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Psychiatric

Service Dog Training


Psychiatric Service Dog Trainers in Austin

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At Dog Training Elite in Austin, we offer a large assortment of service dog training packages. Combine that with our highly personalized approach and our in-home trainers we ensure that you as the owner and your dog create a strong bond along with sustained obedience. Service dogs are highly valued in the mental health, health care and disability community and are protected under the ADA laws which allow owners to take their service dog with them everywhere they go.

Psychiatric service dog training in Austin is one of these training packages we provide at Dog Training Elite. These dogs are trained to assist their owners with a wide variety of psychiatric or mental disabilities including PTSD, high anxiety, stress, depression and can help to reduce suicidal ideation. A fully trained service dog will be able to go anywhere you go, assisting you in any venue, allowing you to regain your independence.

Pricing Programs Free Assessment

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Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite in Austin location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.


PTSD / Psychiatric Service Dog

$4,595

A Psychiatric/PTSD service dog will be able to go anywhere with their handler and assist them in times of high stress and provide a sense of security. A service dog will provide emotional support, reintegration into society, reduce depression, help cope with anxiety, reduce the frequency and severity of flashbacks, anchor handler to the present, and reduce suicidal ideation. Psychiatric service dogs will learn basic obedience and advanced tasks that are customizable, such as:

  • Deep Pressure Therapy
  • Grounding
  • Panic Response
  • Tactile Stimulation
  • Create a Physical Buffer
  • Interrupting Repetitive / Self Harming Behaviors

Services Included with PTSD Training:

  • In-Home Training Sessions One-on-one & personalized 12 Sessions
  • Group Park Training Sessions 12 Months
  • Service Dog Public Access Training & Testing
  • Access to DTE Service Dog Group Classes
  • Certification & ID Cards
  • AKC Canine Good Citizen Testing & Certification
  • Train Owners Leadership Skills
  • Lifetime Phone Support
  • Puppy Selection Assistance

Goals of Advanced Obedience:

  • Come (come to me/with me)
  • Heel (walk with you without pulling)
  • Sit (next to you, off leash, at a distance)
  • Down (next to you, off leash, at a distance)
  • Quiet (stop barking and whining)
  • Get into Car & Car Manners
  • Crate / Kennel Training
  • Place (go to & stay on a bed)
  • No Jumping up (on people)
  • Make a friend (greet people/dogs kindly)

*Additional 1-on-1 and/or group classes available for purchase

Psychiatric Service Dog

$4,695

A Psychiatric service dog will be able to go anywhere with their handler and assist them in times of high stress and provide a sense of security. A service dog will provide emotional support, reintegration into society, reduce depression, help cope with anxiety, reduce the frequency and severity of flashbacks, anchor handler to the present, and reduce suicidal ideation. Psychiatric service dog will learn basic obedience and advanced tasks that are customizable, such as:

  • Come
  • Sit, Down
  • Place
  • Heel
  • Quiet
  • Off, Wait
  • Leash Manners
  • People Manners
  • Load up in the car / kennel
  • Grounding
  • Deep Pressure Therapy
  • Panic Response
  • Create a Physical Buffer
  • Interrupt Repetitive Behaviors
  • Watch rear blindspot
  • Additional tasks as needed, must be approved by trainer

About Psychiatric Service Dog Training


At Dog Training Elite in Austin, we provide full psychiatric service dog training for residents in the Austin area. We will ensure that, along with the specialized service training, we will provide advanced obedience, socialization, potty training, crate training and community training. Our process allows us to easily complete our psychiatric service dog training at your home or within the environment where behaviors manifest whether that be in a park or around other dogs. We also work closely with foundations, mental health and medical communities to create the most successful psychiatric service dog training program.

Dog Training Elite provides full psychiatric service dog training programs near you in Austin.

Dog Training Elite in Austin Offers Free Assessments


Dog Training Elite offers free in-home assessments to assess if a current family dog can be trained to become a psychiatric service dog or can help you select a service puppy or dog for training. We offer a unique in-home dog training method that involves owners in the training process, ensuring that training is never undone and both owners and their dogs are bonding and empowered.

Pricing Programs Free Assessment

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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.

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!

Donny has been absolutely amazing! He gained our trust during the free evaluation, and we were very excited to work with him. During the 4 weeks of training, he did not disappoint. He taught our two dogs (4 yo terrier/poodle and 9 mo terrier/chihuahua) practical skills, which gave us and our dogs more confidence, and he helped us all be less anxious. Donny is extremely knowledgeable and had solutions to every unwanted behavior. He was patient with us and took the time to answer every question. He has given us a new life with our dogs!
— Stephanie Bomely
Posted March 22nd 2024
google
After months of attempting different forms of training for our 7 month old Golden Retriever, Molson - my partner and I both felt we had reached our wits end with the constant biting, pulling and jumping. We were told by other programs he was just stubborn and defiant and that couldn’t be changed. I was constantly scouring the internet for any advice on training dogs with similar personalities, but always ended up completely hopeless. After a referral from a friend, we got in touch with Dog Training Elite (Donny) and from the first visit, we immediately saw a change in his demeanor. After fives weeks, we’ve been absolutely blown away by the progress he’s been able to make. Molson now confidently walks on and off leash by our side, plays with other dogs/people and we’ve been able to build trust that has allowed him to truly be a dog. We cannot thank Donny enough for his dedication to Molson and the confidence he’s brought us in training, it’s truly been invaluable.
— Lea Campbell
Posted February 25th 2024
google
I am proud to say that Dog Training Elite is my 4th and final dog trainer. Persistent, aggressive and dangerous were all words that have been used to previously describe my dog, Elton. Strangers now approach us regularly, complimenting on how well-behaved he is. Before discovering DTE, I had invested time and resources in training Elton since he was four months old (he is now 2). Despite my best efforts, his reactivity and aggression seemed to worsen over time. After a negative incident at a dog park, his reactivity heightened, causing extreme stress for both of us. Taking him outside, even for a simple potty break, became a source of anxiety due to his unpredictable behavior. My anxiety only seemed to feed his, but after numerous trainers I thought I was out of options. We resorted to tailoring our schedule to avoid potential incidents in my apartment complex, and I honestly thought making our world a little smaller was the only way to protect him and others. Choosing DTE was a turning point. From the initial consultation call with Donny, I felt supported and heard. Instead of recommending avoidance strategies suggested by other trainers, Donny outlined the goal to bring Elton to "neutral" outside and towards other dogs (his main triggers). He even said by the end of in-home sessions, Elton would be riding in elevators with other dogs (I honestly had trouble believing this one). After the phone conversation, Donny provided an in-person consultation, and he remained confident in Elton's ability to succeed. In just a few weeks of weekly home visits and trusting the training and guidance, there were significant improvements. Elton began looking to me for direction, and walks became more enjoyable. Previously, he made decisions on walks, driven by fear. Now, he was heeling more, walking safely off-leash at times, and sitting by a busy street in a down position. Instead of avoiding triggers, I began to seek them out for practice (passing dogs, bikes, etc). Over time, I was building trust in myself and Elton, because DTE empowered me with the control and confidence leading to these major improvements. DTE's approach goes beyond dog training; they deeply understand both dogs and humans, and worked patiently with me to build confidence in myself and my dog, providing me tools to feel confident and calm in situations that were previously stressful and frightening. They were there every step of the way. In just a few weeks, they surpassed my expectations and ultimately Elton took an elevator ride with two other dogs - completely calm. The group classes haven't even started yet, and I can't believe how far we've come. For anyone dealing with a reactive dog, the stress of avoiding triggers can take a lot of energy. The trust I’ve built in myself and Elton has been one of my biggest achievements, thanks to the tools and support from DTE. Thank you Donny for making this incredible impact on our lives.
— Alyssa R
Posted December 15th 2023
google
Gray was awesome! Our minature Aussie is either a genius or Gray just knows how to train a dog. I would vote for Gray!!! We would highly recommend this company!! Steve and Jeanne Henley Ingram, Texas
— Jeanne Henley
Posted December 8th 2023
google
I recently had the pleasure of working with Dog Training Elite Austin for my dog, Dena. Dena, a rescue, had always been a bit anxious and faced challenges in various situations, especially during our walks. From the start, Dog Training Elite Austin stood out with their approach. They didn’t just offer generic training; instead, they tailored a program specifically for Dena’s unique needs. What truly amazed me was their willingness to go above and beyond. They didn’t limit the training to a standard environment. Instead, they took the time to visit the specific areas where Dena was struggling the most. This hands-on approach made a significant difference. The results? Nothing short of remarkable. Not only did Dena become more confident and less anxious, but our walks turned into enjoyable experiences rather than stressful ones. The follow-up group classes provided by Dog Training Elite Austin have also been incredibly beneficial, reinforcing what Dena learned and helping us both grow even more. Thanks to Dog Training Elite Austin, Dena and I are now living a much happier and more enjoyable life together. I can’t thank the team enough for their dedication, expertise, and the personalized care they provided. If you’re looking for a dog training service that truly understands and caters to your dog’s needs, Dog Training Elite Austin is the place to go. Highly recommended!
— Aydin Coskun
Posted November 22nd 2023
google
I have been working with DTE since even before getting my in training service puppy. They have been wonderful and informative throughout the entire process and are really with you every step of the way. I am incredibly impressed at the progress points we're at even at still under >23 weeks. I look forward to completing our full service training and am super happy to have heard of them from a friend. I highly recommend DTE's training, from behavior, puppy, or service levels. Top notch!!
— Dani Short
Posted November 9th 2023
google
Gray and Denise are great. Gray in just a few short weeks has trained my dog and more importantly me and my wife. Our German Shepherd, Hades, has turned into a new, happier dog and we are not even half way done.
— Cody Odom
Posted October 19th 2023
google
Listen, training a dog can be stressful. Heck, just thinking about training a dog can be stressful, especially if your plan is to train and have a service animal. The folks at DTE Austin, help to take that stress away. From my first conversation with Donny, and boy was he patient with me and my million questions, I felt very comfortable with this company. Anyone willing to listen to and answer me, and take what I'm pretty sure was an hour or more out of his day (before I was even a paying customer), to help guide me through the process deserves higher praise than I can give. Jenny and Seirra are just as patient and amazing, too! This team very much wants their clients to be successful and have well behaved and trained puppers. DTE may not be the cheapest training around, but as they say you get what you pay for, and I have NO regrets about making the investment and journey with this wonderful, knowledgeable, encouraging, and extremely patient group of trainers. I cannot recommend them enough and I don't think 5 stars is enough either. They deserve so many more than that!
— Barb P
Posted October 13th 2023
google
I reached out to Dog Training Elite truly defeated. I purchased a puppy a year ago in hopes of having a gentle companion for my toddler however, soon found that the puppy was not at all gentle. My husband and I previously attended puppy courses through a different training organization and he was deemed “that dog” in class. I soon came to the conclusion that we were not a good match for the puppy and was seriously considering rehoming him. Prior to doing so, I decided to give Dog Training Elite a call. In comes the amazing Jenny. She is not only a great trainer but, an amazing person. From our first in-home training session, I saw IMMEDIATE improvement in my dog’s behavior. Not only has his behavior improved but, his confidence as well. To see the change in my dog is remarkable. I can’t believe how close I was to rehoming him. My relationship with my dog has changed for the better and I see how great of a companion he truly is. The behavior that we previously saw (jumping, nipping, counter surfing, excessive barking, etc.) is no longer. We just needed an expert trainer such as Jenny. I can’t thank her or Dog Training Elite enough. I HIGHLY recommend this company.
— Natasha E
Posted August 30th 2023
google
We had not initially planned to hire a dog trainer for our German Shepherd / Malinois puppy, but luckily a series of events led to a conversation with the Dog Training Elite team. We have been working with them in Austin, Texas for 2 years and could not be more satisfied. Donny, Jenny, and Sierra will make sure you understand training methods - even if it means an impromptu FaceTime session - their commitment to your dog’s success in their tried and true program is obvious in every interaction. Beyond the individual training, the group classes have been the perfect testing grounds for teaching our dog not to react to others. You will not be disappointed if you’re working with the Dog Training Elite Austin team. DTE training was the best investment we’ve made for our dog’s success and quality of life - and yes they taught our 75 pound pup to stand on a fire hydrant!
— Lindsey Lee
Posted August 30th 2023
google
Cannot recommend enough! Jenny and Donny are incredibly knowledgeable, passionate about what they do, and truly care for + treat your dog like it’s their own. We’re so grateful for the opportunity to work with them, and the greater life our golden retriever lives because of it. He’s now 7 months old and walks with us off leash, listens to commands, and gets SO many compliments about how calm he is. We smile extra big every time knowing that none of this would’ve been possible without DTE Austin! Thank you Jenny and Donny!!
— Jill Puduski
Posted August 30th 2023
google
Donny and Jenny of DTE Austin have changed our lives! We have a very sweet and smart, as well as highly anxious, Australian Shepherd named Bean. We felt totally loss and like failures with Bean, given that we had no idea how to address her anxieties which often manifested into aggressive and stressed out tantrums. I dreaded taking her anywhere, even on local neighborhood strolls, out of fear that I wouldn’t be able to prevent her from losing all sanity at any given moment. Donny gave us the skills and practices to create boundaries, improve confidence in both us and Bean, and even gave us additional freedoms with Bean through positive reinforcement and with eCollar training. It has been a long road (with no end in sight) filled with lots of work and often times self doubt, but to see where Bean is today in comparison to three months ago is all the proof I need to know DTE was the right fit for us. Even after our one-on-one training sessions had come to an end, DTE continue to help us with Bean. We can’t express our gratitude for DTE. Bean has never been happier, and this experience has truly repaired and even transformed the boud between me and her. Everything DTE does is done with grace, kindness, and respect. If you may be hesitant to attempt to help your anxious furry friend, let this be your sign to absolutely go for it! Thanks DTE (:
— Emma Semo
Posted August 30th 2023
google
I don't normally leave reviews on places, it's just not my thing, but upon seeing a very misleading review I feel the need to. DTE does indeed use e-collars, at first I was nervous at the thought of putting it on my dog because I thought it was a shock collar, it's not. I tried it on my dog before I ever put it on him and I've worked with my trainer to know his limits so I don't put it at a level too high for him. The training we do is not about punishment, my dog and many others get plenty of treats and praise for their good behavior, the e collar is just a correction or reminder to help them out a bit. My dog Smokey started with them when he was about 2 months old and he's now 7 months. I was originally worried about his behavior and fearful I may have to give him up, but with the help of DTE he's become extremely well behaved. He's a completely different dog from the maniac he was when he was a puppy. None of the dogs, including my own are ever mistreated in any way shape or form. You can tell all those doggos are loved and cared for properly. DTE does an amazing job of training, I highly suggest working with them if you need help with your dog. Keep in mind my pup is a Australian Cattle Dog mix so he's hard headed and fiesty, yet he's become an amazingly behaved boy.
— Carley 01
Posted August 30th 2023
google
Excellent training and motivation to do the work to achieve above and beyond my expectations! My missing link! :-)
— Becky Quebodeaux
Posted August 16th 2023
facebook
We joined DTE about 4 months ago, and the team has exceeded our expectations. Our dog, Dante, is training to be a service dog, and we are DELIGHTED with his progress and excited about what the future holds for him. Dante is an Australian Cattle Dog mixed with larger breeds (Great Dane, etc.). He has the smarts and stubbornness of a Cattle Dog and weighs almost as much as I do. We did puppy kindergarten and socialization with another training company, and Dante did great. However, as Dante's teenage months hit, we started seeing behaviors that we knew could become big issues if we didn't act. We considered continuing with our previous trainer, but we knew we needed the consistency, structure, and support that DTE could provide. First of all, DTE has helped us to change negative experiences into positive ones. For example, I used to dislike bringing Dante to the pet store because he'd pull me around, zig-zagging through the aisles as if he wasn't even aware I was there. Now, we enjoy going to the pet store 1-2x a week- he walks next to me with a reasonable excitement level, sits or lays when I stop to shop, and follows my commands. I would also get overwhelmed bringing Dante to cafes because he demanded my attention almost 100% of the time. Just today, we went to the cafe and sat around for almost two hours without any type of issue. I also specifically got an ACD, because I wanted a dog who could run with me. It took me a lot of time (and a lot of stress) teaching our previous dog how to run with me, so I was worried that this would be a repeat of that. Thanks to DTE's methods, Dante was able to run with me almost perfectly from our very first run. I'm impressed by Dante's progress, but I am more impressed by the whole team's efforts to get him here. We started out with private lessons with Seirra where we built our base. After a handful of lessons, we started attending weekly group classes. The group classes have been PIVOTAL for Dante, because his herding instincts can make it difficult for him to ignore other dogs. I never envisioned that my dog would be able to weave through other dogs and remain in a down when other dogs walk by. Of course, Dante isn't perfect during class- there are times when he throws tantrums (imagine a dog who is taller than you jumping on you when he doesn't get his way...), lunges at another dog, or tries to chase another dog. When these things happen, Donny, Jenny, or Seirra patiently walk us through correcting the unwanted behaviors. It can feel stressful to have a spotlight on you during class or to ask for help; however, when we get 1:1 support during group class, I feel very at ease because Donny, Jenny, and Seirra's patience shows that they are all rooting for us to succeed. I'm so motivated to go to class every week, because I can see real changes in Dante. We still have a way to go for Dante to become a service dog, but I'm confident that the team will get us there!
— Hannah Laurel
Posted August 8th 2023
google
Cannot speak highly enough of DTE Austin. We were recommended to Jenny and Donny by friends for our goldendoodle puppy Noodle. Their training is one of the best investments we’ve made in recent memory. Both Jenny and Donny are excellent with the dogs they work with and their handlers. We have so much more confidence and freedom taking Noodle out and about. We ALWAYS get compliments about how well-behaved he is and it makes our lives so much easier. We love DTE Austin!
— Connor Morita
Posted August 7th 2023
google
My experience with Dog Training Elite (DTE) and their skilled trainer, Donnie, has been nothing short of exceptional. Donnie's expertise and dedication have truly transformed the behavior of our two dogs, Oliver (6-year old Aussie mix) and Bean (3 year old pure bread Aussie). I am delighted to share our journey with DTE, which has empowered us to overcome our Beans’s anxiety, given us the confidence to take her out in public, and allowed us to enjoy peaceful, long walks together. From the very first session, Donnie exhibited a remarkable understanding of dog behavior and a genuine passion for his work. He immediately recognized our Aussies anxiety and provided us with effective tools tailored to her specific needs. Donnie's patient and compassionate approach made it evident that he truly cared about our dog's well-being. The progress we achieved under Donnie's guidance was astonishing. He equipped us with techniques to help our anxious Australian Shepard gain control of her emotions, providing her with a sense of security and trust. Thanks to Donnie's invaluable training methods, our once fearful dog has blossomed into a more relaxed and confident companion. One of the most significant achievements of our training experience was the newfound confidence we developed in handling our Aussie in public settings. Prior to working with Donnie, taking her out to busy places was a nerve-wracking experience for us. However, through gradual exposure and Donnie's support, we now confidently take her on outings, knowing she will respond positively to various stimuli. Additionally, Donnie's guidance has greatly enhanced our dogs' leash manners, particularly during long walks. Both Oliver and Bean have become better-behaved on the leash, allowing us to enjoy leisurely strolls without the struggle of pulling and tugging. Throughout our time with DTE, Donnie exhibited professionalism, reliability, and genuine care for our pets. He always listened attentively to our concerns and tailored the training to address specific challenges we faced as pet owners. His commitment to our dogs' progress was evident, as he continued to follow up with us regularly, even after our formal training sessions were complete. In conclusion, I cannot recommend Dog Training Elite and Donnie enough for their outstanding dog training services. They have given us the tools to transform our once anxious Aussie, instilling confidence in us as responsible pet owners. Our dogs, Oliver and Bean, have benefited immensely from their expertise, making our time together more enjoyable and rewarding. If you're seeking a compassionate and knowledgeable dog trainer, look no further than Dog Training Elite and the remarkable trainer, Donnie and team. Thank you, DTE, and Donnie for making such a positive impact on our canine companions and our lives!
— Tanner Rosenthal
Posted August 6th 2023
google
Dog Training Elite Hill Country is magnificent! Gray and Denise have only been generous, upfront, and friendly with me and my dog! Axel is an ESA who is going with me to college; he is very high energy and rambunctious. Their training program equipped me with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to train Axel even with his outgoing personality traits. I have gained a stronger bond with my dog and have made new friends since enrolling in this training. If I could leave a review with one million stars, I would! Thank you so much, Dog Training Elite Hill Country.
— Hannah Etter
Posted July 26th 2023
google
Donny and Jenny have been with us since before Day 1, aka Keva’s gotcha day! They sat with us and discussed our needs and wants in a service & therapy dog and helped us choose the breed, breeder, and training program that would be right for our family. We have spent the majority of our time at DTE training with Jenny. Jenny is kind, patient, generous, and understanding. Her unconditional support helped me so much as Keva and I grew as a pair. I cannot thank her enough for all she has done 🐾💙 It is also worth mentioning that Jenny & the DTE team have helped me gain confidence to travel with Keva and bring him to essential appointments and my work. Thank you for all you have taught us and for helping us get this far!
— Sarah Joyner
Posted July 25th 2023
google
I brought my dog Fresa to Jenny and Donny when she was about 2.5 years old. She’s a cavapoo who had a lot of anxiety and we were struggling with leash pulling, barking, and started to show leash aggression while we were on walks/in cafes. I had been skeptical about e-collars previously but it made such an improvement with boundaries for both me and my dog. It allowed us to build confidence in each other and get an excellent foundation for obedience and improve her self control. Many of my friends have even commented on how she seems less hyper/anxious as well. The training has helped me understand my dog and her little quirks on a different level along with building trust between the two of us. I fully believe this transformation is from this dog training program and can’t imagine doing another one if/when I get another dog. Thanks Jenny for all your help and support!
— Tara Welton
Posted July 25th 2023
google

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Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation

At Dog Training Elite in Austin, 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 in Austin 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.

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