and we are better owners since in home classes.
Gina Weeks
Jul. 21, 2024 - google
If I could give this operation 100 stars, I would. We have been taking our new 10 month old beagle, which we purchased from a Craigslist ad to Dog Training Elite St. Louis for 1 week. Before Dog Training Elite, our new pup was an out of control dog with no purpose. She barked/howled incessantly and tried to chew everything in our house. We’ve had a beagle before, so we know their temperaments, and this one was off the charts. After one week at Dog Training Elite, our new pup obeys commands, has stopped pulling on leash, and no longer screams and cries in her kennel. We still have 1 more week of daily in person training and 6 more months of group training with this crew. We are so excited to see even more progress with our pup:) This operation has been worth their weight in gold. The entire staff (if I could name them all, I would) from Matt to Alecia to Tyler, the crew at Dog Training Elite St. Louis has been professional, flexible and positive. We never thought we would have anyone other than us train our pups, but this new pup of ours really pushed our limits. Without Dog Training Elite, we would not have been able to tolerate our new beagle. Thanks to Dog Training Elite St. Louis, we now have an amazing new addition to our family, who we will be able to enjoy for years to come:)
Michelle Downey
Jul. 2, 2024 - google
I started dealing with Matt. He was always professional yet personable and very knowledgeable. I could always rely on him to get back with me, if he was unavailable, in a very timely manner. He was so very helpful and a lot of advice and helping me to make sure that I had enough information to choose inappropriate rescue dog and then he also did the assessment on her and got her approved for training. I started one-on-one home training with Michelle on I believe April 23rd. Michelle was the perfect match for Saffron and myself! She relates to a lot of my issues and my life. Funny, because she's like 25 years younger than me, LOL She has done amazing things with training me and my beautiful German Shepherd in the last 10 weeks. We did our first group training session last night, which was held inside the facility and Matt was the trainer for the class that night. He was a very informative. He comes up with these ideas that no one in a million years would never come up with but it totally makes sense! This class was awesome for Saffron, and myself. We are looking forward to our next group training class which will be outside in a park. Before I go, I must mention that Matt had a young lady that was helping him with class last night, chelsea, I believe that was her name, and she was just as friendly and helpful and I was really shocked at how knowledgeable she was especially since she seemed so considerably Young lol. It has been 10 weeks and so far it has been a very pleasant and educating experience for both myself and my dog. I am looking forward to the rest of our journey to her becoming my psychiatric service dog and my life partner.
Michelle Downey
Jul. 1, 2024 - google
I do believe that they deserve a five star but I have only been training with my pup for 10 weeks so I can't fully give them an honest five just yet. I would like to make the complaint that I really wish I could tag them in the many posts that I like to give them credit for but I'm not able to tag then. With all that said about the business in general, I must give a huge shout out to number one: Matt, my original contact and an amazingly helpful person in so many different ways! Very friendly, response to messages in a timely manner and has so much knowledge in so many answers for you. Number two: Michelle, our trainer, has been absolutely fabulous! She it's not only there for the service dogs training but is also there for the client in numerous ways! She is very in tune with my health issues and is also very understanding about them. She is also very patient with my episodes that I may have while we are trying to train. She continues to do her job while still being compassionate about my Health situation at that moment. But she does not give up on the dog just because I have an episode. I would like to also add that whoever chose to put Michelle with me, made an amazing decision! We definitely work well together and have experienced a lot of the same types of issues that make her even more compassionate towards my situation. What more can I say? I've already written a book here.
Heather Mackin
Jun. 26, 2024 - google
Tyler was absolutely amazing!!!!
Alyssa Haydon
Jun. 19, 2024 - google
We love Dog Training Elite! Prior to training, our two reactive corgis were unmanageable. They were extremely aggressive and causing each other harm. After just one session with Tyler, our corgis George and Sam already made significant progress. They listened better and were fighting way less. Now, with one session to go, it’s like we have two new dogs! They are extremely well behaved! We can open the gate to our patio and they don’t run out. We can walk both of them without any issues with barking or seeing other dogs. The progress they have made has been life changing. We are so grateful for the help!!!
SHELLY M
Jun. 13, 2024 - google
An absolute 5 out of 5 stars! Our dog trainer, Tyler, was a true professional with real experience. He took our dog from being wild, uncontrollable, and anti-social pup to being a straight "A" dog student. We really could not have had a better experience. We highly recommend Tyler and DTE!
Jacqueline Goering
Jun. 7, 2024 - google
We were having issues with aggression and anxiety with our dog. It was to the point where he was fighting with another dog in our home, we couldn’t have guests over, etc. We felt extremely defeated. Training with Tyler from Dog Training Elite seriously has changed our lives for the better. We feel like our dog has improved so much. We’ve been given the tools to create structure for our dog so that he can be successful. Our dog’s demeanor is so much better, he doesn’t act out toward our other dogs or guests anymore, and so much more. We are so grateful to have been able to train with Tyler and Dog Training Elite. It’s been an impactful experience and we would highly recommend them to anyone.
Crystal Buss
Apr. 3, 2024 - google
Tyler was/is amazing! Our 4yr old mix breed dog was usually terrified of any man that walked into our house. Binny and Tyler became friends after the second training session. We learned SO much and it is very refreshing to have a properly trained dog. Our lives are changed as well as Binny’s. He is now able to just chill and be a dog in his place instead of barking and being scared. We can go to our camper by the river and not worry about him bolting out of the door as soon as someone opens it and he likes to sit outside with us now. We practice everyday and he’s still learning but we were given the proper direction to be able to make Binny more comfortable and our lives less stressful. Thank you so much Tyler we appreciate you and also enjoyed getting to know you as well. 10/10 recommend!
Valeri Saldanha Rosa
Mar. 29, 2024 - google
My 3-year-old Bernedoodle, Millie, was very reactive to practically any person, dog or thing that moved before training began. After even the first couple sessions with Cameron, she was already showing signs of improvement. Today was her last one-on-one (her eighth session) and we went to the park, which I haven't been to for a walk since getting Millie six months ago. I now have the confidence to walk in the park with her beside me and know that I have everything under control. She's miles from where she was in the beginning, and I'm so proud of her. I could never thank Dog Training Elite enough to see how reactive she was in the beginning and have the confidence to say it could be turned around. I'm also grateful for Cameron's patience with Millie and ME. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect trainer for us. I'm eternally grateful.
Relda Dorris
Mar. 26, 2024 - google
Amazing trainer(Cameron) for both dog and owners. Definitely a positive experience. Clean and friendly environment.
Rachel Andrews
Mar. 14, 2024 - google
I contacted Dog Training Elite late last year about my 3 year old Pomeranian, Gus, whose dog and human reactivity has been a problem for the majority of his life. I had taken him to another trainer prior to Dog Training Elite, and my next stop was a priest for an exorcism because his reaction to other people and dogs was demonic. Since working with dog training elite, I have been able to walk him and have people in my home without a nuclear response. We can pass people on walks without him going full demon mode, and for the most part, I no longer see any reaction. He is still a work a work in progress, but I now know how to handle situations better to set him up for success. Kelvin, his trainer, was wonderful to work with and extremely knowledgeable. The group classes have been great to attend to strengthen his training with high distractions, and Gus did not, in fact, ever need an exorcism!
JoAnne Stanfield
Mar. 12, 2024 - google
DTE is a wonderful organization! Iam now able to safely take a walk with my 100 lb dog Bailey. No more pulling and aggressive behavior. Tyler is an excellent trainer and advisor. It is amazing how much he taught my dog and me in just 6 hour lessons. The park group lessons are also a great adventure and learning experience! I recommend DTE without reservations!
Jeffrey Rose
Mar. 7, 2024 - google
I had a fantastic experience with these folks training my English Bulldog (I know unusual breed for service animal) to be come a formally trained task-complete service dog. From the initial evaluation with Matt, and the basic training with Kelvyn through the advanced training with Cameron we had a consistently excellent interaction with DTE. Trainers were knowledgable, patient, professional punctual and enthusiastic; expectations were always set appropriately. Use of the e-collar was very sensitive and caring (since my dog was very positively food motivated treats sufficed for the vast majority of her training and we didn't need the collar very much--but it was great learning how to carefully use the device when necessary). The sessions in public places (malls, stores and airport) were terrific in addition to the in home sessions and communications and scheduling were easy and diligent. I look forward to traveling with my pup with confidence in her training and ADA qualifications. Materials provided along with the classes were terrific. This was obviously more intensive (and yes expensive) than simple obedience training, but with patience and consistency it is amazing what can be done. I think the cheap on-line alternatives and shortcut 'take a few video lessons and get a certificate' are nonsense and bogus. This elite training was worth every dollar and DTE stands behind their training and certification for the long run. Special thanks Matt and Cameron!!
Pippy P
Feb. 22, 2024 - google
Michelle and Tyler were wonderful! I’m looking forward to working with my dog to make her the best she can be! Thank you for your help!
Susan Brown
Jan. 21, 2024 - google
Thank you Kelvin for all your training that you provided Rayna and myself...I've learned how important it is to know and be able to read your dog...think like your dog so they will know what to expect 😉. Thank you for showing me how to give your dog commands, positive reinforcement and praise. Rayna says thank you for fixing me.
Bill Latz
Dec. 27, 2023 - google
Highly recommend Elite. Matt and his staff worked with our rescued female Doberman, Carly, and we are thrilled with the outcome. Elite was recommended to us by a friend who also had a great experience with their two dogs. We believe the investment was well worth it! We also love the group classes that are available once the one-on-one training has been completed.
Savahnah Olander-Walsh
Dec. 20, 2023 - google
If you are ever thinking about going to dog training elite, go with your gut and say yes. I chose to go with dog training elite, and my dog and me came out better than ever. They don’t just work with your dog for whatever training you choose like service dog, protection work, basic obedience, therapy dog work, and more, they work with you also so when training is over you can thrive at what you have learned throughout your whole training. I got so lucky because I don’t trust my dog with just anyone especially the person who’s gonna help my dog help me out more than he already did. I got lucky with Cameron, she helped me past what you would think you would get back from dog training. She is funny, amazing, and just Cameron. If you ever get to meet her she will bring a light into your life and your dog’s life. My dog’s tail wags faster than anything in this world when he hears that he gets to see Cameron. Cameron goes above and beyond what the job entails. She shows you that dog training elite is the best choice to go with for dog training. It didn’t just make my dog a better service dog it made me a better service dog owner so my dog is and will be the best that he can be with his tasks. Kai will forever be grateful for Cameron because now he can help me his parent out with all that I go through. I will also forever be grateful for Cameron and the whole dog training elite company that has helped me and kai get through this process, but especially Cameron. Also just thought I should show you how perfect kai is, he’s in his goggled and dog training elite vest
Paula Bryant
Dec. 18, 2023 - google
Saved my dog! A totally new dog! The aggressive behavior has been changed.
Corianne B
Dec. 18, 2023 - google
I picked Dog Training Elite because of its high rating on Google. I was desperate at the time to be able to walk my 5 month old Bernese Mountain Dog with a stroller and not hurt my harms from all of his pulling. The training was simple, the trainers were great. Within a week, our dog learned to heel and walks were peaceful again. I reserved my review for over a year because they told me that with repeated, quick daily sessions, when he was closer to 2 years old I wouldn’t rely on the training collar and his training would be solid. Here we are, Boomer Sooner is 2 years old and although I still put a collar on him most days, he is so well trained in every area that I rarely use it. My 3 year old is able to walk him on a leash. He’s not a robot but he knows what we expect from him. Today, something happened to remind me to leave a review for these trainers. With all the wind, our backyard gate blew open while our dog was outside and because we’ve taught him not to rush the door or rush gates, he stood there looking at it and then his recall was immediate, the first time I called him. I’m grateful for the training we received from this company and the well behaved dog we have as a result!
Chris Reynolds
Sep. 10, 2023 - facebook
Matt and John did a great job with our 3yo Aussie, remi. She was a nightmare on leash and was very reactive. After wasting money on other training, we reached out to Dog training elite. 2 months later we are able to take Remi out to dinner on patios, and today she had her first experience at Bar K without issue. Highly recommend Matt and his team.
Robert Chen
Jul. 5, 2023 - google
Matt and his team were incredible. As an owner who had previously only used treat-based training before, I was extremely hesitant to try other methods such as an eCollar. Despite my hesitation, Matt took the time to explain to me what an eCollar was actually used for and dispelled many of the misconceptions I had heard on the internet. Like treats, an eCollar is a tool, and one that surprisingly DOES NOT HURT! How do I know? We tried it on ourselves at the setting we would be using on our dog! After our introductory meeting, we were paired with Hunter, who is just the most incredible dog trainer any owner could hope for. Our dog was working on reactivity toward other dogs. Hunter took the time to explain both high-level dog psychology to establish a framework for us to think about our dog's behavior, as well as multiple tangible tricks and training routines that we could put into daily practice. What I really like about Hunter's style of training is that he doesn't apply some inflexible, his-word-is-law approach, but meets our needs and our dog where they are. Could not recommend Dog Training Elite more highly (except by saying, work with Hunter if you can)!
Jennifer Falk
Jun. 18, 2023 - google
We cannot say enough about Matt and his team at Dog Training Elite. We recently completed our sessions for the service training and certification of our Labrador puppy, and they worked to make us each successful every step of the way. The trainers are all responsive and passionate about their work, and best of all, the dogs with which they train. Both the individual sessions and the group training sessions were well managed and essential components for our dog’s training. We are forever grateful to Matt and all of the staff at Dog Training Elite!
Natalie
May. 26, 2023 - google
Could not recommend Dog Training elite more!! Extremely dedicated group of people with a deep knowledge of dog behavior. Very compassionate and will work with you nonstop until you meet your goals with your pup!! Very happy with this amazing team.
Tina McNulty
May. 3, 2023 - google
Best Training Program we have used! I really like how we train alongside our dog. All trainers are extremely helpful with excellent advice and solutions to issues. Matt has assembled a terrific team with well organized, educational classes. We’ve had a great time “at school” and my dog is making great strides in the Therapy Dog Program.
Debbie Cooper
Apr. 23, 2023 - google
I contacted Matt at Dog Training Elite because my 6 year old dog was holding me hostage. I couldn't leave him with anyone, I was uncomfortable when company came over. I tried local store Training classes but there were still problems. My dog was dragging me up and down hills, barking and jumping at other dogs and being possessive of furniture and other items in the house. He now plays with other dogs, walks along side of me, sits calmly and waits for commands. He is a happy dog now and I no longer worry about his behavior. Thank you Dog Training Elite.
Jane Hodell
Apr. 21, 2023 - google
I did a lot of research before picking Dog Training Elite. I am so happy with my decision. My puppy had learned so much in the 6 at home lessons. He had some aggressive behavioral issues that have gotten significantly better since we started training. I couldn’t recommend them more!
Matt Sumners
Apr. 5, 2023 - google
George did a fantastic job with Cooper and helped him with his anxiety and fear of new people. Cooper loved working with George and has a lot more confidence thanks to him
Mallory Newberry
Mar. 31, 2023 - google
Matt and his team do an incredible job and they all have the best hearts. I reached out to DTE with a fear reactive dog, completely hysterical over a bite incident. Within 30 minutes Matt was at my house for an evaluation, and upon meeting my dog he decided that he did not think the aggressive program was necessary, and we gave the obedience program a try first, and he was right! We met a few trainers before finding one that not only bonded with my dog, but one my dog felt comfortable with, and for the remaining sessions it was him we had the pleasure of seeing once a week. He pushed all of us out of our comfort zone, challenging me to work hard and earn that trust and confidence my dog again. I am happy to say that with DTE’s obedience program we are now able to take the dog with us to eat on the patios of populated bars without so much as a bark or a growl. My dogs trust in me, my trust in him, and my trust in myself have all benefited from working with Dog Training Elite. I now have the tools to keep my dog, and everyone else safe, happy, and comfortable; and not only has the reactivity gotten better but my dog is overall better behaved, more obedient, less anxious, and just all around a better listener. I could not be more pleased or more grateful for my experience with Matt’s team of trainers.
Cindy
Mar. 29, 2023 - google
Five stars to Matt Willis and his staff of Dog Training Elite for their excellent work in training our miniature Australian Shepherd Poodle (Aussiedoodle) to be a psychiatric service dog. At four months they began teaching my small dog along with my husband and me. At age twelve months Maya became a certified psychiatric service dog. She now qualified to accompany us in restaurants, grocery stores, airplanes, public transportation and other public places. Without the expert assistance of Hunter, Dom, and particularly Matt obtaining certification would not have been possible in so short a time with such a young dog. I would recommend Matt and company to anyone wanting his or her dog to be obedient, follow commands and provide comfort, companionship and assistance. They are absolutely the BEST!
Sri kolli
Mar. 24, 2023 - google
Me and my puppy Napoleon had a great experience with Dom our trainer. He is amazing! I was worried about the collar and he was very gentle yet firm and guided us through it all. I highly recommend this program for anyone who wants to train their puppy !
Timothy Holdener
Mar. 19, 2023 - google
Originally came to DTE to help with leash aggression on my GSD puppy. After working with her a couple sessions, they identified that she was leash reactive, not aggressive, and her behavior is now under control between the 1:1 sessions with Hunter and Matt and the group sessions with all of the trainers (can't leave out Dom!). She has been enrolled in the personal protective training and is progressing nicely. The combination of 1:1 sessions and the group sessions at the training facility help the handlers learn proper training techniques and safety. Obedience and control of your K9 is always stressed in the protection classes and combines perfectly with the obedience training offered by DTE. I'm very happy with the knowledge, professionalism and service of the staff and look forward to working with them more in the future.
Natasha Bassett
Mar. 18, 2023 - google
We started service dog training with DTE in January 2023. We are now in group classes with Roselle. We cannot say enough great things about DTE STL. We drive an hour and twenty minutes each direction to go to training, and it is worth every minute and mile.
Keri Ann Hunt
Mar. 18, 2023 - google
We LOVE Elite! Matt was incredibly helpful at our initial meeting. He was open and transparent by what we could expect from the dog trainer's, our dog and from ourselves. Freyja, our German Shepherd, has thrived under their training. Our trainer Hunter has been amazing! She went from being terrified of being in a new space to confidently doing all the commands she has learned. Can't wait to see how much she grows and learns.
Bree White
Feb. 25, 2023 - google
So thankful for Hunter and DTE! I was worried that Tater would have been deemed as an actual “aggressive” dog but a few minutes with the owner, Matt, and he knew that she did not deserve that label and she was able to be helped. Within 1 session she was already on her way to becoming more comfortable in herself as a dog and relax. Thank you Hunter and DTE!
Becky E
Feb. 7, 2023 - google
We couldn’t be happier with Dog Training Elite. We started working with them at the puppy stage and decided to continue with training. Now my daughter has the perfect ESA dog for the support she needs. We have people tell us all the time what a well behaved dog we have and we owe it all to the trainers at Dog Training Elite!
debbie struckhoff
Nov. 9, 2022 - google
Hunter has this amazing understanding of dogs and their humans. Would definitely recommend Dog Training Elite, it was a great experience and totally worth the time and effort. We immediately saw results after the first session, how exciting!! Thanks for all your help, our Finn has done a 180 and we couldn't be happier.
Matt Bishop
Oct. 27, 2022 - google
Unbelievable experience with DTE! My family couldn’t be happier with the transformation because of their program.
Dan Baker
Oct. 25, 2022 - google
Highly recommend. Jason, Dominic and Hunter helped transform our 2 cane corsos from having no manners to being great dogs that listen and are now great in the house.
Michael Lumetta
Oct. 13, 2022 - google
I would highly recommend Dog Training Elite to any dog owner. The skills and knowledge not only taught to my pet but to myself are invaluable. I have had a few dogs in the past and have gone through other training programs; but Elite by far is the best program, I have experienced. The staff and trainers are top notch professionals. Special thanks to Dom and Matt.
Zachary Roe
Oct. 13, 2022 - google
Definitely worth the investment. Not only is Claire now an off leash dog, I feel comfortable knowing how to use the e-collar properly in a positive relationship with my dog. Jason was awesome.
Kyle Christie
Sep. 1, 2022 - google
Matt is extremely professional and personable and truly cares about driving high quality results. He is passionate about improving your relationship with your dog and provides an extremely high level of customer service. If you are looking for results and a great experience, look no further. Highly recommend!
Brittany Lay
Jul. 14, 2022 - google
Dog training Elite has been awesome for our family. Our dog Koa has been going since he was 9 weeks old. Koa has learned so much and grown so much because of their training. We can’t wait to see our pup graduate into a service dog. They are flexible with our schedules and work with us even though we live about an hour and a half south. They have been amazing.
Laura Bickel
Jul. 5, 2022 - google
DTE is the only training method that has worked with my 1.5 year old stubborn lab. It has brought order back to our house and made her an all around better pup. The team is professional and knowledgable, I would recommend them to anyone!
Cole Harte
Jul. 1, 2022 - google
Had a great experience with DTE! I was a little skeptical of the method at first, but we stuck to the program and did the homework as instructed. We are lightyears away from where we started with our dog in just 2 short months. Looking forward to the group trainings to get us to our end goal.
Rick M
Jun. 27, 2022 - google
Jason helped me with my 2 Dogs. I have a Pit mix that was reactive and is now no longer reactive and does great off leash, along with a Hound mix that was near impossible to get to listen to simple commands that now can be off leash and listens very well.
Sue Slattery
Jun. 9, 2022 - google
Working with Dog Training Elite has been the very best investment of time and money for my family and Daisy. We spent thousands of dollars with other training organizations and nothing worked for us. What I loved about Dog Training Elite initially was that the trainers were going to come to my home, where they could see and help me best address Daisy's unmannerly behaviors. Within 2 days of using their tools and approaches, we saw a dramatic positive change - less jumping on people and less barking at the door bell. In only got better from there. The techniques are easy and enjoyable for us and Daisy. I now have a well behaved dog who walks nicely on a leash and is mannerly in my home. I have to believe that she is much happier now that she understands our expectations. Cameron and Dominic did a phenomenal job for us and we look forward to the group training sessions later this month where Daisy can strut her stuff! We are so proud of her.
Katie Petri
May. 14, 2022 - google
DTE is great! They really helped to work on my dogs leash aggression. Very knowledgeable and can tell they love dogs!
Ellen Claire Tipp
May. 6, 2022 - google
DTE has completely changed our family dynamics with our puppy Ned. We were hesitant about using an e-collar at first, but after completing the training we would do it all over again. We wanted Ned to be trained well enough so that we could take him everywhere we go without added stress. Walks are more enjoyable without him pulling to get ahead, no more table surfing, and he actively listens to us on the first command. Highly recommend DTE, the staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. They answered all of our questions and explained every aspect of the training. Jason was great to work with!
Valerie Silberman
May. 5, 2022 - google
DTE was recommended by a friend who was using them. After letting her know my pup was having issues playing with other dogs, she let me know how effective they have been with their dogs. I was hesitant because of the price point, but these are skills my pup will use for the rest of her life, so I decided to take the chance. Having them come for individualized sessions and teaching was key for me. But then the follow up of group classes would be the deal sealer. Communication before and after the sessions was/is a bit lacking, but if you really needed to be in touch, someone would get back to you quickly...within the day. I look forward to continuing the training with her 16 group classes! I gave a 4 at this point because we're really only a quarter of the way through the training.
Bobbie Schoonover
Apr. 28, 2022 - google
We have been in training since Jan 2022. It is amazing how with the right tools your dog will shine. We have a golden lab, hes 7 months old, he is being trained for a service dog for my grandson. Matt and his trainers have been awesome with him. He is doing things that are amazing to watch. When you see a puppy turn into an obedient dog its a wonderful feeling. We are in the adolescent stage so yes it gets rough but so worth it when he shows off and does an awesome job. I see our experience going forward to be hard work but Matt and all of his trainers will be right by our side as we get to our goal. Thank you guys so much for taking care of our future worker!
Megan Bradshaw
Apr. 26, 2022 - google
We have an Australian English Shepherd Mix who was incredibly aggressive to the point we couldn't have guests over to our house. DTE worked with her and by the end was letting the trainers give her belly rubs. We really couldn't believe it. At the beginning of the program that never would have happened. We had reservations in the beginning about using an ECollar, however, our dog now wags her tail and gets excited when we grab it from the counter. She truly is a different dog and I can't recommend DTE enough!
Lauren Griswold
Mar. 31, 2022 - google
DTE was a blessing to myself and my dog! They have great communication skills and our meeting reminders were really helpful for my schedule! All of the trainers had a great amount of patience and Thor is a new dog! I can't wait to join them for group classes!
Caitlin Silkwood
Feb. 23, 2022 - google
We LOVE DTE and Katie! We inquired about our pup who has bad separation anxiety and was starting to show signs of aggression. We were able to nip the behaviors quickly and the obedience that we have taught Fezz has changed our relationship with him for the best! There's much more trust and he actually listens! It's been a fantastic change and we are so happy with everyone! Alecia made things easy to schedule/reschedule, we appreciate the whole team! Thanks DTE!!!!
David Kemp
Jan. 28, 2022 - google
We used Dog Training Elite to help train our dog and are really happy with the whole experience. Our primary trainer was Katie and she was phenomenal as well. We felt that there was a lot of structure to the whole process and actionable training instructions along every step of the way. Can't recommend DTE highly enough!
Tami Fawcett
Jan. 27, 2022 - google
DTE has been a great resource for us. Katie was patient, informative, and set us up for success! She didn't over-promise, and set very realistic goals and expectations. Having a puppy was much harder than we expected, and the DTE program has made an amazing difference. We're looking forward to continuing our practice on our own and joining group classes soon.
Kathy Pruett
Jan. 25, 2022 - google
Tyler was very helpful, he had patience with me and Bandit. He was always on time. He was very professional and helpful. He showed great patience with me. He is a great teacher. I am sure that Bandit and I will be able to move on to greater accomplishments thanks to the training Tyler supplied .
Shannon Quick
Jan. 21, 2022 - google
We're very pleased with Dog Training Elite, Tyler and Alecia have been amazing!! Highly recommended them!
C Budd
Jan. 17, 2022 - google
Dog Training Elite is THE dog training service in St Louis. No other compares. Their prices are competitive but more than that you are going to find a staff that is so incredibly immersed in solid training. These individuals love dogs and they are committed to helping you and your pet bond and create a truly trusting and engaged relationship. Your dog will learn obedience so easily and enjoyably I was amazed. This is the only place to go. Hands down. The best.
Alyssa DeGreeff
Jan. 4, 2022 - google
We couldn't be happier with the training we ALL received from Dog Training Elite! We saw HUGE improvements after just one session and after we finished the 6 week program, our Finn is a changed pup! Katie was fantastic! She was very clear with instructions and explained everything that our dog was experiencing! Alecia was very organized and worked easily around our busy schedules! After just 6 weeks, our boy became focused, had begun listening to us and we can finally entertain people without having to put him in his crate! We have a calmer and happier home thanks to DTE!!!
Nick Maranan
Jan. 4, 2022 - google
Phenomenal service! Tyler worked with my 3 year old German Shepard. My dog was extremely aggressive before I started this training. Strangers couldn't be in the same room without home being restrained and he would constantly bark and lunge aggressively. We just completed the 8th week of training and Connor now is a completely different dog. He is relaxed doesn't bark or lunge and still has a short warm up period, but the amount of stress that has been taken off my back is wonderful. They also are very flexible with your schedule which is great. Highly Recommend!!
Nathan Martin
Dec. 7, 2021 - google
My dog went from wild to the point of biting our furniture and jumping up on everyone to following all of our commands and being so well behaved. To be honest, it’s been an amazing program and our dog is so much calmer and with less anxiety. Highest recommendation!
Birdie D'Orville
Dec. 7, 2021 - google
I have always had dog envy when I saw someone jogging through a crowded park with their well behaved pup by their side or at the farmers market or a restaurant with a true companion; no jumping or barking, just content and happy together- well, thanks to DTE I have one of those dogs- no...one of those relationships. It's been a serious game changer and my sweet recue pup garners the attention of everyone around us when my 4 year old walks him through parks, stores, and other outings effortlessly. I am now addicted and can't wait to work on more training. Thank you so much to Katie, Tyler and Matt- having all three of you come to our house at different times really gave us a holistic training program and built my confidence. I cannot thank you enough!!!
Tracey O'Leary-Benack
Oct. 8, 2021 - google
Tyler and Matt really helped us. Our dog is so loving but had severe behavioral issues when we got her (not her fault- rough puppy life before we adopted her) They are compassionate. Patient. Kind. Caring. Our dog LOVED them. Tyler was our main trainer and she LOVES him. They do NOT advocate punishment based training at all. They have a level of patience I only wish I could have on a daily basis. Our dog is happier and healthier now. Amazing.
Tammy Derrigan
Sep. 3, 2021 - google
Tyler was absolutely amazing! Our dog is wonderful and funny and amazing and pretty gosh darned smart, yet he still had bad habits and a lack of ability to understand some basic commands. Tyler turned all that around and is pretty much a miracle worker. We even asked for something off the menu in our last session and I’m not kidding, Tyler had him doing the off menu item within four minutes. ❤️🐶❤️ I wish I had those skills!
Elvir Sarajlic
Aug. 5, 2021 - google
Can’t put into words how incredible this program was for our dog Bean and our lives. Before we started classes we could barely go anywhere with our Dog and have people over because of his reactivity and jumping. After just one In hone session the jumping was eliminated and having people over was no longer something we had to worry about. Tyler was so helpful in personalizing the program for our needs, he even met us at a dog park to help with Bean’s reactivity around other dogs. Don’t waste your time with other trainers, try Dog Training Elite!
Catherine Barr
Aug. 2, 2021 - google
Dog Training Elite is a fantastic group to work with! They tailored our training program to target the specific undesirable behaviors. Tyler and Matt are so knowledgeable about dog behavior and training tactics. We contacted DTE after our dog, Cooper, bit another dog. We didn't know what to do as he was becoming increasingly reactive to other dogs. Matt and Tyler reassured us that we weren't at a dead end and that dog reactivity is normal. They gave us the tools we needed to allow Cooper to succeed and with a lot of practice and consistency he has improved significantly! I would recommend DTE to anyone looking for quality dog training!
Kristyn Head
Jul. 28, 2021 - google
All of the trainers at Dog Training Elite are amazing but Tyler was definitely our favorite! He is very knowledgeable when it comes to dog behavior and training. We learned so much from him and he was always reassuring and encouraging, even when it wasn’t the easiest. I now have the training and confidence to take my dog on walks and to the park more often. The trainers at Dog Training Elite are very professional and if you’re thinking about hiring a trainer, they are worth the investment!
Steve Havera
Jul. 23, 2021 - google
The only dog training you’ll ever need! Matt and team are fantastic, super knowledge, professional and great teachers. They taught the lessons to us as owners as much as our dog, which helps to reinforce the right behaviors. I’ve had dogs my whole life and wish they all would have had this training. Our family is much better balanced as a result of these approaches, we’ve benefited from both obedience and ESA training. If you have a dog training need, Dog Training Elite and Matt are the place to go!
Hilary
Jul. 14, 2021 - google
We are so happy our friends referred us to dog training elite! We had previous training that wasn’t sticking with our dog so decided to try this. I wish we would have known about them beforehand because after just the first session we couldn’t believe how well he was doing! Our trainer, Tyler, was so awesome!! He was informative and patient with us, answered any questions we had throughout the process and very reliable. I never would have thought we could have our dog come to us and also be off leash in just a session or two, but he did!! So I can’t say thank you enough to Tyler because our life has changed because of this! At first we were hesitant, because of the price and because we weren’t sure if it would work but we knew something had to change. I would do it all over again for just how much our dog has learned over the 6 weeks, it’s crazy!! My advice to you would be, DO IT!!! You won’t regret it!! We just have so many good things to say about Tyler and the dog training elite company altogether and would recommend them to anyone we know.
Christina Bommarito
May. 13, 2021 - google
Dog training elite StL was awesome! This was a learning experience for me too! It was such a joy watching Nico transform into an obedient dog. Highly recommend. Tyler addressed all concerns we had with Nico. I’m so pleased with how well Nico has progressed. Big thank you to the DTE StL family!
Kent Kirby
May. 13, 2021 - google
From the start Matt and Tyler were awesome! The knowledge and expertise these gentlemen have to offer far exceeded any expectations. We rescued our pitbull Nico right off the street without hesitation. However, we had no idea what we we’re in for. You name it he did it. Lunging, barking, jumping, knocking over house plants, jumping all over the furniture, and so on and on. Fast forward to now, it’s a night and day transformation. Our pup still wags, jumps, and plays just like his normal goofy self...with one tiny difference, he listens. When you tell him off, he gets off. When you tell him quiet he stops barking. When you tell him sit, he sits. I can’t express how grateful we are for everyone involved in our experience with DTE. Alicia, Matt, and Tyler thank you all! As well a special thanks to Cowboy and Wolfe, what awesome dogs!!! We will definitely recommend you to anyone and everyone we meet. Consider us lifetime and future clients!!! Long story short, would we recommend DTE? YESSSSSS YESSSSSS WE WOULD!!! 🐶🐶🐶 Thanks again everyone, can’t wait to see you at group training!
Rachel Giordano
May. 12, 2021 - google
I hired Dog Training Elite St Louis to come to my home in St. Peters, MO to do a general obedience refresher for my dog Milo, and to specifically work with him on dog aggression. I am exceptionally pleased with the work that Tyler and Matt did with Milo. His dog aggression issues subsided after only a few sessions and walks are a much more pleasurable experience for the both of us. I was mostly looking for Milo to be less reactive to other dogs while on a leash but I have also been given the added perk of him walking perfectly at a heel with or without a leash. Amazing transformation. Couldn’t be happier!
Maggie Rick
May. 4, 2021 - google
I’m not even sure I can put into words how amazing this training program is. It’s the third training program we have tried in order to work through my dog’s reactivity issues. Before we started, we could barely go on a walk without her reacting to every person, dog, or motorcycle we saw. Now, having only completed the individual training sessions, her reactivity is almost completely gone. She is more confident, more relaxed & so much better behaved. The trainers are professional, knowledgeable & so helpful with anything you need. I can’t recommend Dog Training Elite enough!!
Sarah Garber
Apr. 30, 2021 - google
Tyler was awesome! His guidance helped us get our dog under control on walks and curb the barking in the house. We even saw improvement after just the first session. Thank you, Tyler! Looking forward to group classes!
Jeff Roberson
Mar. 25, 2021 - google
Matt and Tyler were a dream to work with and miracle workers with our dog. Extremely professional and diligent in their work. Our in home consult our dog was nipping to where he was nearly pulling my shirt off. He really was showing off all of his behavior issues, where you’re completely embarrassed of their actions. Matt addressed each of the issues and how he could help us, he even had his dog along to show off how well the training is on just a 4 month old pup. After our first session we had an immediate relief, our dogs nipping and barking was noticeably reduced. We get compliments consistently on our dogs behavior. His recall on is name is amazing where we are comfortable to have him off leash, we also love using place when people come to the door. Matt and Tyler made our lives so much easier with their work with our dog. We cannot thank them enough!
Samir Mujdzic
Feb. 27, 2021 - google
Would highly recommend using Matt at dog training elite if you want fast and reliable results. My dog made significant progress within just one week of working with Matt and Tyler.
Kathleen Kartye
Feb. 5, 2021 - google
Matt is an excellent trainer! He gave me the confidence and the tools to teach my pup to be a well behaved pet. No more jumping up on people and excessive barking.
Lori Hartman
Jan. 28, 2021 - google
Matt and his team were first rate in their approach to training for our new puppy. He worked with us on understanding the best way to start of puppy off on the right foot with the basics including potty training, crate training and general puppy behavior and commands. We have had many dogs over the years but it was very beneficial to bring them in for our new puppy!
Kelsey R
Dec. 15, 2020 - google
We did 6 lessons with Matt at our home. Our 12-mo Newfoundland has noticeably improved, and is much easier to live (and walk) with. Matt is professional and prompt - and clearly knows his stuff. It is also up to the owner to implement the techniques, and this provides a good opportunity to work with and bond with your dog.
Melanie Adams
Nov. 14, 2020 - google
Our 8 month old toy poodle puppy is loved by everyone who meets him. He thinks everyone wants him to jump on them and won't stop until you give him attention... rub his belly!!! His excitement needed to be under control and he needed to be taught he is not the boss and he needs to listen and do simple things we want him to do. Dog Training Elite works 100% - but you do have to continue to practice what you have been taught. I think it is 35 - 40% the dog being trained and 60 - 65% the owner being trained. I took Bentley to my workplace and my coworkers said he seems like a totally different puppy. I didn't have to build a barricade around my cubicle so he would not run around the office like a crazy little puppy. Matt was awesome and I would recommend him to anyone who needs training for their dog.
Melody Stelzer
Nov. 8, 2020 - google
We enrolled our 3 year old Yorkshire Terrier with trainer, Matt Willis at Dog Training Elite in St. Louis, and can’t express how incredible they are! Not only has our Yorkie become tremendously obedient after only a few sessions (our carpets/rugs thank DTE also) however it has made my and my husband’s life so much less stressful, especially that he worked around our schedule and at our home. Highly recommend!
Jamie Lamprecht
Nov. 6, 2020 - google
We have loved working with Matt while training our future Search and Rescue Dog, Oakley. Matt is very professional and patient and really took the time to walk through his procedures and training techniques with us, as well as with our kids, to help us best train our new puppy! We look forward to continuing on with Matt and Dog Training Elite for all levels of obedience.
Idallas Quinones
Oct. 30, 2020 - google
Matt at dog training Elite was so great with my 9 week old puppy! Now at 13 weeks I have enough confidence to manage my crazy puppy and my puppy has confidence. Matt came to our home worked directly with my pup and worked with me on how to work with my dog. I couldn’t have asked for better service!
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About Dog Training Elite St. Louis
Meet the Team
FAQs
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Our Team
Matt Willis
Owner & Trainer - DTE St. Louis
Matt grew up in Austin TX in a house full of animals. He began training the family dogs at an early age. Raised in a hunting family, he learned retrieving, tracking and the responsible way to incorporate e-collar use in different training aspects."I always aspired to work with animals as a career but it just didn't happen for me."
After 20 years in wholesale distribution, that chance finally came."I sold my business and decided it was time to do something I'm passionate about. I love dogs and the special bond they bring to complete a family. We can't create sharp obedience unless we make it clear and easy for our dog to understand what we expect from them."
Matt trained in many aspects once joining DTE. He has been certified in Advanced Obedience, Internal/External Scent Detection, Service and Therapy, Personal Protection and Puppy Behavior/Training. He is recognized by the American Kennel Club as a certified instructor and evaluator for AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, Canine Good Citizen, Community and Urban Canine testing.
When not working with your dog, you can find him training his 4 year old Border Collie-Cowboy or his 4 year old Chocolate Lab-Bullet. He also enjoys hiking, biking, hunting and golf.
Alecia
Operations Manager
Meet Alecia! She has worn several hats during her tenure with DTE, but now keeps the train on the tracks as our Operations Manager. "Had I been told 5 years ago I would be switching careers into dog training, I would have more than likely laughed! I didn't foresee this industry in my future having spent 15 years in the medical field. However, now I can't imagine things any other way. Helping clients and their dogs is so rewarding and I love what I do!"
Alecia is a St.Louis native, attending St.Joseph's Academy and then graduating from the University of Missouri. She has two kids and a very energetic 2yr old Belgian Malinois, Nakita(Kita), that keep her on her toes. She is currently training Kita for Personal Protection with DTE. When not working to better serve our clients, she enjoys soccer, Cardinals baseball, gardening and playing games with her kiddos.
Dominic
Trainer
Meet Dom! The second oldest of six children, their Milwaukee home was always busy. And always full of dogs too. Thats why Dom knew from an early age he would someday make a career out of helping dogs. After high school, Dominic joined the Navy and served for 7 years. "After leaving the military it was time to follow my dream and find a career with dogs. I have always known it would be in training. Seeing peoples' lives change after giving their dog structure and obedience is highly rewarding. Now after training hundreds of dogs, Dom has extensive experience in a wide range of training and behavioral modification."
Dom has a 3yr old Pit Bull named Serendipity, Seren for short. When he's not training you can find him on the disc golf course, playing chess, hiking or hitting a new local restaurant.
He is recognized by the American Kennel Club as a certified instructor and evaluator for AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, Canine Good Citizen, Community and Urban Canine testing.
Alex
Trainer
Meet Alex! He always knew he wanted to work with animals from a young age, but dog training is a new found passion. A St.Louis native, Alex began his journey by attending the Tom Rose School of Dog Training in 2018. There he studied advanced obedience, tracking, scent detection and also dabbled in some protection work. "I really enjoyed the thrill of the hunt with tracking. Watching your dog engaged in a search is second to none". Alex had always worked off and on at the St. Louis Zoo but knew he wanted to get more hands on with the animals.
After graduating from the Masters Program at TRS, he decided to work in the veterinary industry. "It was a short stint but it made me realize I enjoyed getting hands on with the animals I wanted to help". That led him to DTE. He has excelled in our methodology and has helped so many canines already.
When not helping you and your canine, Alex enjoys being outside; camping, hiking, and playing disc golf. He also loves going to car shows and races. He is pictured with his 2yr old Chocolate Lab Nala.
Kelvin
Trainer
Meet Kelvin! Growing up on a farm in Ghana Africa, their family always had plenty of animals abound. But he always gravitated to dogs. His journey began in 2016 as he began transporting dogs for clients. He traveled the world visiting Russia, Serbia, Egypt, and the UK. Kelvin continued to research and study dog training. He opened up LiebeK9 in Ghana, specializing in protection and security canines. His thirst for training knowledge brought him to the States. He traveled and trained at several facilities, including The Tom Rose School in Hillsboro Missouri. He graduated with honors in both their Professional and Masters courses. "Throughout all the years of various methodologies, one thing stands clear-you must build a solid relationship with the dog and their owner to result in the most positive and successful outcome. I believe in a balanced approach. You must be firm while training but without creating conflict."
In his spare time, Kelvin is training his 7 month old Belgian Malinois, Omanye, for IGP and PSA sports.Hoping to title her when they are ready. He also enjoys cooking, and of course, traveling.
He is recognized by the American Kennel Club as a certified instructor and evaluator for AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, Canine Good Citizen, Community and Urban Canine testing.
Jon
Trainer
Meet Jon! He grew up in Arkansas and his family always had a pack in the house. After college, Jon spent over 10 years in the coaching profession instructing high school swimming. In 2020, Jon began participating in Disc Dogs STL with his pups and realized his passion for training and dog behavior. "My first competition was a disaster, but we improved immensely after educating myself and training harder. My Belgian Malinois Jackie and I won the novice division of the Missouri State Disc Dog Championship the very next year!”
His hobby became a search for a new career. Jon reached out to DTE and it was easy to see he had the drive and certainly the love for dogs. “It's so rewarding for me to help other dog owners develop a structured and obedient dog." He is recognized by the American Kennel Club as a certified instructor and evaluator for AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, Canine Good Citizen, Community and Urban Canine testing.
During his free time, he likes spending time with his family enjoying activities outside, concerts, going to the movies, traveling and spending time with their 3 dogs. Jackie is a 3yr old Belgian Malinois, Wolfgang is a 2yr old German Shepherd and Belle is a 1yr old Belgian/GSD mix.
