Matt Willis

Owner & Trainer - DTE St. Louis | Dog Training Elite 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.

Dominic

Trainer | Dog Training Elite St. Louis

Meet Dom! The second oldest of six children, their Milwaukee home was always busy. And always full of dogs too. Thats why Dom knew from an early age he would someday make a career out of helping dogs. After high school, Dominic joined the Navy and served for 7 years. "After leaving the military it was time to follow my dream and find a career with dogs. I have always known it would be in training. Seeing peoples' lives change after giving their dog structure and obedience is highly rewarding."

Dom has a 3yr old Pit Bull named Serendipity, Seren for short. When he's not training you can find him on the disc golf course, playing chess, hiking or hitting a new local restaurant.

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.

Jon

Trainer | Dog Training Elite St. Louis

Meet Jon! He grew up in Arkansas and his family always had a pack in the house. After college, Jon spent over 10 years in the coaching profession instructing high school swimming. In 2020, Jon began participating in Disc Dogs STL with his pups and realized his passion for training and dog behavior. "My first competition was a disaster, but we improved immensely after educating myself and training harder. My Belgian Malinois Jackie and I won the novice division of the Missouri State Disc Dog Championship the very next year!”

His hobby became a search for a new career. Jon reached out to DTE and it was easy to see he had the drive and certainly the love for dogs. “It's so rewarding for me to help other dog owners develop a structured and obedient dog." 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.

During his free time, he likes spending time with his family enjoying activities outside, concerts, going to the movies, traveling and spending time with their 3 dogs. Jackie is a 3yr old Belgian Malinois, Wolfgang is a 2yr old German Shepherd and Belle is a 1yr old Belgian/GSD mix.

Alecia

Operations Manager | Dog Training Elite St. Louis

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.

Michelle

Trainer | Dog Training Elite St. Louis

Meet Michelle! She has been an animal lover her whole life and was always bringing home dogs and critters. Michelle began her journey working at local boarding and daycare facilities around St.Louis. After gaining years of experience in canine behavior, she shifted to animal rescue and adoption. There she screened incoming dogs, helped train and acclimate them to their new surroundings and facilitated the adoption process. Michelle then took her knowledge to the veterinary world for a couple of years. But she always knew what her true calling was; to be a trainer. "I've witnessed the benefits of proper training first hand. There are so many dogs that need guidance, love and a second chance to become wonderful members of a family. I'm so excited to join the DTE team and expand my training knowledge. My true passion is working with Service and Therapy dogs. It's so rewarding to assist individuals and others in the community through the love of a dog!"

When not training your pup, you'll find her busy with her four dogs. She has two German Shepherds, a King Shepherd and a Pitbull mix. All of which she adopted of course. Michelle loves the outdoors. She enjoys hiking and camping in the mountains, and also going to concerts.

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.

Alex

Trainer | Dog Training Elite St. Louis

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.