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Over the past decade there has been a rise in the number of people with Emotional Support Animals. This has caused some confusion around what it means to have a service, emotional support or therapy animal . Here, we explain briefly the differences between each of these animals, the training required for each different type, and debunk some common myths. Read on to learn the differences between each type of animal, which one might be right for you or your loved one, and how Dog Training Elite in Las Vegas can help.




ESA vs. Therapy vs. Service Animals: What's the Difference?
Service Animals
Service animals are animals that have been trained to assist individuals with tasks specific to their needs.
- Redirecting attention when an individual is beginning to feel overstimulated
- Reminding owners to take medication
- Waking someone who is having a nightmare
Service dogs are valued in the mental health, health care and disability community and are protected under ADA laws which allow owners to take their service dog with them everywhere they go. Dog Training Elite in Las Vegas trains dogs to serve individuals with autism, diabetes and PTSD.
Dog Training Elite in Las Vegas trains autism service dogs to benefit and assist children with autism. Autism service dogs can be trained to track their child in case of wandering and redirect a child’s behavior when they are starting to become overwhelmed.
PTSD service dogs help ground owners to reality, especially in public settings. These service dogs can also be trained to recognize signs of a panic attack and regulate emotional responses through pressure.
Diabetic service dogs can alert their owners to their low blood sugar and provide stability, safety and support.
Visit our individual web pages to understand more about the differences and benefits of autism service dogs, PTSD services dogs and diabetic service dogs.
Emotional Support Animals
Although all dog owners may feel the emotional benefits of owning a dog, the dog needs to be prescribed by a licensed mental health professional to a person with a disabling mental illness such as anxiety or depression to legally be considered an ESA. Emotional Support dogs can be of any age and any breed whereas service dogs usually begin training as puppies.
In addition to being prescribed by a mental health professional, owners may wish for their dog to undergo more specific training. If you are looking for emotional support dog training in your local area, Dog Training Elite in Las Vegas has you covered.
The professional dog trainers of Dog Training Elite in Las Vegas are experienced with training various types of therapy animals. Trainers work with a dog’s natural temperament to ensure a strong, loving bond between dog and owner. Training can be personalized to fit the needs of the owner.
It is important to note that Emotional Support Animals are meant for just that - emotional support. Dogs trained to assist with specific tasks that may be associated with a disability are service animals. Training a dog to be an Emotional Support Animal or a therapy dog is less intensive than training to be a service animal.
Therapy Animals
Therapy Animals are very similar to Emotional Support Animals, except that they are often used to bolster the mental health and wellbeing of a community, as opposed to just an individual. Therapy dogs are often seen serving in hospitals, rehabilitation or care centers with their owners.
Owners who feel their dog may be a good fit for this kind of community service can have them receive top-notch training from Dog Training Elite in Las Vegas.
The most important thing to note as a difference between Emotional Support Animals, Therapy and Service dogs, is service animals are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act which states service animals must be able to accompany their owners wherever they go. Emotional Support and Therapy animals do not have the same protections and public establishments may have their own rules about ESA and therapy dogs.
Whether you’re ready to get a new lease on life with the help of a service dog, or strengthen the existing bond with your dog, Dog Training Elite in Las Vegas has the experience and resources you need.
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 15 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!
Colin and Celeste are great! Very upbeat and positive, and it is obvious that they love what they do. I've had the pleasure of working with them recently and would highly recommend them.— Montina Ruffin
Posted December 2nd 2022
Very friendly staff and service was great! Sessions are going well we’re very pleased.— Mik Clark
Posted October 17th 2022
Nick and Bry with DTE we’re so wonderful with our dog Apollo. He is a high energy dog that required much more training than we could offer and they were able to provide that. They were professional, polite and took care with both us and our dog to ensure we felt comfortable and confident with their training. Thank you so much! Would highly recommend them to anyone!— Megan
Posted October 17th 2022
Nick and dog training elite were tremendous helps with our 7 month old puppy who needed some fine tuning and correction. Nick offers wonderful guidance and tools to provide more structure and leadership for your dog! Would highly recommend! :)— kenzie Arne
Posted October 13th 2022
Nick and Bryanna at DTE are incredible to work with and have improved the partnership between my dog and I. The training is top notch. I highly recommend working with DTE if you are looking for dog training.— Andrew Hood
Posted October 12th 2022
We have 2 vizslas and worked with Nick and Bry in Vegas. They were so helpful in helping us get our two girls back on track. They were professional, polite, and understanding when we would get frustrated. Definitely recommend anyone looking for dog training to work with them!— Andrea Jonsson
Posted October 12th 2022
Excellent company! Nick helped train our puppy to do basic commands. He taught my entire family (and puppy) to be patient and consistent. It worked! We’ve hired him again to teach more advanced skills. Nick has been very flexible with our busy schedules. I highly recommend this company.— Cathy Smith
Posted October 12th 2022
Nick and Bryanna have a very special gift with Dogs. I highly recommend using their services as they use care and love while training And it Shows immediately— Austin Ford
Posted October 12th 2022
Dog Training Elite + the owners Nick and Bryanna were AMAZING. My dogs used to misbehave and would not listen to us well and we had just about had it… we found DTE through word of mouth and couldn’t be happier with the tips & tricks they taught our pups. Thank you guys! Would highly recommend to anyone with a furry companion!— Makaela Bamonti
Posted October 6th 2022
Nick is a really good dog trainer! He loves what he does!— parker fillmore
Posted September 28th 2022
I had the pleasure of working with Nick and would highly recommend using Dog Training Elite for any dog training needs. He is a caring business owner who has a talent for understanding and communicating with dogs.— Michaela Macchia
Posted September 28th 2022
Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation
At Dog Training Elite in Las Vegas, 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 in Las Vegas work's with the Malinois Foundation to heal and empower these individuals with a specialized service animal, a partner in life, and a new best friend.





