The Hill Country Dog Trainer

Programs include: Board & Train (21-day intensive program with real-world exposure), Puppy Training (foundation building for puppies), Travel Boarding (refresher stays for graduates), and We Train With You (in-person sessions at client’s home or public locations). All programs include the “Big 5” obedience commands and behavior modification. Clients receive video updates during boarding and follow-up lessons after their dog returns home. Training is personalized and tailored to each dog’s needs.

Pricing Summary

Pricing is not publicly listed but varies by program duration: 2-week, 4-week, and 6-week Board & Train options; 2, 4, or 6-session We Train With You packages; and Travel Boarding for graduates. A consultation is required to receive pricing details.

Policies

There is no explicit cancellation or rescheduling policy stated, but clients are encouraged to contact Matt directly for questions. Follow-up support is provided for as long as the owner has the dog.

The Hill Country Dog Trainer is a personal dog training business run by Matt Elledge, a veteran, father, and husband who offers customized training programs to help dog owners build strong, loving bonds with their pets. Matt provides hands-on training through his signature Board & Train program, where dogs live with him for 21 days to learn obedience, manners, and behavior modification in real-world settings like stores, parks, and homes with children and other dogs. He also offers We Train With You (in-person sessions), Puppy Training, and Travel Boarding for graduates. His approach focuses on building confidence, impulse control, and lifelong obedience using real-life exposure. Matt personally trains every dog—no franchise or staff—and provides ongoing support after training completion, including video updates and follow-up lessons. He also sells dog training products and gift cards through his shop.

Matt’s training emphasizes the “Big 5” obedience commands: Sit, Down, Recall, Heel, and Leave It, along with addressing issues like separation anxiety, leash reactivity, destructive behavior, jumping, biting, and resource guarding. Dogs are trained in his home environment, not a facility, and are integrated into his daily life for socialization and confidence-building. He serves clients across Austin, Waco, Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, and beyond.

Additional services include concierge-style travel boarding for dogs who have completed his Board & Train program, offering a “tune-up” in a familiar setting with trusted people and dogs.

Accomplishments

Matt Elledge was trained by James Hamm, a renowned dog trainer, and has successfully transformed dogs with severe behavioral issues including separation anxiety, aggression, and destructive habits. He has trained dogs to be calm in high-distraction environments and has received numerous testimonials praising his results and care.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients begin by booking a consultation through the website or by phone. During the consultation, Matt assesses the dog’s needs and recommends the appropriate program—Board & Train, We Train With You, or Puppy Training. A deposit is required to secure a spot, as training slots are limited.