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

Service Dog Training in Cincinnati, OH

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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 Greater Cincinnati

Service Dog Training in Cincinnati, OH

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 Cincinnati, OH, 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

  • angelo shamel
    Nov. 6, 2025
    Mr. Scott is amazing!! He is informative and he makes training fun and comfortable for you and your pet! I would recommend this company to anyone!!
  • Anna
    Nov. 5, 2025
    I’m basically a fangirl when it comes to Jen and Scott!! 😂 I truly cannot say enough wonderful things about them! They’re so knowledgeable, helpful, patient and, most of all, their kindness and passion for dogs is so genuine and makes it so easy to build a bond with them through your dog!! I have never used professional training with my past rescues but Mabel is a one-of-a-kind, fluffy, energetic, snuggly, chaotic force that will not hesitate to lick inside your ear or eat every shoe you’ve ever owned. In just a few short weeks, my rescue puppy, Mabel Rae, has transformed!! I knew from reviews that the program would be beneficial for me and Mabel but it was so much more than I could have imagined! They are so flexible and accommodating with training packages, scheduling, etc. They personalize each experience to your dog and your specific needs and goals. I’m just so genuinely happy, Mabel seems to enjoy the structure, as well as all of the edible rewards when she does well! I’m honestly not sure who looked forward to our weekly sessions more - me or Mabel! I just cannot recommend them enough! You won’t regret it!! (see, I told you I would be fangirling!) Thank you, Jen & Scott!!
  • Alexandra Zeller
    Jan. 29, 2025
    I worked with DTE from the very start of my service dog journey. Finding those willing to help train a PTSD service dog for non veterans was excruciatingly difficult to find. Finding Jen, Scott and the crew was an absolute godsend. From day one, they sat down with me and discussed what I needed, what I was looking to accomplish and my goals. From there, we decided together that a Doberman was in my best interest for work. For the next couple of months, we worked together to find a breeder who had suitable service dog prospects. Then, as soon as she was able to come home, Sprout began training! After months of training (and continual refresher support now), Sprout has blossomed into my best friend and integral support. I used to never be able to leave the house, and just yesterday, me and Sprout went out for lunch, alone! Through their continual support and guidance, I've become a more confident handler and independent person. Sprout has evolved into a loving, sweet natured and well behaved working dog. She is absolutely amazing. Highly recommend DTE for anyone looking to better themselves, or their dogs!
  • Amanda Unkrich
    Oct. 30, 2025
    Great experience! Scott is very knowledgeable and good at educating me on how best to train my dog. My dog was very receptive to him and his techniques. He is very personable! Would recommend him to anyone that needs help training their dog!
  • Sascha Diotte
    Oct. 8, 2025
    I have two rambunctious Great Dane puppies who were in need of some serious training. I didn't know where to start and to be honest, am horribly inconsistent. I had tried several times before to do the training myself but would end up flustered and giving up. Eventually, I reached out to Scott about training and was pleasantly surprised at everything the dogs and I learned. The weekly trainings helped greatly. Several months after training completed a battery on one of the collars we received went bad. Scott helped us in getting a replacement, even stopped by to install and program it. I'll be forever grateful for the work he did. We even get invitations, to this day, for group training sessions. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite.
  • Darlene Doll
    Sep. 24, 2025
    This is my first time using Dog Training Elite and our first puppy in a long time. Our experience has been great and we are looking forward to having a Therapy Dog in the future. I would highly recommend Dog Training Elite to anyone looking for great puppy training at any level!
  • Chastity Holler
    Sep. 4, 2025
    My dog Gracie is a bit of a firecracker! She has some issues like resource guarding and a lack of confidence, which sometimes leads to acting out in fear. I decided to reach out to Dog Training Elite for help. Scott and Jenn are incredible! They were incredibly patient with Gracie and me. Even my fiery Gracie loves Scott. It’s amazing to see her transform into a happy and well-behaved dog. Their training and Gracie’s happiness are totally worth every penny. I highly recommend them!
  • Dori Colwell
    Aug. 1, 2025
    Scott and Jen are AMAZING to work with. When they came to the house to meet us and evaluate my Neko, they took the time to get to know her, her personality, and listened to my concerns about Neko's behavior and my expectations about her training. Scott gave me a couple of tips and things to do with her that I started on following their initial visit. I could already see a change in her behavior. I was nervous about how Neko would act at our first group session, but her behavior had changed so much (for the better) that I actually cried tears of joy when it was over. I cannot thank both of them enough and am extremely grateful to them for their understanding, help, and support. You cannot go wrong with DTE!
  • Kyla Bedel
    Jul. 21, 2025
    Scott and Jen are very friendly people and our golden retriever absolutely loves them. Our pup, Mav, has been training with them for about a year now and has grown a lot in that time. This was a great way for him to meet other dogs and work on his commands.
  • Sandra Kinney
    Jun. 29, 2025
    Scott and Jen are truly exceptional when it comes to dog training on a more personal level. They make the work fun and easy to understand. I’ve been able to reach them for problem solving and advice during more challenging stints with my black lab. They work with you and your dog’s personality to reach the goal task. They are a JOY to work with …which makes sense since the word is in their name. THANK YOU!!
  • David VanDyne
    Jun. 24, 2025
    We have used other dog trainers in the past and it was not a good experience. Finding Scott and Jen was such a blessing, they far exceeded our expectations! We are working with them to train my black lab as my service dog and the progress has been amazing. I have a traumatic brain injury and get overwhelmed at times with the training but their patience and willingness to work with me is so helpful. We have already been recommending them to those we know searching for dog training and will continue to do so. We plan to get another dog down the road and will be using them again!
  • Kyla Flora
    Jun. 4, 2025
    Scott and Jen's professional experience, coupled with their friendliness and kindness makes each meeting a pleasure. Even my children look forward to their visits. As a labrador breeder who has been around dogs and in the dog world ever since I was a teen, the fact that I learn something new every time they come speaks volumes about their knowledge. The gentleness and genuine love they show towards my puppies is so sweet to watch! You won't find a better trainer, and I am always ready to share their info with anyone needing a trainer for everything from basic puppy obedience to advanced service dog training.
  • Laura Sims
    May. 24, 2025
    Scott & Jen went way above and beyond for us. They are wonderful and very knowledgeable of what is needed to train your dog. Thank you both for everything!
  • Jennifer Chiles
    May. 22, 2025
    I cannot say enough wonderful things about Scott and Jen from Dog Training Elite of Greater Cincinnati. They worked with our beloved BoBo—affectionately known as “Bubby”—and turned him into the best therapy dog anyone could ask for. From day one, their professionalism, kindness, and deep understanding of canine behavior were evident. Scott and Jen took the time to understand BoBo’s unique personality and needs. Their training approach was compassionate, structured, and incredibly effective. They built a strong bond with BoBo and with us, making the training process feel more like a collaboration than a class. It was clear they genuinely cared about BoBo’s success—not just as a well-behaved dog, but as a trusted therapy companion. Thanks to their guidance, BoBo now brings comfort, joy, and emotional support to those around him. Whether it’s with our family or in public settings, he carries himself with the calm, confident presence that only exceptional training can instill. If you’re looking for skilled, dedicated, and genuinely caring trainers, I wholeheartedly recommend Scott and Jen. They changed our lives—and BoBo’s—for the better, and I am forever grateful.
  • Carri Burgjohann
    May. 4, 2025
    A few months ago I began working with the trainers from Elite. My dog is a senior (14 years old!) and had developed some pretty bad habits over the years and I let them continue. I work from home and he’s become increasingly disruptive during work calls and rowdy at all the wrong times. I had let him sleep in my bed with me for years even though I knew that wasn’t setting either of us up to win. I was embarrassed that I’d let it get this way and knew I wanted better for him and for me. I wanted him to be confident and independent and I was concerned that training would somehow change our relationship. As I worked with the team and learned new skills alongside my dog, I found BOTH of us gained confidence! I was never made to feel ashamed that my dog struggled with his behavior or the role I’ve played in. The team taught skills and ideas with humor, grace, and ingenuity and I always had homework in between sessions. Now my dog sleeps in his crate at night, doesn’t make a peep during work calls, understands and performs basic commands, and we are communicating much more smoothly. He’s confident when people are at my house and we continue to work on skills because I know how to make it fun. It’s true: you can teach an old dog new tricks! And, I even learned some myself that I’ll be able to take with me into the future for any dog who calls my house home. I’m grateful for the team at Elite—however many years my dog has left on this earth our friendship will be better because I made the investment and was willing to ask for help.
  • Sara Bennett-Wealer
    Apr. 20, 2025
    We knew our pitfall rescue was a good boy, but with such a powerful dog we wanted to feel confident we could communicate with and control him both at home and with other animals and people. Scott and Jen have been amazing at showing us how to help Bagel be his best self. They help troubleshoot when we have questions and the skills we've learned have helped us be better friends and owners to our dog. Hiring them was a great investment!
  • Olivia Cleri
    Apr. 16, 2025
    I, hands down, have the best dog ever, and it is thanks to Scott and Jen at Cincinnati Dog Training Elite. They make training fun and effective and I was able to start my journey with a service dog confidently and with ongoing guidance and support.
  • Allison Sears
    Apr. 14, 2025
    The team at Dog Training Elite Greater Cincinnati are so lovely. My dog and I had to take a break from trainings because of my schedule, but the minute she saw Scott she started excitement crying and bouncing around to see him. They're very knowledgeable, very patient (especially when I'm not lol), and so encouraging. I definitely recommend Scott & Jen and their team :)
  • Allison Connors
    Apr. 14, 2025
    Jen and Scott are amazing to work with. Our three dogs were under the age of 3 when we first called DTE. It felt like a lot and I was overwhelmed. I reached out to a few other trainers and the cost was either too much or I felt judged for not being prepared for having three dogs. From the moment I called DTE, I felt heard and my overwhelmed feeling felt understood. We talked out training options and then they came out to meet us and our pups. Having them assess the dogs in person and give us a plan to start training our middle and most anxious dog first, took such a weight off my shoulders. The change in our middle dog was almost immediate and we found he even looked forward to the training sessions with Jen and Scott❤️ Fast forward to a year later, all three of our dogs are trained, with at least one working towards being a therapy dog! Just this past weekend we sat outside at a restaurant with all three dogs and people stopped to compliment us on how well behaved they were. All the credit goes to DTE! The group sessions are a plus and so helpful. Jen and Scott are also always available and quick to respond with any questions or concerns.
  • Sy Miller
    Apr. 11, 2025
    We are beyond thrilled with the exceptional service dog training program that our beloved dog, Baymax, completed. From start to finish, this program exceeded our expectations in every way. The in-house training was tailored to meet all of our specific needs, ensuring that Baymax received the focused and personalized instruction required to succeed as a service dog. The 12+ week training program was thorough, effective, and truly transformative. The trainers demonstrated remarkable expertise, patience, and dedication, guiding him every step of the way. Thanks to their hard work and the program's well-structured curriculum, Baymax is now fully equipped to support me in living a positive, fulfilling life. What sets this program apart is the continuous learning opportunities they offer even after the training is complete. These additional options provide ongoing guidance and reinforcement, ensuring that both Baymax and we, as his family, can continue to grow and thrive together. We cannot recommend this program highly enough. Baymax is now not just our service dog but also the key to enhancing our daily life. We are endlessly grateful for the impact this program has had on our lives, and we wholeheartedly encourage anyone in need of a service dog to consider this outstanding program.
A Dog Training Elite Greater Cincinnati owner smiling with his dog in Cincinnati, OH.

Dog Training Elite Greater Cincinnati

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 Greater Cincinnati

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 Greater Cincinnati - PTSD Service Dog Training in Cincinnati, OH. DTE

PTSD Service Dog

If you're looking to train a PTSD service dog in Cincinnati, OH, 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 Greater Cincinnati - Psychiatric Service Dog Training in Cincinnati, OH

Psychiatric Service Dog Training

Our psychiatric service dog training in Cincinnati, OH 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 Greater Cincinnati - Mobility Service Dog Training in Cincinnati, OH

Mobility Support Service Dog

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

Dog Training Elite Greater Cincinnati - Seizure Response Dog Training in Cincinnati, OH

Medical Response Dog Training

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

Dog Training Elite Greater Cincinnati - Autism Support Dog Training in Cincinnati, OH

Autism Support Service Dog

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

Dog Training Elite Greater Cincinnati

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 Greater Cincinnati.

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 Greater Cincinnati.
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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 Cincinnati, OH with Dog Training Elite.

We Are Committed to Making a Difference

Choose DTE for Cincinnati Service Dog Training

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