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Service Dog Training Near You
What makes a dog a service dog? Who can have a service dog, and why? We answer all these questions and more, as well as explain what sets Dog Training Elite Dallas—Fort Worth apart from any other dog training service.
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Dallas—Fort Worth location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
Service Dog Training FAQs
What makes a dog a service dog?
Service dogs are dogs that have been specially trained to assist their handler or owner with specific tasks. Dog Training Elite Dallas—Fort Worth trains dogs to assist people with epilepsy, diabetes, PTSD, autism, and various mental illnesses.
Who are service dogs for?
Service dogs are for any individual dealing with a disability that lowers their quality of life. For example, someone who suffers from epilepsy may avoid going out in public due to a fear of falling or other consequences related to seizures. This may inhibit their independence and sense of well-being.
In addition to improving the lives of individuals, service dogs can bring a sense of security to families, such as families with autistic children. Children with autism can often feel isolated and a service dog becomes a 24/7 companion to share experiences with, connect with and love. They can also help children reintegrate into society and connect with others.
Families who have children with autism experience a decrease in stress as they are more able to engage socially in public settings and experience less anxiety at home. A service dog increases safety and has a calming presence that can minimize emotional outbursts, allowing the family to feel more secure and a child with autism to better participate in family activities.
Service dogs are for all individuals or families that are experiencing a decrease in quality of life due to disability.
What kind of training does a service dog need?
Service dog training begins with puppies. Dog Training Elite Dallas—Fort Worth’s service puppy training program works with breeders to adopt puppies that are fully obedience trained by six months and are ready to undergo extensive socialization and additional training to ensure they are well-suited for service and therapy needs.
Then, Dog Training Elite Dallas—Fort Worth places puppies with families or individuals. Further specialized service training takes place alongside the new handler. It generally takes 1-2 years for a service dog to become fully trained.
Service dog training focuses on two main areas: public access behaviors, and how to “do work or perform tasks” that assist with a disability.
Public access behaviors refer to how a service dog acts in public - well-trained service dogs remain calm in public situations and in turn help their handlers to stay calm, and are attuned to any other handler needs.
As for “do work or perform tasks,” the ADA requires that service dogs be trained to take a specific action when needed to assist the person with a disability.
For example, to assist handlers with PTSD, Dog Training Elite Dallas—Fort Worth trains dogs to de-escalate anxiety, wake handlers experiencing night terrors, and so on.
Do service dogs require special certification?
The ADA does not require special certification for service animals. State and local government agencies, businesses and non-profit organizations may not require documentation, such as proof that the animal has been certified, trained or licensed as a service animal, as a condition for entry. Mandatory registration of service animals in the city of residence is also not permissible under the ADA.
However, service animals are not exempt from local animal control or public health requirements, such as vaccinations, or local dog licensing and registration requirements.
Why should I train my service dog with Dog Training Elite Dallas—Fort Worth?
Dog Training Elite Dallas—Fort Worth sets itself apart from other dog training methods by focusing on positive reinforcement with a personalized, in-home approach. This method empowers owners and handlers to be an integral part of the process for sustained dog obedience and service training. For service dogs especially, it is important that handlers be present and involved every step of the way.
The positive reinforcement approach, also referred to as “Classical Conditioning” or the “Pavlovian” model has shown to be more effective with longer lasting results than any other training method.
Dog Training Elite Dallas—Fort Worth does not use punishments or shock collars to break bad habits. Instead, Dog Training Elite Dallas—Fort Worth pairs positive reinforcement training with a vibration electronic collar. An electronic collar is not a shock collar and does not harm the dog. It is used to gain the dog’s attention, similar to a tug on a leash. It is never used as a punishment for bad behavior.
Another unique aspect of training with Dog Training Elite Dallas—Fort Worth is that while most dog training programs train dogs at their own facilities, Dog Training Elite Dallas—Fort Worth specializes in in-home training, customizing training to the dog, its owners and its environment for long-lasting success.
Positive Reinforcement Training
Training takes time, commitment and balance and Dog Training Elite Dallas—Fort Worth is there every step of the way. With Dog Training Elite Dallas—Fort Worth, dogs will learn the highest level of obedience, even in the face of the toughest level of distractions. The positive-reinforcement method focuses on encouraging good behavior through ongoing praise, creating a dog that wants to please from the inside out and creating deep-rooted, sustained obedience as well as a strong bond between dog and owner.
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.
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!
Before we brought our Golden Retriever puppy home, we knew that we wanted to enlist the aid of a trainer to teach her but also teach us how to efficiently train our new puppy. Felicity was our trainer— she was great! She was super knowledgeable and patient with the millions of questions that we had. Hazel really enjoyed her training sessions and she is learning so fast. I cannot recommend Felicity and Dog Training Elite Dallas enough! I know the work we put in with training Hazel now will benefit her in the future.— Bri Arroyo
Posted January 27th 2024
Felicity has been a fantastic dog trainer. Our dog has made such swift progress after working with her. We couldn’t be more happy that we get to work with her. She is truly gifted.— Ross Murrell
Posted January 27th 2024
We were at our wits end with our rescue pup. Had tried everything and I mean everything with no luck. We were determined to not give up on her. But we were all fretting over whether she was a good fit in our lives. Found this company and called for an evaluation. We knew whatever we invested in this dog would bring us years of joy. It has transformed our fearful, anxious dog into a wonderful happy pup. (She’s got more training to do but she’s doing awesome! ) We had Felicity, Luke, and Euni work with us over 6 weeks in our home. Felicity saw her on the first and last visit and immediately noticed an huge change in her! Our sweet pup is making such good progress! Best trainers ever as they worked with us to help us work with her. Awesome experience and I highly recommend them!— Karen Winget
Posted December 29th 2023
Every trainer that I have worked with is exceptionally knowledgeable, kind, professional, and overall very easy to talk to and to learn from. My dog is becoming more confident with every session, and I am very grateful to Dog Training Elite for making that happen ❤️— Jericca Cassani
Posted December 23rd 2023
I am so pleased with this company I begin to tell you how they have changed my life with my new adopted baby girl . She was so scared and wanted to bite everyone and in one week that behavior had changed. Felicity, Tyler and all the trainers at Dog Training Institute are professionals and know exactly what they are doing. I would recommend these guys to anyone !!— Kim Margowski
Posted December 22nd 2023
Dog Training Elite was the best thing we did for our 7-month-old Vizsla! We had a good foundation with basic commands prior to enrolling him, but we certainly did not feel confident enough to allow him off-leash when we go on the trails and needed help with impulse control as far as staying in place for longer periods of time and less excitable greetings. After just a few days at the facility, we saw such a difference, and by the end of the two weeks, we had a pup with so much impulse control and incredible manners. Not to mention--the e-collar wasn't something I felt confident training myself, since my biggest concern was creating a negative relationship with it, but they did a fantastic job. We've now also done in-home training sessions, which we focused on remaining neutral and not greeting ever dog when we're out, and his progress in just one session was tremendous. We can't stop saying enough great things about Tra, Felicity, Yuni, Kelly, and the rest of the DTE team. The facility was clean, and most importantly, the trainers exhibit such an understanding of canine behavior and psychology. Although it's a little bit pricier than other facilities we looked into, my husband and I have said repeatedly it was worth every penny. We met another pup that was the same age as ours that was so rowdy and excitable, and the owners told us they had just finished training with another well-known facility that we happened to look into as well. Needless to say, we were so glad we didn't end up choosing that facility. Their personalized approach is what makes the biggest difference. DTE exceeded our expectations, and we're incredibly grateful for the time, patience, and compassion they showed our Maverick. If you want top-notch training that delivers great results, DTE won't disappoint.— Allie Xirinachs
Posted December 20th 2023
Dog Training Elite was the best thing we did for our 7-month-old Vizsla! We had a good foundation with basic commands prior to enrolling him, but we certainly did not feel confident enough to allow him off-leash when we go on the trails and needed help with impulse control as far as staying in place for longer periods of time and less excitable greetings. After just a few days at the facility, we saw such a difference, and by the end of the two weeks, we had a pup with so much impulse control and incredible manners. Not to mention--the e-collar wasn't something I felt confident training myself, since my biggest concern was causing a negative relationship with it, but they did a fantastic job. We've now also done in-home training sessions, which we focused on remaining neutral and not greeting ever dog when we're out, and his progress in just one session was tremendous. We can't stop saying enough great things about Tra, Felicity, Yuni, Kelly, and the rest of the DTE team. The facility was clean, and most importantly, the trainers exhibit such an understanding of canine behavior and psychology. Although it's a little bit pricier than other facilities we looked into, my husband and I have said repeatedly it was worth every penny. We met another pup that was the same age as ours that was so rowdy and excitable, and the owners told us they had just finished training with another well-known facility that we happened to look into as well. Needless to say, we were so glad we didn't end up choosing that facility. For us, their personalized approach is what makes the biggest difference. DTE exceeded our expectations, and we're incredibly grateful for the time, patience, and compassion they showed our Maverick. If you want top-notch training that delivers great results, DTE won't disappoint.— Allison Xirinachs
Posted December 20th 2023
I am having a great experience with Dog Training Elite Dallas. Felicity is our trainer, and she is fantastic. My doggie is a dachshund and they are known to be stubborn by nature. However, Felicity teaches her new skills quickly and efficiently, and teaches me how to practice and reinforce those skills. She is firm while also being warm and kind. Both my doggie and I love working with her!— Terre From Texas
Posted September 11th 2023
This has been a great experience for our dog. Felicity, his trainer, has been great with Lido and he has learned to not puppy bite as much and has learned to take different commands very well. He has become a much more obedient dog. Lido actually gets very excited every time he gets time with Felicity. Thanks for all your help!— Tracy Michel
Posted August 26th 2023
We absolutely loved working with dog training elite!! They were amazing at helping us with our malinois mix! Felicity, Luke, Tra, Cheyanne, and Kyler were all great. We enjoyed our experience so much we’re going to add protection training!— Brianna Donley
Posted August 25th 2023
So far the training has been great. My dog has been responding very well to the training.— Janet Millinder
Posted August 23rd 2023
Felicity has been training Benson for just a couple months and the difference she has helped make in him are nothing short of amazing!!! The company is easy to work with, compassionate and you can tell their goal is not only 100% customer satisfaction but also care for the dogs. Felicity answers all my questions, gives amazing advice and ensures I understand how to practice with Benson. I am very pleased with every aspect of Dog Training Elite and recommend them wholeheartedly. Update: Benson passed his 2nd public access test today with Felicity! She has been with him every step of the way. I wish I had the words to explain how amazing she is. Benson has come a long way and will definitely be an amazing mobility service dog.— Elizabeth McKenzie
Posted April 19th 2023
In a month, they have been able to help me train my puppy on the way to become my service dog! They are so understanding and supportive! The training focuses on positive as opposed to negative reinforcement on the collar which makes Draco more excited to put it on in the morning. Places I used in the past used it as a negative which made my dog (originally attempted to be a therapy dog) fearful and avoided having it on. Note: The first image was his first day training in public and in the second image he did not have his vest on, but still instinctively went into "tuck".— Ashley Dodge
Posted August 8th 2023
Luke has been so amazing with my puppy, Punxsy (she will be 8 months on July 25, 2023). Luke is so compassionate, knowledgeable, and patient. He was integral getting her trained as a service dog. His training enabled me to fly home with her to see my family in Delaware. As a service dog, she was able to stay with me in the cabin of the airplane, laying at my feet. I have PTSD from my time in the military, and he taught Punxsy skills to comfort me. Luke is amazing, and Punxsy and I thank you so much! Sheena and Punxsy— Sheena McIntire
Posted July 18th 2023
DTE is amazing.. I have a rescue that has forgotten how to be a dog.. Felicity has worked with me and my Happy girl and not only helped my fur baby start to open up but she is helping me to become that dog mom I need to be for her.. Thank you Felicity 🥰— joann askew
Posted July 17th 2023
Excellent training: we did the puppy camp - 4 sessions. 2 were with Luke and 2 with Felicity. The training provided exceptional value to us: we saw how to approach puppy training, both answered all our questions and then some. We are progressing nicely with our puppy’s training and the training we received at Dog Training Elite Frisco provided us the right direction and a boost! Very thankful for their support and patience - I feel we went through the training ourselves. Thank you Luke and Felicity!— Alex Weiss
Posted July 11th 2023
Felicity helped my pup, Noodle learn basic skills that have helped in the puppy phase. It was amazing seeing with a little guidance, how much easier the puppy stage has been. Definitely recommend!— Cassandra Keller
Posted July 5th 2023
Fantastic! Huge difference in our dogs and Felicity is awesome!!!!— Jennifer Robb
Posted June 21st 2023
Cheyenne came out for first training visit for our border collie, Hubert. She is very knowledgeable and made sure we understand how to work with him on new skills. We had been taking him elsewhere for basic training before beginning his service dog training with Elite. The one exception was as she was leaving: she made a comment that we baby him too much; however she didn't give any examples so we would know how to correct it.— Donna Friesen
Posted June 4th 2023
Calling DTE was one of the best things we’ve done for our dogs. Every single trainer was knowledgeable and true professionals. Money well spent.!!!— Stephanie McBride
Posted June 2nd 2023
Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation
At Dog Training Elite Dallas—Fort Worth, 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 Dallas—Fort Worth 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.