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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 Greater Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati 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!
Our trainer, Alex, was patient, knowledgeable, and attentive to the specific needs of our dog. He really trained US well and we looked forward to each of our sessions. We feel empowered to keep reinforcing the training. We are looking forward to our group sessions at the park next! We highly recommend this trainer and training method. Worth the cost!!— Valerie
Posted April 28th 2024
Dog Training Elite helped us with our 3 year old basset who had severe separation anxiety. She knew basic commands, and Alex was still able to take us to new levels and met us where we were at with our specific issues and needs. Highly recommend!— Cory Reynolds
Posted April 22nd 2024
Alex is an outstanding dog trainer who worked wonders with our 6-month-old Bernedoodle, Snoopy! His kindness and patience were evident throughout the training sessions, and Snoopy responded positively to his techniques. Thanks to Alex, our family now and enjoys peaceful walks, and we no longer dread visitors at our front door. Alex’s expertise has greatly improved our relationship with Snoopy, and we highly recommend him for anyone seeking effective dog training. -The Fitch Family— Little Rascals Photography
Posted April 9th 2024
Alex is a fantastic trainer. His love for dogs is easy to see. We loved how quickly he learned our puppy’s personality and adapted training to optimize her strengths. The whole experience was easy and delightful. Everyone in the company is friendly, professional and supportive. I absolutely will use them on our next dog and strongly recommend them to everyone.— Jenna Meyer
Posted April 1st 2024
Our experience with Elite Dog Training was amazing! Alex our trainer was wonderful with my dogs. They have several physical limitations that he was respectful of and provided multiple options for them. I could tell each time that he thought about our dogs before each session and what might work best to help them. Above all I could tell that he loved what he does, which came through and helped to make our experience so successful. Not only are my dogs better behaved but I can see their confidence has increased. My dogs are both rescues who have bad cases of PTSD, so seeing them come into their own and feel comfortable has been the best part of my experience.— Amanda Boeshart
Posted March 23rd 2024
Our sweet puppy is doing so well with her training! Thank you, Alex, for the excellent training!! She’s about to pass her service dog training certification test and we are so excited!! She’s gone to many restaurants, group therapy, counseling and COSI for the day!! It’s so great to have her with us all the time!! Thanks so much!!— Sarah VanAs
Posted March 17th 2024
Excellent trainers. Friendly! Really cared about how my dog and I were progressing.— Josh VanAs
Posted March 16th 2024
I would highly recommend working with Dog Training Elite. Our basset hound rescue, Harold, was highly reactive and would not let us take care of basic needs like getting a harness on to go outside, grooming or going to the vet. We knew he needed training, but could not take him out of the house to a trainer. Michelle, the office manager, was very helpful in getting us set up for an evaluation and training. Scott and Jenn came to our home, evaluated Harold, and over a period of six weeks taught us how to deal with Harold's idiosyncrasies. They gave us the tools that we needed to work with Harold, BUT we had to put in the day-to-day work to utilize those tools, which we did. Within six weeks, we had a new dog. Harold figured out that he could trust us and that changed all of our lives.— Sue McFarland
Posted March 15th 2024
This company is amazing, if you are looking for dog training that works, then this is your company. We were thinking of re homing our dog due to his behavior. We thought he wasnt the right fit for our family, until Alex came out and after 5 weeks of training we now have a different dog. He responded to the training immediately, Alex.and this company really care about your dog and their progress. It has been the best decision we have made.— Joe Tinker
Posted March 14th 2024
Alex has been so great to work with. We have gained the confidence to be able to train our dog and be able to take him anywhere with us. We are so grateful for Alex's patience and knowledge to walk us through the process!— Shelly Buck
Posted March 7th 2024
Alex does a great job of listening to what you are trying to accomplish and uses proven techniques to help you train your furry friend. Training US was was the hardest part. 😁— Andy Buck
Posted March 7th 2024
Alex was wonderful with our German Shepherd. He paid attention to Gunner’s cues and took it from there. If you need someone to help with an anxious big dog like ours, I would not hesitate to call him.— Christy Westendorf
Posted February 12th 2024
We have a very reactive dog. Great with those she loves and aggressive with strangers. This includes pizza delivery, door dash drivers, or friends and neighbors! We’ve tried Very expensive dog training services in the past from specialized Behavioral Vets to those with many years of experience with reactive dogs. Scarlet received the meds she requires and we learned to read her behavior but her behavior didn’t really change. We decided to give “Dog Training Elite” a chance. Within 2-3 sessions with Alex, Scarlet became a different dog. The collar acts as gentle reminder to stop her crazy behavior and she then can focus on her commands. I’m confident Scarlet is a good dog with an extremely high amount of fear and anxiety. This training is helping her to calm her brain and organize her thoughts so she can control her behaviors. I highly recommend Alex and Dog Training Elite Cincinnati East. Alex genuinely cares for your pets and their success and is a highly motivated trainer. Run don’t walk if you are looking for dog training with a unique and effective system.— Kathy Harrison
Posted February 11th 2024
Alex did a great job with my Great Dane, she wasn’t awful before she just needed to learn some manners. He was detailed and took his time teaching her and myself all the tricks! Highly recommend.— Lydia Turner
Posted January 31st 2024
Dog Training Elite has been the most effective tools I’ve had for training my dog. Alex VanWeeldon provided superior instruction for me and my toy Golden-doodle and I can’t wait to get started on my other dog. Within a day of her training the high pitched excessive barking was completely under control. I have a very busy schedule but working only 15 minutes a day on her training has addressed all concerns for raising a happy, and well-behaved dog. I was amazed with the results because at 1-1/2 years old she had established some pretty annoying habits. The training absolutely works and I highly recommend Dog Training Elite and Alex!l— Bonnie Esposito
Posted January 19th 2024
Scott and Jen with Dog Training Elite are phenomenal! We have a 3-year-old mini Aussie/heeler mix named Mazie who is a big ball of anxiety and stubbornness, but is super sweet with the people she knows. When we started with DTE, Mazie was extremely reactive to new people in our house and when seeing dogs on walks. Scott and Jen have been tremendously patient working with us and Mazie and have guided us through numerous strategies to reduce Mazie's reactiveness. We are absolutely thrilled that Mazie is no longer reactive to people coming in our house! The in-home sessions were exactly what Mazie needed and she has started to join the group classes instead of watching from a distance while losing her mind. We are continuing to work with Mazie when she is around other dogs but she is miles ahead of where she was before we started the DTE program! We highly recommend Scott and Jen with DTE for anyone who struggles with a reactive dog :)— Micah Garcia
Posted December 27th 2023
I highly recommend Dog Training Elite Cincinnati to train your puppy/dog or emotional support pup. I loved their specialized services they offer. The trainers are so caring, reliable and a joy to work with.— Danielle Seymore
Posted December 18th 2023
They work wonders for your furry friends, excellent group of trainers!— Steve Lane
Posted November 20th 2023
It has been wonderful working with Scott and Jen to address the problems (primarily fights exuberant puppy/older dog) we were having with our puppy dogs. We gained insight into both dogs behaviors and know what to watch for to prevent fights. Also, they equipped us with training aids and worked with us individually to lay the foundation of obedience. After several weeks we began group instruction to work on obedience with distraction of other dogs in local park/public settings. I highly recommend Scott and Jen at DTE Greater Cincinnati! They changed our pack dynamics in the best way.🐾🐾— Emily Webb Miller
Posted July 14th 2023
Service Dogs for Veterans & PTSDTraining with Dog Training Elite in Cincinnati
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 Greater Cincinnati, 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 Cincinnati, 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 Cincinnati 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.