Request a Free Assessment
Service Dog Breeds
Service dogs are crucial in assisting individuals with various disabilities and conditions, providing them with support, independence, and companionship. These highly trained dogs can perform specific tasks tailored to the needs of their handlers. We've created this brief guide to review breeds that make great service dogs, who can benefit from a service dog and the training that will help these pups meet their handler's needs. Take the first step towards a better future with a trained service dog by contacting Dog Training Elite of Central Maryland today!
Popular Breeds for Service Dogs
While most dogs can be trained to become service dogs, regardless of breed, a few breeds lead the pack in popularity due to their personalities and inherent traits. Here are a few of the most popular service dog breeds.
Labrador Retrievers
Labrador retrievers are among the most sought-after breeds to be service dogs for PTSD in Annapolis due to their intelligence, versatility, and friendly nature. They excel in various roles, including guide dogs for individuals with visual impairments, service dogs for individuals with mobility issues, and service dogs for veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Labradors are highly trainable and possess a strong desire to please, making them ideal candidates for service work.
Golden Retrievers
Golden retrievers are known for their gentle and patient nature, making them excellent service dog candidates. Their calm temperament, intelligence, and willingness to learn contribute to their success in roles such as mobility assistance, therapy dogs, and service dogs for veterans. Their ability to provide emotional support and comfort makes them particularly well-suited for individuals with PTSD or other mental health conditions.
German Shepherds
German shepherds possess a remarkable combination of strength, intelligence, and loyalty, making them an excellent choice as a service dog for veterans. Their versatility allows them to excel in various roles, including mobility assistance, search and rescue, and service dogs for individuals with psychiatric or neurological conditions. With their keen sense of observation and natural protective instincts, German Shepherds can provide physical and emotional support to their handlers.
Poodles
Poodles are renowned for their intelligence, trainability, and hypoallergenic coats, making them popular for service dog training, especially for individuals with allergies. They excel in roles such as mobility assistance, diabetic alert dogs, and medical alert dogs.
Our Balanced Theory
We base our training around the "Classical Conditioning" model (a.k.a. "Pavlovian" or "respondent conditioning"). This includes developing conditioned or automatic reflexes to commands. In its simplest form (after proper conditioning), when the owner says "sit," the dog automatically sits without thinking about it. Our unique techniques ensure our program is a success no matter what behavior we encounter.
Empowering Owners
We empower owners to train so their dog knows who to obey at all times.
Personalized
We deal with problem behaviors on a personal basis.
Environment Specific
We train wherever issues tend to arise (i.e. jogging, park, home).
Supportive
We support owners in the off-hours (when training is "not in session").
Involved
We work with all members of the household.
Simplified & Customized
We plan training around the owner's schedule and require only 20 min/day follow-up practice.
Continued Training
Additional programs / group sessions offered after in-home training.
Lifetime Investment
We follow up & are invested in the owner's success long-term.
Satisfaction Ratings
Our high client satisfaction rating sets us apart from competitors.
clas·si·cal con·di·tion·ing PSYCHOLOGY noun A learning process that occurs when two stimuli are repeatedly paired; a response that is at first elicited by the second stimulus and is eventually elicited by the first stimulus alone.
Who Are Service Dogs For?
Service dogs offer invaluable support and assistance to individuals facing various challenges. Service dogs are sought after by individuals with conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), mobility limitations, visual or hearing impairments, autism spectrum disorders, anxiety disorders, and more. Service dogs can help provide security, independence, and emotional well-being regardless of the specific condition. If you seek a loyal and capable partner to enhance your daily life, a service dog for PTSD in Annapolis can make a remarkable difference.
Service Dog Training
Service dogs undergo extensive and specialized training to perform their essential tasks and assist individuals with disabilities. The training process involves a combination of obedience training, task training, and public access training.
- Obedience Training
This training focuses on teaching a dog basic commands, such as sit, stay, heel, and come, as well as proper leash manners and socialization skills.
- Task Training
Task training tailors to the specific needs of the individual. It involves teaching the dog to perform tasks that mitigate the person's disability, such as retrieving items, opening doors, or providing deep pressure therapy.
- Public Access Training
This type of training is crucial to ensure the dog remains calm, well-behaved, and non-disruptive in various public settings. This training includes exposure to different environments, distractions, and social interactions to provide a dog that can confidently navigate public spaces.
We help your dog become a valued companion and beloved member of the family. Read what our customers have to say and then give us a call!
Our training program with Dog Training Elite was a huge success. Christy and her team (Samantha for us) were really easy to work with, and seem to have a strong, intuitive connection with doggies. Annie is a changed dog. Significantly less pulling on the leash, (almost none) comes when we call, stays in her "place" when told, and much more. We are so grateful and look forward to the play groups.— Lyn Hopkins
Posted February 8th 2023
I did the 5 week training plan with Dog training elite and could not be happier with the results. My 9 month old lab was disobedient in just about every way. Christy and Sean did an amazing job transforming my dog into a great obedient pet . Come , sit , lay down , heel and place ,are just a few of the commands that I now have at my disposal. I would highly recommend Dog Training Elite to anyone considering training .— Rick Clow
Posted January 17th 2023
Christy and Sean did an amazing job with my 9 month old puppy Koda . I went from chasing my dog around the yard to bring him back , to having him respond to my every command. The whole experience was very informative and enjoyable. Christy was very flexible with the in home training . I had to reschedule a couple appointments and it was no problem at all. I would highly recommend dog training elite to anyone looking for dog training.— Rick Clow
Posted January 17th 2023
I contacted Dog Training Elite to help with training purposes as well as anxiety with my dog. I have a black lab who I started with them when she was about 10 months old. She struggled with anxiety ever since this past summer with fireworks, as before that she had no problem! Ever since working with Dog Training Elite, they have instilled many great training qualities in her, and us as owners that has really helped her confidence and anxiety in situations. When we notice something may scare her and she cowers back, we always resort back to the commands and she has no problem. I highly recommend Dog training Elite if you not only want your dog trained to a high standard, but for yourself to also learn how to train your dog and know what to do in certain situations!— Jara Matlick
Posted January 9th 2023
Dog Training Elite was a life changer for me and my dog. This training method is very practical and makes my life so much easier. My dog listens so well to the commands he was taught and I can take him anywhere and know I will be able to maintain control. I needed to have this with such a large breed.— Emily Kellen
Posted January 7th 2023
We love Dog Training Elite Annapolis! They have been flexible with training times and made training our newfypoo an enjoyable experience. He is on his way to being a PSD dog for our daughter and we are forever grateful for their continued guidance.— Danielle Clark
Posted December 30th 2022
Our dog is now enjoyable to be around. She is much better behaved, listens to commands, and is easy to walk. All thanks to Christy and Sam at Dog Training Elite Annapolis.— Amy Hetherington
Posted December 29th 2022
Service Dogs for Veterans & PTSDTraining with Dog Training Elite in Annapolis
Dog Training Elite offers comprehensive service dog training programs designed to meet your unique needs. With our expertise and personalized approach, we can help your service dog develop the skills and behaviors necessary to fulfill their vital role in enhancing your daily life.
Service dogs are an invaluable resource for individuals with disabilities, providing support, independence, and companionship. Service dogs can benefit individuals with various conditions, including PTSD, mobility limitations, autism, anxiety disorders, and more. At Dog Training Elite of Central Maryland, we offer comprehensive service dog training programs to ensure your dog has the necessary skills to meet your needs. Our expertise and personalized approach will help you forge a strong bond with your service dog and confidently navigate daily life. Take the first step towards a brighter future by contacting Dog Training Elite today and discovering how a service dog can make a remarkable difference in your life.
Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation
At Dog Training Elite of Central Maryland, we believe that Service Dogs save lives. It is our mission to make these life-saving companions available to our Veterans, First Responders, Women Survivors, and Children with Medical Needs. Whether it be for PTSD, Mobility Support, or Special Needs, Dog Training Elite of Central Maryland works with the Malinois Foundation to heal and empower these individuals with a specialized service animal, a partner in life, and a new best friend.