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Frequently Asked Questions

General
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.
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.
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.
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 Worcester.
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.
Nope. Those are dangerous grounds to tread upon. We'd much rather train a vicious dog!
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.
Yes. Working with and controlling aggression is one of our specialties in Worcester.
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.
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!

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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!

About Dog Training Elite Worcester

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In the Community

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Jane flink
    Apr. 26, 2025
    Professional and informative
  • Gray
    Apr. 25, 2025
    Marcus was patient and kind as he walked me through the onboarding process for my new puppy. He answered all my questions and ensured I had a clear picture of what training would look like.
  • Debra Korzec
    Apr. 23, 2025
    Matt worked very well with Montana and me. First time with this Matt and he gave me some good training points. Thank you! Debra
  • Jess Zorge
    Apr. 17, 2025
    Amazing progress with my dog Quill! He is also deaf which adds another layer to his training. We have learned so much in the short time we have been working together and the results speak for themselves!
  • Marie Sargent
    Apr. 23, 2025
    Day 1. Matt was great! Commands and homework demonstrated with easy understanding!! Our dog Gracie responded to our practices as hoped! Looking forward to next session!
  • jonathan hill
    Apr. 22, 2025
    Matt K was very patient and respectful during my dogs initial evaluation. He was very helpful in answering the questions I had about whether or not to proceed forward with my dog.
  • Sol Correa
    Apr. 21, 2025
    He was really good and specific and hw told mw how to do the commands and let me practice to see I was doing it right. Thank you
  • Tonya Robles
    Apr. 11, 2025
    Patient, knowledgeable, professional.
  • Michael Levitz
    Apr. 6, 2025
    3 days in, already he’s off the couch and in his bed where he belongs. Had an excellent E collar intro session with Matt, he’s kind, patient, considerate, and professional, and I can’t believe I’m already seeing results. Thank you!
  • Smart Body
    Apr. 5, 2025
    I spoke with Marcus for the original quote for the service dog training for my pup. It was reasonably priced and offer payment plans. Marcus seemed like a very knowledgeable trainer I am looking forward to the training program.
  • Steven G Cronis, Esq.
    Apr. 4, 2025
    Matt was amazing! Thank you so much!
  • Robin Wolkiewicz
    Nov. 4, 2024
    Fourth session. Working on "heel". Matt is so knowledgeable about training and explains the process perfectly. I am so impressed with how much Maxx, my husband and I have learned. Can't wait for our next session.
  • Jena Pantano
    Dec. 13, 2024
    We had a wonderful consultation with Tiffany at our apartment, and she was fantastic! She’s incredibly friendly and approachable, making the entire experience comfortable for both my dog and me. Tiffany provided a wealth of helpful information and clear, tailored guidance to meet our specific needs. We’re excited to start training!
  • Donna Pinkus
    Oct. 4, 2024
    We had our assessment today and it went great! Marcus was wonderful. I have confidence we will gain lots from training. Had our 1st class today with Matt K. He is very knowledgeable and is way to work with. Looking forward to more! Had our 2nd class today with Tiffany. We are all learning a lot and I believe I will have a better behaved and happier dog. Looking forward to next week. We just finished our last class and feel we have come along way. Matt K has been very patient with both our dog Beau and us. He is walking pretty better, and we know how to work with his reactiveness. We. still have socialization to work on in group classes. Tiffany and Matt K did a few sessions together with us to help with a specific issue. Overall,this has been a great experience.
  • Seth Forbes
    Dec. 8, 2024
    We just finished our second day of training and we absolutely love working with our trainer. Every week we are becoming better trained and our puppy is doing a fantastic job. We really do believe that a big portion of a well trained dog is having well trained parents. We are getting better everyday thanks to DTE!
  • Claire Butrimowicz
    Nov. 1, 2024
    Matt is SO helpful. Marvin and I are making great progress with his firm but kind approach. And he is patient with me as well! Marvin knows place, sit, down, back to sit, come. Not jumping. Working on walking and pulling less. Happy boy!!
  • Sydny Douglas
    Dec. 4, 2024
    I can't express enough how impressed I am by this company. They are on top of communications, and very respectful of your time. Patrick especially was extremely knowledgable, professional and friendly. Do yourself (and your dog) a favor and sign up!
  • Katrina Guenette
    Dec. 3, 2024
    If I could give more than five stars, I would absolutely amazing Trainer 🐾!!!!!!
  • Mike Corrado
    Dec. 3, 2024
    Excellent job on day 1! We are confident our money was well spent and we learned a lot on the 40 mins he spent with us and our dog. We are very happy.
  • Caitlin Bogue
    Nov. 23, 2024
    Marcus came to my house for a consultation. He was calm and knowledgeable, and made me feel like he had my family’s best interest in mind.
  • Jane flink
    Apr. 26, 2025
    Professional and informative
  • Gray
    Apr. 25, 2025
    Marcus was patient and kind as he walked me through the onboarding process for my new puppy. He answered all my questions and ensured I had a clear picture of what training would look like.
  • Debra Korzec
    Apr. 23, 2025
    Matt worked very well with Montana and me. First time with this Matt and he gave me some good training points. Thank you! Debra
  • Jess Zorge
    Apr. 17, 2025
    Amazing progress with my dog Quill! He is also deaf which adds another layer to his training. We have learned so much in the short time we have been working together and the results speak for themselves!
  • Marie Sargent
    Apr. 23, 2025
    Day 1. Matt was great! Commands and homework demonstrated with easy understanding!! Our dog Gracie responded to our practices as hoped! Looking forward to next session!
  • jonathan hill
    Apr. 22, 2025
    Matt K was very patient and respectful during my dogs initial evaluation. He was very helpful in answering the questions I had about whether or not to proceed forward with my dog.
  • Sol Correa
    Apr. 21, 2025
    He was really good and specific and hw told mw how to do the commands and let me practice to see I was doing it right. Thank you
  • Tonya Robles
    Apr. 11, 2025
    Patient, knowledgeable, professional.
  • Michael Levitz
    Apr. 6, 2025
    3 days in, already he’s off the couch and in his bed where he belongs. Had an excellent E collar intro session with Matt, he’s kind, patient, considerate, and professional, and I can’t believe I’m already seeing results. Thank you!
  • Smart Body
    Apr. 5, 2025
    I spoke with Marcus for the original quote for the service dog training for my pup. It was reasonably priced and offer payment plans. Marcus seemed like a very knowledgeable trainer I am looking forward to the training program.
  • Steven G Cronis, Esq.
    Apr. 4, 2025
    Matt was amazing! Thank you so much!
  • Robin Wolkiewicz
    Nov. 4, 2024
    Fourth session. Working on "heel". Matt is so knowledgeable about training and explains the process perfectly. I am so impressed with how much Maxx, my husband and I have learned. Can't wait for our next session.
  • Jena Pantano
    Dec. 13, 2024
    We had a wonderful consultation with Tiffany at our apartment, and she was fantastic! She’s incredibly friendly and approachable, making the entire experience comfortable for both my dog and me. Tiffany provided a wealth of helpful information and clear, tailored guidance to meet our specific needs. We’re excited to start training!
  • Donna Pinkus
    Oct. 4, 2024
    We had our assessment today and it went great! Marcus was wonderful. I have confidence we will gain lots from training. Had our 1st class today with Matt K. He is very knowledgeable and is way to work with. Looking forward to more! Had our 2nd class today with Tiffany. We are all learning a lot and I believe I will have a better behaved and happier dog. Looking forward to next week. We just finished our last class and feel we have come along way. Matt K has been very patient with both our dog Beau and us. He is walking pretty better, and we know how to work with his reactiveness. We. still have socialization to work on in group classes. Tiffany and Matt K did a few sessions together with us to help with a specific issue. Overall,this has been a great experience.
  • Seth Forbes
    Dec. 8, 2024
    We just finished our second day of training and we absolutely love working with our trainer. Every week we are becoming better trained and our puppy is doing a fantastic job. We really do believe that a big portion of a well trained dog is having well trained parents. We are getting better everyday thanks to DTE!
  • Claire Butrimowicz
    Nov. 1, 2024
    Matt is SO helpful. Marvin and I are making great progress with his firm but kind approach. And he is patient with me as well! Marvin knows place, sit, down, back to sit, come. Not jumping. Working on walking and pulling less. Happy boy!!
  • Sydny Douglas
    Dec. 4, 2024
    I can't express enough how impressed I am by this company. They are on top of communications, and very respectful of your time. Patrick especially was extremely knowledgable, professional and friendly. Do yourself (and your dog) a favor and sign up!
  • Katrina Guenette
    Dec. 3, 2024
    If I could give more than five stars, I would absolutely amazing Trainer 🐾!!!!!!
  • Mike Corrado
    Dec. 3, 2024
    Excellent job on day 1! We are confident our money was well spent and we learned a lot on the 40 mins he spent with us and our dog. We are very happy.
  • Caitlin Bogue
    Nov. 23, 2024
    Marcus came to my house for a consultation. He was calm and knowledgeable, and made me feel like he had my family’s best interest in mind.
A well-trained DTE dog on a surfboard.
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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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