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Military / Retired Vet Programs

Dog Training Elite Central Massachusetts

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A military veteran and service dog - Dog Training Elite offers elite veteran service dog training in Fitchburg / Leominster, MA.

Dog Training Elite

Military Veteran Service Dog Training in Fitchburg / Leominster, MA

At Dog Training Elite Central Massachusetts, we strongly believe in the healing power of service dogs for military veterans. That’s why we dedicate our time and passion to providing veteran service dog training in Fitchburg / Leominster, MA.

Service dogs can greatly assist with both the mental and physical challenges veterans may face after serving our country. Many veterans experience PTSD, physical disabilities, or other impairments, and our service dogs have been proven to help reduce symptoms and support veterans in returning to their daily routines.

Learn more about our programs designed for veterans and discover why Dog Training Elite is committed to making a difference in the community.

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A service puppy in training - Dog Training Elite offers veteran service dog training in Fitchburg / Leominster, MA for those who have served our country.

Dog Training Elite Central Massachusetts

Why We Offer Service Dog Training for Military Veterans

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At Dog Training Elite Central Massachusetts, we are passionate about helping military veterans through the support of service dogs. We offer specialized service dog training options in Fitchburg / Leominster, backed by scientific research and proven by our own success stories.

In a study conducted by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, veterans paired with service dogs experienced a significant reduction in PTSD symptoms and fewer self-harm ideations. The mental health and medical communities increasingly recognize service dogs’ positive impact on emotional well-being and independence, making them one of the most effective tools for veteran recovery.

At Dog Training Elite, we are dedicated to providing exceptional dog training services that provide the tools and support needed for our veterans and their dogs to thrive, offering a path toward healing and better quality of life.

A beautiful golden retriever service dog - Dog Training Elite Central Massachusetts.

Popular Service Dog Breeds


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Finding a service dog that fits your individual needs is important, especially for military veteran support. While most dogs can be trained to become service dogs, a few breeds stand out due to their personalities and inherent traits.

Here are a few of the most popular service dog breeds:

  1. Labrador Retrievers: Labradors are intelligent, versatile, and eager to please, making them ideal for PTSD service dogs. Their trainability allows them to excel in roles like guide dogs, mobility support, and emotional support, making them highly adaptable for veterans.
  2. Golden Retrievers: Golden Retrievers are known for their calm, gentle nature and strong work ethic. They are excellent at providing mobility assistance and emotional support, especially for veterans with PTSD, due to their patient and loving temperament.
  3. German Shepherds: German Shepherds are strong, loyal, and highly intelligent, making them excellent service dogs. Their protective instincts and trainability allow them to assist with mobility, search and rescue, and provide emotional support for veterans.
  4. Malinois: Belgian Malinois are known for their deep loyalty and intelligence. Malinois are not for everyone due to their energy and drive, but for retired veterans who appreciate discipline, structure, and a deep connection, they can be life-changing companions.

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!

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See An Elite Dog in Action

A service dog and his veteran owner - Dog Training Elite Central Massachusetts.

Our Veteran Service Dog Training in Fitchburg / Leominster, MA

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Service dogs undergo extensive specialized training to perform their tasks and assist their owners. Our 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, down, heel, come, as well as proper leash manners and socialization skills.
  • Task Training: Task training is tailored to fit the needs of each 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.
A beautiful service dog standing outside - Dog Training Elite Central Massachusetts.

Service Dogs for Veterans & PTSD

Get Specialized Training with DTE Today

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Training with Dog Training Elite is tailored specifically for military veterans dealing with PTSD and other service-related challenges. Our programs focus on helping veterans regain independence, emotional stability, and confidence through the support of a well-trained service dog.

At Dog Training Elite, we are dedicated to providing service dog training that strengthens the bond between veterans and their dogs, guiding them toward a brighter future and supporting their healing journey.

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Hoff Stauffer
    Feb. 12, 2025
    He was very helpful. She will walk on a leash now. 🤗
  • Mr. Kelly Kim
    Feb. 6, 2025
    Marcus is friendly and quite accommodating to my communication needs. He was very thorough when explaining the programs and he gave some light training which was fun!
  • Kitty Desharnais
    Jan. 17, 2025
    Buddy really responds well with the training, Matt does a good job and is very knowledgeable.
  • Ronna Northrup
    Jan. 23, 2025
    Patrick was amazing! He answered all our questions explained everything in depth, a lot of info, but very informative.
  • Mara Simon
    Jan. 30, 2025
    Patrick was very helpful on our evaluation with Hercules today. Answered all our questions and already knew off bat what Hercules needed to work on. Thank you for your time Patrick!! Highly appreciated.
  • Mike Corrado
    Jan. 28, 2025
    Patrick is top notch!
  • Franny Osman
    Jan. 25, 2025
    First visit with Patrick from Elite and we and Poppy learned a lot. It was very successful!
  • Ilene Holman
    Jan. 23, 2025
    Marcus is a great trainer. I am very happy with all of the trainers.
  • ZE ze
    Jan. 9, 2025
    Five stars! We were fortunate to have started and completed most of our training sessions with Matt Keefe who is key to the transformation of our anxious 3-year-old cockapoo Noodles (prone to aggressive barking and growling). Matt is the ultimate professional dog trainer. He is extremely knowledgeable and patient. In the beginning, he carefully explained and outlined the plan which convinced us to sign up for the Platinum Obedience Training. He tailored each session to Noodles’ needs (i.e., overcoming stranger anxiety especially toward male strangers). We transitioned gradually from training inside the house, to outdoors and then to public spaces in a comfortable pace. We learned so much from him during each session. He would always ask if I had any specific concerns or questions and I appreciate his step by step directions and demonstrations on what to do for different scenarios. The group sessions were very helpful too, for the exposure to other dogs and simulation of different types of situations. This is probably the best testament to our dog’s positive transformation: when we brought Noodles to a holiday party after 3 months of training, my brother-in-law asked if we “sedated” our dog prior to the party because Noodles was not barking at all and was so well-behaved. Thank you to Matt K and the entire staff of Dog Training Central Massachusetts.
  • Verda Abulaf
    Jan. 2, 2025
    Matt is amazing, patient and knowledgeable. We have already started to see progress throughout the second meet, I am very happy. Highly recommended
  • Ilene Holman
    Dec. 20, 2024
    Marcus was great!
  • Brianna LaGuardia
    Sep. 17, 2024
    Marcus was great! Training was something I had debated doing for a long time, especially since my dog was 4 but I’m so glad I did and so glad I chose Dog Training Elite. From the beginning, there was no judgement and they were flexible and accommodating. My dog has come a long way and I have so much more trust in him than I did before. I also appreciate being able to email questions and notes and get feedback that way (outside of our sessions). Overall, I’m very happy with the service provided and would highly recommend!
  • Kathy Friberg
    Sep. 9, 2024
    Dog Training Elite Marcus came today and explained everything to us! We have a Parson Jack Russell who is out of control they will help us get Maggie trained and be a better dog.. we can’t wait for training to begin.. They showed us another dog who was trained it was a real treat to watch Duncan. We are hoping Maggie will do as well as Duncan ( there’s hope)
  • Michael Shannon
    Sep. 6, 2024
    Our experience with this company has been truly exceptional, and I cannot recommend their services highly enough. Matt Fennell, in particular, was an outstanding trainer and exceeded all of our expectations. It's important to note that the trainers focus on equipping you with the skills to effectively train your dog, and Matt excelled in this regard. As someone who has always had a deep connection with dogs and grown up with them, this was my first time seeking professional training. The results have been so amazing, and the bond I now share with my dog is stronger and more rewarding than ever before. If you are committed to following the guidance provided by Matt or any of the trainers, and are willing to put in the effort both during and outside of the training sessions, you will notice the same results I did. Such a great experience!
  • Lisa Blanchard
    Aug. 21, 2024
    Matt was informative and helpful!
  • Courtney Tompkins
    Sep. 4, 2024
    Marcus and Patrick were amazing. They helped us train our lab puppy. She had a lot of energy and was a bit of a challenge compared to our last pups. The trainers are very knowledgeable and helpful. If we had questions in between sessions we could just reach out and they would guide us on whatever challenges we were having. They accommodated my work schedule which was a huge help. We feel it was definitely worth the money and highly recommend them!
  • Nichole McIvor
    Sep. 4, 2024
    I have been very happy with the services both Marcus and Matt have provided me and my family while working with my 6-year-old German Shepherd, Whiskey. She is so smart but very high strung and constantly in overdrive and they are committed to leading my partner and me in navigating her training while helping her to meet her full potential! I’m excited to continue with them!
  • Sarah Geller
    Jul. 31, 2024
    DTE and especially Marcus are THE BEST. No one I’ve ever met knows and works with dogs like Marcus at dog training elite. We call him the “dog whisperer” but in truth mostly he has to train me, the handler, as much as my dog Wally. He has a really clear and consistent way of communicating which has transformed Wally from a nippy jumping puppy into a dog who is about to pass his public access test for service dog work. The company in general is excellent and all the staff and trainers are really responsive and work with me and Wally to make the best training sessions around my schedule, meeting at our house or public places to practice his service work. I would absolutely recommend Dog training elite and Marcus to anyone who wants to properly and seriously train and develop their relationship with their dog and is willing to put in the time and energy! Wally is learning so much so fast and is doing great. Thank you!! Update: Wally just passed his public access test!! Thanks so much Marcus for everything you’ve taught us both!!!
  • Christine Fuller
    Sep. 4, 2024
    Patrick was friendly and knowledgeable, great experience so far!
  • This is Life
    Jul. 29, 2024
    You guys are amazing! We are learning so much, we’re making a lot of progress I’m so thankful.!!