A service dog and their owner outside - find elite service dog training in Greenville / Spartanburg, SC with Dog Training Elite.

Professional

Service Dog Training

Dog Training Elite Upstate SC

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Our Service Dog Training Could Help:

Veterans or civilians with PTSD, anxiety, or depression
Children or adults with autism
Individuals with epilepsy
Advanced medical training (participating locations)

Dog Training Elite Upstate SC

Service Dog Training in Greenville / Spartanburg, SC

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines a service dog as “a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability.” Disabilities include mental or physical impairments that affect an individual’s ability to perform one or more major life activities (walking, seeing, etc.).

Because service dogs play such a key role in the life of disabled individuals, they are protected by the law. Places of residence, employment, and commercial facilities cannot discriminate against disabled individuals with service animals. If you are wondering how to get a service dog, you can either purchase a fully trained dog or purchase a service puppy and train it.

With our service dog training in Greenville / Spartanburg, SC, we ensure that your dog is trained to meet the specific needs of your disability, providing personalized support and empowering both dog and handler for long-term success.

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A man and his support service dog - learn more about our positive training methods at Dog Training Elite.

Our Positive Approach to Service Dog Training


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At Dog Training Elite, we believe that successful dog training requires dedication, patience, and balance. That’s why we are committed to using positive reinforcement techniques in all of our training programs.

Through balanced training, our team helps owners build trust with their dogs. This approach is especially important for service dog training because strong relationships and communication are essential for dogs to reliably assist their handler.

By focusing on encouragement rather than punishment, we created confident, well-behaved dogs that are eager to perform their best and impress their owners.

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!

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Fred Conley
    Feb. 11, 2025
    We had a lot of trouble controlling Bandit before he attended Dog Training Elite Upstate. Since he was trained he is a different dog. He is very obedient and very happy. We recommend Upstate to anyone who would like to have a well trained dog
  • Leslie Fatum
    Feb. 8, 2025
    DTE is a wonderful choice for dogs and their humans who need training! Our 4-year-old Staffie mix was developing some bad habits such as being aggressive towards other dogs and insane when we encountered cats on the street, even though he was great with our senior cats when we adopted him two years ago. But they passed away in 2023, and after we adopted two kittens this Xmas, he made us afraid for their lives if he was ever able to get to them. After a long talk with Mackenzie (who has a great story about her experiences with getting her 9-year-old Chihuahua trained) and then a free in-home evaluation with Casey - whose own shelter dog showed us some amazing stuff - we signed up for the Gold Plan. This has been money well spent! Dante is still learning, as are we, but we’re excited to start our free 6 months of classes and we know the great trainers at DTE will be there to support us all the way. They’ve worked with all kinds of dogs, all ages and all backgrounds. I was able to talk with one of their customers about her experience with them and I’d be more than willing to talk to you!
  • Candice Osborne
    Jan. 31, 2025
    Wonderful experience learning how to train our dog. Not only did she learn all the commands but they taught her how to jump (which she was scared to do before) and her quality of life is much better now!
  • Brooke Gooch
    Jan. 23, 2025
    They were a great help with my Shiba. Definitely understood his behavior and taught me not to let him walk all over me. He still has a way to go but is much better than he was when we started!
  • Kevin Garrett
    Jan. 22, 2025
    Reaching out to Dog Training Elite was the best decision I could have possibly made for myself and Henry. He was wild and didn't care to listen to anyone. That changed from the very first visit. Being involved in the training was a huge deal and with them you're just as involved as they are. All the trainers that came were beyond smart and Henry learned each session. Now I can take him on vacations and go places without worrying about how he will act and know he will listen to me in any environment. He was a little over 1 when we started I wish I had done it as soon as I got him. 10/10 recommend.
  • Dominique Woodard
    Jan. 21, 2025
    I'm lost for words, honestly. Casey and Danny truly changed not only mine but my pups life. The amount of love and care they showed my boy blew me away. They truly want nothing but the best for your dogs and it shows in the work they do. It's nice to see these trainers LOVE what they do. I truly can't say good enough things about this company. Truly. Thank you so much for everything. Please don't think twice if you're considering!
  • Adeline Kamis
    Jan. 21, 2025
    all of the trainers are so sweet and lovely! They gave my dog such a great obedience foundation and have so much care for each of their clients.
  • Penny Boswell Grossi
    Jan. 21, 2025
    If you have a dog that could use ANY level of training, stop looking and register with Dog Elite! One of my biggest regrets was not signing mine up sooner! I have a 10 year old chihuahua rescue that has always been pretty anxious. Adding children to my family and a move amped up her anxiety to an unmanageable level, she was constantly snappy, biting everyone and a danger to have in our home. I knew she wouldn’t be rehome-able in that state, so I convinced my husband to try one more training program (we had already spent plenty on other trainings) so if we did have to go the route of rehoming we could at least feel like we were giving her a chance. It’s been almost 4 months since training, and it is safe to say you CAN teach an old dog new tricks!! She is a completely different dog in the BEST way possible. I cannot say it enough - this training will make a world of difference for not only your dog, but for you, your family and your everyday life!
  • Julie Roberts Israel
    Jan. 7, 2025
    I purused a few different options before I decided to go with DogTraining Elite for obedience training for my mini Australian Shepherd. All the trainers at the facility were top-notch professional -caring and loving towards my dog and provided the MOST amazing results when I thought the case was hopeless. I would highly recommend this team and their professionalism to anybody who is looking for Incredible obedience training for their pup 🐶
  • Catherine Orellana
    Jan. 4, 2025
    Dog Training Elite has some of the most knowledgeable and compassionate trainers I’ve ever met. I chose to do the week long training where you drop off every morning at their facility and pick up in the afternoon. I have never left my baby with anyone else before, so I was nervous. Each day we went in, my puppy ran towards the door so I knew she was being loved and taken care of while I wasn’t there. If you are wanting to help your furbaby become more obedient or if you are looking into service animal training, this place is it!
  • Amanda Lenar
    Dec. 26, 2024
    Dog Training Elite Upstate SC is amazing! We have a special rescue dog who endured serious trauma before we were able to save him... This has left him with severe anxiety that makes it uncomfortable to have anyone visit our home. He would bark and howl incessantly, stress poop, and clamor to get away from anyone who isn't in our family. After two in-home sessions (before and after training) plus two weeks of doggy camp training, WE HAVE A NEW DOG! He is working so hard on his commands, but more importantly, he can work through his stress and ACTUALLY enjoy company. Several people who have seen him before and after training say he's completely changed. He lets you pet him, play with him, hold him, and more - it seems like he actually enjoys it (some of the time). This is HUGE and more than we could have hoped for. Dog Training Elite Upstate SC is full of caring, compassionate, hardworking people who LOVE dogs and want to make a difference. We will be bringing our six year old petite goldendoodle to them for some basic training soon as a repeat customer! Look no further -- go with them!
  • Lilly Catherine
    Dec. 19, 2024
    My Golden Retriever went to Elite Camp and has learned commands such as sit, place, come and heel. Prior to camp, she struggled with these commands and had great difficulty walking with a leash. Today, we had a session with Danny at Conestee Park and my pup practiced heeling with distractions such as children playing, car horns honking and other dogs in the vicinity. With Danny’s guidance, she overcame her fears and could heel nicely. She also was able to “place” and sit on an uneven rock and later a bench. Danny was extremely patient and helpful. We will continue practicing what we learned at group lessons. The owner and all the trainers are excellent. I would highly recommend Elite to anyone who would like a well behaved companion.
  • Wayne Turner
    Dec. 2, 2024
    I was blow away with the love they give to every dog and time working with them. I know after the week in training. She had what it takes, but they worked with me to understand what part I needed too
  • Kate Murphy
    Nov. 29, 2024
    This was my first time seeking professional training for a dog. I was uneasy at first as it was all new to me, but all the trainers took the time to explain everything to me as much as I needed and it made me feel comfortable making this commitment of time and money. I’ve seen the most amazing results from training far beyond what I imagined!! My bond with my dog has been strengthened and she has found so much enjoyment learning her tasks. All the trainers we’ve worked with have been so friendly, helpful, and smart. I’d recommend them to anyone considering to invest in training.
  • Heather Hayden
    Nov. 23, 2024
    Absolutely amazing results!! We can’t recommend DTE enough. All the trainers we have encountered have been so sweet, knowledgeable, and patient; you can tell they love what they do. Before training, our 1.5 year old Boykin Spaniel walked, or should I say drug, us around on our walks and the only command she did somewhat consistently was sit and come (but you could forget it with any distractions). Today, Duchess can walk by our side WITHOUT a leash and can hold a sit for 5+ minutes with distractions! I could go on and on. If you are hesitant or debating if training is worth it or not, just do it! We are so pleased with our investment in our pup and we are a better family for it. Thank you DTE for teaching us the best and most effective ways to communicate with our sweet pup!
  • Heather Hayden
    Nov. 23, 2024
    Absolutely amazing results!! We can’t recommend DTE enough. All the trainers we have encountered have been so sweet, knowledgeable, and patient; you can tell they love what they do. Before training, our 1.5 year old Boykin Spaniel walked, or should I say drug, us around on our walks and the only command she did somewhat consistently was sit and come (but you could forget it with any distractions). Today, Duchess can walk by our side WITHOUT a leash and can hold a sit for 5+ minutes with distractions! I could go on and on. If you are hesitant or debating if training is worth it or not, just do it! We are so pleased with our investment in our pup and we are a better family for it. Thank you DTE for teaching us the best and most effective ways to communicate with our sweet pup!
  • J Lauren Villano
    Nov. 18, 2024
    I am blown away!!! Billie is a 1 year old Plott Hound. Before coming to Dog Training Elite, she was chaotic. We just finished her week of training camp last week and she's a different dog! I was able to train her on my own to a certain point but I didn't know how to make it stick. DTE helped me just as much if not more than Billie. I now know how to communicate to her what her job is during certain instances. I'm now able to actually play with my nieces and nephew when they're at my house. I can take Billie on walks and actually enjoy the walk myself. I still have a 1:1 session and 6 months of group classes to continue our training, but I can already confidently say that this training is worth every penny. If your dog is food aggressive, gets overly excited by visitors, or needs an outlet for pent up puppy energy... This is the training for you and your doggo!
  • Alison Jones
    Nov. 14, 2024
    We adopted a dog with some serious anxiety that manifested as leash aggression. We’d tried another training program previously and were told that she’d never be able to go anywhere with us. Then we went to a baseball game and saw Dog Training Elite in action. I called and scheduled a free eval. I was honest and told them that my husband was likely going to say no (we’d already spent a good deal of $ on training that didn’t help our main issue). We met with our evaluator and even my husband was sold!! We haven’t looked back. The training had been so incredibly beneficial. One on one sessions in your neighborhood with different trainers is so helpful. Our last session was at Falls Park(lots of people and lots of dogs with ZERO problems). We’ve been able to take our girl camping with is. We are no longer scared to take her on outings where there might be other dogs. She so much better behaved! Not gonna lie, she’s not perfect but she’s getting there. Thank you,DTE!
  • Emese Simon
    Nov. 6, 2024
    We have been struggling with our 2 year old puppy with significant dog reactivity, to the point of being afraid to take her for a walk as she would bark uncontrollably, jump, pull. We tried multiple methods and classes, including a camp where she stayed for a month to try to get control of her behaviors, without any improvement. Once we started working with dog elite training, she was transformed. I can't believe how well she is doing now. We can walk in our neighborhood without any fear of her lunging at another puppy. She is more confident, happy dog and responds well. We are learning how to work with her and she is listening very well. We found everyone extremely helpful, knowledgeable, friendly and understanding of our challenges with our puppy. We are looking forward to attending the group lessons and continue to watch Millie's progress. Thank you Casey for your patience, guidance and help with our challenging puppy.
  • Cole O'Connor
    Nov. 6, 2024
    I cannot recommend Dog Training Elite enough! Their obedience program is truly outstanding. From our very first session, the trainers demonstrated a deep understanding of canine behavior and used positive reinforcement techniques with the e-collar that made learning enjoyable for my dog. The curriculum is well-structured, addressing everything from basic commands to more advanced skills, ensuring we stayed engaged and motivated. What impressed me the most was the personalized approach; the trainers took the time to understand my dog's unique personality and tailored their methods accordingly. The results have been incredible. My dog is more obedient, confident, and well-behaved in various situations. Furthermore, the offered support is fantastic, with resources and guidance provided to reinforce what we have learned in class. We are looking forward to the 6 months of free group sessions that was part of our package, to continue to work through our tollgate checklist so we can move on to therapy training. If you're looking for a top notch obedience program that truly makes a difference, Dog Training Elite is the way to go!
A Dog Training Elite Upstate SC owner smiling with his dog in Greenville / Spartanburg, SC.

Dog Training Elite Upstate SC

Is a Service Dog The Same As a Therapy Dog?

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Many types of working dogs increase the quality of life for their handlers. The three main categories of working dogs are service animal, therapy animal, and emotional support animal. Each category covers different areas of support and different levels of protection under the law.

  1. Service Animal
  2. As mentioned above, service animals assist individuals with disabilities. Depending on the person’s needs, the service animal learns how to perform certain tasks. Guide dogs, for example, help blind individuals safely navigate their environment. Seizure response dogs respond to their handlers when the individual is having a seizure. Service animals are highly trained and specialized, and they are also offered the most protection under the law compared to therapy or emotional support animals.

    Dogs are not the only kinds of service animals - miniature horses are often trained to support individuals with disabilities!

  3. Therapy Animal
  4. Therapy dogs provide comfort and improve the mental well-being of individuals in hospitals, hospice care, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, and more. These dogs must have a friendly, calm demeanor and be comfortable when handled by strangers.

    Therapy dogs are not trained to perform specific tasks, but they must be obedient and well-mannered. Therapy animals are permitted in some areas where pets are not, but they have fewer protections than service animals. All therapy dogs must be certified before they can offer their services to the community.

  5. Emotional Support Animal
  6. Emotional support dogs relieve loneliness, anxiety, depression, and other symptoms of mental health disorders. They provide comfort to their handlers, but they are not trained to perform specific tasks. Most emotional support animals are sensitive to the emotional changes of their handler and will remain close by at all times. Emotional support animals are not protected by the ADA, but residential buildings must permit emotional support animals.

Dog Training Elite Upstate SC

What Can Service Dogs Do?

Service dogs are crucial in assisting individuals with various disabilities and conditions, providing them with support, independence, and companionship. These highly trained dogs can perform specific tasks tailored to the needs of their handlers. Learn about breeds that make great service dogs, who can benefit from a service dog and the training that will help these pups meet their handler's needs.

Service dogs are a great help to disabled individuals thanks to their incredible ability to perform highly specialized tasks, like opening doors, switching lights on and off, assisting with balance and stability, guiding, pulling wheelchairs, answering phones and making calls, finding objects or places, unloading and loading items, clearing rooms, finding help, and many more. Service dogs improve the lives of disabled individuals by increasing their autonomy.
Individuals with certain diseases and disorders can benefit from a highly trained service dog. Dogs have an incredible sense of smell and they can detect the chemical changes associated with oncoming seizures and increases in blood pressure. Alert service dogs alert their handler to these situations to prevent a life-threatening emergency. Alert dogs also help those with extreme allergies detect potential allergens in food.
Disabled or epileptic individuals are more prone to emergencies than the average person. Service dogs are trained to alert their handler to a potential emergency, and alert surrounding individuals to an active emergency. Service dogs can also call for help on pre-programmed phones.

Additional Service Training Info

Dog Training Elite Upstate SC - PTSD Service Dog Training in Greenville / Spartanburg. Dog Training Elite Upstate SC
PTSD Service Dog

If you're looking to train a PTSD service dog in Greenville / Spartanburg, SC, Dog Training Elite is here to help. Our service dogs are trained to assist with symptoms such as anxiety, hyper-vigilance, and panic attacks, providing grounding emotional support.

Dog Training Elite Upstate SC - Psychiatric Service Dog Trainers in Greenville / Spartanburg
Psychiatric Service Dog Training

Our psychiatric service dog training in Greenville / Spartanburg, SC helps individuals with PTSD, anxiety, and depression. We'll help train your dog to mitigate symptoms by offering emotional grounding and support during stressful situations.

Dog Training Elite Upstate SC - Mobility Service Dog in Greenville / Spartanburg, SC. Dog Training Elite
Mobility Support Service Dog

Enhance your independence or help a loved one with specialized mobility service dog training in Greenville / Spartanburg, SC from Dog Training Elite. Our expert trainers teach dogs the skills they need to support their owners with mobility challenges.

Dog Training Elite Upstate SC - Seizure Response Dog in Greenville / Spartanburg, SC
Medical Response Dog Training

If you are in need of a seizure response dog in Greenville / Spartanburg, SC, Dog Training Elite can help. Our training program is designed to help individuals with epilepsy regain independence and confidence.

Dog Training Elite Upstate SC - Autism Support Dog Training in Greenville / Spartanburg, SC
Autism Support Service Dog

Bring life-changing support to your family with Dog Training Elite's autism support dog training in Greenville / Spartanburg, SC. Our compassionate trainers work closely with your family and dog throughout the entire process, ensuring your pup is fully prepared to provide comfort, safety, and companionship.

A service dog at a ball game with their owner - get professional Greenville / Spartanburg service dog training with Dog Training Elite.

Dog Training Elite Upstate SC

Service Dogs for Anxiety, PTSD, and Autism

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Service dogs trained to assist handlers with severe anxiety or depression perform specific tasks that reduce the potential for panic attacks or self-harm attempts. Such tasks include deep-pressure therapy, tactile stimulation, alerting, clearing rooms, blocking strangers from approaching, and more. Service dogs trained to assist those with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) have greatly improved the lives of many veterans.

Service dogs also make a big impact on the lives of children with autism. Children with autism are often prone to meltdowns, have trouble communicating, and are quick to run off or become easily lost. Service dogs prevent and mediate all of these behaviors to provide a higher quality of life for children with autism and their families.

As autism is a spectrum disorder, each child has varying needs of assistance. Autism service dogs perform the following tasks:

  • Tracking: Children with autism often wander away, and a parent’s worst fear is turning their back for just a moment and discovering their child is gone. Autism service dogs will track the child if this ever happens.
  • Tethering: This task minimizes wandering, which is common in public settings. The child is tethered to the service dog’s leash or harness, preventing him or her from wandering away.
  • Behavior Interruption: Repetitive and ritualistic behaviors are typical of autistic children, as are meltdowns when the child becomes overstimulated. Autism service dogs recognize these negative behaviors and redirect the child’s attention when they start. A simple paw or nudge is all it takes to prevent a meltdown.
A service puppy waiting for their owner - Dog Training Elite Upstate SC.

How Do I Get a Service Dog?

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If you are wondering how to get a service dog, there are a couple of different approaches. Some service dogs are purchased outright, fully trained. Or a compatible dog is selected and trained from an early age. Training a dog from the start is the best option, especially for those with specialized needs.

Training a dog to perform service responsibilities must start from day one. Only certain breeds are suited to service work, and breeders put a lot of time into raising puppies to be service animals. Once you have purchased a service puppy, additional training is necessary to prepare your puppy for life as a service dog. This is a complicated process that involves various steps. Dog Training Elite makes getting a service dog easier with our service dog training program.

Our talented trainers can help select puppies that are prepared for a life of service from well-respected breeders. When these puppies enter the service dog training program they are closely monitored for behavior and temperament and can be fully obedience trained by the age of six months. These puppies undergo extensive socialization and additional training to ensure they are well-suited for service and therapy needs including specialized service training alongside the new handler.

This program is ideal for handlers who want to take part in the developmental years and extensive training of their service puppy.

A group of dogs being trained by the expert team at Dog Training Elite Upstate SC.
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Educate, Empower, Elevate, Elite

Victory Begins With Elite Education

A trainer, a man and his service dog - find the best service dog training in Greenville / Spartanburg, SC with Dog Training Elite.

We Are Committed to Making a Difference

Choose DTE for Greenville / Spartanburg Service Dog Training

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At Dog Training Elite, we are passionate about transforming lives through Greenville / Spartanburg service dog training. Our proven, balanced training methods help create highly skilled, dependable service dogs that are both obedient and loyal to their handlers.

From mobility support and physical assistance to emotional well-being and more, Dog Training Elite is committed to providing personalized, high-quality training that makes a lasting impact.

Choose Dog Training Elite Upstate SC and experience the difference that elite training and compassionate care can make.