Psychiatric / PTSD

Service Dog Trainer


Psychiatric / PTSD Dog Trainer in Mesa, AZ

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A Psychiatric/PTSD service animal will be able to go anywhere with their handler and assist them in times of high anxiety and stress. A service dog will provide emotional support, reintegration into society, reduce depression, reduce the frequency and severity of flashbacks, anchor handler to the present, and reduce suicidal ideation.

Individuals with PTSD often feel unsafe and unsure of reality, especially in public settings. Service dogs for PTSD can help ground their handler to reality, prevent people from crowding or rushing up to them and provide the emotional support needed to de-escalate anxieties. They can be trained to recognize the signs of a panic attack, wake individuals experiencing night terrors and regulate emotional responses through pressure.

Pricing Programs Free Assessment

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


Psychiatric / PTSD Support Dog

12 One-on-One & 52 Group Sessions

$5,995

A Psychiatric/PTSD service dog will be able to go anywhere with their handler and assist them in times of high stress and provide a sense of security. A service dog will provide emotional support, reintegration into society, reduce depression, help cope with anxiety, reduce the frequency and severity of flashbacks, anchor handler to the present, and reduce suicidal ideation. Psychiatric service dog tasks are customizable, but examples include:

  • Grounding
  • Deep Pressure Therapy
  • Panic Response
  • Create a Physical Buffer
  • Interrupt Repetitive Behaviors
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Benefits of Psychiatric/PTSD Service Dog Training:

  • Increase activity and integration into society: Dogs are active and need to be exercised regularly, the responsibility of caring for a service animal will force their handler to get out and exercise. A routine is established and ties to the future are forged again.
  • Create a sense of safety: Public settings and crowds are an enormous trigger for most individuals suffering from PTSD. Psychiatric service dogs are trained to create a physical barrier between their handler and crowds of people.
  • Ground in reality, redirect hyper-vigilance: Hyper-vigilance is a symptom of PTSD and creates constant tension and paranoia within sufferers. Service dogs are trained to recognize their handler’s warning signs for anxiety, hyper-vigilance, and panic attacks and redirect that energy into positive coping skills and grounding techniques such as petting the dog.
  • Reduce nightmares and flashbacks: One of the most emotionally challenging situations for individuals with PTSD to deal with are flashbacks and nightmares. They can transport an individual back to a terrifying time in their life where they have felt unsafe, threatened, and traumatized. A PTSD service animal is trained to bring their handler back to reality quickly and calmly, ground the individual, and help them to feel safe in their environment again.

Pricing Programs Free Assessment

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Dog Training Elite has expert PTSD dog trainers in Mesa that provide service dog training programs for those suffering from PTSD.

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!

Dog Training Elite was essential to training both my husband and I and of course our new rescue. We have had Buddy 7 weeks and within two weeks of beginning their training sessions he started fitting right in with the rest of the family. So far we have had 4 sessions and he has become a well behaved dog. He is crate trained, he doesn’t destroy items anymore and is a pleasure to go for walks with because he has learned to heel, sit as well as be placed. Aspen, Azure and Tori as well as Reno are extremely gifted trainers and we look forward to group training in the coming months with them. We highly recommend DTE for your dog training needs and especially for new rescues, these dogs deserve a second chance and DTE will help you with that transition.
— Liz Cline
Posted November 19th 2023
google
I can be a little critical of dog trainers, and so far, Azure and Taylor have been very patient and do a fantastic job!
— Derek Wilson
Posted July 29th 2023
google
Love this company and their whole team! We had the pleasure of working with multiple trainers including Neil, Aspen, Mark, and Taylor. They were patient with us as new dog owners and took their time training both us and our dog on their program. Having private lessons followed by group lessons allowed us and our dog to learn the rules and practice them at home before applying them in a controlled environment. This significantly reduced my anxiety about bringing our dog in public and around our friends and family. We consistently receive compliments about how well behaved our dog is and those started shortly after we started the program!
— Jenna Leger
Posted March 13th 2023
google
Professional and knowledgeable group. If you want to learn how to have full control of your K9 companion then Dog Training Elite is well worth the time and investment. Don’t be fooled by others!
— Michael Benjamin
Posted March 11th 2023
facebook
Savanah is the best of the best. I would highly recommend her and DTE for service dog training. She has a very solid work ethic, is on time and dedicated to the success and will answer questions. Over the years I have used many different dog trainers and nothing compared. Yes the price is a bit but the likely hood of needing more classes is lower vs those lower price that know you will have to buy more 1 on 1 classes and end up costing more in the end and add frustration. I would 100% go with DTE for my next service dog and specifically Savanah.
— Tony Stephens
Posted January 6th 2023
google
Had my Service Dog trained over the last year with the team she was able to complete her testing in August. Had some hiccups with protection training but was resolved. Overall Neil the owner great to work with very personable and passionate about the dogs training. Megan has done great job communicating since stepping in to handle things.
— kenny j
Posted September 15th 2022
google
We love training with Ashley. She takes the time to make sure we understand everything and personalizes the training to our dog and unique needs. Our dog has gone from pulling on a leash & jumping on people to healing and looking to us for direction. We are looking forward to completing the service dog training and are confident we will be able to do so with Ashley’s help.
— Jennifer Giannetta
Posted November 24th 2021
google
I had Ashley as my trainer and she was the absolute best! She was very thorough with the training for my dog Rufus. I am pleased when taking him out and having people come up to me giving him and myself compliments of how well he behaves. I would recommend Ashley as she does not only work from my place but we did a session with walking around old town Scottsdale to make sure he still would work through with the distractions outside. I have not made it to group Class yet but I do look forward to working Rufus with other dogs and have a chance for him to win a prize in the class.
— Andrew Federico
Posted November 18th 2021
google
We had a great experience with our trainers. Initially we hired them to help us with a rescue pitbull but it didn’t work out and we were forced to do something different for our family with young kids. The remaining balance of our pre-paid training was applied to our new puppy and the experience has been remarkable! I’ve had dogs my entire life and always considered myself well informed and able to manage my dogs. Dog Training Elite took what I knew to the next level… maybe a few levels. It’s been amazing to have a young puppy so well behaved. I would recommend these trainers to anyone looking for help with their dog.
— Howard Hansen
Posted October 18th 2021
google
I was in desperate need of a service dog. I went to DTE after a lot of research and physically observing their dogs and trainers at one of their events. When I arrived at their Mesa location, I was greeted by the most amazing people. They were kind, took a lot of time and effort to understand my needs and my disabilities. They had payment plans that fit my needs and had equipment I would need for training on site. I was lucky to have trainer Lexi. She did absolute wonders with my dog. By day two, my dog was tasking for my disability. Over the course of 3 weeks, Lexi got my dog ready to pass the CGC, CGCU, CGCA, PA, and ALL of the service dog tasks I requested. We were tested by Alex, who made what could have been the most stressful day ever, instead fun, light, and very enjoyable. This was not all. After testing, I was invited to join Service Dog group classes. This was run by Priscilla and Ashley. I was beyond nervous to go to our first class, but Ashley assured me that it was going to be great. I can’t put into words how supportive the class was. Priscilla was so knowledgeable and helped make little corrections with my dog which greatly impacted his behavior. I gained the confidence I needed and my dogs skills skyrocketed. I can not recommend this company enough. If you want results, respect, encouragement, understanding, and a friendly environment, DTE is for you.
— Dina Ransom
Posted July 22nd 2021
google
DTE’s professionals - Alex, Ashley and Aspen (Triple A) have provided their knowledge and tools to help our dog Astrid gain confidence and make good decisions. Through Triple A’s direction, Astrid has made considerable strides in being a good, respectful, obedient and fun Doberman. Thank you Alex, Ashley, and Aspen for your solid expertise, real problem solving skills and real life, practical training . Astrid .
— Al Interiano
Posted June 26th 2021
google
Ashely has been great with my dog. I have seen a big improvement with his obedience especially with recall and reactivity towards other dogs.
— lorenajocelyne
Posted June 12th 2021
google
I enjoyed the work they were able to do with both myself and my dog. Throughout the training I got to see many different trainers but received the same training for each specific course. They were capable to turn my life and my dogs around. They built up the confidence is both of us and showed the world that we are able to be in control. Each lesson was thought out and properly prepared to best teach both of us what we needed to be successful. I continue to look forward to our ongoing lessons and those who have helped us(Ashley, Neal,John,Aspen, Dani and their whole communication team)!
— Dallin Howell
Posted June 10th 2021
google
Every one there, literally everyone is amazing. All of the trainers are awesome and super friendly. They show that they are genuinely interested in asking your dog a more well rounded pet. I just finished the 6 week puppy course and my pup is doing so great. I can't say enough about how amazing this group of trainers are. Ashley stood out as super energetic and super friendly. She came to do the evaluation on my dog and demonstrated what we could hope to expect with her dog. All at my home. And she was involved in every class. Aspen was awesome also. Everyone was great I just can't remember all of their names. But Ashley and Aspen stood out. Thank you guys so much for helping me train my pup. Can't wait to go on to the more advanced classes.
— Clarence Jimenez
Posted June 4th 2021
google
People always ask who trained your dog and I always say dog training elite. They trained my dog to become a service animal . They helped me get a new normal with my service dog. I could never thank them enough for what they do . They have a great team and are always willing to help . Again thank you dog training elite.
— jose declusin
Posted May 29th 2021
google
I am currently training my 3 dog's and they are doing so well. They follow all the commands with the e collar. All of my dogs know basic obedience in the house and we are currently doing group training and it is going really good. The staff at dog training elite is amazing and respond quickly to questions.
— Sarah Becker
Posted May 29th 2021
google
We have been thrilled with Dog Training Elite, Ashley has been wonderful for our puppy! Would highly recommend!
— Vanessa Grothaus
Posted May 29th 2021
google
We have had an excellent experience with Ashley at Dog Training Elite thus far! She had only 2 trainings with my 6 month only pup and it’s be night/day difference in those two session- but TBH even after 1 session it was successful. She’s assertive yet caring which considering my apprehension with the collar, she worked with me to feel amazingly comfortable. She also texts to come early if that works for your scheduling. I highly recommend Ashley and as I move through my 6-8 month commitment with Dog Training Elite, I’ll be sure to review further. I will say the only reason this isn’t 5 star is their administration needs work. Scheduling is not easy. Confirmations of your appointment day of are via text... but scheduling you have to psychically call. Why? Additionally, each trainer cannot schedule appointments other than their own schedule. Which is a PITA if that trainer’s schedule is full on the desired time/day and now you have to call the office. I’ve called at least 7-8 times since seeking out initial service and despite each staff telling me there is “always” at least one person answering phones (except for 1 hour for a meeting on Mondays), I ALWAYS have to leave a voicemail and await a return call up to 2 days later- or me calling back myself impatiently. The finance guy has also called to collect full payments a couple of times despite having talked to him prior and been on the 3 month payment plan. So administration needs work but training by Ashley and TBD others! makes it worth the patience!
— JeffNicole Frost
Posted May 25th 2021
google

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