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Service Dog Training Near You
What makes a dog a service dog? Who can have a service dog, and why? We answer all these questions and more, as well as explain what sets Dog Training Elite Southeast Michigan apart from any other dog training service.
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Southeast Michigan location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
Service Dog Training FAQs
What makes a dog a service dog?
Service dogs are dogs that have been specially trained to assist their handler or owner with specific tasks. Dog Training Elite Southeast Michigan trains dogs to assist people with epilepsy, diabetes, PTSD, autism, and various mental illnesses.
Who are service dogs for?
Service dogs are for any individual dealing with a disability that lowers their quality of life. For example, someone who suffers from epilepsy may avoid going out in public due to a fear of falling or other consequences related to seizures. This may inhibit their independence and sense of well-being.
In addition to improving the lives of individuals, service dogs can bring a sense of security to families, such as families with autistic children. Children with autism can often feel isolated and a service dog becomes a 24/7 companion to share experiences with, connect with and love. They can also help children reintegrate into society and connect with others.
Families who have children with autism 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.
Service dogs are for all individuals or families that are experiencing a decrease in quality of life due to disability.
What kind of training does a service dog need?
Service dog training begins with puppies. Dog Training Elite Southeast Michigan’s service puppy training program works with breeders to adopt puppies that are fully obedience trained by six months and are ready to undergo extensive socialization and additional training to ensure they are well-suited for service and therapy needs.
Then, Dog Training Elite Southeast Michigan places puppies with families or individuals. Further specialized service training takes place alongside the new handler. It generally takes 1-2 years for a service dog to become fully trained.
Service dog training focuses on two main areas: public access behaviors, and how to “do work or perform tasks” that assist with a disability.
Public access behaviors refer to how a service dog acts in public - well-trained service dogs remain calm in public situations and in turn help their handlers to stay calm, and are attuned to any other handler needs.
As for “do work or perform tasks,” the ADA requires that service dogs be trained to take a specific action when needed to assist the person with a disability.
For example, to assist handlers with PTSD, Dog Training Elite Southeast Michigan trains dogs to de-escalate anxiety, wake handlers experiencing night terrors, and so on.
Do service dogs require special certification?
The ADA does not require special certification for service animals. State and local government agencies, businesses and non-profit organizations may not require documentation, such as proof that the animal has been certified, trained or licensed as a service animal, as a condition for entry. Mandatory registration of service animals in the city of residence is also not permissible under the ADA.
However, service animals are not exempt from local animal control or public health requirements, such as vaccinations, or local dog licensing and registration requirements.
Why should I train my service dog with Dog Training Elite Southeast Michigan?
Dog Training Elite Southeast Michigan sets itself apart from other dog training methods by focusing on positive reinforcement with a personalized, in-home approach. This method empowers owners and handlers to be an integral part of the process for sustained dog obedience and service training. For service dogs especially, it is important that handlers be present and involved every step of the way.
The positive reinforcement approach, also referred to as “Classical Conditioning” or the “Pavlovian” model has shown to be more effective with longer lasting results than any other training method.
Dog Training Elite Southeast Michigan does not use punishments or shock collars to break bad habits. Instead, Dog Training Elite Southeast Michigan pairs positive reinforcement training with a vibration electronic collar. An electronic collar is not a shock collar and does not harm the dog. It is used to gain the dog’s attention, similar to a tug on a leash. It is never used as a punishment for bad behavior.
Another unique aspect of training with Dog Training Elite Southeast Michigan is that while most dog training programs train dogs at their own facilities, Dog Training Elite Southeast Michigan specializes in in-home training, customizing training to the dog, its owners and its environment for long-lasting success.
Positive Reinforcement Training
Training takes time, commitment and balance and Dog Training Elite Southeast Michigan is there every step of the way. With Dog Training Elite Southeast Michigan, dogs will learn the highest level of obedience, even in the face of the toughest level of distractions. The positive-reinforcement method focuses on encouraging good behavior through ongoing praise, creating a dog that wants to please from the inside out and creating deep-rooted, sustained obedience as well as a strong bond between dog and owner.
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.
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!
Hailey makes dog training so fun. Our puppy loves to see her drive in. Hailey is very professional yet caring and kind. Always on time. Austin did our home assessment. He explained everything in detail and answered all questions.— Teresa Roy
Posted April 27th 2024
Hailey is an exceptional trainer! Emily is a much different/better companion because of her. We're very glad we contacted Elite.— Linda Eaves
Posted April 27th 2024
Hailey has been working with us and our puppy Maple for 7 lessons. She is so patient and knowledgeable. We are making amazing progress. We have been to other places for training in the past with other dogs but the advantages of in home training are so much better. Hailey is always on time and asks if there is anything specific we want to work on as well as scheduled lesson. Austin came out for the initial assessment and explained the program thoroughly. It is everything he said it would be.— Teresa Roy
Posted April 25th 2024
Ryann Reese is the best! She is always patient with me and very helpful! My dog is so much better now since I was taught how to be boss mom! Thank you Ryann!— Dianne Wright
Posted April 19th 2024
We could not have been happier with the training that we got from Dog Training Elite. Austin and Hailey both did an excellent job and worked hand in hand with us through the training. We were able to incorporate our kids and have them involved in the process, with an 85 pound German Shepard we felt like this was important for our dog to listen to the kids as well. The knowledge that DTE was able to give us has allowed us to continue training on our own and have the confidence to take him out in public without concern. I would highly recommend their service, definitely worth the investment. Thanks Austin and Hailey!— Brian Bott
Posted April 17th 2024
Hailey was great!! We learned the tools needed to help train our golden retriever puppy in a fun but effective way. We would highly recommend Hailey!— Robyn Leineke
Posted March 27th 2024
Hailey did a great job training our very active GSP, Diesel!! Looking forward to the group sessions.— Judith Westerberg
Posted March 23rd 2024
Worth every penny! We are first time dog owners and have found this training SO helpful. It has given us the tools to feel like we understand our dog’s behavior and have control over it too. This training has given our family a lot of confidence with our new pet and has made dog ownership more enjoyable as we’ve navigated the behavior of a rescue puppy. Hailey and Austin are awesome! Hailey is communicative, kind and flexible. She put me at ease whenever we had trainings because of her knowledge, patience and kindness. She helped get our whole family involved in the trainings, including our kids. She’s easy to talk with and I looked forward to our trainings each time. She’s super encouraging and always available if something comes up between training sessions. You can tell she really loves dogs! I feel so appreciative of what Dog Training Elite has given our family - Highly recommend!— Krista Mast
Posted March 21st 2024
Austin and Haley have not only been a pleasure to work with—they have helped us transform our dog into a sociable, well-behaved companion. He was already sweet, but was overly protective, barking way too much, pulling on his leash, lunging at strangers. Now we can take him anywhere. Friends and family encourage us to bring him along! We can walk quietly past bikers, strollers, joggers, other dogs. He’s friendly with other dogs and people. Good thing, since he has now been certified as a therapy dog! He’s clearly happier too and more confident. He also LOVES Austin and Haley and is always so happy to see them even though they put him through his paces! I highly recommend Dog Training Elite.— Mary Jo Larson
Posted March 9th 2024
I recommend dog training elite to everyone who needs help with their dog or is interested in having a service dog. From the very beginning they have been wonderful and supportive of my journey to have a trained service dog for myself. They even helped me pick out the perfect puppy and they came out to the dog breeder’s house with me to interview the dogs and help me find the right dog. They have been supportive for every step throughout my dog’s early puppy months and beyond. My dog has passed obedience training and now we are onto the service dog portion. Raising my own service dog has been very therapeutic for me and I feel confident that with my dog at my side I can now get out in the world again. None of this would have been possible without the team at dog training elite. Ryen and Austin are the best. Thank you for everything you have done for me and for my dog Billy.— Kimberly McMurray
Posted February 26th 2024
DTE has provided excellent training for both my dog Louie and me! From the initial in-home assessment throughout the entire training program Austen has been consistent in approach and extraordinarily effective with my dog. Hailey has added to that, reinforcing what we have been taught in an effective and compassionate manner. Louie has become a wonderful therapy dog and we look forward to serving our community. We are truly grateful for DTE!— Diana DiRita
Posted February 16th 2024
I have nothing but great things to say about DTE. Austin and his team were professional and knowledgeable. They were patient with the questions I had and were thorough with responses. Hailey was also great when she ran DTE's group classes on Saturdays. She displayed knowledge and confidence in her ability to communicate and educate the dog owners. Now if only they could get a group class on the Eastside...— Stephanie Falotico
Posted February 15th 2024
Austin and his team are great. Very professional and provides great service. Highly recommend.— James Griffith Dewling
Posted February 2nd 2024
Ryan and Austin both were amazing from start to finish. I started with puppy classes and just finished our 1-on-1’s from advanced obedience. My Doberman responded amazingly and they always were there to answer my many (many lol) questions. I highly suggest starting them with puppy classes because it really built the foundation for the obedience classes to move much smoother.— Alexiss Marie
Posted January 28th 2024
We are so happy with our training from Elite. We have a 5 year old rescue and they proved you CAN teach an old dog new tricks. Very professional, positive and patient. We had a great experience with Holleigh!— Allison Siriani
Posted October 31st 2023
We have 2 Newfoundlands weighing in at 120 pounds each, a six year old and an 18 month pup. The pup is very high energy and was very aggressively friendly towards other dogs and people and has pulled my wife and I down several times resulting in broken bones. In just 6 weeks, the aggressiveness and energy are under control and we can walk both dogs together safely. We even walked through Home Depot without incident. I never thought that would be possible. I can't say enough good things about Austin and his team. Friendly, professional, understanding, flexible, courteous...and unbelievable results. All I can really say is thank you so much!!— David Fitnich
Posted September 13th 2023
Austin and his team are absolutely incredible. Our 3 1/2 yo goldendoodle had 0 training and Austin took her (and us!) all the way through to Service Dog certification. We are thrilled with Sosha's success. Austin's calm demeanor and training approach made the learning curve easy!— MK Merrigan
Posted August 31st 2023
The gratitude and appreciation I have for Austin, both as a professional trainer and as a person, cannot be overstated. His kindness and patience, coupled with detailed knowledge of dog behavior and training best practices have made the puppy months incredibly enjoyable and rewarding (and my pup, Charlie agrees!) I am a first-time owner, so raising a confident, yet obedient and well-mannered dog, has been my primary goal. Notably, I have seen the level of engagement in helping me meet my goal be extended to each owner he works with - a consummate trainer and consultant.— L B S
Posted July 25th 2023
My family and I wanted to thank Austin for an amazing dog training experience. This was our first dog and we got him as a newborn, completely untrained. Austin was soooo very knowledgeable about every aspect of our puppy. On our first session, he predicted all the outcomes and reactions from our puppy before they happened, and he was 100% spot on. Austin had a very gentle way with our puppy and was able to command respect with a soft and loving touch. Austin gave us all the tools we need to continue training our furbaby at our own pace. We use and depend on his techniques everyday. We are so blessed that we found him.— Alka Jain
Posted June 26th 2023
Austin's expertise, experience and patient demeanor have made training easy to follow and fun. My dog is so much calmer now that he knows what I am asking of him. I'm still working the program, but I have so much more confidence in going out in public and testing his new skills. If you want a calm and confident dog that you can take anywhere they are welcome, definitely call Austin and DTE right away. It has changed our lives.— Michelle Hutter
Posted March 11th 2023
Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation
At Dog Training Elite Southeast Michigan, 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 Southeast Michigan 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.