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

Service Dog Training in Charlotte, NC

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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 Charlotte

Service Dog Training in Charlotte, NC

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 Charlotte, NC, 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

  • Kieu USA
    Nov. 15, 2025
    Dog Training Elite Charlotte is an absolutely fantastic organization! Kimberly , Angela and Sharon are 100% professional, accommodating, friendly, and all around wonderful people, I can't thank you enough because they are the one who trained my dog to be a service dog and I can take her everywhere I thank you
  • Sarah Nijman
    Nov. 13, 2025
    Angela is phenomenal! She knows exactly what she is doing. My fur baby and I love her . This program has given me and my fur baby the confidence to navigate through life . The results were instant for my fur baby . Of course it takes time and overtime my fur baby has the confidence to thrive. Im so grateful I decided to get training through this program. It’s been 4 months and there is a major difference.
  • Courtney Scott
    Nov. 13, 2025
    My 2 pups have come SO FAR already! Trainer Kimberly is patient and kind, helping me learn better how to communicate with them. I am having more fun than ever with my pups and excited to continue building our skills. Thank you to the DTE team for making obedience training a reality for us! I did a ton of research and would choose them again, no doubt.
  • Jane Miller
    Nov. 13, 2025
    Sharon and Angela helped my girl go from an 8-week old baby to a certified service dog in under a year. The puppy training videos and 24/7 support were incredibly helpful in the beginning to establish house rules and teach basic skills, but more importantly to lay a foundation for a mutually beneficial relationship and connection between me and my dog. The program is set up perfectly to have 1x1 time with the trainer as well as multiple group classes to provide socialization with all kinds of dogs, many of whom are further along in the program and showcase good behavior that you are working towards. They provide you with all of the tools you need (tangible and intangible) and it is 100% worth it if you are willing to commit your own time and effort into practicing with your dog. Angela is patient but persistent; she gives the dog positive reinforcement and encouragement and creates an environment where they are eager to please and don’t want to give up- understanding that different dogs are motivated by different things. I recommend the program to anyone who wants to give their dog the best quality of life! Not only does the training make your life easier, but it strengthens your connection with your dog and builds their confidence and trust in you. DTE could not have been more supportive and influential throughout the process. Sharon was also very flexible with scheduling and was always available to answer any questions.
  • Lauren
    Oct. 26, 2025
    I’ve had such a great experience working with Dog Training Elite Charlotte! They’re patient, knowledgeable, and really take the time to understand my puppies’ personalities. I’ve seen such a positive change in Charlie & Ozzie — more focus, better leash manners, and less reactivity. Angela and Sharon have not only helped my puppies make huge progress, but also gave me the confidence and tools to manage situations calmly. Walks are so much more enjoyable now — I can’t recommend them enough!
  • Ainsley Stollar
    Oct. 21, 2025
    My dog Huxley went through two other trainers before we found Shawn and his team and thankfully that’s the last trainer he’s ever needed. By the end of the first day, he was fully off leash trained and his obedience was better than the work with the past two trainers combined. Almost three years later, he maintains the level that he was trained at and I am always complimented on how well behaved he is. Since our training sessions, Huxley has gained confidence, has had no behavioral issues, and is my dream dog. He was also so loved by Shawn and his family that it made me feel so good to know I had a trainer that cared. I recommend Elite to everyone I meet and cannot stress enough how important proper training is for your pup!
  • Caitlin Rattigan
    Sep. 15, 2025
    Dog Training Elite is fantastic!!! If I could give 10 stars I would. I don't know how I could have done it without Sharon, Shawn, and Angela with training our first puppy- aged dog, Scout. They all are incredible in what they do and have been amazingly kind and patient with our adopted puppy (and with us as new puppy parents) lol. They really made things understandable, fun, and practical for how to navigate life with a new puppy and they were available to support us anytime along the way if any new questions popped up. I strongly encourage them if you are looking for training for therapy dogs, service dogs and in general. It is so special seeing how the dogs trained are helping families and their communities every day with the skills they learned through Elite. :)
  • Adrienne Morris
    Jul. 20, 2025
    We had an amazing experience from the beginning! And we are still actively in training. The team at Dog Training Elite is not only professional and knowledgeable, but also truly passionate about what they do. Their methods are effective, positive, and tailored specifically to your dog’s needs and personality. Our dogs have made remarkable progress in such a short time—something we honestly didn’t think was possible! The transformation has been pretty incredible: better behavior, improved obedience, and overall happier, more confident pups. Angela is an amazing trainer! Sharon is so supportive, communicative, and always available to answer questions or provide guidance. First class all the way! They didn't just train our dogs—they trained us to be better owners too. If you're on the fence, don’t be. Dog Training Elite is worth every penny. We can't recommend them highly enough!
  • Allie Gaines
    Jul. 10, 2025
    We can’t say enough good things about our experience with Shawn and Dog Training Elite! Our dog had been struggling with bad reactivity for quite some time, and after trying different approaches on our own, we were feeling discouraged. From the very first session, it was clear that Shawn not only had a deep understanding of dog behavior but also a genuine passion for helping both dogs and their people. What really stood out was how much time he spent teaching us so we fully understood the why behind the behavior and the tools to manage and improve it. Our dog has made HUGE improvements and we feel so much more equipped to handle situations that used to be overwhelming which has made a huge difference in our day-to-day life. We are extremely grateful for Dog Training Elite and highly recommend!
  • Jordan Raniszeski
    Jun. 20, 2025
    The team at Dog Training Elite is fantastic and I couldn’t recommend them more highly. Our family are first time dog owners and we were on the struggle bus with our new puppy and starting to lose hope that we could get him to behave. After the first session, we saw improvement and by the third and fourth sessions, he was a different dog. Now our little Benji is so well behaved and is truly a joy. Thanks to the DTE family for all your help!!
  • Beth McRimmon
    May. 2, 2025
    The team at Dog Training Elite are wonderful. From the first interaction, they are focused on me and my pet. So friendly, made me feel comfortable and provided so so so much information. I would recommend them to anyone looking for training, at any level.
  • Mike Kennerly
    May. 2, 2025
    Dog Training Elite worked with Lily-Lea at my home and it’s unbelievable the difference it has made in her! Very professional, great communications, training methods and great results. So much easier to walk, have visitors to my home and I am truly thankful for their help.
  • Laura Cole Salas
    Apr. 12, 2025
    I’m so grateful that we pursued training with Dog Training Elite, it was a great experience for us dog parents and for our 4 year old Pomeranian. Since completing the program we have so much more confidence and trust with our dog, who previously had issues with wanting to run out the door and bolting away (and not listening to come back), not listening in general to come inside from our yard, and overall anxiety/excitement. She is visibly more relaxed and understands that she doesn’t have to be on high alert all the time. It was the best investment we could have made for her and us, I would 100% recommend it to anyone that loves their dog and wants to see them thrive- it would be even better to start this process with a new puppy.
  • Ashley Samuelson
    Apr. 6, 2025
    Training with Shawn and Angela has been a true life changer for us and our new family member Finnegan. We rescued Finn from North Mecklenburg Animal Rescue and wanted to give him the best life possible after being in a really horrible situation. Little did we know that golden doodles can be difficult to train. The training is a lot of work for everyone involved but let me tell you it is worth it!! The training is top notch and you will not be disappointed! They are so nice, professional and always available if needed between training sessions. We are now in the group phase of training and Finnegan is doing great! We now can take him places with us and he is loving it.
  • Rachel Reed
    Mar. 24, 2025
    Shawn, Sharon, & Angela are the type of people and trainers that immediately put you at ease because you know they have your dogs best interests at heart. When we first met them in February of 2022, the Charlotte team hadn’t trained a mobility support service dog yet, but worked to put together a training package that fit my needs. Before DTE, Landon would barely sit and lay down on command, but now because of them, I have an incredibly well trained and solid mobility support service dog! The only thing Landon struggles with is being in the crate, however this has nothing to do with DTE’s training abilities, and everything to do with me not listening to the importance of crate training. They genuinely have you and your pups best interests and know what they are doing, so use their knowledge and skills -and don’t skip the crate training ;) DTE is like our family and has been since the start. I am forever grateful to and for them! It’s an honor to be a part of the DTE pack!! You won’t regret using them as your trainers!!
  • Olivia Wolff
    Mar. 16, 2025
    We used DTE for our dog Bowie and we can't say enough good things about our experience. Bowie is like a different dog (in a good way.) By implementing the DTE method as taught by Shawn, we have seen a dramatic improvement in Bowie's behavior and habits. Not only are we more at ease, but Bowie is visibly less anxious and has been responding well to the leadership, direction and structure we are now providing for him. Thanks so much, DTE CLT!
  • Erin Souza
    Mar. 14, 2025
    Dog Elite Training was wonderful! Maisey and we learned so much! Would definitely recommend.
  • Kay Swennes
    Mar. 9, 2025
    Shawn was great helping me work with my rescue puppy Franny. She struggled with a lot of anxiety and we couldn't even walk around the block without her losing it. Franny was scared of just about everything and I didn't know how to help her. Shawn was very patient with Franny (and me) and we now enjoy nice long walks together. Franny gained a ton of confidence and now I have the tools to help her as she experiences new things. The group classes are always something we look forward to and if you have questions at other times DTE is just a text away. I highly recommend them.
  • Ros Williams
    Mar. 8, 2025
    All the staff at Elite have been more than fabulous. They worked with my other dogs prior to bringing in our golden doodle puppy to get the house in order. So far the training with our puppy is going great they have taught him so much in a short amount of time while still loving on him. We recently had some problems in house with him and the day I called both Sharon and Shawn came to the house and fixed so many little issues in just one house which made a huge difference. So glad to have them at the other end of the phone.
  • Krista Sigmon
    Mar. 6, 2025
    Maggie and I had an awesome training experience with DTE! Shawn is very passionate and excellent at what he does. The support that Shawn and Sharon provide outside of sessions is so helpful. Maggie learned so much and is doing great! She is now a joy to take on a walk and I feel confident taking her to public places. If you are thinking about hiring a trainer, just do it! Everyone in your family will be happier!
A Dog Training Elite Charlotte owner smiling with his dog in Charlotte, NC.

Dog Training Elite Charlotte

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
  2. 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!

  3. Therapy Animal
  4. 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.

  5. Emotional Support Animal
  6. 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 Charlotte

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 Charlotte - PTSD Service Dog Training in Charlotte, NC. DTE

PTSD Service Dog

If you're looking to train a PTSD service dog in Charlotte, NC, 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 Charlotte - Psychiatric Service Dog Training in Charlotte, NC

Psychiatric Service Dog Training

Our psychiatric service dog training in Charlotte, NC 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 Charlotte - Mobility Service Dog Training in Charlotte, NC

Mobility Support Service Dog

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

Dog Training Elite Charlotte - Seizure Response Dog Training in Charlotte, NC

Medical Response Dog Training

If you are in need of a seizure response dog in Charlotte, NC, Dog Training Elite can help. Our training program is designed to help individuals with epilepsy regain independence and confidence.

Dog Training Elite Charlotte - Autism Support Dog Training in Charlotte, NC

Autism Support Service Dog

Bring life-changing support to your family with Dog Training Elite's autism support dog training in Charlotte, NC. 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 Charlotte service dog training with Dog Training Elite.

Dog Training Elite Charlotte

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 Charlotte.

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 Charlotte.
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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 Charlotte, NC with Dog Training Elite.

We Are Committed to Making a Difference

Choose DTE for Charlotte Service Dog Training

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At Dog Training Elite, we are passionate about transforming lives through Charlotte 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 Charlotte and experience the difference that elite training and compassionate care can make.