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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 Broward apart from any other dog training service.
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Broward 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 Broward 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 Broward’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 Broward 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 Broward 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 Broward?
Dog Training Elite Broward 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 Broward does not use punishments or shock collars to break bad habits. Instead, Dog Training Elite Broward 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 Broward is that while most dog training programs train dogs at their own facilities, Dog Training Elite Broward 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 Broward is there every step of the way. With Dog Training Elite Broward, 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!
It's been a great experience to work with Marie and Matt. I love the personal service and the attention to my dog. My dog's behavior has changed so much and I've learned so much on how to be consistent and teach him new things. I'm so grateful for Marie's lessons and personal touch.— Reyna Lopez
Posted March 6th 2024
Amazing business they realy know what they do, i had a teainer for one off my dogs that i thought it was amazing untill i meet Dog training Elite cant be happier with them Thx team— Luca Woodworking
Posted March 5th 2024
Working with Maria, Gus and Matt to give Vinnie, our Goldendoodle, some extra training has been amazing. They are warm, friendly and give expert advice. Easy to contact and great with responses. Absolutely recommend them for your training needs.— Pat M Chin
Posted December 6th 2023
Thank you so much guy to helping me out with my dog since he was just fourth month. We have such a good time at classes and is all the result of your dedication and attention to every single dog in there.— Gonzalo Galeano
Posted December 6th 2023
Excellent program with personal service suited to our specific needs. We can see progress on dog behavior from day to day working together with the trainer and our personal commitment. The personal touch from the trainer is highly appreciated making the process fun for us and our dog.— Andres Ottati
Posted October 29th 2023
Thank you for helping me train my puppy! she went from wild to manageable and getting better every day! Matt the trainer was so sweet with her, she loved him!— Helena Poleo
Posted October 27th 2023
Great service. Our dog Buttercup really enjoyed the training sessions and her behavior has improved so much. Thank you to all the staff of Dog Training Elite Broward.— Andre Rodriguez
Posted October 26th 2023
I have been having a great experience this far with my dogs training. Marie has been patient and gentle while working with my reactive/anxious dog. We have had 6 individual classes and 1 group class so far and my dog has shown such great improvement. I am also being conditioned to be more relax when walking him and more confident in my expected action of my dog from my commands.— Angelica Chica
Posted October 23rd 2023
Thanks for all trainers. Our dog is a golden retriever 3.5 years old. We took her to parks, hotels and travel with her. She has a good behavior and love with people. Marie and her staff done very good work— OLGA FIDLIN
Posted October 23rd 2023
Marie’s patience and dedication has been beyond what I ever expected. The Dog training Elites team is exceptional. Their compassion and pride in what they do is evident. I am beyond pleased with how our furry companion has progressed and continues to progress. We look forward to our appointments because they are always so successful. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite. I cannot thank Marie and Gus from Elite Training enough for everything they’ve done and continue to do.— brittney manresa
Posted August 23rd 2023
I want to begin what a comfortable and trusting experience Marie and Gus made my decision to add Dog Training Elite to my Cane Corso’s regiment. I needed a strong, yet gentle trainer that would know the exact needs of my furever friend. I found that in Marie and DTE. My pup needed one on one training, as well as classes where he would get to know other dogs in a group setting. The dog park was not where I wanted him to learn. Marie teaches the basic fundamentals of obedience and guidance, both for the owner and your pup. That was an added plus to know the obedience started with ME! There is no hesitation for me to know this was and is currently the best fit for me and my Corso. The company has strong roots and is well established. Marie really takes her time to get to know your pup. I can’t say enough positives about this company and the personal and loving approach that has been provided. I STRONGLY recommend you to give it a try and see all what I am taking about. I have seen such a huge difference in my dog and the techniques we have been shown really work. This is a training you will have with you forever. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Marie and DTE. I have seen this work first hand from the smallest to biggest, older to younger. Even if you think it’s too early or your dog is too far gone to learn, you’ll be ultimately surprised as to what can be done. It’s a true transformation, tailored to you and your buddy. There is no cookie cutter approach, and Marie knows the needs of each one. So try, I did, and it’s the best decision I made for the both of us!— Robert Kremenik
Posted July 24th 2023
Marie and Gus truly are the last trainers you’ll ever need for your dog! No app or program could never even come close to the results that you will INSTANTLY see with your dog after the first session. The professionalism, compassion, and precision with which they handle our pups is masterful. Our dogs run to each of them when they arrive! They love them so much! We were seeking a comprehensive training program, and boy did they deliver. Please, please give Gus and Marie a try!! It will change your household!— Liz Quail
Posted July 18th 2023
Marie is an outstanding dog trainer who possesses a wealth of knowledge and goes above and beyond to help her clients. Her expertise in dog behavior and training techniques is truly impressive, resulting in effective and lasting results. What sets Marie apart is her genuine care and dedication to each dog she works with, taking the time to understand their unique needs and tailoring her methods accordingly. She is always available to offer guidance and support, extending her assistance beyond the training sessions. If you're searching for a knowledgeable and compassionate dog trainer who will bring out the best in your furry friend, Marie is the perfect choice!— Jamie T
Posted July 18th 2023
Love Marie and her team. My baby GSD Nala is 6 month and she started training at 3 months and we are so happy with all she has learned and accomplished thanks to DTEB. Thank you we � you all!!— Darleen Garcia-Busot
Posted May 22nd 2023
Where to even begin? Dog Elite is by far the best in south Florida. Marie and Gus are absolutely wonderful and easy to talk to. The support they provide will instantly make you feel better about whatever situation you’re in. I went into this not really knowing how it will be. I have a 5 year old Dutch shepherd that was aggressive towards people; however the way Marie handled her was astonishing. You would’ve thought that it was her dog! They are great individuals and I love the program that they have. It isn’t just a trainer-owner thing, you feel like you develop more of a friendship and that’s what makes it valuable and worth it. Try them out and you won’t regret it.— Brianna Bryan
Posted April 14th 2023
Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation
At Dog Training Elite Broward, 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 Broward 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.