Jeff Lambrecht

Owner & Trainer

Jeff grew up in rural Northern Wisconsin where dogs were part of his family life from the beginning. Ginger, Buster, Snoopy, Chopper, and Buddy were his personal favorites!

In 2021, Jeff retired from the full time ministry after more than two decades of serving schools and churches throughout the Midwest. Dog Training Elite connects his passion for animals and his desire for a service-oriented business to provide new ways of being committed and connected to his community.

Recently, Jeff and his wife Lara adopted a Goldendoodle named "Max". Both Jeff and Max are excited to be working together from Racine to Evanston—training dogs and their families and offering a better way of life living and working together.

Maximilian "Max" Gustavo

Co-Owner & Lead Demonstrator

Maximilian “Max” Gustavo is an F1b Goldendoodle and was born April 2, 2021, with 13 sibling puppies at his birth home outside of Iowa City, Iowa. On June 27, Max was adopted by Jeff & Lara Lambrecht to be a co-owner of DTE Kenosha where his primary responsibilities will be demonstrating many of the skills that the canine world has to offer.

When not on the job, Max enjoys riding in the truck, running in the yard, playing fetch, tummy rubs, and meeting new people and canines alike.

Lara Lambrecht

Partner & CESA

Lara grew up in the suburbs of St. Louis, Missouri, and has had both dogs and cats over the years. She particularly remembers her miniature Schnauzer name “Heidi.”

Married to Jeff since 2000, they have often spoken about what would be their ideal dog choice and recently they agreed on a Goldendoodle named “Max.”

When not working for DTE Kenosha, Lara enjoys traveling, eating out, cruising, and spending time with family & friends.

Karen Leoni

Lead Dog Trainer

Karen grew up in Chicago, Illinois, where dogs were a part of her entire life. You could say it all started with “Penny,” a Border Collie; and “Brandy,” a German Shepherd. From there she has had many canine favorites and currently Karen has “Zeus,” a German Shepherd rescue.

Karen graduated from Elmhurst College with a Bachelor of Science in which dog training played a huge part. It is with this lifelong passion that Karen has led an extremely fulfilling part-time career doing dog training in addition to working full-time as a medical lab research professional.

Apart from her love for dogs, Karen enjoys making people laugh, eating out, trap & skeet shooting with her husband - Keith, and spending family time with her mother and siblings.