DTE is now partnering with Scratchpay to provide simple, friendly payment plans for your dog's education!
Learn More!
Back to About Us

Meet the Team

Dog Training Elite in Richmond, VA

Request Free Assessment


Request Free Assessment


Paul Hearn - Owner
Paul Hearn
Owner
Dog Training Elite Richmond
Matthew Perales - Trainer
Matthew Perales
Trainer
Dog Training Elite Richmond
Megan Celestino - Office Administrator
Megan Celestino
Office Administrator
Dog Training Elite Richmond
Paul Hearn - Owner
Paul Hearn
Owner | Dog Training Elite Richmond

A Virginia native who has never left, Paul loves the variety the state has to offer, such as beaches, mountains, countryside, and urban destinations. He has been fortunate to have had the opportunity to see much of it in his travels during his previous 22-year career in the electronic security industry. His love for dogs began when his father brought home a stray puppy when he was very young, the family naming her Tippy. Sadly, she ran away not too long after, but Paul’s love of dogs remained. A fan of dog training for many years, in December 2021, he decided to change careers and jumped at the opportunity to join the Dog Training Elite family. He is extremely excited to better the lives of families through their relationships with their dogs and thrilled to offer service and therapy dogs to those who need them in the future.

Paul lives in Chesterfield, VA, with his wife Shanon, two boys, Caiden and Evan, and their two dogs, Milo and Amber. In his spare time, he enjoys Mountain Biking, hiking, and tinkering in his garage with electronics, car stereo, and small construction/woodworking projects. He is also his family’s pro-bono handyman and jack of all trades.

Close
Matthew Perales - Trainer
Matthew Perales
Trainer | Dog Training Elite Richmond

Matt is a man of many talents and has worked in many different fields, but he always knew his dream was to be able to work with dogs. He grew up raising and handling a variety of different breeds both small and large, and has always felt a close bond with every dog that he’s had the opportunity to interact with. He is excited to now be with Dog Training Elite, working with lots of dogs and their owners! Matt loves all dogs, and believes each dog has their own potential to be their best self when given the right leadership! Keep an eye out for Matt and his dog Eko at the many events they attend!

Close
Megan Celestino - Office Administrator
Megan Celestino
Office Administrator | Dog Training Elite Richmond

As the office administrator, Megan is the welcoming voice that greets you at the start of your journey with Dog Training Elite Richmond. Megan's passion for helping others shines through in every interaction. Her journey with DTE began as a client, working alongside Paul to train her dog, Pixie. Inspired by the transformation she witnessed, Megan decided to dedicate herself to helping other families achieve the same success with their dogs. She believes in the life-changing power of our training methods and is eager to share this with everyone! In addition to Pixie, she lives with her husband, three children, and two ferrets.

Close

Get Your Free Assessment

You and your canine companion really can have it all. See how easy it can be to become a member of the elite pup society by requesting a free consultation today!

About Dog Training Elite Richmond

Dog Training Elite Richmond - Customer Reviews. Hear from Happy Dog Training Elite Richmond Clients
Reviews
Our testimonials showcase the success stories of dogs and their owners who have benefited from our training programs. From basic obedience to advanced service dog training, see how Dog Training Elite Richmond has transformed the lives of countless dogs and their families!
Dog Training Elite Richmond - Frequently Asked Questions. Dog Training Elite Richmond
FAQs
Our FAQs cover the most common inquiries about our training methods, programs, and what you can expect when working with Dog Training Elite Richmond. If you’re curious about anything related to our services, this is where you will find the information you need.
Dog Training Elite Richmond - Careers. Dog Training Elite Richmond
Careers
Join the Dog Training Elite Richmond family! If you’re passionate about dogs and interested in making a difference, explore career opportunities with us. We are always looking for dedicated individuals who share our commitment to excellence in dog training and customer service. Discover how you can grow with us and become a part of a team that truly cares about dogs and their owners.
Dog Training Elite Richmond - Our Gallery. Dog Training Elite in Richmond, VA
Gallery
Our gallery features photos and videos of dogs in training, successful graduates, and highlights from community events. See what Dog Training Elite Richmond can offer your dog and get a glimpse of the work we’re passionate about.
Dog Training Elite Richmond - Local Dog Trainers in Richmond, VA. DTE
In the Community
At Dog Training Elite Richmond, we’re proud to be an active part of the community we serve. Check out recent events in our area where we’ve had the privilege to participate in local events, support fellow small businesses, and promote responsible dog ownership.

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Hannah Baker
    Dec. 20, 2024
    Matt gave so much information and I appreciated it.
  • janet geisler
    Dec. 7, 2024
    Matt was very professional, assessed quietly with great observations. Took his time quietly getting to know teddy's personality. Was very honest and fair in his explanation of assessment. Explained program very thoroughly. I would feel very comfortable and confident with Matt guiding us through the process.
  • Rhalynn Blackburn
    Dec. 5, 2024
    I've only had an assessment session with Matt, but it was great! I might be seeing what i want to see, but my dog was more calm and her behavior was better for the rest of the day after meeting with him!
  • Richmond Family Magazine
    Dec. 4, 2024
    Dog Training Elite did wonders for our dog, Charlie! We thought he was untrainable, but Paul worked his magic, and it's like we have a new and improved pooch! Thank you, Paul!
  • sally bobbitt
    Dec. 4, 2024
    Matt is great with both Mercy our GSD and her two humans. Calm, steady, thorough - he teaches all of us with clear instruction and walk-through, then guides us through hands on work with her. She really loves him and is "getting it". Thanks Matt!
  • Kathleen Fulton
    Dec. 3, 2024
    Paul is such a caring and knowledgeable trainer. I have a difficult dog and Paul is very patient and helpful. Highly recommend.
  • Kathleen Fulton
    Dec. 3, 2024
    Paul is such a caring and knowledgeable trainer. I have a difficult dog and Paul is very patient and helpful. Highly recommend.
  • Cliff Gregory
    Nov. 26, 2024
    Matt handled Ponyo so smoothly and she learned so much this week. He helped us learn to walk her better
  • Dawn White McGuire
    Dec. 3, 2024
    Third session: Sadie Mae is quite the character. Timid and shy, fearful, but yet curious, and stubborn when she doesn’t want to. Matt surprised us today, as Sadie came out of her shell for him, and responded to his gentle commands. Paul and Matt have both been very patient with her and we see PROGRESS before our eyes😊 thank you…
  • Julie
    Nov. 22, 2024
    I cannot say enough good things about Dog Training Elite. Paul is basically a dog whisperer! He is the fourth trainer we worked with and nothing has worked other than this. Please take a chance...you will not regret it. Even our family members have noticed the improvement in our pup's behavior and asked us what we did!
  • Katy Carter
    Oct. 29, 2024
    Patient. Kind fun, sweet, good at the dogs. Excellent
  • Dave Traub
    Nov. 12, 2024
    Paul is a very good dog trainer. He understands dogs and is very patient. He always explains the reasons behind the training methods.
  • Mary Mills
    Nov. 8, 2024
    Ella lives working with paul! We've learned a lot from his methods of training!
  • Dallas Weston
    May. 30, 2024
    Paul, our trainer is very easy to work and give us needed help. Our dog has improved greatly.
  • david palombo
    Nov. 5, 2024
    Matt was friendly and knowledgeable.
  • Cari Dixon
    Oct. 31, 2024
    Very knowledgeable very patient with us and our Bear❤️We have learned so much He breaks things down so we understand we are doing what we are doing. It makes is so much easier to work with our Bear. He doesn’t talk above our knowledge. He is very sincere. It has been a wonderful experience.
  • Merrilea Goulet
    Oct. 25, 2024
    We were so discouraged prior to our first appointment with Paul, we have a 2yr old German Shepherd rescue who is very reactive and high energy. Paul has done two sessions with her and the transformation has been nothing short of incredible! She has gone from being anxious and unruly to much more calm and listening. Paul is so patient explaining the “why” as well as the “how” to us. We couldn’t be happier!
  • Abigail Blaha
    Oct. 15, 2024
    Working with Dog Training Elite Richmond and having Paul as our trainer has been a treat. I interviewed a lot of trainers in the area, as I was very particular in who I wanted to work with and the results I was trying to accomplish with my dog. I am glad I chose to work with this company. Paul helped us to set the ground work obedience needed to accelerate to the more complex goals I had. He is detailed and thorough in his education, and answered any questions I had along the way. They were very flexible in scheduling visits around my work schedule, and Paul was enthusiastic about working in public places once we were ready for it. The group classes that this company adds to the training plan are such a bonus, especially for a dog recovering from reactivity. Paul is clearly passionate about his work and the wellbeing of dogs, and I have gained so much confidence as a handler. He is encouraging to both dogs and humans as they learn together. My dog and I are now able to do things together that I didn’t dream would have been possible before this experience. Our world has opened up in such a positive way, and our bond is even stronger. If you are a dog guardian considering training, especially if you are facing reactivity concerns, reach out to Dog Training Elite Richmond to help.
  • Ellen Moriarty
    Aug. 18, 2024
    Outstanding! Paul was exceptionally patient training our puppy during obedience training, and then in preparing her to be a therapy dog. He was also very good at training me to be a good handler. They were accommodating in setting up the training schedule and were flexible when we had to make last-minute changes. Highly recommend them for training your dog!
  • Alexa McBride
    Jul. 9, 2024
    Cannot recommend this program enough! I live roughly an hour south of Richmond and was pleasantly surprised to find a training program of this caliber able to complete sessions in my home!
A well-trained DTE dog on a surfboard.
Dog Training Elite Richmond light star icon.

Educate, Empower, Elevate, Elite

Unleash Your Dog's Potential

Photo Gallery

See An Elite Dog in Action