A service dog and their owner outside - find elite service dog training in Austin, TX with Dog Training Elite.
Dog Training Elite

Service Dog Training in Austin, TX

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Our Service Dog Training Could Help:
Veterans or civilians with PTSD, anxiety, or depression
Children or adults with autism
Individuals with epilepsy
(participating locations)
Advanced medical training (participating locations)

Dog Training Elite in Austin Metro

Service Dog Training in Austin, TX

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines a service dog as “a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability.” Disabilities include mental or physical impairments that affect an individual’s ability to perform one or more major life activities (walking, seeing, etc.).

Because service dogs play such a key role in the life of disabled individuals, they are protected by the law. Places of residence, employment, and commercial facilities cannot discriminate against disabled individuals with service animals. If you are wondering how to get a service dog, you can either purchase a fully trained dog or purchase a service puppy and train it.

With our service dog training in Austin, TX, we ensure that your dog is trained to meet the specific needs of your disability, providing personalized support and empowering both dog and handler for long-term success.

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A man and his support service dog - learn more about our positive training methods at Dog Training Elite.

Our Positive Approach to Service Dog Training


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At Dog Training Elite, we believe that successful dog training requires dedication, patience, and balance. That’s why we are committed to using positive reinforcement techniques in all of our training programs.

Through balanced training, our team helps owners build trust with their dogs. This approach is especially important for service dog training because strong relationships and communication are essential for dogs to reliably assist their handler.

By focusing on encouragement rather than punishment, we created confident, well-behaved dogs that are eager to perform their best and impress their owners.

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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!

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Kate Preece
    Jan. 24, 2026
    Elite training transformed my biting puppy into a well-trained happy little companion. I nearly gave her back to the APA but Jenny intervened and rescued both me and my little pup. We’ve made it through the program and I am so happy that I never surrendered her. Jenny’s first visit made the biggest difference and it was downhill from there!!
  • Anneliese Parsons
    Jan. 21, 2026
    Jenny at Dog Training Elite is fantastic. Her training approach is clear, effective, and tailored to my dog’s specific behaviors. She took the time to explain the “why” behind each technique and made sure we felt confident continuing the training on our own. We started seeing results in our very first session, and we’re so grateful for her expertise. Highly recommend!
  • Shefali Patel
    Jan. 21, 2026
    Working with Mike through DTE's psychiatric service dog training has been such a positive experience for both me and my dog Sugar. From day one, she’s been completely comfortable with him, and it really shows in how quickly she picks up what he teaches. Mike takes the time to explain every small detail and why it matters, which has helped me become more confident and consistent as a handler. He also gently holds us accountable for practicing between sessions, and that structure has made a big difference in our progress. I’m genuinely very happy with the training and the growth I’m seeing in my dog. Highly recommend Mike if you’re looking for someone knowledgeable, patient, and truly invested in your success.
  • Kelsey Podmeyer
    Jan. 20, 2026
    Michael has been incredible to work with and learn from! My dog, Gio, absolutely adores him. He has made me feel so much more comfortable handling Gio & working towards our goal of becoming a therapy dog. Thank you DTE!!
  • Emma Allen
    Jan. 12, 2026
    We had a great experience with dog training elite!! Michael was so patient and attentive with our pup and was able to help us in all the areas we were concerned about! He was always available via text or call if we had questions and I felt so supported through out the whole training process! I’m excited to continue with group classes! Highly recommend!!
  • David Dunn
    Jan. 12, 2026
    Mike Kwan is phenomenal. He has an incredible ability to understand and connect with my dog and family. What sets Mike apart is his consistency, patience, and intuitive handling skills. Every session is structured, positive, and engaging. I have seen remarkable progress in my dog’s behavior, confidence, and overall well-being. I wholeheartedly recommend Mike to anyone seeking a knowledgeable, compassionate, and highly effective dog handler.
  • Suzanna Gallehugh
    Dec. 30, 2025
    I worked with Michael, and he was great with my dog Oliver, who is a terrier mix. Michael was very patient and showed me exactly what to do when trying new commands with Oliver and then made sure I was doing everything correctly on my own. He also encouraged me to text him with any questions or issues that came up in between our one-on-one sessions and responded promptly. Oliver was always excited to see him for our sessions, and I now have a much calmer, less anxious, and happy dog!!
  • Blair Dowdy
    Dec. 30, 2025
    Gray and Denise with Dog Training Elite Hill Country are amazing! Their communication was clear and timely, making the entire process stress-free. The training sessions were highly effective—my dog showed noticeable improvement after just a few visits. They are incredibly helpful, offering practical tips and ongoing support that made me feel confident in continuing the training at home. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for professional, caring, and results-driven dog training!
  • Cole Lovejoy
    Dec. 14, 2025
    Jenny was incredible. Our two golden’s were borderline unmanageable with energy levels. Within 4 weeks, Jenny was able to transform them from uncontrollable dogs to very well mannered pups. Highly recommend.
  • Ashley Gonzalez
    Dec. 4, 2025
    We have had three sessions with Mike and my dog Huey has made amazing progress. Sessions have been very informative, supportive, and professional. Mike is great at teaching and encouraging me along with my dog. I’m excited to see how Huey continues to progress!
  • Cynthia Fedor
    Dec. 3, 2025
    Michael is a phenomenal trainer! He is very patient, calm, and extremely professional. His gentle and kind disposition puts my dog, Apple, and me at ease right away. It’s clear that he knows what he’s doing and has a lot of knowledge. With Michael’s training, I’m impressed by how quickly and confidently my dog is learning basic obedience. Michael also empowers me to carry the torch in between sessions and feel confident about lovingly training Apple. This was the best decision I could make after getting my little scrappy dog!
  • Benjamin Carolan
    Nov. 18, 2025
    I’ve used 3 training services in Austin and this is by far the best! Instead of telling you how the others missed the mark, I’ll focus on what makes Elite the best. First off, they took the time to listen to me on my goals and timeline. Then they came to my house the next day for an assessment to see if and when the goals could be met. They catered a plan and walked me through what to expect. They paired me with a trainer who not only met my expectations, but exceeded them. But the most important part, they care out my dog and circumstantial needs. They check in and follow up. The progress has been almost immediate. We’re 3 sessions in and I feel like a have a dog who is finally achieving what I always dreamed. Know this requires the handler (you) to take the time to learn the commands and practice discipline. But my dog loves the training and gets excited each time me start. This bond is simply amazing. You will not be disappointed! I’ve already personally sent 3 of my pups dog friends to Elite because they were so impressed with the accomplishments. Look no further, go with Elite!
  • Jennifer Kisel
    Nov. 16, 2025
    Jenny and Donny are amazing. My dog had obedience training, we’re still going to group lessons and now, I upgraded to service dog training. They truly understand dog behavior and how to work with your dog. If you read a horrible review, please double check that it’s valid and not a scam. I’ve been a client for almost 6 months and nothing has happened to ever justify a poor score.
  • Jessica Stephen
    Jan. 29, 2023
    I have so much gratitude for the Dog Training Elite family! My dog, Ozlo, and I had quite a journey of challenges and I went through a myriad of trainers with little to no progress. I was feeling frustrated and helpless when I found DTE. My first phone call with them was an hour long. They truly listened to me and my concerns and needs. They are extremely knowledgeable and it's honestly the only time Ozlo made progress in overcoming severe stranger danger and dog reactivity. Seeing him be able to remain calm in a class with 15 dogs and people was a miracle! They continued to support me well after the training program had ended too. They are not just good trainers but good people that I trust.
  • Charlotte Warren
    Nov. 16, 2025
    Finally, we found the best of the best in dog trainers. Donny, Jenny and Michael brought professionalism and exceptional knowledge over the past months to train our high energy Border Collie. Their patience and encouragement have made a huge difference for our puppy. Thank you, Team DTE!
  • Kayla Reed
    Nov. 15, 2025
    Jenny has made this experience so easy. The application and interview process went smoothly. Her attentiveness to myself and my dog makes everything comfortable and safe. 5 stars aren't enough to show how amazing this organization is.
  • Jennifer Castro-Conde
    Nov. 14, 2025
    Gray and Denise were absolutely amazing to work with. I cannot recommend them enough! They're always available to respond to my questions in between sessions. Daisy has made so much progress after just a few sessions and has become so much more confident and obedient.We can't wait to start group classes!
  • Karen Cruickshanks
    Nov. 14, 2025
    I highly recommend DTE Austin! I can’t say enough good things about DTE and Jenny! We saw immediate improvement with our dog. It gave me the confidence and direction I needed! They are so kind, passionate about the work they do and easy to work with.
  • Flying H Ranch
    Nov. 14, 2025
    Jenny is a wonderful, hard working trainer who really knows her stuff. She is very informative and fun to work with!!
  • Austin and Carlea Hendrix
    Nov. 13, 2025
    The Dog Training Elite team is absolutely life changing. We have been training with Jenny for many months and just upgraded our package to lifetime because we believe in this program so wholeheartedly. Our dog has gone through puppy, obedience, and therapy training with DTE and we could not be happier with the results! Jenny is always available via call or text with any issues or questions we have and has coached us to be confident dog owners.
A Dog Training Elite in Austin Metro owner smiling with his dog in Austin, TX.

Dog Training Elite in Austin Metro

Is a Service Dog The Same As a Therapy Dog?

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Many types of working dogs increase the quality of life for their handlers. The three main categories of working dogs are service animal, therapy animal, and emotional support animal. Each category covers different areas of support and different levels of protection under the law.

  1. Service Animal

    As mentioned above, service animals assist individuals with disabilities. Depending on the person’s needs, the service animal learns how to perform certain tasks. Guide dogs, for example, help blind individuals safely navigate their environment. Seizure response dogs respond to their handlers when the individual is having a seizure. Service animals are highly trained and specialized, and they are also offered the most protection under the law compared to therapy or emotional support animals.

    Dogs are not the only kinds of service animals - miniature horses are often trained to support individuals with disabilities!

  2. Therapy Animal

    Therapy dogs provide comfort and improve the mental well-being of individuals in hospitals, hospice care, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, and more. These dogs must have a friendly, calm demeanor and be comfortable when handled by strangers.

    Therapy dogs are not trained to perform specific tasks, but they must be obedient and well-mannered. Therapy animals are permitted in some areas where pets are not, but they have fewer protections than service animals. All therapy dogs must be certified before they can offer their services to the community.

  3. Emotional Support Animal

    Emotional support dogs relieve loneliness, anxiety, depression, and other symptoms of mental health disorders. They provide comfort to their handlers, but they are not trained to perform specific tasks. Most emotional support animals are sensitive to the emotional changes of their handler and will remain close by at all times. Emotional support animals are not protected by the ADA, but residential buildings must permit emotional support animals.

Dog Training Elite in Austin Metro

What Can Service Dogs Do?

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. Learn about 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.

Service dogs are a great help to disabled individuals thanks to their incredible ability to perform highly specialized tasks, like opening doors, switching lights on and off, assisting with balance and stability, guiding, pulling wheelchairs, answering phones and making calls, finding objects or places, unloading and loading items, clearing rooms, finding help, and many more. Service dogs improve the lives of disabled individuals by increasing their autonomy.
Individuals with certain diseases and disorders can benefit from a highly trained service dog. Dogs have an incredible sense of smell and they can detect the chemical changes associated with oncoming seizures and increases in blood pressure. Alert service dogs alert their handler to these situations to prevent a life-threatening emergency. Alert dogs also help those with extreme allergies detect potential allergens in food.
Disabled or epileptic individuals are more prone to emergencies than the average person. Service dogs are trained to alert their handler to a potential emergency, and alert surrounding individuals to an active emergency. Service dogs can also call for help on pre-programmed phones.

Additional Service Training Info

Dog Training Elite in Austin Metro - PTSD Service Dog Training in Austin, TX. DTE

PTSD Service Dog

If you're looking to train a PTSD service dog in Austin, TX, Dog Training Elite is here to help. Our service dogs are trained to assist with symptoms such as anxiety, hyper-vigilance, and panic attacks, providing grounding emotional support.

Dog Training Elite in Austin Metro - Psychiatric Service Dog Training in Austin, TX

Psychiatric Service Dog Training

Our psychiatric service dog training in Austin, TX helps individuals with PTSD, anxiety, and depression. We'll help train your dog to mitigate symptoms by offering emotional grounding and support during stressful situations.

Dog Training Elite in Austin Metro - Mobility Service Dog Training in Austin, TX

Mobility Support Service Dog

Enhance your independence or help a loved one with specialized mobility service dog training in Austin, TX from Dog Training Elite. Our expert trainers teach dogs the skills they need to support their owners with mobility challenges.

Dog Training Elite in Austin Metro - Autism Support Dog Training in Austin, TX

Autism Support Service Dog

Bring life-changing support to your family with Dog Training Elite's autism support dog training in Austin, TX. Our compassionate trainers work closely with your family and dog throughout the entire process, ensuring your pup is fully prepared to provide comfort, safety, and companionship.

A service dog at a ball game with their owner - get professional Austin service dog training with Dog Training Elite.

Dog Training Elite in Austin Metro

Service Dogs for Anxiety, PTSD, and Autism

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Service dogs trained to assist handlers with severe anxiety or depression perform specific tasks that reduce the potential for panic attacks or self-harm attempts. Such tasks include deep-pressure therapy, tactile stimulation, alerting, clearing rooms, blocking strangers from approaching, and more. Service dogs trained to assist those with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) have greatly improved the lives of many veterans.

Service dogs also make a big impact on the lives of children with autism. Children with autism are often prone to meltdowns, have trouble communicating, and are quick to run off or become easily lost. Service dogs prevent and mediate all of these behaviors to provide a higher quality of life for children with autism and their families.

As autism is a spectrum disorder, each child has varying needs of assistance. Autism service dogs perform the following tasks:

  • Tracking: Children with autism often wander away, and a parent’s worst fear is turning their back for just a moment and discovering their child is gone. Autism service dogs will track the child if this ever happens.
  • Tethering: This task minimizes wandering, which is common in public settings. The child is tethered to the service dog’s leash or harness, preventing him or her from wandering away.
  • Behavior Interruption: Repetitive and ritualistic behaviors are typical of autistic children, as are meltdowns when the child becomes overstimulated. Autism service dogs recognize these negative behaviors and redirect the child’s attention when they start. A simple paw or nudge is all it takes to prevent a meltdown.
A service puppy waiting for their owner - Dog Training Elite in Austin Metro.

How Do I Get a Service Dog?

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If you are wondering how to get a service dog, there are a couple of different approaches. Some service dogs are purchased outright, fully trained. Or a compatible dog is selected and trained from an early age. Training a dog from the start is the best option, especially for those with specialized needs.

Training a dog to perform service responsibilities must start from day one. Only certain breeds are suited to service work, and breeders put a lot of time into raising puppies to be service animals. Once you have purchased a service puppy, additional training is necessary to prepare your puppy for life as a service dog. This is a complicated process that involves various steps. Dog Training Elite makes getting a service dog easier with our service dog training program.

Our talented trainers can help select puppies that are prepared for a life of service from well-respected breeders. When these puppies enter the service dog training program they are closely monitored for behavior and temperament and can be fully obedience trained by the age of six months. These puppies undergo extensive socialization and additional training to ensure they are well-suited for service and therapy needs including specialized service training alongside the new handler.

This program is ideal for handlers who want to take part in the developmental years and extensive training of their service puppy.

A group of dogs being trained by the expert team at Dog Training Elite in Austin Metro.
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Educate, Empower, Elevate, Elite

Victory Begins With Elite Education

A trainer, a man and his service dog - find the best service dog training in Austin, TX with Dog Training Elite.

We Are Committed to Making a Difference

Choose DTE for Austin Service Dog Training

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At Dog Training Elite, we are passionate about transforming lives through Austin service dog training. Our proven, balanced training methods help create highly skilled, dependable service dogs that are both obedient and loyal to their handlers.

From mobility support and physical assistance to emotional well-being and more, Dog Training Elite is committed to providing personalized, high-quality training that makes a lasting impact.

Choose Dog Training Elite in Austin Metro and experience the difference that elite training and compassionate care can make.