Gentle

Autism Support Training


Autism Support Dog Trainer in Knoxville, TN

Call to Schedule FREE In-Home Assessment

865-500-6087


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Contact Dog Training Elite Knoxville

Or Call to Schedule FREE In-Home Assessment

865-500-6087


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Service dogs can become an emotional anchor for children with autism and a sense of security to family members. Families 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.

Children with autism can often feel isolated. A service dog becomes a 24/7 companion to share experiences with, connect with, and love. They can help children reintegrate into society and connect with others as well. Perhaps the most fascinating benefit is the effect a service dog directly has on cortisol levels. Testing cortisol levels is a way for researchers to test stress levels without having to ask participants questions. Cortisol studies have proven that children with autism have reduced levels of cortisol with the introduction of a trained autism service dog.

Pricing Programs Free Assessment

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Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Knoxville location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.


Personalized Autism Canines

20 One-on-One & 12 Months Group Sessions

$6,995

Personalized autism canines provide an emotional anchor for children with autism and a sense of security to family members. The autism world is widely accepting of service dogs, as overwhelming results show psychological benefits for the child in addition to the entire family. Autism support service dogs will learn basic obedience and advanced tasks that are customizable, such as:

  • Deep Pressure Therapy
  • Anchor a Child Who Wanders
  • Sensory Assistance
  • Find Help
  • Redirect Repetitive Behaviors
  • Tactile Stimulation

About Autism Support Dogs

There has been an enormous increase in the use of service dogs as a powerful tool in advancing and supporting those with autism. The autism world is widely accepting and promoting service dogs as overwhelming results come in showing that not only is a child’s psychological state improved, but that of the entire family is as well. A service dog can unlock levels of connection and progress that is otherwise very difficult to obtain with autism.

Pricing Programs Free Assessment

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Benefits of an autism service dog:


  • Increase social interaction
  • Redirect repetitive behaviors
  • Increase independence
  • Increase vocabulary
  • Improve the quality of sleep
  • Provide sensory assistance
  • Increase safety
  • Deep pressure tasks
  • Mobility assistance
  • Create a calmer environment
  • Assist in quickly recovering a lost child with autism

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.

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!

I can't recommend Dog Training Elite highly enough! From start to finish, my experience with them has been exceptional. Andi in the office is an absolute gem - always friendly, polite, and incredibly efficient. She made scheduling around my hectic timetable an absolute breeze, whether it was answering the phone or swiftly returning missed calls. And when it come to Parker, our trainer, I couldn't be more impressed. Parker was punctual and well-prepared for every lesson. His expertise and patience with me and my dog was evident, and I saw significant progress with each lesson. Thank you, Dog Training Elite, for providing the service that you do!
— Alisa Kellington-Welsh
Posted April 19th 2024
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Best trained dog I’ve ever had. Friendly service. Our trainer Nikki is great!
— Daniel Stout
Posted April 19th 2024
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I had a great experience with Nikki! She worked great with Zurii and I during our training sessions. We learned a lot.
— Janet Koontz
Posted April 18th 2024
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What a great experience! We are so happy we chose Training Elite and Nikki was our trainer. Money well spent.
— Sherry Sapp
Posted April 11th 2024
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I’ve had nothing but a great experience with Dog Training Elite! Parker was our trainer and helped my crazy Labrador. My dog is now a better listener and is eager and engaged when it come to training. Thank you so much Parker and DTE! :)
— Lindsay Robison
Posted April 9th 2024
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Parker was very kind and detail-oriented when training my dog. Saw great results, would recommend to anyone!
— Taylor Underwood
Posted April 6th 2024
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Nikki was great to work with. Very skilled in dog training and really helped us with our stubborn dog
— Spencer Hall
Posted April 6th 2024
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AMAZING! Highly recommend Parker. He did wonders with my Golden Doodle during training sessions. His expertise and patience were truly awesome.
— Maddie Lambert
Posted April 5th 2024
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I cannot overstate how amazing our experience was with Parker and DTE! Their training schedule was so smooth and easy. Leaving with me and my dog, Birdie, commands to work on and practice in between each session. Birdie’s growth by the end was crazy! Highly recommend to anyone looking for dog training!
— Tate Weichers
Posted April 5th 2024
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Nikki is amazing! She is so knowledgeable, patient, and a true dog lover! She helped my boy go from extremely reactive to being able to ignore dogs passing by. She gets to know your dog very individually and is able to read their body language perfectly. Couldn’t recommended her or DTE more! Amazing experience.
— Ashley Alba
Posted March 6th 2024
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The best in the business!!!
— Brooke Taylor
Posted February 20th 2024
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These dogs are the most well-trained and behaved dogs I've ever seen!
— Katie Gurney
Posted February 20th 2024
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Nikki is just an immaculate trainer, she made such drastic changes with my dog and I. I will never ever look back, thank you for all the extra effort.
— Bentley Banks
Posted February 1st 2024
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Highly recommend Nikki and Dog Training Elite!
— Chris Kisner
Posted January 1st 2024
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If you are wanting a trainer, I highly recommend Nikki Hynes. I have seen her transform dogs from skittish and fearful to bold and beautiful. A few of her own dogs have gone from shrinking violet rescue animals to NATIONAL level citizens. No dogs want to live in fear. She is a great pack leader that brings them out of their shell and shows them a better way. As long as you are willing to invest the time into your dog and follow her recommendations, you too can have a solid HAPPY, obedient partner. Best wishes to you and your pooch
— Trail or Sport Horse
Posted December 16th 2023
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Nikki Hyne is an experienced, professional dog trainer who loves dogs. Her ability to pinpoint behavior problems, personalities, dog signals and interactions is spot on. She is quick to see health problems that may be causing your pet issues. She keeps your dog active and challenges them to use their mind. Her training is consistent and her dogs really seem to improve in her care.
— Janet Fletcher
Posted December 14th 2023
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Highly recommend this, love the staff! Super friendly and extremely helpful!
— Alexander Simpkins
Posted December 14th 2023
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Super staff, the Knoxville surrounding areas are in great hands with Nikki, a true dog whisper you will love how your dogs respond and become more than just your best friend.
— Tappie
Posted December 11th 2023
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Talk about great staff and amazing training, my Boston terrier pit mix has been quite the handful. But since her time with dog training elite she has been so easy to work. Couldn’t be happier.
— Timothy Ochoa
Posted December 9th 2023
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Dog Training Elite is a lifesaver! Not only are Parker and Eric extremely kind and patient, they are dedicated and truly know what they’re doing. I couldn’t recommend them enough!!! 10/10 experience for me and my pup, Moose.
— Hannah Seegmiller
Posted December 9th 2023
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Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation

At Dog Training Elite Knoxville, 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 Knoxville 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.

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