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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 Milwaukee apart from any other dog training service.
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee’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 Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee?
Dog Training Elite Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee does not use punishments or shock collars to break bad habits. Instead, Dog Training Elite Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee is that while most dog training programs train dogs at their own facilities, Dog Training Elite Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee is there every step of the way. With Dog Training Elite Milwaukee, 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!
Both Mary and Paul have been great as we were looking for help training our rescue Nora. She’s already so much better than when we started, especially when walking. I can’t recommend DTE and both Mary and Paul higher. If you are looking for a trainer that uses classical conditioning, this is the one!— Adam Lang
Posted April 29th 2024
Mary and Katie are both very sweet people and so easy to work with. Mary helped my dog and I both gain the confidence we need. My dog has come so far and I'm so thankful for Mary. #TeamDTE— stephanie w
Posted March 15th 2024
Trainers are great and it's nice I can work with my own dog under their supervision— Karen Stardy
Posted March 3rd 2024
Mary the trainer is awesome with my dog. Within 2 training sessions my dog was much better with her behavior. The training is top notch. Mary is working with my dog to be a service dog. The in home sessions worked well for me. I injured myself and can't drive at this time The training cost is worth every penny! I'm very happy to have found Mary and dog training elite— Susan Freund
Posted February 13th 2024
Dog Training Elite has been a great experience for myself and my dog. Mary met with us in home to do an evaluation, Paul completed the one on one course with my dog. Group training as follow up has been fun. Mary and Paul have been great to work with. 10/10— Neil Rossman
Posted January 30th 2024
Paul and Mary were amazing, I felt as if I was being instructed correctly and there was a complete change in behavior of my dog Goku. He was extremely excited puppy who did not understand how to control his excitement by week 3 he learned the basic obedience and continued on. Final week of private training Goku did not rush to the door nor jump on trainer. Without Dog Training Elite I would be feeling very anxious around other people and dogs but now I am completely comfortable with him being off leash around animals and people.— Tony Orlando
Posted December 4th 2023
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Posted November 20th 2023
Dog Training Elite Milwaukee has worked magic with our mini bernidoodle and our Cane Corso. The doodle is being trained as a service animal and has amazing command response even as a young puppy(started training at about 6 months). The cane corso was a very good, well socialized, but highly independent animal. She did what she wanted and thought she was the boss. Since her basic training, she is much better behaved and listens to commands. I no longer have to leash her on walks through the woods, she never leaves my side, and comes on command when I let her run free.— Quinn Armitage
Posted October 30th 2023
Mary is great! Can't wait to do group sessions. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite and Mary.— Roxann Yaeger
Posted September 22nd 2023
I cannot say enough good things about Mary at Elite Dog Training! Our journey with her to train our therapy dog was nothing short of extraordinary. From the very first session, it was clear that Mary possesses an unparalleled expertise and passion for what she does. Mary's approach to dog training is both effective and incredibly enjoyable. She not only understands the intricacies of canine behavior but also knows how to communicate her knowledge in a way that's accessible and easy to grasp. Her deep connection with dogs was evident from the moment she met our sassy puppy, and it was heartwarming to see how quickly our furry friend responded to her guidance. One of the most remarkable aspects of our experience with Mary was the speed at which we progressed through the lessons. It felt like an instant transformation out of the sassy puppy phase! Mary tailored each training session to our specific needs and goals, ensuring that we were always moving forward. Her teaching style is patient, compassionate, and filled with positive reinforcement, making every training session a joy for both our dog and us. Beyond the exceptional training skills, Mary also provided us with valuable insights into dog psychology and behavior. She taught us not only how to train our therapy dog but also how to understand and communicate with her effectively. Her guidance went beyond just the lessons, equipping us with the tools and knowledge to continue nurturing a happy and well-behaved dog at home. Mary's dedication to her craft and genuine love for dogs is truly remarkable. She has not only transformed our sassy puppy into a well-behaved therapy dog but has also enriched our lives with the joy and fulfillment that comes from having a beautifully trained canine companion. If you're looking for an outstanding dog trainer who will work tirelessly to help you and your furry friend achieve your training goals, Mary at Elite Dog Training is the absolute best choice. She exceeded our expectations in every way possible, and we are forever grateful for the incredible experience she provided. Thank you, Mary, for making our journey to a well-behaved therapy dog such a fantastic and unforgettable one!— Jordan Beck
Posted September 11th 2023
Our puppy and we learned so much from Mary. Charlie knows so many commands and we now know how to teach more. Attending the group classes reinforces the private training and enhances his and my skills. Mary is very patient, knows educational psychology and is very knowledgeable about dogs. I would definitely recommend her.— Sheri Levin
Posted August 19th 2023
In the last 6 weeks not only has my pup become more obedient, but my relationship with him has become so much better. I would 10/10 recommended this for anyone with a dog. The cost is more than worth it.— Anthony Shilati
Posted August 18th 2023
Our experience: Professional, kind and understanding. Our 5 1/2 month old puppy is reaching all his goals with Dog Training Elite 💙. This has been a journey for all of us. A great one! THANKS to Mary. Thank you to Paul...— Susan Drews
Posted August 7th 2023
Mary was great. My German Shepard Fiona is now so well behaved. She currently walks off leash right past everything that use to dive her crazy.Walks are now joyful and peaceful.— Nancy Beitzel
Posted June 29th 2023
We are thrilled with the experience we have had with Dog Training Elite! We interviewed a couple of dog trainers on the onset. I am so glad we chose Mary! She has been so helpful and professional throughout the process. She has gone above and beyond to make sure that we are successful in getting Coco to where she needs to be. After the second week Coco was extra stubborn while practicing what we learned. After emailing asking for advice Mary offered to come by for an extra session to work with her. We love that she came to our home each week with a slow build of skill set. We committed to the practice for 10 or so minutes 5/6 days a week and it paid off. I would highly recommend Mary.— Ashley Puglisi
Posted May 3rd 2023
We just finished up our six in home training sessions with Mary and we can’t say enough about how good of an experience it was. We started our black lab puppy at 14 weeks and feel like he has such a great foundation to grow and be the best pup he can be. Mary answered all our questions about the e-collar and made sure we were confident in using it properly. He’s already walking confidently on a leash in a heal position and has great recall off leash, along with all his other basic commands!— Michaela Blackwell
Posted May 3rd 2023
We were introduced to Mary and Milwaukee Dog Training Elite through a Veterans organization to train our German Shepherd puppy to become a service dog. Mary was experienced, informative, and kind. She also produced results. Mary was always available to help guide us through any challenges we were facing. The combination of training in our home combined with group classes at her training facility provided us with the skills, challenges, and scenarios needed to maximize our dogs’ potential. We were so pleased with her services, that we sought therapy dog training for our new Saint Bernard puppy. As you can imagine, the difference in breeds required a variety of training methods for the same results. Mary is definitely not a one size fits all dog trainer. She took the time and effort, and has the experience needed to bring out the best of any breed or age of dog. We have recommended her time and time again when asked how we have such well behaved dogs.— Elisa Alferi
Posted April 4th 2023
We are so very thankful for Mary's assistance preparing our dog Goldie for a life as my Service Dog and Partner in crime. Not only do you need a good Dog you need an even better Trainer!— David Fritzke
Posted February 23rd 2023
Mary is awesome! Not only as a trainer, but friendly and accommodating. My 9 month old high energy pup now walks off leash and comes when called 100% of the time! Thank you Mary! (Love Anne and Dobby)— Anne Tyrrell
Posted February 16th 2023
This was the first time I've owned an XL Breed, and the stronger he got, the more I knew I needed a trainer for help. After extensive research, we found Mary and DTE. She has been absolutely amazing. Our Great Dane stopped pulling and jumping after the first session! It has only gotten better since then. We can now confidentiality take him anywhere with us, and recieve endless compliments on his behavior. We name drop her as much as possible to anyone who will listen!— Taylor Drews
Posted February 11th 2023
Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation
At Dog Training Elite Milwaukee, 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 Milwaukee 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.
Dog Training Elite Milwaukee Partners
