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Name: Dog Training Elite St. Louis
Address: 1974 S Signal Hills Dr, Kirkwood, MO, 63122, US
Telephone: 314-800-7064
Price range: $$
Rating: 5

Dog Training Elite in St. Louis, MO

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Frequently Asked Questions

General

What is involved with a free assessment?

One of our trainers will visit your home to meet you and your dog and discuss any issues you're facing. We will then demonstrate one of our model dogs so you can see what you can expect after hiring our trainers. From there, we will discuss the various packages we offer and which we feel best suit your (and your dog's) needs.

How do your services differ from your competitors?

We provide full obedience training that covers all basic commands, both on and off-leash. Our in-home visits target specific issues like counter-surfing, digging, and more. Unlike some trainers, we work with all breeds, including those often considered challenging.

Will I (or my family) be involved with the training?

Yes. You (and anyone in your family who wants to be involved) are integral to your dog getting trained. We need you to practice 5-6 days a week, about 15-20 minutes a day for optimal results.

How often are the training sessions?

Once a week. We come to you (with the silver, gold and platinum packages) once a week to start your dog off, then you come to park sessions which are held once a week in St. Louis.

I just have a few issues with my dog, can we cover those issues only?

To effectively resolve specific issues, we need to start with a solid foundation in obedience. This approach helps you become a confident leader for your dog, which is key to addressing and preventing behavioral problems.

Can you train husbands, wives or kids?

Nope. Those are dangerous grounds to tread upon. We'd much rather train a vicious dog!

Do you train all breeds, shapes and sizes?

We train dogs of all breeds, sizes, and temperaments. Whether your dog is a tiny Chihuahua or a large Mastiff, we have the experience and expertise to work with them.

Do you work with aggressive dogs?

Yes. Working with and controlling aggression is one of our specialties in St. Louis.

What kind of service dogs do you train?

We focus on training companion dogs for veterans and individuals with PTSD and other psychological conditions. In addition to service animals, we also train therapy dogs that visit hospitals, nursing homes, and treatment centers.

What kind of temperament does my dog need to have to be service trained?

To be a service dog, your dog needs to have an even temperament. Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Standard Poodles, Goldendoodles, etc. typically have a great temperament for service work. For some types of service work, your dog will need to have AKC certifications (such as Canine Good Citizen or Community Canine) which we are able to certify. As always, we would be happy to assess your dog's aptitude for service work for free!

Do you offer personal protection training, and what temperament would a dog need for that?

Yes, we do offer personal protection training in St. Louis.
To be a personal protection dog, your dog will need to have some "drives" that can be utilized for the work. Generally, prey drive is the key drive that we look for (ie, chasing a tennis ball or going after a tug), but there are several forms that we can utilize. Your dog does not have to be vicious! We want your dog to be a great family dog first, then we need its obedience perfected; only then will we work on personal protection. Of course, we would be happy to assess your dog for free!

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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!

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About Dog Training Elite St. Louis

Dog Training Elite St. Louis - Meet Our Elite Team. Dog Training Elite in St. Louis

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Dog Training Elite St. Louis - Local Dog Trainers in St. Louis, MO. DTE

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Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

Brandie Cantrell

Jun. 24, 2026

We can't say enough good things about Teddy's training experience here. Before training, Teddy struggled with high reactivity and walks, public outings were often impossible. Matt, Dom, Alaina were incredible and supportive throughout the entire process. They took the time to understand Teddy's needs and gave us the tools and confidence to continue his progress at home. The transformation has been a complete 180. Teddy is calmer, focused, and walks are now enjoyable instead of challenging. The team genuinely cares about every pup they work with and are passionate about helping them succeed. We're so grateful for everything they've done for us!!!
Erika Varel

Jun. 7, 2026

We cannot say enough good things about Dog Training Elite! We started with individual training for our dog, Bino, and the results have been truly life-changing. Before training, managing her reactivity was challenging and stressful. Thanks to the knowledge, patience, and support of the trainers, her reactivity is now manageable, and we have so much more confidence when working with her. We continue to attend the group classes, which have been an incredible resource for reinforcing training and helping Bino continue to grow. Every trainer we’ve worked with has been knowledgeable, encouraging, and genuinely invested in our success. The training has improved not only Bino’s behavior but also our quality of life. We are so grateful for everything Dog Training Elite has done for our family and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for professional, effective dog training.
Ruth Racher

May. 15, 2026

My experience was excellent and I am so grateful for the help from the trainers. I brought my puppy here for obedience training at 6 months and then brought my 8 year old mature dog two weeks after. Before I came my dogs were unmanageable and now I can handle them both with confidence. The only thing I would change is if I had brought them both sooner. I knew I wanted to pursue service dog training for my puppy however i delayed for 3 months in making a decision. I could see a difference in two weeks and they are still maintaining their obedience. I was struggling and now I can enjoy my dogs again without the struggle.
Paria Abbassian

May. 10, 2026

My husband and I wanted a well-trained, well-behaved dog from the start, and choosing this training facility has been one of the best decisions we’ve made for our puppy. The results have been amazing, and he absolutely loves going there. A huge thank you to Matt, Emma, Alex, Alecia, and everyone at the facility for all of their hard work, care, and loving Bear! It’s clear how much they truly care about the dogs and their progress. The training has absolutely been worth the investment, and we plan to continue with more classes in the future. We can’t recommend them enough to anyone looking for an amazing training experience for their dog!
D Coombs

May. 9, 2026

Awesome place. Great Training. Very friendly staff.
sri Penumatsa

May. 7, 2026

I had a great experience with DTE working with my 2-year-old dog, Leo. He struggled with anxiety and some aggressive behaviors, which made everyday situations stressful for both of us. The trainers were patient, knowledgeable, and really took the time to understand his specific triggers and needs. Over the course of the training, I saw a noticeable improvement in Leo’s behavior. He’s more confident, easier to manage, and I feel much more equipped as an owner to handle challenging situations. The guidance and techniques they provided were practical and effective, and they made sure I understood how to continue reinforcing the training at home. I’m very grateful for their support and dedication—it truly made a difference for both me and Leo. I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for help with behavioral issues or general training.
James Poggi

Feb. 7, 2026

Great staff, great training, group classes are amazing and so helpfull. Training our service dog teddy with there help and the results are astounding right from a puppy. Has competitive prices compared to other trainers. I personally have worked with Alex and Dom, can't say enough nice things about them both. The whole family at DTE has been so vital in teddy being the big success he has become. Teddy comes to work with me as a crossing guard for our police department. The kids love saying good morning to him, and he looks forward to sitting there and watching them all cross safely.
Jay Williams

Mar. 28, 2026

Loved the in home training I got for my crazy pit mix! Moving onto group sessions and excited for that. Alex, my trainer, was great and customized what I needed for my dog.
Heather Vance

Mar. 19, 2026

I can not say enough good things. We had tried another training place prior to finding Dog Training Elite that was just not working & seemed to be making our dog more stressed. This was the best investment we could have possibly made— truly the best money we could have spent and worth every penny. Our quality of life and our relationship with our dog is amazing now after this training. Every trainer genuinely cared and understood the animals. They always remember our dog by name & she was so excited to see each of them & excited to go to training. My favorite part of this training was that after the 2 weeks of 8 hours a day training, it’s followed by weekly group training we attend where we continue to learn new skills, ask the trainers questions, and socialize with other pets and their owners. I would highly recommend to anyone!
Caitlin Petty

Mar. 9, 2026

DTE St. Louis is absolutely phenomenal. When our rescue pup (a male pitbull mix) was around a year and half, we realized as first-time dog owners that we needed professional support. Matt and the DTE Team met with us for 2 free consults as we decided between the service dog training and obedience training. After our pup had a traumatic incident with another dog while we were away and we began struggling immensely with dog reactivity (e.g., barking and lunging on leash), Matt tailored the 3-week in-faculty obedience training specifically to our needs surrounding reactivity, impulse control, and hypersensitivity. Matt, Dom, Jon, Alex, and the entire DTE Team have been incredible with us throughout this process. They made sure to explain from the beginning that though we can regulate a dog’s behaviors through training, we cannot completely change a dog’s personality, which helped us understand our pup better as we worked to strengthen the ways in which we communicate with him and assess his needs/stress levels. Within the 3 weeks of in-facility training, we saw massive improvements in neutrality while on walks in our neighborhood, and it only got better once we began attending Saturday and Monday obedience group classes. DTE focuses not just on teaching your dog, but on teaching you, as the dog’s handlers, how to effectively communicate with your dog. They use a balanced approach that includes an emphasis on your body language, lots of positive reinforcement, and importantly, the setting of clear expectations and boundaries (e.g., with e-collar training). The DTE Team excels in assessing each individual dog’s needs and adapting when the situation calls for it. To give you an example, group class is very challenging for our dog-selective pup. The first few months went well, but after a stressful period of travel, our pup regressed a bit and began barking and lunging more both on walks and in group class. The trainers worked with us to adjust how much space we gave our pup during class, and modified the way he participated in group activities so that he could remain under his emotional threshold before we asked him to do more challenging exercises again. DTE has given us a safe space to implement all that we’ve learned during training and to receive support as we navigate the difficult journey of counter-reactivity training with a pup we love tremendously. It is not easy, and we are still working towards our goal of neutrality around other dogs, but I went from experiencing debilitating panic while taking my pup for a 10-minute walk before the DTE training, to walking him for hour+ periods in more public places with confidence, both in my leadership skills and in his ability to make the right choices. And for reference, we are about 6 months into training using the DTE methodology. For anyone struggling with these types of reactivity issues, I cannot recommend DTE highly enough. Thank you to the entire DTE Team!!! We wouldn’t have made it this far without your unyielding support.
Carley Yanuck

Feb. 14, 2026

We’ve had such a positive experience with Dog Training Elite! After adding a new rescue dog to our pack, we’ve struggled with reactivity and barking from both dogs. We’ve worked with other trainers in the past, but we’ve seen more success with our older dog with DTE than anywhere else. Both dogs have responded very well to the e-collar training. We appreciate how conscientiously the trainers use the e-collars, and we have been given clear guidance on what levels of the collar to utilize with certain behaviors. The staff has been amazing with both of our dogs and are clearly invested in their success. The group classes are incredibly fun and something we genuinely look forward to each week. I can’t recommend DTE enough for anyone who needs help and guidance with their dog.
Lisseth Salgado

Feb. 14, 2026

After visiting several schools to train my dog as a service animal, we chose Dog Training Elite—and it was absolutely the right decision. Matt, the director, did an amazing job tailoring the program to our needs, and Alex, my dog’s trainer, is incredibly empathetic. My dog adores him. The whole experience has been wonderful. We loved the classes, and my dog went from being extremely hyperactive to truly well‑behaved, in just 2 month. We’ve learned so much, and now we enjoy our dog more than ever
Mark Leidy

Feb. 4, 2026

Dog Training Elite trained my seven month old Border Terrier and I know training a Border Terrier, let alone a seven month old terrier, is a challenging Job. Matt and Falisha were amazing and really know what they are doing. I take my terrier in every few months for a refresher while he’s still young. And each time I get Report card with feedback and things I can do to continuously improve his training and behavior. He’s an amazing puppy. Learns quickly and it’s all things to DTE. Knowing my puppy like I do, I’m sure it’s not nearly as easy as they make it look. Border Terriers can be very stubborn, but mine doesn’t show it.
Milica Vogt

Jan. 29, 2026

We have had an amazing experience with Elite Dog Training. Our energetic Vizsla pup, Zoey, has so much energy, but with her trainer Jon and the rest of the staff at EDT, she has learned so much obedience and confidence. The training has made a huge difference in our everyday life. All the trainers at EDT are patient, knowledgeable, and truly care about both the dogs and their owners. They explain things clearly and make training feel doable at home. I am so grateful for everything we have learned and would highly recommend EDT to anyone looking to strengthen their bond with their dog and who wants real results and a positive experience.
Peggy Amico-Sing

Jan. 9, 2026

I cannot express have grateful we are to the Dog Training Elite Team for their full support working with our Doberman Pincher, Rani. Rani’s journey at DTE started when she was 10 weeks old. She gained her AKC Star Puppy Certificate and with the help of DTE, she is now a Certified Therapy Dog and has earned her Canine Good Citizen Certificate. DTE’s due diligence and knowledge of dogs and training, made such a huge impact on Rani. The DTE team have unwavering dedication to each and every dog they work with. They greet every dog and owner and are available at any time to listen to your concerns or issues with training. It did help that they also trained me as well (and free of charge). Rani is now a year old and is a well-trained, obedient, and happy part of our family. I have never been witness to an unkind word spoken or mistreatment towards any dog. All trainers know how to deal with different dog personalities and handle all dogs with care and respect. I would recommend Dog Training Elite to anyone that is interested in obedience and other courses offered. To begin your journey give Matt a call. It’s your first step to owning a beautiful, happy, and obedient dog. Our journey with Rani continues with DTE and we will always take her in to refresh her skills and continue her growth in the community. Proud to be associated with this hardworking team: Alecia, Dominic, Alex, Jon, Matt (and Rani).
Amber Graham

Jan. 4, 2026

We have had an excellent experience with Dog Training Elite. Our dog, Walter, became extremely reactive and we were becoming overwhelmed with his training. The team here completely changed that. We’ve worked with the owner Matt and several trainers including Jon, Dom, and Alex (among others) and each of them has been knowledgeable, patient, and consistent in their approach. It is obvious that everyone here LOVES dogs and are passionate about dog training. After several months of training, Walter has made huge improvements. We are now able to walk him with far more control and confidence, which has been life changing for our daily routine. We did the initial in-facility training program which was fantastic and got things kick started. The follow up group training classes have been a great way to reinforce his skills and gives us the chance for controlled exposure to other dogs. We’re incredibly grateful for the progress Walter has made in the first ~4 months of his training. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite to anyone dealing with reactivity or looking for a supportive, effective training program.
Heather O.

Jan. 1, 2026

After researching a bunch of local options, this program was the clear outlier. Their program is the most extensive I found, and as someone who has been through structured training programs with both my current puppy and past pets, I really value a long-term approach. That is exactly what you get here. We are just wrapping up the 3-week course plus three private lessons, and we are headed into group lessons next. The progress has been huge. Every trainer we worked with was a wealth of knowledge, and they took the time to explain not just what to do, but why it works, so it actually sticks at home. I honestly wish they were the first place I found. I spent valuable time and money on other companies before landing here, and the difference is night and day. Yes, there were closer and cheaper options near us in Wildwood. But the positive changes I am seeing in my dog, and the long-term commitment this program offers, are worth every penny and every extra minute in the car. Easily the best dog training experience I have seen in the St. Louis area.
Sherry Bene

Dec. 5, 2025

Dog Training Elite has been so much more than we expected! When Boomer started with DTE he was a 4 month old rescue. We just expected some typical obedience training. We got exceptional training from knowledgeable and caring trainers, including Dom, Alex and Jon, who have treated us like family. Boomer is just over 1 year old now. He loves to go to day trains at DTE for tuning up :) and group sessions in the park. We always get comments about what a well mannered dog he is. He goes to restaurants, tball, soccer and stores with us and is always well behaved. I highly recommend DTE for your dog training needs. They are easy to work with and all of their staff is always helpful and responsive. We love DTE and will be lifelong customers.
Sherry Breen

Dec. 4, 2025

Little girl Lumi is loving her time and experience training at Elite! She’s making great progress and that is because the trainers are excellent! They hear the struggles and walk you through solutions. So glad we jumped in asap.
Matthew St John

Nov. 8, 2025

Matt, Dom, John and the whole staff were awesome. Highly recommend. They’re great at communication and they get results.

Reviews & Testimonials

Our Team

Matt Willis

Owner & Trainer - DTE St. Louis

Matt grew up in Austin TX in a house full of animals. He began training the family dogs at an early age. Raised in a hunting family, he learned retrieving, tracking and the responsible way to incorporate e-collar use in different training aspects."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 dog to understand what we expect from them."

Matt trained in many aspects once joining DTE. He has been certified in Advanced Obedience, Internal/External Scent Detection, Service and Therapy, Personal Protection and Puppy Behavior/Training. 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.

When not working with your dog, you can find him training his 4 year old Border Collie-Cowboy or his 4 year old Chocolate Lab-Bullet. He also enjoys hiking, biking, hunting and golf.

Alecia

Operations Manager

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 having spent 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, attending St.Joseph's Academy and then graduating from the University of Missouri. She has two kids and a very energetic 2yr old Belgian Malinois, Nakita(Kita), that keep her on her toes. She is currently training Kita for Personal Protection with DTE. When not working to better serve our clients, she enjoys soccer, Cardinals baseball, gardening and playing games with her kiddos.

Alex

Trainer

Meet Alex! He always knew he wanted to work with animals from a young age, but dog training is a new found passion. A St.Louis native, Alex began his journey by attending the Tom Rose School of Dog Training in 2018. There he studied advanced obedience, tracking, scent detection and also dabbled in 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 off and on at the St. Louis Zoo but knew he wanted to get more hands on with the animals.

After graduating from the Masters Program at TRS, he decided to work 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 led him to DTE. He has excelled in our methodology and has helped so many canines already.

When not helping you and your canine, Alex enjoys being outside; camping, hiking, and playing disc golf. He also loves going to car shows and races. He is pictured with his 2yr old Chocolate Lab Nala.

Kelvin

Trainer

Meet Kelvin! Growing up on a farm in Ghana Africa, their family always had plenty of animals abound. But he always gravitated to dogs. His journey began in 2016 as he began transporting dogs for clients. He traveled the world visiting Russia, Serbia, Egypt, and the UK. Kelvin continued to research and study dog training. He opened up LiebeK9 in Ghana, specializing in protection and security canines. His thirst for training knowledge brought him to the States. He traveled and trained at several facilities, including The Tom Rose School in Hillsboro Missouri. He graduated 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.

Alaina

Trainer

Meet Alaina! She is a native of St. Louis, born and raised here, where she is proud to serve the community she calls home. Alaina’s journey into dog training began with her own dog, Tallmadge, a 120-pound German Shepherd/Boxer mix who struggled with leash reactivity. "It was tough not knowing how to help him become more confident and comfortable. It pushed me to learn dog behavior and the triggers so I could bring more balance to his life and mine." That experience sparked a deep commitment for her to help owners better understand their dogs and navigate real-life challenges. Now with over ten years of experience training dogs across six different states, Alaina brings a broad perspective to training. Her passion is now Service and Therapy training as she loves the satisfaction of helping others.

In addition to Tallmage, Alaina has a 3yr old Belgian Malinois named Dogmeat and two cats. When not helping you with your pup, you can find her and her husband watching movies, bowling or playing board games, especially Dungeons and Dragons.

She 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.

Becky

Trainer

Meet Becky! She is a St. Louis native who has recently returned home. Dogs have always been a part of Becky's life, but she didn't realize her lifelong love for them could become a fulfilling career until her mid-20s.

In 2020, Becky attended the Tom Rose School in Hillsboro Missouri, where she gained a solid foundation in professional dog training and graduated with honors. Becky moved to Florida where she successfully operated in-home board-and-train programs for dogs of all breeds, ages, and temperaments. "I have now been training for many years, in many different areas. My experience has empowered me to problem solve and help countless families overcome challenges, strengthen communication, and enjoy better lives with their dogs."

When she's not working with you and your pup, Becky is usually training or competing with her own three dogs: a Golden Retriever, a Dachshund, and a Beauceron. Together they enjoy obedience, scent work, agility, dock diving, rally, and herding. Outside of dog sports, Becky loves spending time outdoors with her wife and their dogs; whether they're hiking, paddle boarding, relaxing by the river, or camping.

Meet the Team