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Service Dog Training in Des Moines


Dog Training Elite Des Moines Near You

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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 Des Moines apart from any other dog training service.

Dog Training Elite Des Moines offers top rated service dog training near you in Des Moines.


Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Des Moines location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.


Dog Training Elite Des Moines is proud to have professional service dog trainers near you in Des Moines.

Service Dog Training FAQs


Service dogs are dogs that have been specially trained to assist their handler or owner with specific tasks. Dog Training Elite Des Moines trains dogs to assist people with epilepsy, diabetes, PTSD, autism, and various mental illnesses.

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.

Service dog training begins with puppies. Dog Training Elite Des Moines’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 Des Moines 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 Des Moines trains dogs to de-escalate anxiety, wake handlers experiencing night terrors, and so on.

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.

Dog Training Elite Des Moines 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 Des Moines does not use punishments or shock collars to break bad habits. Instead, Dog Training Elite Des Moines 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 Des Moines is that while most dog training programs train dogs at their own facilities, Dog Training Elite Des Moines 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 Des Moines is there every step of the way. With Dog Training Elite Des Moines, 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.


Dog Training Elite Des Moines is the top company near you that uses professional positive dog training methods.
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.

See Our Pricing

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!

From the first meeting with Dog Training Elite we were excited to work with them. Kim was so great to work with and made our life with our German Shepherd puppy so much easier. We loved that they offer in-home training with group class reinforcement for their training. Our puppy is almost a year old now and doing great! I'd highly recommend DTE.
— Mallory Snow
Posted February 11th 2024
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Dog Training Elite has provided therapy dogs to the college students I work with. I have never interacted with dogs that were so well trained. And the students are over the moon about being able to interact with the dogs.
— Tim Hammond
Posted February 9th 2024
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Thank you to the amazing team at Dog training Elite for all your hard work and dedication in helping me train Clifford for service work. We have really enjoyed working along side your team as we develop the skills as a team to work.
— Shelby Diane Harrison
Posted February 8th 2024
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great training facility for our service dog for our sons service dog. I cannot say enough good things about all the trainers we have worked with in at home 1st trainings/group/obedient/sdit trainings. The owner has always been there for questions or adding value to our training. We started our journey in Oct with a consultation, then went with their preferred breeder. Which is also was a great experience. We cant thank them enough for all the help and support we have gotten in our long journey
— Warren Huggins
Posted November 22nd 2023
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If you need a dog trainer for any reason, go to Dog Training Elite! They have been training my 6 month old German shepherd mastiff mix since she was 3 months old and I am so incredibly pleased with her progress and can't wait to see her learn more from Kim and Anna. They don't just train your dog. They also train you! So it's a 2 for 1 deal really. And they have answered every question I've had about my puppy from feeding to sleeping and everything. Kim and Anna are the best trainers! I also love the fact that they are with us for the long haul. They don't just train your dog and send you off, they are there to help with any issues that may come up. Kim and Anna know dogs and they know what they are doing and they do it right! I can't recommend them enough!!!
— Jennifer Sharp-Kopf Blohn
Posted November 12th 2023
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Kimberly has been working with our boy, Chief since September 19th and has done an amazing job! Chief is a very anxious dog. In the past we have had issues with strangers coming too close and visitors in our house. We were feeling so defeated and afraid that our sweet (to us) boy was going to hurt ssomeone. Within an hour of Chief meeting Kimberly, she was able to give him treats and we knew we made the right choice. They are forming an incredible bond and Chief is finally able to play outside and in public without the anxiety that has always come with it. I am so excited to continue watching him grow into himself and thankful we made the right choice in a trainer.
— Kaylee Reed
Posted November 3rd 2023
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We are so impressed with Kim's training! Not just because she is my friend, but truly because her heart is in and it shows. Since the moment Kim started training sessions with our Rat Terrier Steel, he has been a totally different dog. She has helped our family build a positive and strong relationship with him. Kim is very passionate and knowledgeable and she never fails to amaze me with all her tips and tricks. I can not express how thankful we are to have her as our trainer. Steel is getting so many compliments and has taken to training so well, it wouldn't be that way without Kim. The passion she has to make sure we succeed in every aspect of training is so hard to find. We are looking forward to completing the training and carrying out all that she has taught us. Dog Training Elite is a great program and I will recommend it to anyone.
— Jeanette Villacis
Posted October 16th 2023
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They do an awesome job with training and explaining everything and teaching you as well how to do everything! They answer all of your questions and I would definitely recommend them!!! Well worth the money.
— Cassie Davis
Posted August 17th 2023
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she is amazing with my dogs and always does an amazing job
— Danielle Johnson
Posted August 15th 2023
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Dog Training Elite has been absolutely awesome for my German Shepherd Loki. He was dog reactive and lacked the confidence he needed. With the 6 weeks of training from Dog Training Elite he has improved drastically. Both trainers we worked with Jack and Kim were very professional and super knowledgeable. Working with Kim was great she absolutely adores German shepherds and had so much patience with Loki. I’m happy I have the tools now for Loki and I to have better communication and be able to do more fun things outside of the house. Thank you Dog Training Elite we will see you all in group!
— Erica Supinger
Posted August 11th 2023
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Kim, and Jack are amazing trainers and even better people. Kim does amazing work with reactive dogs and really takes the time to listen to her clients and understand their specific needs. I would absolutly recommend them to anyone in need of training.
— Kelley Kriegel
Posted August 6th 2023
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I highly recommend Dog Training Elite for all your dog training needs. I knew my dog had potential to become a Therapy Dog, however I needed some more knowledge in my training skills. DTE was able to work with me and help expand my training knowledge, and how to best communicate with my dog. We are have passed their Dog Therapy Test and absolutely love volunteering within the community. The best part about DTE is you become apart of a community, they are always willing to help in continuing your dog training knowledge after you have completed their program.
— Brittni Wagers
Posted August 6th 2023
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I tried to self train my dog, which went ok but we were not making the progress I wanted for her. Since we started training with DTE she has made exceptional progress after each season. Their entire group is dedicated to what is best for the dogs. Our experience has been wonderful!
— Rae Beebe
Posted June 1st 2023
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Training our service dog and cant believe how much progress we have seen in 3 months
— Warren huggins
Posted April 23rd 2023
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Great people that are with ecellent with dogs.
— Jean Jones
Posted January 26th 2023
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I have had the best experience training Milo from day one. I'm a first time pup owner and wanted a well behaved dog that I could take anywhere with no worries. We have gotten so much more than this from Dog Training Elite Des Moines! At the beginning, they gave Milo and I extra care coming to our home to work one-on-one. This helped make huge advances in his training. We switched to group classes where he's learned how to be a well behaved pup with other dogs and people around. Milo and I enjoyed our experience so much, I looked into Therapy Dog Training. About a year and a half later, Milo is getting ready to test to become certified. It is all thanks to the care, time, and continued personalized focus Jack, Cannady, and Morgan have provided us. I could not speak more highly! Would absolutely recommend to anyone looking for dog training!!
— Sarah Meyer
Posted October 2nd 2022
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I have had the best experience training Milo from day one. I'm a first time pup owner and wanted a well behaved dog that I could take anywhere with no worries. We have gotten so much more than this from Dog Training Elite Des Moines! At the beginning, they gave Milo and I extra care coming to our home to work one-on-one. This helped make huge advances in his training. We switched to group classes where he's learned how to be a well behaved pup with other dogs and people around. Milo and I enjoyed our experience so much, I looked into Therapy Dog Training. About a year and a half later, Milo is getting ready to test to become certified. It is all thanks to the care, time, and continued personalized focus Jack, Cannady, and Morgan have provided us. I could not speak more highly! Would absolutely recommend to anyone looking for dog training!!
— Sarah Meyer
Posted October 2nd 2022
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Morgan was amazing and very thorough with us. She made sure we felt comfortable with training before she left. Also they make themselves available anytime we need them.
— April Page
Posted September 13th 2022
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Jack has trained by dog since she was a puppy and made an incredible difference in her obedience and her overall demeanor. Jack is patient and a natural at what he does. He talks through the entire process and thoroughly explains the training technique, each step of the way. Jack and Cannady are both very professional and attentive to you and your animals needs. My puppy is now a certified therapy dog and I couldn't have done it without Jack and Cannady! They are the best!
— Rebecca Schroeder
Posted September 6th 2022
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Dog Training Elite has led us through the training process from basic obedience to Therapy Dog certification. They provided a great training environment for our puppy and convenient schedule that we could commit to in our busy life. It started with few individual lessons and when our dog was ready, he was invited to a group class and then to an advanced group class. The process took about 9 months from the start to certification. Dog Training Elite has an excellent team of trainers, that helped us learn many techniques for various commands. We are looking forward to start taking our certified dog to his job sites.
— Yelena Meier
Posted September 5th 2022
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Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation

At Dog Training Elite Des Moines, 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 Des Moines 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.

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