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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 Green Bay / Appleton apart from any other dog training service.
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Green Bay / Appleton 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 Green Bay / Appleton 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 Green Bay / Appleton’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 Green Bay / Appleton 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 Green Bay / Appleton 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 Green Bay / Appleton?
Dog Training Elite Green Bay / Appleton 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 Green Bay / Appleton does not use punishments or shock collars to break bad habits. Instead, Dog Training Elite Green Bay / Appleton 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 Green Bay / Appleton is that while most dog training programs train dogs at their own facilities, Dog Training Elite Green Bay / Appleton 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 Green Bay / Appleton is there every step of the way. With Dog Training Elite Green Bay / Appleton, 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!
Ramiro did an amazing job with Keebler! Before starting training, Keebler would bark and nip at anyone who came through our doors. He’s very protective of our children with disabilities sometimes too much. I love that Ramiro laid out all the options for Keebler's training and did not sugar coat the experience. I was nervous to start Keebler due to his aggression towards strangers but Ramiro took one look at Keebler and said “by the end of this I’ll be giving you belly rubs and you’ll be giving me kisses”. That’s exactly what happened. Keebler succeeded all of the trainings each week and he’s a better dog for it! Thank you so MUCH Elite Dog Training and especially Ramiro!— Tricia and Angel
Posted May 9th 2024
My 2 goldendoodle have been training for 4 weeks and they are doing great. I was trying to train them on my own, at 10 months old they won't going good with the training. So I call elite and asked from help. My girls are doing wonderful since we started training with Ramiro.— Jamie Deprey
Posted April 28th 2024
We reached out to Dog Training Elite to do puppy training for our Great Dane. Before we started training we were having a really hard time getting our puppy to pay attention and listen. Throughout training and after we have a completely different dog. Stephany and Alli were amazing and always made the training fun and informative. I would recommend Dog Training Elite to anyone!— Emily Gallagher
Posted April 25th 2024
I have struggled with my black lab mix since I rescued him at 4 months old. He is now 3 yrs old. We have struggled with Eddie being fear reactive to strangers and other dogs. I tried everything. I mean everything as in music, calming treats, two types of medication that the vet prescribed and four different trainers etc. I am so thankful that I found Ramiro and his wife. Since the first day of meeting Ramiro he has been easy to talk to. He listened to my concerns and my goals and made them happen. The one on one training at my home, different neighborhoods and even my sons high school baseball game has been the best experiences for Eddie and I. Our last one on one was at home depot and Eddie made me so proud by accepting a treat from a stranger with no issues. Finally, the group class is amazing! Knowing that us and others at the group class are all there for the same reason. Very comforting to know that it is a controlled environment and the trainers are there to help you and your dog get through the tough parts confidently. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!— Jenny Quella
Posted April 14th 2024
We have a smart but stubborn shiba-sheltie who’s 4. We were contemplating having to rehome her due to her debilitating anxiety. We tried everything from vet help, medication, YouTube training videos, etc. We decided it was time to turn to obedience training and that was the best decision we have ever made. The free consultation was super helpful for us to make the decision and have any questions answered. We got matched with Ramiro for our training and he was so knowledgeable, friendly, and helped transform our dogs confidence which drastically improved her anxiety! We went with the platinum package as that came with unlimited training and group classes. Ramiro made sure that we had our needs met and constantly checked in to make sure we felt satisfied with the training and would ask if we felt anything was missing. This couldn’t have been a better experience for us and our dog. We could have done weekly trainings forever it was that enjoyable. Thank you to Ramiro and his wife for the support and experience overall! They run a great business and are so passionate about what they do. 1000/10 will always recommend them!— Sophia Melotte
Posted April 10th 2024
Elite training took our rambunctious 18 month old who rarely listened, to an obedient, well behaved pup! I never would have imagined he could be turned around so quickly! Addressed every behavior we wanted help with - jumping up, off leash listening, manners when visitors to the home, walking without pulling. I liked the benefit of in home training by correcting behaviors where we mostly are. Quality of training was well worth the cost and liked that all training tools were included. It was clear to me how not only knowledgeable the staff is, but they genuinely care about the health and well-being of our dog and our family.— Kim Gillis
Posted April 10th 2024
Dog Training Elite all the way!!! I bought a Belgian Malinois puppy, right off the bat the owner Ramiro knew what course of action to take to tame this three month old beast. Over the course of my eight week package I had the pleasure of getting to know Ramiro and his wife Stephany, these two take their job very passionately and seriously. I am extremely happy that I made the wise decision to go through Dog Training Elite because if I did not I would probably have a very stubborn puppy. The results of Ramiro and Stephany's Training is not only very effective but rewarding in its own ways, I would HIGHLY recommend Dog Training Elite to anyone who is thinking of getting any breed puppy or is just looking to train an old dog some new tricks!!! Thank you Ramiro and Stephany for your time and effort towards me and Maverick!!!— Owen Froelich
Posted April 9th 2024
Stephanie and Ramiro are excellent at training you and your dog. Ramiro solved some issues I was having with my German Shepherd. Communication was excellent. He was flexible with scheduling. He adapted and tailored a program to accommodate my needs and goals. His method works!— rjknauf
Posted April 9th 2024
Ramiro with Dog Training Elite was great! Provided the exact tools we needed for a well trained dog.— Jeanna Leslie
Posted April 5th 2024
I am so happy that I made the decision to call this business. Ramero helped me and my dog immensely. I was ready to give up on her but Ramero’s patience and training with both of us helped turn things around. I now enjoy my dog and look forward to the Group sessions to build what we have learned. Thank you for helping us!!— Anne Walkowski
Posted April 4th 2024
The most important thing my dog learned was door manners, she used to bark her fool head off every time we had visitors and would not calm down until they left. Now she can be out of her kennel and is quiet the whole time they are here— Barb Lewis
Posted March 31st 2024
Romero is great to work with. He took his time to review our family needs and was able to develop a plan that worked for us and our 2 Belgian Malinois. He is very knowledgeable, patient and open to feedback. If you follow the plan he created, and put the work in, I’m sure that your dog(s) will be well trained. We loved working with him and are happy to continue our journey with him. Kasha and Larry.— Kasha Baer-Bos
Posted March 31st 2024
Today was ort first day of training. Our 2 goldendoodle Willow and Aurora are 10 months old. They had a really good day. I'm so happy that we have elite training our dogs— Jamie Deprey
Posted March 30th 2024
There is nothing better than a well behaved, obedient pup that can grow old with us. Ramiro and Stephanie did a great job. They were very professional. Totally enjoyed the training. Enjoy our well-trained Dog. It was a total success.— Jon Robertson
Posted March 27th 2024
Our Coco had more spunk in her than we knew what to do with! It wasn’t until some friends came over & our 7-mo. old used our furniture like a parkour course, which was very embarrassing. She also had developed some bad habits that we didn’t know how to correct. We knew the training investment to have an obedient dog would make all of our lives much less stressful. We looked around & DOG TRAINING ELITE was by far the best value with options that allowed us to prioritize & choose the plan that was best for us and Coco. Ramiro & Stephanie were professional, organized, and we loved training Coco in our home. It was a great educational opportunity for us and taught us how to be amazing humans and see Coco happy and feel rewarded for learning life skill commands that we will use everyday. We can’t wait for our next stage of dog socialization where Coco will learn how to build her confidence and understand boundaries to keep her safe on outings and still have a ton of fun! We love the peace of mind and no stress days with our adorable well behaved Coco Chanel Robertson! Cheers🎉 Jon & Sarah— Sarah Robertson
Posted March 27th 2024
We found Dog training elite after realizing 12 weeks of pet store training was not carrying over to home. In home personalized training with Ramiro has taken our energetic puppy from one who maybe listened and bolted out the door, to one I could trust on an off leash walk. Well worth the investment to have a well behaved obedient dog.— Lindsay Deuster
Posted March 16th 2024
We had an amazing experience with Ramiro. Super knowledgeable and extremely helpful with training our dog Henry. We were able to work through his aggression issues, and he learned basic manners that every dog should know. Henry went from a dog who was unable to be walked outside or meet new people to a well behaved, obedient, happy boy. It was well worth it, and we appreciate all of the help we’ve gotten. Highly recommend!!— Emily Jirik
Posted March 12th 2024
Our rescue, Bandit, is loving but definitely had behavioral issues. Dog Training Elite was recommended by our groomer and we are so happy we decided to invest in this training. Stephanie was amazing, and was calm and patient with Bandit. We highly recommend Dog Training Elite.— Patricia Helland
Posted March 12th 2024
Kevin and I have a bloodhound named Cash. She needed a lot of training with obedience and aggression mostly towards me. Romiro is amazing. He listened to all of our needs and concerns. His training sessions included Cash and Kevin and I as well. She learned many commands and I can now take her for a walk on a leash instead of her taking me! We definitely recommend Dog Training Elite if you are looking for help with your fur baby! Thank you Romiro for everything.— kevin strong
Posted March 5th 2024
My boyfriend and I have a 5 month old belgian malinois that we got in november of 2023! He is the sweetest little man, but needed some major guidance in obedience. We were struggling for a while debating what, where, when, and how we should do training. We just happened to come across Dog Training Elite on a random weekday night, little did we know all our prayers would be answered!! Ramiro and Stephany are by far some of the best people we’ve had the pleasure of working with. they take the time to get to know their customers, and what they’re looking for. Maverick went through an 8 week platinum training program starting in December, and he just passed his Good Canine Citizen test with flying colors!! So young yet!! I really don’t think we could have made a better decision than going with Dog Training Elite. You can truly feel the care they put into their work, even outside of training sessions. Thank you Ramiro and Stephany! You guys have truly helped us raise our little man!— Allison Sticka
Posted February 15th 2024
Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation
At Dog Training Elite Green Bay / Appleton, 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 Green Bay / Appleton 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.