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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 Midlands SC 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 Columbia 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 Columbia 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!
I have to admit I was very hesitant about committing to dog training due to time. However, Dog Training Elite made this the best experience! Justin has a true heart for animals and it shows! My 7 month old puppy is such a joy to be around and friends and family can’t believe how well behaved she is! I have never had a dog that would walk by me off leash and not run off. Dog Training Elite has given me such a precious gift and I have her entire life to enjoy this partnership between my dog and I. I was so appreciative for Justin’s patience. I never felt pressured or a sales pitch when we first met which told me he was the right trainer for my dog! This was one of the best investments I have ever made! Thank you Justin for such an amazing gift!— Heather Shuler
Posted April 16th 2024
Best dog training around! I have worked with several dog trainers with a previous dog and our youngest pup, Bailey. Justin is by far the best! He truly cares about each dog's well being and will end training sessions early if the dog is becoming too tired or stressed. After your 6 in home sessions, you then have the option of attending group classes where you'll receive further instruction, a chance to socialize your pup and guidance to help your dog be the best he can be. My Bailey went from ignoring me in the yard and afraid of anyone at the door to coming when called and remaining in his place while people enter the house. Everyone is amazed at our well behaved pup. Highly recommend Justin and his team!— Brandi Blake
Posted February 3rd 2024
I have a very fiesty Doberman Pincher and Justin taught us how to calm him down and make him obey. He was very calm, cool and collected. His experience with dogs is very effective. I highly recommend this company.— Mattie Sanders
Posted February 3rd 2024
Justin, Jeff, and Darlene with Dog Training Elite are AWESOME!!! Our dog Saint, a 90 lb. German Shepard mix is so sweet, rambunctious, and also very strong. At times, he is determined to do his own things on our daily walks which included pulling and dragging his walkers to wherever he wanted to go. We became increasingly concerned about taking our gentle giant on walks in the neighborhood. Justin is very knowledgeable and patient with both dog and owner (Saint loves to see him at the door!). Saint has learned the off, sit, place, and heel commands including heeling off leash - we have seen a significant improvement on our walks and general behavior around the house. They answered all of our questions and demonstrated the commands and "homework" as many times as needed to affect a positive outcome. We are pleased and grateful for their training and program. Thank you for all that you do!— M. B.
Posted December 15th 2023
Justin is an incredible dog trainer. He really cares about your dog's progress and wellbeing with a good balance of assigning and holding the owner accountable as well. Would highly recommend Justin and his Company!— William Bossong
Posted December 14th 2023
I thought my 9 month old Great Dane Menkoi was a show stopper before…but with the training and service that Jeff, Justin and Darlene provide, he is turning heads and keeping their attention for all the right reasons. The care, knowledge, follow up and follow through that they provide really have put us at an advantage and ensured that we’ll be able to take Menkoi everywhere we need to. Happy earlier birthday Justin!— Tinsley
Posted September 8th 2023
We started our puppy with Dog Training Elite for obedience training. Justin, Jeff and Darlene are great at what they do and very helpful. Our puppy is learning quickly with the program. Very happy with Dog Training Elite Midlands!— Kayce West
Posted September 6th 2023
The best dog training service in Columbia! We have two dogs, one of which is extremely stubborn and we had run out of patience and options. We did not know what to do and had even tried some other dog trainers and programs around. We were so skeptical of this working but it was our last hope. We originally just signed up our one dog and now we have both of them in the training program. Just a couple weeks in we saw a tremendous difference. It is so nice to be able to give our dog praise instead of always being frustrated and getting after him. Not only is the program great but the customer services in incredible! Justin and his family are kind, understanding, patient and so helpful. We recommend Dog Training Elite to everyone with a dog. Our sweet Scar and Mufasa love their training sessions with Justin!— Ashlynn Rasmussen
Posted May 17th 2023
I could not be more pleased with the training help we’re receiving from DTE. Both Justin and Jeff are a pleasure to work with and Kaci is quickly learning to obey new commands!!!— Pam Webb
Posted March 29th 2023
We have been Training with Justin for about 6 weeks now and Hazel has already learned so much. We have learned a lot too! Some of her behaviors we thought were untrainable have quickly changed. Hazel has always pulled on the leash and this is something we thought would never change. Hazel is now a pro at heel and our walks are so much more enjoyable. Justin and the other trainers are very professional and have been very patient and kind to Hazel. We strongly recommend Dog Training Elite if you have a difficult dog that you think cannot be trained.— Michal Talley
Posted February 23rd 2023
Our dashound Pepper would always be jumping on people, barking at people walking by, pulling on the leash when walking her. After joining Dog Training Elite, Midland, Pepper is a different dog, with only 5 weeks of training so far. She kneels, comes when called, sits, stopped jumping and barking. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite, Midlands. Owner Jeff Collett has done a wonderful job training Pepper.— Donna Hladis
Posted February 22nd 2023
Where do I start?! Justin, Jeff, and Darlene are all amazing! The communication and service has been excellent. Before deciding to trust DTE with training me and my pup, Justin and Jeff demoed their abilities to train , answered all of my questions, and offered training services without pressuring me. Justin has worked with me and my pup teaching us thoroughly how to work with each other everyday and answering every single question that I have had. My pup went from little to no obedience to knowing how to come, hold a place on many different items and surfaces, sit, listening to the off command, quiet, down, and heel. I am so excited to see how well we do in group sessions! I am happy I decided to trust DTE!— Katrina Garland
Posted January 13th 2023
We loved working with Justin and team for teaching us (and Minnie) basic obedience principles!! Our chiweenie, Minnie, has come a LONG way since we started her 6-wk program! I highly recommend DTE-they are extremely professional, knowledgeable, and caring people.— Devin Banitt
Posted December 18th 2022
Justin and team are fantastic. We are proud owners of a Chinese Crested Powder Puff. He is1 1/2 years old and has never had any formal training. We purchased the Gold Package and within weeks, they have turned our dog from a good dog to an amazing dog. We highly recommend them - you and your dog won’t regret it.— Beth McDuffie
Posted November 27th 2022
Justin and his family run a first class operation. When it comes to experience and customer service I do not believe anyone does it better in this line of business. Our Golden 'Sasha' enjoyed every session throughout the Gold package that we purchased. Worth every penny! Thank you Justin!— Zach Woodham
Posted November 22nd 2022
Service Dogs for Veterans & PTSDTraining with Dog Training Elite in Columbia
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 Midlands SC, 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 Midlands SC, 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 Midlands SC 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.