Medical Response

Service Dog Training


Medical Response Service Dog Trainers in Knoxville

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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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Epilepsy is a common disorder, affecting approximately 3.4 million Americans. Living with epilepsy can be difficult for many individuals. Due to fear of falling or other consequences related to seizures, many epileptic individuals will avoid going out in public. This greatly reduces quality of life and independence. Fortunately, service dogs can be trained to assist those with epilepsy. A Medical Response Dog is able to alert their caretaker and anyone nearby of an imminent seizure and protect their caretaker from injury or falling. The Americans with Disabilities Act allows individuals with disabilities, such as epilepsy, to bring service dogs anywhere with them in public spaces. The assistance of a Medical Response Dog can empower those with epilepsy and increase their quality of life.

Dogs have the ability to detect changes in an individual’s smell right before an epileptic attack, which allows them to effectively warn their caretakers. Almost any dog can be trained to act as a Medical Response Dog if they have the right temperament. If you or a loved one suffer from epilepsy, a Medical Response Dog training program can be life changing. Dog Training Elite offers a specialized Medical Response Dog training program in Knoxville.

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.


The Medical Response Dog Training Program in Knoxville


For specialized training, it is best to start with puppies. Our Medical Response Dog training program is intensive and prepares your dog for a life of service. Service dogs must have a calm temperament and they must be first trained in obedience. Dogs that have aggressive, shy, or disobedient characteristics cannot be service dogs. After completing obedience programs, service dogs must undergo specialized skill training. An expert assessment will determine whether or not the dog is suited for medical alert services at this point. If so, they dog will be trained to detect oncoming seizures and warn the epileptic individual. Medical Response Dogs warn their caretakers in various ways, including: barking, close eye contact, pawing or licking, and or circling. Additional behaviors can be taught to protect the caretaker, such as breaking a fall by standing behind the individual, turning on lights or opening doors, and alerting others to the situation.

If you are looking for a Medical Response Dog training program in Knoxville to assist an individual with epilepsy, Dog Training Elite is here to help. Our expert trainers are experienced with various types of service dog training programs. Medical Response service dogs can bring independence, increased quality of love, and companionship.

Dog Training Elite has expert trainers experienced in providing medical alert dog training services near you in Knoxville.

Dog Training Elite Knoxville Offers Free Assessments


Dog Training Elite offers free in-home assessments to assess if a current family dog can be trained to become a Medical Response Dog or can help you select a service puppy or dog for training. We offer a unique in-home dog training method that involves owners in the training process, ensuring that training is never undone and both owners and their dogs are bonding and empowered.

Pricing Programs Free Assessment

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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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