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Service Dog Training Near You
What makes a dog a service dog? Who can have a service dog, and why? We answer all these questions and more, as well as explain what sets Dog Training Elite Indianapolis apart from any other dog training service.
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Indianapolis location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
Service Dog Training FAQs
What makes a dog a service dog?
Service dogs are dogs that have been specially trained to assist their handler or owner with specific tasks. Dog Training Elite Indianapolis trains dogs to assist people with epilepsy, diabetes, PTSD, autism, and various mental illnesses.
Who are service dogs for?
Service dogs are for any individual dealing with a disability that lowers their quality of life. For example, someone who suffers from epilepsy may avoid going out in public due to a fear of falling or other consequences related to seizures. This may inhibit their independence and sense of well-being.
In addition to improving the lives of individuals, service dogs can bring a sense of security to families, such as families with autistic children. Children with autism can often feel isolated and a service dog becomes a 24/7 companion to share experiences with, connect with and love. They can also help children reintegrate into society and connect with others.
Families who have children with autism experience a decrease in stress as they are more able to engage socially in public settings and experience less anxiety at home. A service dog increases safety and has a calming presence that can minimize emotional outbursts, allowing the family to feel more secure and a child with autism to better participate in family activities.
Service dogs are for all individuals or families that are experiencing a decrease in quality of life due to disability.
What kind of training does a service dog need?
Service dog training begins with puppies. Dog Training Elite Indianapolis’s service puppy training program works with breeders to adopt puppies that are fully obedience trained by six months and are ready to undergo extensive socialization and additional training to ensure they are well-suited for service and therapy needs.
Then, Dog Training Elite Indianapolis places puppies with families or individuals. Further specialized service training takes place alongside the new handler. It generally takes 1-2 years for a service dog to become fully trained.
Service dog training focuses on two main areas: public access behaviors, and how to “do work or perform tasks” that assist with a disability.
Public access behaviors refer to how a service dog acts in public - well-trained service dogs remain calm in public situations and in turn help their handlers to stay calm, and are attuned to any other handler needs.
As for “do work or perform tasks,” the ADA requires that service dogs be trained to take a specific action when needed to assist the person with a disability.
For example, to assist handlers with PTSD, Dog Training Elite Indianapolis trains dogs to de-escalate anxiety, wake handlers experiencing night terrors, and so on.
Do service dogs require special certification?
The ADA does not require special certification for service animals. State and local government agencies, businesses and non-profit organizations may not require documentation, such as proof that the animal has been certified, trained or licensed as a service animal, as a condition for entry. Mandatory registration of service animals in the city of residence is also not permissible under the ADA.
However, service animals are not exempt from local animal control or public health requirements, such as vaccinations, or local dog licensing and registration requirements.
Why should I train my service dog with Dog Training Elite Indianapolis?
Dog Training Elite Indianapolis sets itself apart from other dog training methods by focusing on positive reinforcement with a personalized, in-home approach. This method empowers owners and handlers to be an integral part of the process for sustained dog obedience and service training. For service dogs especially, it is important that handlers be present and involved every step of the way.
The positive reinforcement approach, also referred to as “Classical Conditioning” or the “Pavlovian” model has shown to be more effective with longer lasting results than any other training method.
Dog Training Elite Indianapolis does not use punishments or shock collars to break bad habits. Instead, Dog Training Elite Indianapolis pairs positive reinforcement training with a vibration electronic collar. An electronic collar is not a shock collar and does not harm the dog. It is used to gain the dog’s attention, similar to a tug on a leash. It is never used as a punishment for bad behavior.
Another unique aspect of training with Dog Training Elite Indianapolis is that while most dog training programs train dogs at their own facilities, Dog Training Elite Indianapolis specializes in in-home training, customizing training to the dog, its owners and its environment for long-lasting success.
Positive Reinforcement Training
Training takes time, commitment and balance and Dog Training Elite Indianapolis is there every step of the way. With Dog Training Elite Indianapolis, dogs will learn the highest level of obedience, even in the face of the toughest level of distractions. The positive-reinforcement method focuses on encouraging good behavior through ongoing praise, creating a dog that wants to please from the inside out and creating deep-rooted, sustained obedience as well as a strong bond between dog and owner.
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.
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!
We did the two week training camp for our dog and it completely changed his behaviors. We didn't have to fight him on walks anymore or worry about him dashing out of the house if a door opened to the outside. He listens to our commands and we have peace of mind knowing that he has a solid foundation for us to continue training him into the future. All of the trainers were extremely friendly, caring, and helpful. Getting footage of training every day also helped us to do training at home. Overall I can't recommend their services enough - we're extremely grateful!— Vincent Maggioli
Posted April 16th 2024
I could not recommend Dog Training Elite any more! Everywhere I go people ask me how I got my dog to behave as well as he does, literally on a daily basis! I always send them to DTE because they are outstanding. They know how to address every bump in the road that comes up, and really care about you and your dog. Doug and Elijah have been working with me and my dog Oakley for a long time, and the other trainers are all wonderful too. Great for service dog training or obedience training. So nice to have a manageable life again after the puppy craziness that was going on in our household😆 Oakley also LOVES them and genuinely enjoys working with them. If you’re on the fence about working with DTE, do it! The best investment you’ll make.— Faith Wooldridge
Posted April 3rd 2024
great people with customized assistance to better meet uoir needs— Patrice Caron
Posted March 28th 2024
Love the trainers and their dedication. They work so well with my girl. Thank you all for everything and a big shout to Elijah! He is a great teacher and passionate about what he does. Love to see it!— Kenzie Rickly
Posted December 27th 2023
We LOVED DTE Indy! All the trainers are tremendous with the dogs and really pay attention to each one they are training. They truly care about your pet and want them to succeed and get better every day like they are their own dogs! Could not recommend DTE Indy enough!!— Megan Finerty
Posted March 18th 2024
Before DTE, I was ready to rehome my rescue that had been rehomed to me. I've had dogs before, but I could not get Hartley's behavior was causing a great deal of stress. The trainers are amazing and they really worked with her (and me) on her issues and behavior. Now, I have a dog that is amazing. I recently took her to my father's nursing home. People kept remarking at how well behaved she was. I cannot thank this place enough for what they have done.— Karen McClure
Posted March 4th 2024
We had a wonderful experience at Dog Training Elite with our pup Gracie. We adopted 12 mo old Gracie as a rescue, and we knew immediate training was needed to help her transition to a family pet. Doug and his experienced team did a great job with her, and we’ve easily learned how to follow the training program at home. I would highly recommend this program.— marsha servaas
Posted February 15th 2024
You guys are amazing Olaf learned everything from you Thank you for being there during the rough times 🤗❤️— Saro Kh
Posted February 13th 2024
Highly recommend Dog Training Elite, the trainers are fantastic and they did a great job with my German Shepherd puppy.— Margaret Breneman
Posted February 12th 2024
In just four weeks with Dog Elite Trainers, my golden doodle Harper and I have experienced a transformative journey that goes beyond obedience training. The trainers' expertise, coupled with genuine passion and love for their work, has created an environment where Harper thrives. The personalized approach to her unique personality has not only equipped her with essential commands but has also instilled newfound confidence. What sets Dog Elite Trainers apart is their commitment to fostering a strong bond between dog and owner. The support extends beyond the training sessions, providing me with the knowledge and skills to reinforce positive behavior at home. The dedication, patience, and genuine care exhibited by the trainers make every session enjoyable and effective. Dog Elite Trainers have not only met but exceeded our expectations, and we eagerly look forward to the continued growth and learning in the upcoming weeks. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a meaningful connection with their furry companion!— Jacinda Devance
Posted February 10th 2024
Our puppy, Annie, just finished obedience training at Dog Training Elite and we are absolutely thrilled with our experience! Not only did Annie learn a lot of new skills while attending their day camp, they gave us tons of videos and constant support to help us maintain her progress at home. I was a little nervous to drop off our sweet girl that first day, but the entire staff loved her and cheered her on like she was one of their own. Annie was SO EXCITED to go back in the next day, and she kept her enthusiasm for the entire two-week course. We'll definitely be returning for their advanced training courses and can't wait to take advantage of the weekend group classes!— Kelly Davisson
Posted January 21st 2024
i am currently taking my dog winnie to be trained here and they’ve done an amazing job with her! she’s a super high energy dog and they’ve helped her become more focused and concentrated! we’ve also met some amazing dog parents along the way:)— Fatime K
Posted December 27th 2023
Josh & Elijah came to the rescue to help build confidence and trust with my 2 y/o fearful, reactive labradoodle and it's been a game changer! I can take her on walks and have company now without feeling like she might try to eat anyone that inhabits the earth with us! They were great about explaining subtle indicators and behaviors I hadn't experienced with a dog until now, which has been so helpful for me to proactively respond to her reactions and often avoid them altogether. I did my homework on best options for helping with her struggles and while I wasn't expecting a miracle, I couldn't me more pleased with the outcome so far and am excited to start group classes this weekend! I knew I made a great decision for her by how quickly she trusted them and responded to their training style. I have really appreciated the level of professionalism from everyone I've interacted with at DTE, that they haven't been pushy in any way, are very flexible with scheduling and have provided everything we've needed to help us succeed! It also feels great knowing they're available for ongoing support and communication if/when we need it. If you ever doubted making this investment in your doggo, hopefully a few compelling reviews help get you over the same hump I sat on too long!— Elizabeth Kleeman
Posted December 12th 2023
We have worked with the trainers at DTE since late April and I am so pleased with the progress my pup, Fitzgerald, has and continues to make and with the attentiveness of the trainers. Doug, Elijah, and Josh always make sure to answer any questions or concerns I am having and when I am out (in the community) with Fitzgerald, we are constantly complimented on how "well trained Fitzgerald is at 18 months old". While Fitzgerald has his witching hour when he is being the very definition of a puppy, he can easily be redirected with a simple, one word prompt, "Off" and he's back on track. It has been so rewarding to watch Fitzgerald bond with his friends, a second grade class in one of the local schools has adopted him as their classroom pet and he visits the school and classroom each week. I am blessed in that I am able to take Fitzgerald with me to work each day, as I work as a behaviorist with individuals diagnosed with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities, a category of individuals who tend to have intense behavioral deficits. Fitzgerald is such a calming presence and loves each of the individuals on my caseload. The training Fitzgerald continues to receive is on display with every interaction he has with anyone he encounters and I am always offering strangers the contact information for DTE. Prior to finding Doug and his team, we'd communicated with other trainers, but none of them felt like a good fit for my family's needs and I didn't want to "Board and Train", especially a puppy who was only months old, as that required us to send Fitzgerald away for at least 2 weeks at a time. Doug never even suggested such a plan which immediately placed me at ease. I will continue to sing the praises of Doug and the DTE team because they are excellent and after searching and speaking with quite a few trainers before finding Doug and his team, I am convinced that they are the best team of trainers in the Indianapolis/Metro area.— Natasha G.
Posted December 7th 2023
Training with DTE has been and continues to be worth every penny paid and likely more. We have worked with the trainers at DTE since late April and I am so pleased with the progress my pup, Fitzgerald, has and continues to make and with the attentiveness of the trainers. Doug, Elijah, and Josh always make sure to answer any questions or concerns I am having and when I am out (in the community) with Fitzgerald, we are constantly complimented on how "well trained Fitzgerald is at 18 months old". While Fitzgerald has his witching hour when he is being the very definition of a puppy, he can easily be redirected with a simple, one word prompt, "Off" and he's back on track. It has been so rewarding to watch Fitzgerald bond with his friends, a second grade class in one of the local schools has adopted him as their classroom pet and he visits the school and classroom each week. I am blessed in that I am able to take Fitzgerald with me to work each day, as I work as a behaviorist with individuals diagnosed with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities, a category of individuals who tend to have intense behavioral deficits. Fitzgerald is such a calming presence and loves each of the individuals on my caseload. The training Fitzgerald continues to receive is on display with every interaction he has with anyone he encounters and I am always offering strangers the contact information for DTE. Prior to finding Doug and his team, we'd communicated with other trainers, but none of them felt like a good fit for my family's needs and I didn't want to "Board and Train", especially a puppy who was only months old, as that required us to send Fitzgerald away for at least 2 weeks at a time. Doug never even suggested such a plan which immediately placed me at ease. I will continue to sing the praises of Doug and the DTE team because they are excellent and after searching and speaking with quite a few trainers before finding Doug and his team, I am convinced that they are the best team of trainers in the Indianapolis/Metro area.— Natasha Gray
Posted December 7th 2023
We purchased a puppy to train as a serviced dog for our son who has special needs. Dog training Elite does in home training and then the group classes to assist you in helping you pooch hone their skills. They are professional courteous and just amazing! They even help make it possible for us to attend a special group class for service dogs when I ran into a work conflict. 100% recommend this company!— Abby Wallace
Posted June 16th 2023
Amazing!!! 10/10. Trainers are kind and super supportive. Their techniques, are easy to learn for my dog and family.— Lindsey Matthias
Posted June 19th 2023
The training we have received has been great! The money spent has been worth every bit of training. Elijah and Josh have been helpful when we get stuck! They are reliable at answering any question and efficient when answering questions! So glad we chose them!!!— Kelly Brown
Posted June 19th 2023
Dog Training Elite is the best!!! Doug, Josh and Elijah have been absolutely awesome to work with.These guys care and it shows in the work they do. My Samoyed is very well trained thanks to them. I would 100% recommend them to anyone who is looking for dog training.— Chris Griffin
Posted October 31st 2023
Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation
At Dog Training Elite Indianapolis, 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 Indianapolis 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.