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YOUR DOG’S BEST RESULTS
Proven training programs designed around your dog, your home, and your lifestyle.
Training Programs
A Well-Trained Dog Brings Out the Best in Life
At Dog Training Elite St. Louis, we go beyond obedience. Our proven programs build confidence, strengthen bonds, and prepare dogs for real-world situations. We turn good dogs into great family companions and train critical service animals to support those with disabilities. Effective training for every dog, every stage. Proudly serving St. Louis and surrounding areas.
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Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite St. Louis
St. Louis’s Top-Rated Dog Trainers
Book an evaluation and see why local families choose Dog Training Elite St. Louis to
unlock their dog’s potential.
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St. Louis Graduates
Matt Willis
Owner & Trainer – DTE St. Louis
Dog Training Elite St. Louis
Matt grew up in Austin, TX, in a house full of animals and began training the family dogs at an early age.
Raised in a hunting family, he learned retrieving, tracking, and the responsible use of e-collars for various training needs. “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 dogs to understand what we expect.”
Since joining DTE, Matt has trained extensively and earned certifications in Advanced Obedience, Internal/External Scent Detection, Service and Therapy, Personal Protection, and Puppy Behavior/Training. He is also recognized by the American Kennel Club as a certified instructor and evaluator for AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, Canine Good Citizen, and Community and Urban Canine testing.
When he’s not working with your dog, Matt enjoys training his two four-year-olds: a Border Collie named Cowboy and a Chocolate Lab named Bullet. He also loves hiking, biking, hunting, and golf.
Alecia
Operations Manager
Dog Training Elite St. Louis
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 after spending 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 who attended St. Joseph’s Academy and graduated from the University of Missouri. She has two kids and a very energetic 2-year-old Belgian Malinois, Nakita (Kita), who keeps her on her toes. She is currently training Kita for Personal Protection with DTE. When she’s not working to better serve our clients, Alecia enjoys soccer, Cardinals baseball, gardening, and playing games with her kiddos.
Dominic
Trainer
Dog Training Elite St. Louis
Meet Dom! The second oldest of six children, his Milwaukee home was always busy—and always full of dogs. That’s why Dom knew from an early age he would someday make a career helping dogs. After high school, Dominic joined the Navy and served for seven 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 people’s lives change after giving their dog structure and obedience is highly rewarding. Now, after training hundreds of dogs, I have extensive experience in a wide range of training and behavioral modification.”
Dom has a 3-year-old Pit Bull named Serendipity, nicknamed Seren. When he’s not training, you can find him on the disc golf course, playing chess, hiking, or exploring 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, and Community and Urban Canine testing.
Alex
Trainer
Dog Training Elite St. Louis
Meet Alex! He always knew he wanted to work with animals from a young age, but dog training became a newfound passion. A St. Louis native, Alex began his journey at the Tom Rose School of Dog Training in 2018, where he studied advanced obedience, tracking, scent detection, and even explored 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 on and off at the St. Louis Zoo but wanted more hands-on experience with animals.
After graduating from the Masters Program at TRS, he worked briefly 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 path led him to DTE, where he has excelled in their methodology and has already helped many canines.
When he’s not assisting you and your dog, Alex enjoys camping, hiking, and playing disc golf. He also loves attending car shows and races. He is pictured with his 2-year-old Chocolate Lab, Nala.
Kelvin
Trainer
Dog Training Elite St. Louis
Meet Kelvin! Growing up on a farm in Ghana, Africa, his family always had plenty of animals, but he gravitated to dogs. His journey began in 2016 when he started transporting dogs for clients, traveling the world to Russia, Serbia, Egypt, and the UK. Kelvin continued to research and study dog training and opened LiebeK9 in Ghana, specializing in protection and security canines. His thirst for training knowledge brought him to the States, where he trained at several facilities, including The Tom Rose School in Hillsboro, Missouri, graduating 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
Dog Training Elite St. Louis
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 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 outdoor activities, concerts, movies, traveling, and spending time with their three dogs. Jackie is a 3-year-old Belgian Malinois, Wolfgang is a 2-year-old German Shepherd, and Belle is a 1-year-old Belgian/GSD mix.
Jake
Kennel Tech
Dog Training Elite St. Louis
Meet Jake! He is a St. Louis native and the middle child of three. He’s always adored dogs, but his mom’s allergies meant he never had one of his own. After graduating from Marquette High School in 2024, he decided to find his true passion. “I realized the work I was doing just wasn’t satisfying. I want to have fun at work! I was always at my friends’ houses playing with and training their dogs. Then it hit me: I can get paid to work with dogs!” He did his research and sought out a position at DTE. Jake’s positive energy and genuine love for dogs made him a perfect fit for the team.
When he’s not assisting the trainers with your pups, you can find him hanging out with friends and their dogs, swimming, or training at the MMA gym.
Jorge
Volunteer
Dog Training Elite Treasure Coast / North PB County
Jim
Volunteer
Dog Training Elite Treasure Coast / North PB County
Dave
Volunteer
Dog Training Elite Treasure Coast / North PB County
Obedience Training pROGRAMS Focus
- Mastering Core Commands
- Improved Behavior at Home & in Public
- Proper Canine Socialization
- Leash Etiquette
- Human/Canine Trust & Teamwork
- Mental Stimulation
- Confidence Building
- Impulse Control
- Polished Public Manners
Obedience Training
Dog Training That Solves Everyday Problems
A dog should bring joy, not stress. Without structure, even the most loving dog or puppy can pull on the leash, jump on guests, or ignore commands. Our obedience training fixes these issues so your dog becomes the calm, reliable companion you always wanted.
Designed Around Your Lifestyle
We know every family is different. That’s why our programs include in-home sessions for personal coaching and group classes for real-world practice. From basic commands to advanced on- and off-leash training, we prepare your dog to listen at home, in the neighborhood, and out in public — no matter the distractions.
More Than Training — A Lasting Investment
The real cost of skipping training is safety. Investing in obedience now gives you a dog you can trust anywhere, anytime. Starting young sets puppies up for a lifetime of good behavior, while older dogs benefit too — breaking bad habits, building confidence, and staying active and healthier for years to come.
Personalized Service Dog Training
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety & Depression
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Epilepsy & Seizure Disorders
- Diabetes
- Mobility Impairments
- Hearing Impairments
- Cardiac Conditions
- Migraine Response
- Allergy Detection
- Other Chronic Illnesses requiring daily support
Life-Changing Support Through Service Dog Training
Service dogs are specially trained to perform tasks like interrupting, alerting, retrieving and assisting that support individuals with physical, medical, or emotional disabilities. At Dog Training Elite San Antonio, our programs are built around your unique medical needs and lifestyle, ensuring both dog and handler are set up for long-term success:
● Personalized Dog Selection – Don’t have a dog yet? We’ll help you choose one with the right temperament and traits to fit your unique needs.
● Current Dog Evaluations – Already own a dog? We’ll evaluate whether they can meet the demands of service work.
● Time Matters – Our training produces fully prepared service dogs in 6–18 months, customized to the needs of each handler’s medical condition.
● No Wait List – Unlike other providers with multi-year delays, we can start your service dog training journey right away.
● Lifetime Support – We stand behind every service dog we train, providing ongoing support for the life of your dog.
Please note that not all Dog Training Elite locations are certified for every type of medical condition training; however, our nationwide network works closely together to ensure your local representative can help meet your specific needs.
Puppy Obedience Training Focus:
- Consistent Potty Training
- Disciplined Leash Skills
- Dependable Recall & Name Response
- Secure Crate Confidence
Stop Problem Puppy Behaviors:
- Stop Nipping & Rough Play
- Stop Food Begging & Guarding
- Stop Excessive Barking & Whining
- Stop Destructive Chewing
- Stop Yard & Carpet Digging
- Stop Stealing Food & Belongings
Puppy Training
Puppy Training Foundations
Bringing home a new puppy should be joyful, not overwhelming. Yet many new owners quickly realize that without the right guidance, challenges like chewing, accidents, barking, and boundless energy can feel unmanageable. Too often, well-meaning families struggle, believing their puppy is “too difficult” or that they aren’t cut out for dog ownership.
At Dog Training Elite San Antonio, we believe every puppy has the potential to thrive, and every owner deserves the confidence to enjoy the journey. Our Puppy Training Foundations program is designed to set you and your puppy up for lasting success. Through proven methods and hands-on coaching, we help you build a strong bond, foster trust, and establish the communication that will carry through your dog’s entire life.
This isn’t just training. It’s the first step toward the loyal, well-mannered companion you’ve always envisioned.
Behavior Modification
Behavior Modification Training
Living with a dog that struggles with anxiety, aggression, or other serious behavior problems can be exhausting. Simple moments like welcoming house guests, taking a walk, or relaxing at home become stressful, unpredictable, and sometimes even unsafe. Many owners feel isolated, frustrated, or guilty, unsure if their dog can ever truly change.
At Dog Training Elite San Antonio, we understand the weight of those challenges, and we know how to turn them around. Our Behavior Modification Program doesn’t just mask unwanted behaviors; it addresses the root causes. Through proven, balanced training methods, we help dogs replace fear, anxiety, and aggression with calm, confident responses.
Let us help you build the safe, trusting relationship you and your dog both deserve.
Behavior Modification Addresses
- Calm & Quiet Communication (freedom from relentless barking)
- Safe, Predictable Interactions (no growling or snapping)
- Balanced Social Responses (dog and human reactivity addressed)
- Controlled Movement (no lunging at people or dogs or puppys)
- Relaxed State of Mind (pacing and restlessness resolved)
- Emotional Stability (trembling and shaking replaced with confidence)
- Respectful Habits (destructive chewing eliminated)
- Gentle Engagement (nipping or biting corrected)
- Secure Boundaries (resource guarding removed)
Group Class Focus:
- Elevated Socialization Skills
- Command Mastery Amid Distractions
- Confidence Building (for you and your dog!)
- Strengthened Dog–Owner Partnership
- Reinforced Obedience
- Focused Trainer Guidance
What to expect?
- Interactive Games
- Intro to Agility
- Dynamic Real-World Exposure
Group Classes
Expert Group Training Classes
At Dog Training Elite San Antonio, our group classes are included in most training programs, giving every dog the opportunity to practice and excel in a structured, real-world environment. These sessions provide the perfect balance of instruction, socialization, and exposure to everyday distractions that can’t be replicated at home.
Our trainers incorporate targeted exercises, interactive games, and agility challenges designed to sharpen obedience and build confidence. With professional guidance and the added benefit of working alongside other dogs and owners, your dog learns to stay focused and reliable in any setting.
Group training delivers lasting results by reinforcing obedience, strengthening the dog–owner bond, and preparing both of you for real-world success.
Please note: Classes are open to all dog breeds and sizes, but all dogs are required to be immunized.
Therapy Dog Program Focus:
- Mastering Core Commands
- Public Access Test and Certification
- Handler Confidence and Control
- Socialization Skills
- Real-World Readiness
Sample Volunteer Opportunities:
- Schools and Libraries
- Hospitals and Clinics
- Senior Living Communities
- Airports and Travel Hubs
- Rehabilitation and Therapy Centers
- Community Events
Therapy Dog Training
What is a Therapy Dog?
Therapy dogs bring joy, comfort, and connection wherever they go—from calming children in schools, to easing travel stress at airports, to lifting spirits in senior living communities. At Dog Training Elite San Antonio, our Therapy Dog Training program equips you and your dog with the confidence and skills to serve others and make a meaningful impact.
Together, you’ll create powerful moments of comfort, healing, and happiness for those who need it most.
Becoming a therapy dog team is more than training, it’s a chance to give back. With your dog by your side, you can volunteer in hospitals, schools, senior living communities, and beyond, spreading joy and making a difference in people’s lives every day.












