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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!
We are so happy with all of the work we have done with Dog Training Elite. While all of the trainers are professional and knowledgeable, we spent most of our sessions with Luke and couldn't be more pleased. We recently took Delilah on my work trip to Vancouver. She is only 9 months old, and we have been in training for about 5 months. She performed so well! She was perfect on the planes, great through TSA and even controlled her zoomies for 8 days. She was amazing. One thing I loved about this program, and working with Luke, was the focus on functional commands and obedience. They teach the basics for everything you need to be successful with a service dog, without any of the fluff. Another great aspect was that Luke always had his own service dog Cowboy with him and could easily model what commands and skills should look like. Plus Cowboy is just so damn cute. Thank you Dog Training Elite and especially Luke and Cowboy!— Kris Thibault
Posted January 30th 2024
This is a great place to train your dog. In just two sessions we’ve seen remarkable results and plan on coming back for a while. Highly recommend.— Ruhaab Markas
Posted January 13th 2024
We love Dog Training Elite, especially our trainer Felicity. She was a huge help with our first puppy and was an obvious choice for our second. With each lesson our pups learn a behavior/skill and then we learn how to give the command and reinforce the behavior/skill on our own. Having a well behaved dog makes dog ownership a lot more enjoyable and we highly recommend this company anytime someone asks.— Alison Ford
Posted December 21st 2023
Awesome !! Eval went good so good I hired them to train my Belgian Malnois !! Haven't started yet ( next week) they are so busy . But just what he did for her in my home was impressive . These guys are professional and very clear with their objectives and goals for your pet and for what you need as an owner . So looking forward to working with them . Thanks Trey I appreciate you bringing your Mal just so I could see how they should be acting and not a crazy hyper Mal like I have as she is only a yr old this month. I am so excited for these lessons to begin. Kim M— Kim Margowski
Posted November 9th 2023
Great training. Wonderful staff. These trainers are wizards. Highly recommended!— Ryan Stead
Posted November 5th 2023
Phenomenal! We purchased the 4 class puppy training- it was great to get different perspectives and work on what we needed help with, not just their agenda of training. Training was logical, easy to follow, and customized to our puppy who learned certain things faster and other items slower. Highly recommend for puppy training. Would be great if they offered one off hour sessions afterwards instead of having to purchase a full package.— Rachel Nosal
Posted November 5th 2023
Could not say enough good things about Elite Dog Training from the communication, to the professionalism and patience they bring every step of the way. And special shout out to Felicity who has been amazing every visit and has performed a miracle with my dog, Olive!— Elizabeth Swiontek
Posted September 5th 2023
We started with DTE-Frisco this spring for our puppy. The training surpassed our expectations to the point where we went with the two week camp training. Again, our expectations were surpassed on what our dog learned, the quickness she learned it and the exceptional professionalism they showed. Especially Luke. He has been an exceptional trainer with his patience, passion and care for our dog. Everyone at DTE has been great but I can't say enough great things about Luke. Now that our dog has done so well, she's on to therapy training as she thrives around people. We've been so happy with DTE. I would highly recommend anyone with a puppy to start off on the right "paw" and jump on the training. You and puppy will be happier for it!— Jessica B
Posted August 27th 2023
I started my training with my Puppy when she was 8 weeks old. Like has been working with us for the last 3 months and I am SO happy with where Oakley is now. Luke goes above and beyond and is so good with my pup. 10/10 recommend.— Catherine Calomeni
Posted August 17th 2023
I have had the absolute best experience with Dog Training Elite. We started with puppy training and are now in obedience, after that we will start training for service dog! Jordan, Felicity and Luke are kind, personable, obviously care for my dog. They are patient and listen and answer all my questions. I never feel rushed, and they take my disability into account while we are training. That is very much appreciated. They go way above and beyond 🥰. I wholeheartedly recommend Dog Training Elite for any of your training needs.— Elizabeth McKenzie
Posted May 9th 2023
Worked with Jordan and Cheyanne & both were great with my dog Roxy and I learned a lot from them! Grateful for the help and patience they have given me & Roxy. Roxy sure is pooped after our sessions!— Aly Carey
Posted July 31st 2023
We were looking for help with our 65lb 11 month old pit rescue when we found DTE. Theo has severe anxiety - mostly involving new experiences and the outdoors. We like to travel and getting him into the vehicle and keeping him inside it was a nightmare. Theo was terrified of being on a leash and would try to back out of his collars and harnesses. This made the experience nerve racking, knowing catching him in a fearful environment would be next to impossible. We can now walk Theo on a leash and he wags his tail while doing so. There are times when he is still scared but they are getting less and less as we continue to work with him. We had wonderful experienced with most everyone who came out to the house for our sessions but Felicity and Jordan were our favorites. Both had exceptional teaching skills and I felt we got the most out of those lessons. It is clear they both enjoy their jobs and the animals they work with. While Theo is no best in class puppy, he was said to be most improved! Would recommend DTE to others looking for help with their companions.— Ashley Rubino
Posted July 17th 2023
I couldn’t recommend Dog Training Elite more!! Felicity and Jordan have been direct and patient while working with Maggie and I. Without them, I would not have the smart and confident dog I have now and would be a ball of frustration. I always look forward to our sessions so I can see my girl grow!!— Daniel Williams
Posted July 17th 2023
We worked pepper and indie with Jordan a handful of times during our training. Jordan and atlas were fantastic with indigo. Jordan was firm with her in her training and gave us pointers to correct her reactivity to other dogs and to help her pulling on the leash. Atlas was well mannered and a great partner to help stimulate indigo and let her react in a controlled environment. I would recommend Dog training elite to anyone. Our two dogs are much better mannered, have boundaries, and get along much better.— ezra auerbach
Posted July 15th 2023
Awesome training. They helped me with a few behavioral issues I had with my Great Dane. They are very patient, courteous & compassionate !!! Well worth the money. Bentley is soon to become a service dog— Kimberly Rybka
Posted July 7th 2023
Jordan was extremely helpful and patient! We have way too many dogs with lots of personalities. He was able to assist with E collars and beginning training for us. He was professional and efficient. I would recommend Jordan and Elite any day!— Diana Durden
Posted July 6th 2023
I would recommend Dog Training Elite to everyone! I had the opportunity to work with many talented members of their team. Jordan and his amazing dog Atlas helped me and Aries work on distractions in public. He was patient, clear and very knowledgeable. Jordan took the time to explain how Aries and I could be a better team and help pass our PSA. If I could give 10 stars to the Dog Training Elite team I would!!!!— Sharon Davidov
Posted July 6th 2023
Jordan has trained our dog on multiple occasions, in our home and in public places (our pup needed help with wanting to bark at every dog she saw). He was attentive, helpful, able to answer ALL of our questions, and kind. We would recommend him to anyone.— Alli Thompson
Posted July 5th 2023
Chesty has been a remarkable addition to our family. Since we first got him as a puppy we knew he had great potential, we just never knew how. We started working with Jordan and his dog Atlas with basic to intermediate training. We were impressed with his level of dedication and professionalism that we decided to continue Chesty’s advanced training. His level of knowledge and expertise was quickly demonstrated, having a steadfast and effective solution for every issue that Chesty had was something that we truly appreciated. Kyler and Tray have helped transform him from your average family pet, to a certified service animal that will protect and love our family for years to come. We highly recommend Dog Training Elite for any and all dog training development.— rigoberto solis
Posted July 4th 2023
Jordan and his dog Atlas were amazing with my puppy, Punxsy. She was in training to be a service dog, and he was so patient, knowledgeable, and Punxsy loved him. Punxsy is now a certified service dog (only 7 months old), and I was able to fly home to Delaware a week ago to visit my family. She was perfect in the airport and on the plane. Jordan played a major role in her training and getting her certified as a service dog. Thank you Jordan and Atlas!— Sheena McIntire
Posted July 4th 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.