A service dog and their owner outside - find elite service dog training in Naperville, IL with Dog Training Elite.

Professional

Service Dog Training

Dog Training Elite Naperville

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Request Free Assessment


Our Service Dog Training Could Help:

Veterans or civilians with PTSD, anxiety, or depression
Children or adults with autism
Individuals with epilepsy
Advanced medical training (participating locations)

Dog Training Elite Naperville

Service Dog Training in Naperville, IL

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines a service dog as “a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability.” Disabilities include mental or physical impairments that affect an individual’s ability to perform one or more major life activities (walking, seeing, etc.).

Because service dogs play such a key role in the life of disabled individuals, they are protected by the law. Places of residence, employment, and commercial facilities cannot discriminate against disabled individuals with service animals. If you are wondering how to get a service dog, you can either purchase a fully trained dog or purchase a service puppy and train it.

With our service dog training in Naperville, IL, we ensure that your dog is trained to meet the specific needs of your disability, providing personalized support and empowering both dog and handler for long-term success.

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A man and his support service dog - learn more about our positive training methods at Dog Training Elite.

Our Positive Approach to Service Dog Training


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At Dog Training Elite, we believe that successful dog training requires dedication, patience, and balance. That’s why we are committed to using positive reinforcement techniques in all of our training programs.

Through balanced training, our team helps owners build trust with their dogs. This approach is especially important for service dog training because strong relationships and communication are essential for dogs to reliably assist their handler.

By focusing on encouragement rather than punishment, we created confident, well-behaved dogs that are eager to perform their best and impress their owners.

Get Your Free Assessment

You and your canine companion really can have it all. See how easy it can be to become a member of the elite pup society by requesting a free consultation today!

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Meghan Grzetich
    Feb. 22, 2025
    Amazing! Wonderful , caring staff and very effective training
  • Macie Samek
    Dec. 27, 2024
    The trainers at Dog Training Elite Western Chicago Facility are the best and most reliable people I have met! Everything is well communicated and easy on my side. The facility is so clean inside and out. DTE hosts also amazing activities themed after holidays! Overall they are an amazing experience! Pauline is Benny main trainer and let’s just say me and Benny both love her. She has made such an amazing impact with Benny basic obedience and I can’t wait for our next step with DTE and start service dog training! Thank Pauline and Grace for helping Benny get to wear he is now!
  • Antonia Tienda
    Dec. 23, 2024
    Grace and the team were so patient with our Lab Puppy Duke. They took their time with him and kept a consistent tone to keep him engaged and listening at all times.
  • phil kotas
    Dec. 18, 2024
    Grace at Dog Training Elite Western Chicago Facility demonstrated exceptional patience, reliability, firmness, encouragement, and knowledge throughout the training process, helping my dog master various commands and behaviors. Grace's expert guidance and personalized approach made Dog Training Elite, and of course Grace, the perfect choice for my puppy's in-home dog training needs.
  • Kelly N
    Oct. 14, 2024
    DTE is incredible. They have helped my dog and I develop a deeper bond and trust, all while teaching her how to be a good listener!! Grace and Pauline are super experienced, make group classes fun, and truly love what they do which the dogs can tell! The owners, Katie and Tim are so knowledgeable, I have seen them help dogs and owners come into their own (myself included). I simply cannot express how amazing DTE has been for me and my dog.
  • Carly Paluszek
    Oct. 4, 2024
    We chose Dog Training Elite because they do e-collar training, which is a really great communication tool for our stubborn Great Pyrenees. We did the 7-day training camp with trainer Pauline and noticed an improvement after day 1 in our dog’s recall. We’ve also been able to better manage her leash reactivity. The group classes are fun and engaging, and they host them at different locations around the area. All of the trainers are awesome - patient and sweet with the dogs and always willing to answer questions. We will 100% be using Dog Training Elite for any future dogs we get!
  • Gregory Long
    Aug. 22, 2024
    Our dog didn't play well with others. If another dog showed any interest she responded by lunging, barking, and generally being out of control. Not only was this embarrassing, it was unsafe. She nearly caused my son to fall as she dashed to get other dog. Prior to working with Dog Training Elite, we tried two different trainers. Both relied exclusively on positive reinforcement and neither was able to change our girl's behavior. While this approach works with a lot of dogs, it wasn't helpful for us. We found the combination of e-collar training coupled with treats and praise to be very effective. I couldn't be happier with the results.Also, I'm a fan of the Saturday morning group classes. The opportunity to interact with other dogs has made ours much more relaxed. Although she's still a work in progress, she's so much better and safer now.
  • Cindi Clark
    Apr. 8, 2024
    I am so grateful for finding Dog Training Elite Naperville, the owners and the rest of the team are off the charts amazing, kind, caring, knowledgeable and supportive. Ollie and I are forever grateful and will be their cheerleaders, we both highly recommend Katie, Tim, Pauline and the rest of the team! ☮️❤️🐾
  • Kizito Chibyke
    Mar. 25, 2024
    Dog Trainingin Naperville, IL Very interesting and good quiet place to relax,
  • Kathi Goveia
    Feb. 1, 2024
    I am so happy with the progress that my dog has made since starting at dog training elite! Pauline was absolutely fantastic in explaining everything thoroughly and I’m looking forward to seeing my dogs progress!
  • Janet Anderson
    Jan. 17, 2024
    Tim and Katie are the ultimate dog trainers! My Quinn’s behavior has improved dramatically since we trained there. They came to my home annd eventually we did location tests at various stores and locations. And this is a Western Chicago location but I love that now, no matter where I move, I can find another location and join them for weekend group training for free. My dog is now my certified service dog. She knows when she’s “on the job” and is so excited to wear her vest. Thank you Katie and Tim!
  • Nadine Stanley
    Dec. 30, 2023
    Dog Training Elite has been amazing every step of the way with my son's service dog. From assisting us in finding a dog/breeder for autism service dogs, preparing our family prior to the arrival of Scout, working with us in defining Scout's service skills, to helping us refine my son's understanding of how to be the main handler! We consistently get compliments on his manners, gentle mannerisms (he's a 95lb sweetie!), and the support others see him providing my son. Thank you Dog Training Elite!!!
  • Ana M
    Dec. 10, 2023
    Ms Katie and Ms Pauline are absolutely incredible! So much care and love in their work. They transformed my crazy pup to a manageable good girl! Of course still a puppy but now I have an amazing foundation of obedience to work with. Ms Pauline your amazing walking us through the day. Thank you so much and we will see you soon for more! BB sends hellos to Russo!!
  • Samantha Reimann
    Nov. 15, 2023
    Pauline did such a great job with Harlies (my dog) training! She makes you feel so comfortable when discussing your pups progress and you can tell she genuinely cares about the success of your dogs training. I love that we went with them for our dogs training and cannot wait for the group classes!!
  • Chelsea Ochs
    Sep. 27, 2023
    If I could give more than five stars I would! My experience with Dog Training Elite has been incredible thus far. Katie and Pauline have been incredibly kind, thorough and helpful throughout our entire training process! Every morning and evening Pauline has walked me through specific training focuses and how Hendrix,my two year old Newfie,has responded each day. Not only that, but she puts very detailed effort into training write ups & videos so that I can apply what’s been taught each day! They have been so helpful to reference for continued training at home. It can be challenging trusting others with our pets, but Hendrix loves training and spending time with Pauline. I can tell she’s so loved by your team and we are forever grateful for the hard work and help. Can’t wait to continue with group training & additional courses. :)
  • Diana Kassel
    Sep. 12, 2023
    Drop off days not helps reinforce their training, but for the young pups that need more activity when moms at work it’s great!! Money well spent
  • Karen Vetrovec
    Sep. 12, 2023
    Kate and Tim very effective. Social dog sessions beyond our home just not close to where we live like we thought.
A Dog Training Elite Naperville owner smiling with his dog in Naperville, IL.

Dog Training Elite Naperville

Is a Service Dog The Same As a Therapy Dog?

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Many types of working dogs increase the quality of life for their handlers. The three main categories of working dogs are service animal, therapy animal, and emotional support animal. Each category covers different areas of support and different levels of protection under the law.

  1. Service Animal
  2. As mentioned above, service animals assist individuals with disabilities. Depending on the person’s needs, the service animal learns how to perform certain tasks. Guide dogs, for example, help blind individuals safely navigate their environment. Seizure response dogs respond to their handlers when the individual is having a seizure. Service animals are highly trained and specialized, and they are also offered the most protection under the law compared to therapy or emotional support animals.

    Dogs are not the only kinds of service animals - miniature horses are often trained to support individuals with disabilities!

  3. Therapy Animal
  4. Therapy dogs provide comfort and improve the mental well-being of individuals in hospitals, hospice care, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, and more. These dogs must have a friendly, calm demeanor and be comfortable when handled by strangers.

    Therapy dogs are not trained to perform specific tasks, but they must be obedient and well-mannered. Therapy animals are permitted in some areas where pets are not, but they have fewer protections than service animals. All therapy dogs must be certified before they can offer their services to the community.

  5. Emotional Support Animal
  6. Emotional support dogs relieve loneliness, anxiety, depression, and other symptoms of mental health disorders. They provide comfort to their handlers, but they are not trained to perform specific tasks. Most emotional support animals are sensitive to the emotional changes of their handler and will remain close by at all times. Emotional support animals are not protected by the ADA, but residential buildings must permit emotional support animals.

Dog Training Elite Naperville

What Can Service Dogs Do?

Service dogs are crucial in assisting individuals with various disabilities and conditions, providing them with support, independence, and companionship. These highly trained dogs can perform specific tasks tailored to the needs of their handlers. Learn about breeds that make great service dogs, who can benefit from a service dog and the training that will help these pups meet their handler's needs.

Service dogs are a great help to disabled individuals thanks to their incredible ability to perform highly specialized tasks, like opening doors, switching lights on and off, assisting with balance and stability, guiding, pulling wheelchairs, answering phones and making calls, finding objects or places, unloading and loading items, clearing rooms, finding help, and many more. Service dogs improve the lives of disabled individuals by increasing their autonomy.
Individuals with certain diseases and disorders can benefit from a highly trained service dog. Dogs have an incredible sense of smell and they can detect the chemical changes associated with oncoming seizures and increases in blood pressure. Alert service dogs alert their handler to these situations to prevent a life-threatening emergency. Alert dogs also help those with extreme allergies detect potential allergens in food.
Disabled or epileptic individuals are more prone to emergencies than the average person. Service dogs are trained to alert their handler to a potential emergency, and alert surrounding individuals to an active emergency. Service dogs can also call for help on pre-programmed phones.

Additional Service Training Info

Dog Training Elite Naperville - PTSD Service Dog Training in Naperville. Dog Training Elite Naperville
PTSD Service Dog

If you're looking to train a PTSD service dog in Naperville, IL, Dog Training Elite is here to help. Our service dogs are trained to assist with symptoms such as anxiety, hyper-vigilance, and panic attacks, providing grounding emotional support.

Dog Training Elite Naperville - Psychiatric Service Dog Trainers in Naperville
Psychiatric Service Dog Training

Our psychiatric service dog training in Naperville, IL helps individuals with PTSD, anxiety, and depression. We'll help train your dog to mitigate symptoms by offering emotional grounding and support during stressful situations.

Dog Training Elite Naperville - Mobility Service Dog in Naperville, IL. Dog Training Elite
Mobility Support Service Dog

Enhance your independence or help a loved one with specialized mobility service dog training in Naperville, IL from Dog Training Elite. Our expert trainers teach dogs the skills they need to support their owners with mobility challenges.

Dog Training Elite Naperville - Seizure Response Dog in Naperville, IL
Medical Response Dog Training

If you are in need of a seizure response dog in Naperville, IL, Dog Training Elite can help. Our training program is designed to help individuals with epilepsy regain independence and confidence.

Dog Training Elite Naperville - Autism Support Dog Training in Naperville, IL
Autism Support Service Dog

Bring life-changing support to your family with Dog Training Elite's autism support dog training in Naperville, IL. Our compassionate trainers work closely with your family and dog throughout the entire process, ensuring your pup is fully prepared to provide comfort, safety, and companionship.

A service dog at a ball game with their owner - get professional Naperville service dog training with Dog Training Elite.

Dog Training Elite Naperville

Service Dogs for Anxiety, PTSD, and Autism

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Service dogs trained to assist handlers with severe anxiety or depression perform specific tasks that reduce the potential for panic attacks or self-harm attempts. Such tasks include deep-pressure therapy, tactile stimulation, alerting, clearing rooms, blocking strangers from approaching, and more. Service dogs trained to assist those with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) have greatly improved the lives of many veterans.

Service dogs also make a big impact on the lives of children with autism. Children with autism are often prone to meltdowns, have trouble communicating, and are quick to run off or become easily lost. Service dogs prevent and mediate all of these behaviors to provide a higher quality of life for children with autism and their families.

As autism is a spectrum disorder, each child has varying needs of assistance. Autism service dogs perform the following tasks:

  • Tracking: Children with autism often wander away, and a parent’s worst fear is turning their back for just a moment and discovering their child is gone. Autism service dogs will track the child if this ever happens.
  • Tethering: This task minimizes wandering, which is common in public settings. The child is tethered to the service dog’s leash or harness, preventing him or her from wandering away.
  • Behavior Interruption: Repetitive and ritualistic behaviors are typical of autistic children, as are meltdowns when the child becomes overstimulated. Autism service dogs recognize these negative behaviors and redirect the child’s attention when they start. A simple paw or nudge is all it takes to prevent a meltdown.
A service puppy waiting for their owner - Dog Training Elite Naperville.

How Do I Get a Service Dog?

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If you are wondering how to get a service dog, there are a couple of different approaches. Some service dogs are purchased outright, fully trained. Or a compatible dog is selected and trained from an early age. Training a dog from the start is the best option, especially for those with specialized needs.

Training a dog to perform service responsibilities must start from day one. Only certain breeds are suited to service work, and breeders put a lot of time into raising puppies to be service animals. Once you have purchased a service puppy, additional training is necessary to prepare your puppy for life as a service dog. This is a complicated process that involves various steps. Dog Training Elite makes getting a service dog easier with our service dog training program.

Our talented trainers can help select puppies that are prepared for a life of service from well-respected breeders. When these puppies enter the service dog training program they are closely monitored for behavior and temperament and can be fully obedience trained by the age of six months. These puppies undergo extensive socialization and additional training to ensure they are well-suited for service and therapy needs including specialized service training alongside the new handler.

This program is ideal for handlers who want to take part in the developmental years and extensive training of their service puppy.

A group of dogs being trained by the expert team at Dog Training Elite Naperville.
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Victory Begins With Elite Education

A trainer, a man and his service dog - find the best service dog training in Naperville, IL with Dog Training Elite.

We Are Committed to Making a Difference

Choose DTE for Naperville Service Dog Training

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At Dog Training Elite, we are passionate about transforming lives through Naperville service dog training. Our proven, balanced training methods help create highly skilled, dependable service dogs that are both obedient and loyal to their handlers.

From mobility support and physical assistance to emotional well-being and more, Dog Training Elite is committed to providing personalized, high-quality training that makes a lasting impact.

Choose Dog Training Elite Naperville and experience the difference that elite training and compassionate care can make.