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Dog Training Elite in Fitchburg / Leominster, MA

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About Dog Training Elite Fitchburg

Dog Training Elite Fitchburg - Meet Our Elite Team. Dog Training Elite in Fitchburg / Leominster

Meet the Team

Dog Training Elite Fitchburg - Our Reviews. DTE in Fitchburg / Leominster, MA

Reviews

Dog Training Elite Fitchburg - Careers. DTE in Fitchburg / Leominster, MA

Careers

Dog Training Elite Fitchburg - Local Dog Trainers in Fitchburg / Leominster, MA. DTE

In the Community

Our Team

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Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Raiquan Turner
    Sep. 16, 2025
    She was great and communication was excellent 💯
  • Christina Relacion
    Sep. 15, 2025
    Marcus and the DTE team (shoutouts to Matt F, Alaina, Josy and Laydon!) have transformed our rescue girl, Siri. We started this spring and have just seen her confidence blossom. Anytime we grab her e-collar, she gets super excited. Walks are much more enjoyable for us. She loves her trips to Home Depot. We look forward to continuing on in group classes as we further work on her socialization and desensitization skills in various environments. We also are considering certification in AKC’s Good Canine Citizen program as another goal because we also love doing this work with her to strengthen our bond as owners and handlers. We have worked with a handful of DTE’s trainers because we needed flexibility for crazy schedules, sometimes we would have hoped for more continuity between the trainers as we did get some weird conflicting info a few times. We also were grateful for them letting us expose her to their dogs and work through areas. Would love if there were even more group classes options in both days/times and locations. The outdoor classes could also benefit from having a mic with Bluetooth speaker as you can be pretty spread out and sometimes difficult to catch instructions.
  • Milagros Rodriguez Marin
    Aug. 11, 2025
    (Translated by Google) Very good experience with my beauty and Jocy is very good at explaining everything to me so that it is easy for us to extend. I recommend it. Good jobs and Thanks (Original) Muy buena experiencing con mi bella y Jocy es muy buena explicandome todo para que nos sea facil de extender se los recomiendo.,Good jobs and Thanks
  • Heather McCauleyl
    Sep. 4, 2025
    Our trainer did an amazing job the first session. We are so happy
  • Sheila King
    Sep. 4, 2025
    Josie was great with my Bella who’s very skittish and shy. It was our first consultation today
  • Alivia Sobey
    Aug. 18, 2025
    5+ Stars to the entire team at Dog Training Elite! From the very beginning, the staff has been professional, responsive, and reliable. Scheduling is always prompt and the guidance and support have been consistent every step of the way. After working with several trainers in the past and hitting a plateau with our fear-reactive shepherd/husky mix, we reached out to Dog Training Elite feeling borderline desperate. It has turned out to be one of the best decisions we’ve made for our dog. The expertise, especially with working breeds, has been incredible. The trainers not only helped us address reactivity toward people and other dogs, but also focused on building our dog’s confidence with new skills like placing in tricky spots and doing “doggy push-ups.” Training finally feels fun again (for all of us)! We were unsure at first about working with multiple trainers instead of just one, but quickly realized how consistent and supportive the whole team is. Special thanks to Marcus for helping us choose the right program and always being there with support, and to both Matts, who gave us a new level of confidence in how we handle challenging situations. Between one-on-one sessions and group classes, we now feel prepared to safely and positively bring new people and dogs into our lives (see picture with his new friend
  • Stacy Frazier
    Aug. 7, 2025
    She was great! Very experienced, very friendly, patient with me and my dog. Explained everything, answered any questions I had. I will definitely request her going forward..
  • Timothy Hall
    Jul. 10, 2025
    Very positive adventure. Jocy was very professional but also made it fun and interesting.
  • LBM Detailers
    Jul. 16, 2025
    She was amazing and very strait forward !! Definitely me and my partner loved her !
  • Nicole Signoretti
    Jul. 16, 2025
    Jocynia, explained the training tools clearly and I was able to continue training my pup after the session was over. Very kind and easily understood! Thank You!
  • Laura M
    Jun. 24, 2025
    I highly recommend DTE Central MA! My fiancé and I started lessons with them when my German Shepherd puppy, Rio, was around 3 months old. He’s now 8 months old, and working with DTE has helped shape him into the best young dog. We’ve done private sessions with Marcus, Matt F, and Matt K, and each trainer has provided a ton of knowledge and help. They come right to your home, or meet in public for real-life scenarios. Scheduling has been easy. They’ve covered obedience, shaping polite behavior, and even scentwork. We’ve also attended several group classes in several fun locations, and they structure the exercises really well.
  • Jennifer Stanton
    Jun. 14, 2025
    Patrick was very knowledgeable with a nice approach when evaluating our 14 week old pup Duke. He provided several tips on training with focus on positive reinforcement while creating a healthy bond. He also gave nice compliments about our boy and any parent just eats that up with pride. Thank you!
  • Sarah Gore
    Jun. 13, 2025
    Our puppy is one of the best trained dogs because of Patrick at Dog Training Elite. I love that the trainers come to our home and work 1:1 with the dog in our/his space. Less distractions and very practical applications. 10/10 would highly recommend.
  • Shreyas Jois
    Jun. 13, 2025
    Patrick was patient with our dog and took time to explain and answer all of our questions.
  • Kyle Gleick
    May. 30, 2025
    Patrick was very friendly and professional and answered all of our questions.
  • georgina jarvis
    May. 14, 2025
    Very informative and reassuring. Left feeling prepared for the next week of “homework” .
  • denise ramsey
    Feb. 19, 2025
    Great information in regards to our puppy training. In addition to the leave game, Patrick suggested to use a treat tray or lick it mat to help with engagement games as well.
  • Jane flink
    May. 14, 2025
    Very calm, concise with training. I can already see the changes in my pup and myself in training.
  • Shelly Killian
    Apr. 28, 2025
    Totally happy with fabulous trainer. He was patient and explained things well and did a great job working with my German Shepherd, who has been going through a lot of adjustments since our recent move to the area.
  • N Weathers
    Apr. 10, 2025
    Very professional and on time. Made me feel alot better with my choices.
  • Raiquan Turner
    Sep. 16, 2025
    She was great and communication was excellent 💯
  • Christina Relacion
    Sep. 15, 2025
    Marcus and the DTE team (shoutouts to Matt F, Alaina, Josy and Laydon!) have transformed our rescue girl, Siri. We started this spring and have just seen her confidence blossom. Anytime we grab her e-collar, she gets super excited. Walks are much more enjoyable for us. She loves her trips to Home Depot. We look forward to continuing on in group classes as we further work on her socialization and desensitization skills in various environments. We also are considering certification in AKC’s Good Canine Citizen program as another goal because we also love doing this work with her to strengthen our bond as owners and handlers. We have worked with a handful of DTE’s trainers because we needed flexibility for crazy schedules, sometimes we would have hoped for more continuity between the trainers as we did get some weird conflicting info a few times. We also were grateful for them letting us expose her to their dogs and work through areas. Would love if there were even more group classes options in both days/times and locations. The outdoor classes could also benefit from having a mic with Bluetooth speaker as you can be pretty spread out and sometimes difficult to catch instructions.
  • Milagros Rodriguez Marin
    Aug. 11, 2025
    (Translated by Google) Very good experience with my beauty and Jocy is very good at explaining everything to me so that it is easy for us to extend. I recommend it. Good jobs and Thanks (Original) Muy buena experiencing con mi bella y Jocy es muy buena explicandome todo para que nos sea facil de extender se los recomiendo.,Good jobs and Thanks
  • Heather McCauleyl
    Sep. 4, 2025
    Our trainer did an amazing job the first session. We are so happy
  • Sheila King
    Sep. 4, 2025
    Josie was great with my Bella who’s very skittish and shy. It was our first consultation today
  • Alivia Sobey
    Aug. 18, 2025
    5+ Stars to the entire team at Dog Training Elite! From the very beginning, the staff has been professional, responsive, and reliable. Scheduling is always prompt and the guidance and support have been consistent every step of the way. After working with several trainers in the past and hitting a plateau with our fear-reactive shepherd/husky mix, we reached out to Dog Training Elite feeling borderline desperate. It has turned out to be one of the best decisions we’ve made for our dog. The expertise, especially with working breeds, has been incredible. The trainers not only helped us address reactivity toward people and other dogs, but also focused on building our dog’s confidence with new skills like placing in tricky spots and doing “doggy push-ups.” Training finally feels fun again (for all of us)! We were unsure at first about working with multiple trainers instead of just one, but quickly realized how consistent and supportive the whole team is. Special thanks to Marcus for helping us choose the right program and always being there with support, and to both Matts, who gave us a new level of confidence in how we handle challenging situations. Between one-on-one sessions and group classes, we now feel prepared to safely and positively bring new people and dogs into our lives (see picture with his new friend
  • Stacy Frazier
    Aug. 7, 2025
    She was great! Very experienced, very friendly, patient with me and my dog. Explained everything, answered any questions I had. I will definitely request her going forward..
  • Timothy Hall
    Jul. 10, 2025
    Very positive adventure. Jocy was very professional but also made it fun and interesting.
  • LBM Detailers
    Jul. 16, 2025
    She was amazing and very strait forward !! Definitely me and my partner loved her !
  • Nicole Signoretti
    Jul. 16, 2025
    Jocynia, explained the training tools clearly and I was able to continue training my pup after the session was over. Very kind and easily understood! Thank You!
  • Laura M
    Jun. 24, 2025
    I highly recommend DTE Central MA! My fiancé and I started lessons with them when my German Shepherd puppy, Rio, was around 3 months old. He’s now 8 months old, and working with DTE has helped shape him into the best young dog. We’ve done private sessions with Marcus, Matt F, and Matt K, and each trainer has provided a ton of knowledge and help. They come right to your home, or meet in public for real-life scenarios. Scheduling has been easy. They’ve covered obedience, shaping polite behavior, and even scentwork. We’ve also attended several group classes in several fun locations, and they structure the exercises really well.
  • Jennifer Stanton
    Jun. 14, 2025
    Patrick was very knowledgeable with a nice approach when evaluating our 14 week old pup Duke. He provided several tips on training with focus on positive reinforcement while creating a healthy bond. He also gave nice compliments about our boy and any parent just eats that up with pride. Thank you!
  • Sarah Gore
    Jun. 13, 2025
    Our puppy is one of the best trained dogs because of Patrick at Dog Training Elite. I love that the trainers come to our home and work 1:1 with the dog in our/his space. Less distractions and very practical applications. 10/10 would highly recommend.
  • Shreyas Jois
    Jun. 13, 2025
    Patrick was patient with our dog and took time to explain and answer all of our questions.
  • Kyle Gleick
    May. 30, 2025
    Patrick was very friendly and professional and answered all of our questions.
  • georgina jarvis
    May. 14, 2025
    Very informative and reassuring. Left feeling prepared for the next week of “homework” .
  • denise ramsey
    Feb. 19, 2025
    Great information in regards to our puppy training. In addition to the leave game, Patrick suggested to use a treat tray or lick it mat to help with engagement games as well.
  • Jane flink
    May. 14, 2025
    Very calm, concise with training. I can already see the changes in my pup and myself in training.
  • Shelly Killian
    Apr. 28, 2025
    Totally happy with fabulous trainer. He was patient and explained things well and did a great job working with my German Shepherd, who has been going through a lot of adjustments since our recent move to the area.
  • N Weathers
    Apr. 10, 2025
    Very professional and on time. Made me feel alot better with my choices.
Michaela Macchia - Owner / Lead Trainer
Michaela Macchia
Owner / Lead Trainer

Meet Michaela, co-owner of Dog Training Elite, whose entrepreneurial drive and love for dogs are at the heart of everything she does. Originally from Massachusetts, Michaela earned her degree in Marketing from the University of Rhode Island. After college, she moved to Tempe, Arizona, where she met her fiancé and now business partner, Marcus. The two later returned to Massachusetts to launch and grow their business together.

While Marcus leads in the field, Michaela runs the backend operations — handling client communication, scheduling, marketing, and the day-to-day systems that keep everything running smoothly. Her background in marketing, combined with her attention to detail and natural empathy, helps ensure every client feels heard, supported, and confident from start to finish.

Michaela’s love of dogs is central to her story. She and Marcus share their lives with three beloved companions: Fisher, their loyal black lab and working dog; Quinn, a one-eyed rescue who survived a coyote attack as a feral puppy; and Tiki, a resilient rescue adopted from a homeless individual. Michaela has a soft spot for dogs that others may overlook, and that compassion shines through in how she supports both clients and her team.

With her strong organizational instincts and heart for helping others, Michaela ensures the entire experience — for both people and their dogs — is thoughtful, professional, and grounded in care.

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Marcus DiBenedetto - Owner / Lead Trainer
Marcus DiBenedetto
Owner / Lead Trainer

This is Marcus and his one-eyed rescue dog, Quinn. Originally from Santa Clara, California, Marcus attended Arizona State University in Tempe, earning a degree in Business Administration. After relocating to Massachusetts with his fiancée Michaela, he became co-owner and lead trainer at Dog Training Elite. Together, they bring a deep passion for helping families and their dogs build lasting, positive relationships.

Marcus’s training philosophy blends structure, empathy, and problem-solving. He’s known for his calm, caring approach and his ability to understand and meet each client’s specific goals. By focusing on trust, consistency, and communication, Marcus helps both owners and dogs gain confidence and clarity throughout the training process.

Marcus and Michaela share their home with three dogs—Fisher, their black lab and working dog; Quinn, a one-eyed rescue who survived a coyote attack as a feral puppy; and their newest addition, Tiki, a sweet and resilient dog adopted from a homeless individual. Their commitment to rescuing dogs others might overlook is a reflection of their belief that every dog deserves a chance to thrive.

Outside of training, Marcus is an avid sports fan—especially baseball—and finds joy in helping families overcome challenges and grow closer through the training journey.

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Matt F - Trainer
Matt F
Trainer

Meet Matt, a dedicated military veteran with a deep-rooted passion for helping dogs and their humans build stronger bonds. With 21 years of service in the U.S. Coast Guard, Matt discovered his calling while working as a protection dog decoy alongside his regular duties — an experience that sparked his lifelong dedication to canine behavior and training.

During his time in the Coast Guard, Matt became involved in training programs that supported service members with PTSD, gaining firsthand experience in how dogs can transform lives. That work laid the foundation for his transition into full-time professional training after retirement, where he now specializes in helping dogs with behavioral issues and reactivity.

Matt is known for his calm presence, methodical approach, and unwavering commitment to progress — especially with dogs that require extra patience and structure. His goal is to create lasting change through trust, consistency, and clear communication.

At home, Matt shares life with Echo and Nova, two loyal companions who embody the bond he strives to create for every client. Whether working with a reactive dog or guiding an overwhelmed owner, Matt is committed to helping each family find clarity, confidence, and connection.

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Tiffany - Trainer
Tiffany
Trainer

Meet Tiffany, a former client turned trainer whose journey with Dog Training Elite came full circle. What began as a desire to better connect with her own dogs quickly became a deep passion for helping others do the same. Today, Tiffany brings both personal experience and professional skill to every training session, making her an empathetic and results-driven member of the team.

Tiffany shares Marcus’s balanced training philosophy, rooted in clarity, structure, and trust. Her firsthand experience as a client gives her a unique perspective — she knows exactly what it’s like to be in the owner’s shoes and uses that insight to support families with patience, compassion, and clear guidance.

She shares her life with two beloved dogs, who continue to be both her motivation and her practice partners. Tiffany is deeply committed to training her own dogs to the highest standard so she can lead by example, demonstrating what’s possible with consistency and teamwork.

Whether working with new puppies or guiding owners through complex behavior challenges, Tiffany is passionate about helping each dog reach their full potential while making the journey rewarding and empowering for their humans.

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Matt K - Trainer
Matt K
Trainer

Matt K is a professional dog trainer who joined the team in 2023 and brings six years of hands-on experience working with dogs. He began his career as a handler at a doggie daycare and gradually worked his way up to training, eventually earning a puppy training certification. His passion lies in helping new dog owners, especially during the critical early stages of puppy development. Matt believes in making training an effective and positive experience through clear communication, consistency, and trust—building a lifelong bond between dog and owner. Clients can expect a cool, calm, and consistent presence in every session. One of his favorite success stories is about a high-energy Lab puppy named Milo, who learned impulse control and basic obedience through structured routines and short, positive sessions. Outside of training, Matt enjoys hiking, outdoor sports, and spending time with family. He shares his life with a Dutch Shepherd and enjoys working with clients directly in their homes to create lasting results.

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Patrick - Trainer
Patrick
Trainer

Patrick joined our team in 2023, bringing with him over eight years of hands-on experience working with dogs—especially high-drive breeds like Australian Shepherds. His passion for dog training started with his own herding dog, and that experience inspired him to dive deep into the craft and later work alongside Marcus to refine his skills and help others build better relationships with their dogs.

Patrick has a particular interest in shaping behavior in puppies and preparing them for more advanced training tracks. He’s especially drawn to herding breeds and understands the importance of giving energetic, intelligent dogs a fulfilling outlet. His training style is rooted in consistency, communication, accountability, and positive reinforcement. Clients can expect a practical, real-world approach that integrates training into everyday routines like feeding, walking, and play. Patrick’s goal is to help owners see their dog not just as a pet—but as a responsive, well-adjusted partner.

When he’s not training, Patrick is usually outside mountain biking, skiing, hiking, or playing basketball. He grew up in Framingham, MA, where his first job was on a working farm caring for horses and chickens. That’s also where he met the herding dog that sparked his lifelong passion for working dogs and the training process.

Patrick currently shares his life with an Australian Shepherd—his favorite training partner and best trail buddy.

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