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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 South Boston 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 Boston 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 Boston 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!
Awesome team! Very kind and assertive. Always on time and very effective training. Very knowledgeable.— shannon guimaraes
Posted March 23rd 2024
The team at Dog Training Elite has been nothing short of amazing with my 6 month old lab puppy. We are training him to be a service dog and the week to week improvements based on Dog Training Elite’s curriculum have been immense. The team of Marcus, Jamie, and Barbara have given me and my puppy the time, guidance, and confidence to progress each step on the way to our goal. I would highly recommend Dog Training Elite for any level of training for your dog.— Matt Parr
Posted January 15th 2024
I have been very pleased with the training from Elite. The trainer has been effective and it’s making a difference for our very spirited Boston Terrier.— Thomas McIsaac
Posted January 23rd 2024
We had a wonderful experience with Dog Training Elite! Marcus is so knowledgeable and caring about the dogs he works with. He helped us train our German Shepherd rescue and the results were almost immediate. Using his techniques, our pup has become less reactive and a better listener. He also teaches some pretty cool tricks! Overall, this company is outstanding and we have enjoyed every moment!— Maya Dube
Posted January 20th 2024
Professional dog trainers who know what they are doing. So glad we chose Elite. Our rescue dog was extremely fearful and difficult to train. Marcus and Matt are dog whisperers!— Andrea Adams
Posted January 11th 2024
The training provided was exactly what we needed. Everyone we dealt with was amazing! Highly recommend Dog training Elite Boston!— Rita-Marie Auble
Posted January 4th 2024
Great results with our dog as a result of the professional training we received.— John Casey
Posted January 10th 2024
The trainers were not only professional but also patient with my dog who has a long way to go. We have seen major improvements and intend to continue with the training! Would highly recommend their services to anyone who is looking for dog training!— Jael Osei - Kofi
Posted December 31st 2023
I highly recommend Dog training elite. Matt was an absolute pleasure to work with and koop loves him. They truly care about the dogs and owners. With their guidance our dog koop is a whole different dog.— Matthew Tie
Posted December 20th 2023
Our rescue dog Maggie came to us as a puppy and in spite of all the best intentions and love, she (and many of her littler mates in other homes) has been reactive in multiple ways. We used to host gatherings with friends and family, but since having Maggie, our house has had to be closed due to her unpredictable and antisocial behavior. However, we loved her completely and knew she could be the best dog if we had some help. Elite training was just the program for us. It is intensive and thorough and expects effort from both the dog and the owners, but the outcome is amazing! The trainers, specifically Matt, equipped us with the tools and skills to successfully take Maggie for walks, into public settings and we can even have friends come over again! We have learned so many ways to help Maggie succeed. She has worked hard to overcome her anxieties to meet our expectations with the help of this training. Thank you to Dog Training Elite for giving us the dog we knew she could be.— Letitia Bartow
Posted November 21st 2023
My boyfriend and I just moved to the area and were looking for a trainer for my 4 year old Dutch Shepard. I am so happy we found Dog Training Elite. From the first time we met Matt at our free consultation, it was clear he understood our goals with our dog. My dog can be difficult and reactive so I am always hesitant when bring her into new situations. Matt helped us get out of our comfort zone and taught us new techniques that have been extremely beneficial. He was able to cater to our goals and adjust the trainings as needed. We have seen so much improvement with our dog throughout our sessions and I could not recommend this training program enough!— Olivia Nortrup
Posted November 17th 2023
Marcus and Barbara delivered an amazing program and showed incredible skills in training my dog Didi. They were not only patient with my dog, but also with me as an owner to learn best practices and techniques to get better results. Regarding the program itself, one of the things I was concerned with was the E-collar, but I was surprised that majority of the training is about positive reinforcement and love (lots of pets for Didi) and the training collar is not at all what one might think. Both Marcus and Barbara showed commitment and care for dogs, and it made me feel extremely comfortable and happy with the choice. The improvement on both Didi and I started since day 1, so I cannot say enough good things about Dog Training Elite and their trainers Marcus and Barbara.— Massimo Nardi
Posted November 1st 2023
Our dog has come a long way with the 6 private sessions. She is much easier to handle. Is much calmer and seems happier. My only con is one of the trainers seemed new and not quite as knowledgeable. I asked about a specific problem about our dog chewing and she had no answer. However the next visit Jamie had a brilliant suggestion.— Laurie Weck
Posted October 28th 2023
The best decision we ever made for our sweet Augusta, was to work with Dog Training Elite. We had the most incredible training provided by Matt. Matt's dedication, passion, support and expertise are second to none. The training is as much for the humans as it is for the dog. Maybe more. I learned a ton, and I've bonded with my best friend Augusta like I never could have imagined. Thank you!!!— Red Curry
Posted September 28th 2023
From our first lesson, when Marcus was able to pat my dog, Gracie, I knew I made the right choice for a dog trainer. Only 2-4 people have been able to touch her since I’ve had her (6 years). Needless to say, I was amazed. We also worked with Jaime. She was great to work with as well with home sessions and a couple sessions at Home Depot, where Gracie handled the noise and people really well. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite!— Robin Mael
Posted September 27th 2023
Wonderful trainers. Each trainer that came to house really understood our pups and us as well. Highly recommend Dog Training Elite Boston for your training needs— Stephen Arnold
Posted September 19th 2023
Dog Training Elite has been amazing to work with!! The trainers are fantastic and their customer service is top notch!! I would highly recommend them to anyone with a dog!!! The difference I have seen in my shepherd mix’s behavior has been amazing!— Tiffany my3sweetgirls0403
Posted September 12th 2023
Marcus and his team are exemplary. they all have such a perfect touch with our puppy. we are incredibly happy with each of them and the technique they use. 100% recommend— Linda Courtiss Rheingold
Posted September 11th 2023
Dog Training Elite has been nothing but AMAZING for me and my service dog, Stella! It has always been amazing meeting with the trainers and they're always willing to answer my questions and provide a easy to understand and friendly approach. They have helped me through every step of the way to getting Stella to be the best she can be for me! I truly love DTE and I literally reccomnend it to everyone who needs dog training. Thank you so much DTE for being such an amazing and awesome part of my journey!!— kaeya!
Posted September 8th 2023
Service Dogs for Veterans & PTSDTraining with Dog Training Elite in Boston
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 South Boston, 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 in Boston, 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 Boston 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.