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

Professional

Service Dog Training

Dog Training Elite in Cleveland Metro

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Request Free Assessment


Our Service Dog Training Could Help:

Veterans or civilians with PTSD, anxiety, or depression
Children or adults with autism
Individuals with epilepsy
Advanced medical training (participating locations)

Dog Training Elite in Cleveland Metro

Service Dog Training in Cleveland, 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 Cleveland, 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 Pawsitive 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.

Get Your Free Assessment

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

  • Joseph Schafer
    Dec. 20, 2024
    Great experience very thorough and knowledgeable. Very detailed made our experience and handling our dog a breeze
  • Nicole Scholl
    Dec. 20, 2024
    Josh and his team of trainers are absolutely the best. Their professionalism, caring and knowledge made our family and dog training a breeze. In 2 weeks we had an amazing obedient dog!
  • Tracy
    Dec. 19, 2024
    Lexi and Josh were amazing to work with! The staff at Dog Training Elite Greater Cleveland demonstrated exceptional patience, empathy, consistency, and affection throughout our training sessions, providing a professional and supportive environment that allowed our dog to thrive. With the expert guidance of our Dog Trainer, we saw significant improvements in our dog's behavior and obedience, making them a top-notch choice for Basic obedience lessons and beyond. If you stick with the program your pup will learn so much!
  • Mindy Gerstenfeld
    Dec. 13, 2024
    Josh was wonderful. He was very knowledgeable and professional. The most important thing was my dog loved him. I would highly recommend Dog Training Elite.
  • Dave Chudowsky
    Dec. 6, 2024
    Can’t say enough how much my family thanks and recommends Dog Training Elite Greater Cleveland! Josh and his team are true pros and fantastic people - Amazing! The work they did with our puppy Navy Belle was a Game Changer!
  • Jeff Moran
    Dec. 3, 2024
    Lexi, our trainer, made it very easy for me to understand how to relate to my dog. Charley has made great strides in his behavior and he just loves showing off his understanding of commands. I can take him anywhere and he is very well behaved
  • Marissa Razzante
    Dec. 2, 2024
    Josh was incredible to work with! We did in-home sessions to help my resident dog adjust to adding another dog to the home. Josh clearly explained the method behind everything and helped me to feel comfortable working with the dogs. A key area of focus was resource guarding that led to aggression by my resident dog. Josh created a safe environment to induce the resource guarding so we could work to correct it. He brought other dogs and trainers as needed to help create different scenarios. This was a great experience that helped us correct negative behaviors!
  • Ryan Savage
    Nov. 29, 2024
    Dog Training Elite is AWESOME! The owners are the nicest people, they really know what they're doing. If you need dog training, DTE is definitely the way to go. They offer service dog, therapy dog, and obedience training. Great guys overall.
  • Lynn Dutsch
    Nov. 23, 2024
    We were at our wit's end with our puppy but Dog Training Elite Northeast Ohio changed our lives for the better from the very first lesson. We have truly enjoyed our experience and have even been able to use the same techniques with our 5 year old dog. We absolutely recommend Kevin, Andrea, and the entire team for any dog or puppy that needs training. It has been such a pleasure to go from one semi-behaved dog and a crazy puppy, to 2 very well behaved dogs with happy owners! Thank you Kevin, Andrea, and the entire team.
  • dominick lesinski
    Nov. 14, 2024
    Thanks DTE Northeast Ohio!
  • kim pintar
    Nov. 12, 2024
    Kevin and Andrea were amazing with our very anxious and nervous Louie. They helped him work through a lot of his fears with an extreme amount of patience and reassurance. They also taught us how to train our dog in a way that was the best for him and build our confidence. What meant the most was how Kevin and Andrea cared when we lost our other dog, Margo. Great dog trainers!!
  • Abby Atkins
    Nov. 12, 2024
    I am so grateful for Kevin, Andrea, and Jimmy! They were so patient as we navigated training two dogs. My pitbull has skin issues so they worked with me on making sure the collar we used didn’t affect his skin. They were all so encouraging and gave my pups so much love. It was a great experience and I’m looking forward to continue the training with the pack walks.
  • Tiffany Brock
    Nov. 12, 2024
    AMAZING STAFF! We are so thankful to have connected with this group. They go above and beyond. We have a pack for life ❤️ Kevin and Andrea have been such a great resource, even before I had my pup! Andrea spoke with me for an hour or so about where to start in looking for a puppy as my service dog. We connected again after finding the best pup ever (thanks to Andreas expert advice on breeder selection). We got to work training and it just seemed like such an easy process, even with all the hard work! We had the tools, knowledge, and support to get where we are today!
  • julz vern
    Nov. 11, 2024
    Really happy with Dog Training Elite Northeast Ohio I am disabled and suffer from PTSD my doctor referred me to get a companion and or Service Dog My son purchased this beautiful German Shepard not only for Emotional Support, but for Protection as well. We love that we can count on Élite for training Baby Girl we see the changes in her every day. We love that it is a life time program if we should need it and the extra touch is the get togethers at the park with other dogs and their owners. We also love the Crew and the Owners they really take pride working with the dogs everyday, you can see the results at the end of the day when its time to teach the owners LOL
  • Bernard Agin
    Nov. 11, 2024
    Marley is a 7 year old cavachon. Happy dog. But a gleeful barker at dogs and people. A leash puller!! Still happy as can be. Walks like a champ. Even ignores those chatty squirrels and swarms of deer. Marley is becoming a trained PSA. And we owe it to Kevin, Andrea and Elite.
  • I P
    Nov. 11, 2024
    I can’t say enough good things about the Dog Training Elite Team. If you are looking for a practical approach to obedience training, look no further. The platinum dog training program set the foundation for success for our 1yr. Old Bully. He was reactive towards people and animals, making walks and community outings difficult. Kevin and Andrea, take the time to understand your needs. One-on-one sessions offer a better understanding of dog behavior and proper technique. I especially enjoyed the Doggie Day camps. Unlike board and train programs, our boy spent the day training and playing with new friends. Then, he was allowed to come home at the end of the day, where we completed our homework(Practice)! The entire staff at the training facility is knowledgeable, caring, and dedicated to helping your pup be all it can be. Be assured that when you partner with the DTE team, they will be committed to the long-term success of your fur baby.
  • Leslie McIntyre
    Nov. 10, 2024
    Very clear and positive way of dealing with issues your pup may have. The trainers are encouraging no matter what happens, or how stubborn your dog is. They figure out ways to solve all problems. Extremely happy to have hired them
  • Kaleigh Hunt
    Nov. 10, 2024
    Dog Training Elite has forever changed our lives. I got my first puppy, Vienna, and while I loved her, I struggled through the puppy stage and remember feeling overwhelmed. That changed once we started training with Kevin and Andrea. Now, Vienna is incredibly well-behaved and receives compliments wherever we go. We’re so grateful for the work they put into helping us with our dog. Their family-run facility makes you and your pet feel like family too. We’ll definitely be going through Dog Training Elite for our next puppy!
  • Danielle Manzeo
    Nov. 2, 2024
    Josh, Lexi and Hayley were amazing to work with! After completing the 4 week dog therapy camp, I feel confident bringing my pup to work with me on a daily basis. The support after camp was over is also really impressive and helpful. I couldn’t be more pleased and I would recommend them to anyone.
  • Amanda Mitchell
    Nov. 1, 2024
    Josh did an amazing job working with our German Shepard-husky mix, Bear! I liked having a combination of in-home, outdoor, & public location sessions for training. You have to make sure you are willing to put in the time, but the results are great, and it’s so worth it!
A Dog Training Elite in Cleveland Metro owner smiling with his dog in Cleveland, OH.

Dog Training Elite in Cleveland Metro

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, pigs, and monkeys 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 in Cleveland Metro

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 in Cleveland Metro - PTSD Service Dog in Cleveland, OH. DTE
PTSD Service Dog

If you're looking to train a PTSD service dog in Cleveland, 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 in Cleveland Metro - Psychiatric Service Dog in Cleveland, OH. DTE
Psychiatric Service Dog Training

Our psychiatric service dog training in Cleveland, 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 in Cleveland Metro - Mobility Service Dog in Cleveland, OH. Dog Training Elite
Mobility Support Service Dog

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

Dog Training Elite in Cleveland Metro - Seizure Response Dog in Cleveland, OH. DTE
Medical Response Dog Training

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

Dog Training Elite in Cleveland Metro - Autism Support Dog Training in Cleveland, OH. DTE
Autism Support Service Dog

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

Dog Training Elite in Cleveland Metro

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 in Cleveland Metro.

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 in Cleveland Metro.
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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 Cleveland, OH with Dog Training Elite.

We Are Committed to Making a Difference

Choose DTE for Cleveland Service Dog Training

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At Dog Training Elite, we are passionate about transforming lives through Cleveland service dog training. Our proven methods and positive reinforcement techniques 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 in Cleveland Metro and experience the difference that elite training and compassionate care can make.