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Training is key to creating a safe, loving environment for your canine companion. Dogs are great learners and always eager to please their owners. With the right techniques, a little patience, and consistency from the whole family, Fido can learn just about anything.
Besides teaching your dog respectful behaviors (like no excessive barking and no begging from the table), training keeps your dog:
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Safe
If your dog knows to come on command, or “stay” in place, both of you will be safer when outdoors. Untrained dogs may dart off into the road, or become distracted by their surroundings and get lost. -
Smart
Consistent instruction is mentally stimulating and improves your dog’s cognitive health. Learning also prevents boredom and the destructive habits that result from it.
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Happy
Dogs thrive on positive, loving relationships with their human family members. A dog that doesn’t know proper behavior is unlikely to have a positive relationship with the people around him. By teaching your dog what behaviors are acceptable, you establish a comfortable and loving environment.
Effective training is key to a positive dog-owner relationship. Learning how to communicate with your canine companion is difficult without assistance, however. If you’ve been struggling with your dog’s behavior, it may be time to find a professional dog trainer near you.
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Central Massachusetts location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
Silver
$1,545
Training Equipment Included: E-Collar
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 3 Sessions
- Come
- Heel (walk with you, loose leash no pulling)
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Place(go to bed)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Off(furniture when desired)
Gold
$1,945
Training Equipment Included: E-Collar
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 5 Sessions
- Group Park Training Sessions 12 Sessions
- Come
- Heel (walk with you, loose leash no pulling)
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Place(go to bed)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Off(furniture when desired)
- Down(lay next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Load Up (go into kennel, car, or dog house)
- Manners, Safety & Boundaries
- Calm Anxiety & Build Confidence
- Housebreaking / Potty Training
- STOP Jumping on People
- STOP Mouthing & Nipping
- STOP Chewing & Digging
- STOP Begging & Stealing Food
- STOP Bolting Through Doors & Running Away
- STOP Chasing Animals, Cars & Bikes
- STOP Reactivity (dog & human)
Platinum
$2,745
Platinum offers advanced obedience/behavioral modification with a goal of off-leash control. Includes additional training options and offers more one-on-one and group sessions than Gold.
Training Equipment Included: E-Collar
- In-Home Training SessionsOne-on-one & personalized 9 Sessions
- Group Park Training Sessions 16 Sessions
- Come
- Heel (walk with you, loose leash no pulling)
- Sit(next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Place(go to bed)
- Quiet(stop excessive barking & whining)
- Off(furniture when desired)
- Down(lay next to you & off leash at a distance)
- Load Up (go into kennel, car, or dog house)
- Manners, Safety & Boundaries
- Calm Anxiety & Build Confidence
- Housebreaking / Potty Training
- STOP Jumping on People
- STOP Mouthing & Nipping
- STOP Chewing & Digging
- STOP Begging & Stealing Food
- STOP Bolting Through Doors & Running Away
- STOP Chasing Animals, Cars & Bikes
- STOP Reactivity (dog & human)
- *Stay With You on a Jog or Bike Ride (off-leash)
- *Emotional Support Dog Training(ESA)
- *Control Aggression(dog & human)
- *Calm Extreme Anxiety(behavioral modification)
Finding Professionals In An Unregulated Industry
There is no regulating body or licensing process for professional dog trainers. Anyone can advertise themselves as a trainer, whether they have the necessary skills and knowledge or not.
Navigating through this unregulated industry can be tricky. As a dog owner, you want a qualified trainer that will:
- Respect you, your dog, and your family.
- Stick to your schedule.
- Use positive training methods.
- Never harm your dog.
- Address your dog's unique needs and behaviors.
- Teach you how to better communicate with your dog.
- Provide ongoing support and check-in after training sessions.
- Train in various settings, environments and stages.
- Empower you to build a healthy, loving bond with your dog.
It takes years of experience and education for trainers to be able to offer all of the above. So how do you find a professional that fits your and your dog’s needs?
Se habla español!
"Pawsitive" Indicators of a Good Dog Trainer
Some things to look for when searching for a Lowell dog trainer include:
Training Technique
There are various training methods out there, but the most effective is positive reinforcement. According to the American Kennel Service, positive reinforcement techniques “are based on the science of animal learning and have the bonus of strengthening the dog-owner bond.”
- “Alpha Dog” or dominance-based training techniques. Dominance theory is based on incorrect assumptions of dog and wolf behavior. Dog behaviorists have proven that positive techniques are the only healthy way to communicate with dogs. Dominant, punishment-based training causes anxiety, fear and aggression.
- Trainers that use choke-chains, shock collars, sprays, and other punishment tactics.
Stay Away From:
Personality
You want to enjoy the time spent with your trainer, so find someone with a happy, exciting personality. You’re looking for a professional, of course, but we are all dog lovers here, so light-hearted attitudes are important. Your dog must connect well with a trainer for efficient learning, so pay attention to how your dog reacts to your chosen trainer.
- Trainers that make you feel bad about your relationship with your dog or your dog’s behavior.
- Rude, dismissive attitudes, and trainers that are too uptight.
- Trainers that use harsh words and aggressive tactics.
Stay Away From:
Empowerment
A dog trainer is truly a teacher at heart, and their goal is to teach you how to better communicate with your dog. You need a coach who helps you connect better with your pet, empowering you to build a strong bond. When the trainer is gone, you’ll be the one giving the commands, so make sure you find someone that is understanding, patient, and committed.
- A trainer that does not want to involve you and your family members in the process.
- Programs that only offer board and train -- effective training involves various settings, including classes and inside the home.
- Trainers that cannot explain how dogs learn and cannot teach you how to communicate with your dog.
Stay Away From:
Credentials
Dog trainers do not need a license, but there are various education programs available. Look for a trainer that can prove their credentials with experience, education, and certifications. If you have a specific need, such as personal protection or service training, be sure to find a trainer that is experienced in that area.
At Dog Training Elite, our dog trainers are educated and experienced with training dogs of all breeds, sizes and ages. All locations are registered with the Professional Retriever Trainers Association, the International Association of Canine Professionals, and the American Kennel Club.
Trainers that cannot prove their education, experience, or background.
Stay Away From:
Customization
All dogs have unique personalities and life experiences that shape their behaviors. A well-qualified trainer offers customizable programs tailored to the unique needs of each client and dog. In-home training approaches are preferred, so the trainer can observe your dog in his home environment (where he feels most comfortable acting naughty!).
You should also look for a trainer that covers both basic obedience and advanced programs.
- Trainers that can’t teach more than basic obedience commands.
- A trainer that diagnoses medical issues as reasoning for problem behaviors. Trainers are not licensed veterinarians and should never diagnose a dog. If a medical issue is suspected, a qualified trainer will recommend you speak to a vet.
Stay Away From:
Good References
References and consumer reviews are key to finding a reliable trainer. Ask around at the dog park for good references, and research each trainer or company. Read through customer reviews and take a look at how professional their website appears.
- Trainers that have no website or online references, or trainers that have poor reviews.
- Trainers with reviews that mention aggressive tactics, fear-based techniques, and punishment-based theory.
Stay Away From:
Se habla español!
Our Balanced Theory
We base our training around the "Classical Conditioning" model (a.k.a. "Pavlovian" or "respondent conditioning"). This includes developing conditioned or automatic reflexes to commands. In its simplest form (after proper conditioning), when the owner says "sit," the dog automatically sits without thinking about it. Our unique techniques ensure our program is a success no matter what behavior we encounter.
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Empowering Owners
We empower Owners to train so their dog knows who to obey at all times. -
Personalized
We deal with problem behaviors on a personal basis. -
Environment Specific
We train wherever issues tend to arise (i.e. jogging, park, home).
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Supportive
We support Owners in the off-hours (when training is "not in session"). -
Involved
We work with all members of the household. -
Simplified & Customized
We plan training around the owner's schedule and require only 20 min/day follow-up practice.
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Continued Training
Additional programs / group sessions offered after in-home training. -
Lifetime Investment
We follow up & are invested in the owner's success long-term. -
Satisfaction Ratings
Our high client satisfaction rating sets us apart from competitors.
clas·si·cal con·di·tion·ing
PSYCHOLOGY
noun
A learning process that occurs when two stimuli are repeatedly paired; a response that is at first elicited by the second stimulus and is eventually elicited by the first stimulus alone.
We help your dog become a valued companion and beloved member of the family. Read what our customers have to say and then give us a call!
My rescue dog Dylan, who I adopted at two years old, began showing significant behavioral issues, particularly being reactive and aggressive. Seeking help, I reached out to Dog Training Elite and Matt F provided a complimentary evaluation at my home. With his expertise and his wonderful dog by his side, Matt reassured me that Dylan, despite his age and behavior, could be trained. Over 9 weeks of working with Matt F, I learned valuable insights about my actions that were contributing to Dylan’s behavior. Matt not only guided me on how to establish a strong bond with my dog Dylan but also revealed the positive changes that were possible. After completing the training, he has emerged as a completely transformed dog. His overall demeanor has undergone a remarkable shift, and we frequently receive compliments on what a well-behaved dog he has become. I am extremely grateful to Matt F for his guidance and for helping me transform my dog's life for the better.— Sarah Bazinet
Posted June 3rd 2024
Kara was so sweet and walked me through the whole process on what I could expect training to be like. Wanted to add an update to my review as Ryker and I have completed all of our personal sessions! Woohoo! Throughout the process I got to meet many lovely trainers but primarily worked with Barbara and Mariah. They were both absolutely amazing! They were both extremely friendly and happily answered all of the many questions I had. My friends and family have seen such a massive difference in my dog Ryker who we all thought was untrainable since he’s already 5 years old, this goes to show you can definitely teach an old dog new tricks! We’re now going to be starting the group sessions and I can’t wait to keep seeing Ryker’s progress!— Mirna Osman
Posted September 29th 2023
They came to my house and from start I loved the energy. Gave me some tips, and showed me how well his puppy is trained. I will definitely recommend— Douglas Lambert
Posted October 20th 2023
Matt is awesome and really great with both dogs and handler's— Matthew Tie
Posted October 11th 2023
We had a great experience with Dog Training Elite! We would highly recommend it. We had Moriah as our trainer, and she worked great with our puppy.— Jeremiah Banish
Posted October 16th 2023
These guys are awesome! I would truly recommend this service to any level of dog. Our dog Gunnar has shown a growing aggression to people who are not his family and it has completely turned around. The difference between week 1 and week 2 behavior was unbelievable for him. Our trainer was Matt, he is the man, we were lucky to get him. He had a remarkable skill in training our dog but was even better at teaching us the tools we needed to improve Gunnar. You definitely get what you paid for with this service, thanks elite team!— John Collins
Posted September 23rd 2023
They did such an amazing job working with us to train our Bruno as a service dog to support our family through grief and loss ❤️ they were caring, patient, came to our house every week and Bruno was as excited to see them as we were. I never thought we would complete the program but with their help we did. Thank you Marcus and the entire team at Dog Training Elite!— Marina Gil-Santamaria
Posted September 5th 2023
It is amazing to see the progress our dogs have made in just 3 weeks. Marcus is a wonderful experienced trainer. I highly recommend this service— Stephen Arnold
Posted August 10th 2023
I would highly recommend for every dog owner. Wonderful service and very knowledgeable dog trainers.— Gill Macchia
Posted March 4th 2023
Absolutely LOVE Marcus, Michaela, and the DTE team. Highly recommend for dogs and pups of all ages!!— Kathryn Nutting
Posted March 2nd 2023
Michaela and Marcus at DTE are incredible with dogs of all ages, breeds and personalities! They treat every dog like their own .— Kayla Costa
Posted February 28th 2023
I am so thankful for the DTE team. They are so passionate and supportive and they really made the training process so simple and adaptable to my lifestyle and schedule. Highly recommend for young pups and dogs of all ages!— Emily Albert
Posted February 28th 2023
Trainers were amazing!!! Would never have guess my dog could go out in public with me and not bark at everyone. 10/10 will go back!!!!— andrew brems
Posted February 28th 2023
The trainers @ DogTraining Elite are amazing. I have a fearful aggressive shepherd puppy and the training has made a very positive impact in both my behavior around my dog and my dogs behavior around me and other triggers or new situations. I have already learned to be more confident and so has my dog. They are considerate that everyone is busy and do their best to answer text and calls and questions no matter what, even on a weekend. I am so thrilled I made the decision to train with them not only for myself but for my handsome boy Kota. I do not feel like I a client it feels like a great mentorship. The trainers genuinely want to see both dog and owner happy and healthy together. You will not be disappointed with the training here. The facility is beautiful and the floors are non slip. I could brag more but I think I made the best choice ever choosing them to help me grow as well as my dog.— Ashley Fruguglietti
Posted February 26th 2023
I would give them 6 stars if I could! 😍Highly recommend coming to them for any of your dog training needs!— Clover Haugerud
Posted February 24th 2023
The team at Dog Training Elite was wonderful! You could tell how much they cared about the dogs and the work they put into the training sessions. Everyone was so kind, helpful, and knowledgeable. They gave me the tools needed to train my puppies and continue training at home and after we moved.— Madison Chok
Posted February 11th 2023
Highly recommend Dog Training Elite! They made it easy by coming to our home and including us throughout the process. They have patience and, most importantly, are extremely educated. Hugo loves his friends at DTE!— Nicole Rodman
Posted February 10th 2023
This place is amazing. I highly recommend for your dog training. 2 thumbs up 👍 👍— Tyler McCourt
Posted February 9th 2023
I have worked with and for one of best dog trainers in CA and on netflix. I am SO impressed with Elite Dog Training!!! You can see the passion and love that they have for training dogs. No matter what the training problem is Marcus has the answer....I only wish I could give more than 5 stars because WOW to say I am impressed is actually an understatement!! Dont hestitate...Elite is the only dog trainer you will need!!! Photo is my Redbone coonhound on a down & focus. If you know anything about RBCH you know hounds are tough to train especially on recall. I get complimented all the time on how well behaved she is. Thank you Marcus for all your advice.— Rae Ann Caparelli
Posted February 9th 2023
Trust Your Gut
Choosing a trainer is an important part of being a dog owner, and in the end, you want to choose the professional you feel comfortable with. This is someone that you’ll be inviting into your home and spending plenty of time with! A dog trainer with credentials, experience, and a friendly personality that makes your dog’s tail wag is most likely a great choice.
You also want to make sure you get your money’s worth, so choose a trainer that is invested in you and your dog. At Dog Training Elite, we follow up with our clients even after training sessions have ended. Our goal is to help clients build strong relationships with their pets, and that takes consistent effort. Our professional dog trainers are some of the best in the Lowell area. We cover training programs such as obedience, personal protection, anxiety, aggression, and service dog.