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

Service Dog Training in Naperville, IL

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Our Service Dog Training Could Help:
Veterans or civilians with PTSD, anxiety, or depression
Children or adults with autism
Individuals with epilepsy
(participating locations)
Advanced medical training (participating locations)

Dog Training Elite Western Chicago

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

  • Carlie Wilson
    Nov. 10, 2025
    Pauline has been amazing training our Sheltie puppy Fin. She helped us and stayed very flexible with our crazy schedule along the way! Fin was able to learn basic commands in a timely manner and Pauline was always very patient and kind with Fin. Can’t recommend her enough!! She’s very knowledgeable and good with dogs and with dog training.
  • L V
    Nov. 2, 2025
    Paulina, Jaime, and Grace are amazing ladies! They were so patient with Benny as he was very anxious attending facility classes. Hes been so much better with his obedience, behavior, and commands. He loves classes as much do I. The classes are so much fun, Benny is tired after class. I love how the girls change it up every weekend with different challenges. They put in a lot of hard work, love, and effort in Benny. Appreciate you all!
  • Kelly Schaffer
    Nov. 1, 2025
    My 7yo dog and I have worked worked with several trainers through out the years, and the group at DTE in Naperville has been my favorite. They really listened to what it is my dog and I were looking to get out of the training and work so that their program fit our situation! Grace does a phenomenal job listening f to the owners and reading the dog during the one on one session!! Cannot wait to go join the group classes.
  • BMF
    Oct. 28, 2025
    The team at DTE have been fantastic helping us work with our anxious Rottie. I am very grateful I found them because he is doing better already. It takes time and patience but it is worth it.
  • laura keefer
    Oct. 28, 2025
    Excellent facility. As with any training, it’s really what you do at home that makes the most difference. DTE gives you the tools to make that difference!
  • Jeanne Kestel
    Oct. 22, 2025
    We found DTE after looking for additional training support when one of our dogs attacked our other dog. It was a beyond stressful experience for us, but when I first reached out to DTE, the owner (Katie) was so kind and patient and empathic as I shared our concerns and she shared the training options. We just completed the in-home training program with Grace, and are looking forward to starting the group component. Grace has also been extremely kind and understanding. She is extremely knowledgeable and always ready to answer our questions and provide any additional direction. We are so grateful for Grace's help and guidance, and our dog has shown incredible growth in terms of his response to our commands. Our deepest thanks to Grace and DTE
  • kelly mcdonnell
    Oct. 22, 2025
    Grace has been super helpful with our dog. A once super timid and shy boy is growing confidence by the day thanks to the detonation and knowledge of DTE
  • Dawn Hoover
    Jul. 17, 2025
    We love going to the group classes they offer. We had a great time Saturday in downtown Naperville walking the river walk. It was a great teaching lesson for Holly with all the people and distractions that were around. Holly is doing so well with the training she gets from Pauline, Grace and Jamie. At almost one year old we are so pleased at all she has learned. 5 Stars all around!
  • Vicky Crane
    Oct. 3, 2025
    DTE is genuinely AMAZING!!! They have helped teach me and my girl luna so much and they do it all with love. Definitely give them a shot you won’t regret it!
  • James Keefer
    Oct. 3, 2025
    Wonderful experience. Great training. Seeing results a few days in. Looking forward to the group classes for more socialization. Would highly recommend. They’re very experienced and knowledgeable.
  • Lindi Hannigan (LHannigan)
    Oct. 2, 2025
    We reluctantly decided to try e-collar training after not having the success we desired with only positive reinforcement methods and we are SO glad we did. Our very yappy and reactive miniature dachshund is well on her way to being the pet we always knew she could be. After a very pleasant and informative initial interview with Pauline we decided to proceed with DTE. Grace and Pauline helped us understand and debunk our misconceptions regarding using e-collars. Our in home sessions were with Grace who's patience and incredible knowledge about dogs and training has been amazing. We, Lexi's humans, have been the main training challenge but Grace never made us feel like we were failing. With encouragement and humor she patiently helped train us as much as she did Lexi. We are looking forward to joining the group classes and will update our review as we progress. Thanks DTE for giving us an option that actually worked for our issues! Lexi is quieter and calmer in what used to be embarrassingly chaotic situations. We can't wait to continue this journey with you all!
  • Amy Meyer
    Sep. 30, 2025
    DTE transformed Glory, my exuberant 5 mos old Irish Wolf Hound puppy! The staff at DTE took in my enormous, clumsy and eager pup with open arms. Among many improvements, she walks nicely (never thought that would happen), she is crate trained (never thought that would happen), and she is a more confident dog (significantly reduced whining). I always wanted a dog who was a pleasure, and because of the whole staff at DTE, I have one! And our family time with Glory is just beginning!
  • Stephanie Esposito
    Sep. 26, 2025
    I have seen a difference in my dog’s behavior. The trainers do a great job and are very kind and patient.
  • Jennifer Corso
    Sep. 19, 2025
    professional, knowledgeable and friendly staff. Grace, Jamie and Pauline are all wonderful trainers.
  • Jackie Vasquez
    Sep. 12, 2025
    We love Dog Training Elite! Our puppy lights up every time he sees Grace, Pauline, and Jamie. They are so patient, knowledgeable, and caring, and they’ve made training such a positive experience for both our pup and us. We’ve already seen amazing progress, and it’s clear how much they truly love what they do. We couldn’t be happier with the training and support we’ve received—highly recommend!
  • Pasiri Carvalho
    Sep. 5, 2025
    We love Grace! She’s been such a great trainer for our pup, Pipoca. Super patient, caring, and really knows her stuff. Pipoca is happier and better behaved thanks to her. Highly recommend! From the first picture this is her first time in years that she could be that close to other dogs. I’m so proud🥹
  • Dani Kelley
    Aug. 23, 2025
    My dog, Scout, completed the two-week day camp at Dog Training Elite Naperville, and I couldn’t be happier with the experience! Each morning I dropped her off around 8am and picked her up after work around 5:45pm. From day one, she was so excited to go to “school” with her tail wagging, vocal (woo-woo barks), and eager to see her favorite teachers, Pauline, Grace, and Jamie. Scout is a very friendly, eager-to-please “velcro” dog who had a hard time watching me leave at first, but over the two weeks, she gained confidence and independence. The trainers not only reinforced the basics but also introduced new skills. Before camp, Scout was a great dog but tended to be selective about which commands she listened to. Now, I notice the difference instantly. Even on the walk to the car after pick-up, I could start practicing her new skills right away. Walks are smoother, she understands “place,” and she responds so much more consistently. One of the things I really appreciated was how much they involved me in the process. Every day I received report cards, photos, and even personalized videos showing me how to practice commands at home. They also made themselves available by phone whenever I had questions. I felt supported not just during the camp, but in continuing the training afterward. The transformation has been worth every penny. It’s an investment, but for the instant results and the foundation they’ve built for Scout and me, I found it more than fair. Honestly, I almost wish the camp could run in phases (two weeks for basics, a week off, then another two weeks for more advanced skills) because Scout and I are ready for more! If you’re looking for a program where your dog learns, has fun, and comes home happy, balanced, and tired, I can’t recommend Dog Training Elite Naperville enough. And a huge thank you again to Scout’s amazing teachers (Pauline, Grace, and Jamie) for helping us start this journey.
  • Elise V.
    Jul. 29, 2025
    We loved our experience with DTE! Grace was so great to work with! She was great at not only teaching our dog, Ziggy his basic commands, but also at teaching us how to set him up for success during his training.
  • Debra P
    Jun. 25, 2024
    We have just finished our at home classes are excited for group class which will start tomorrow. Grace came out to our home and every class was a success and Sam, my rambunctious 11 month old Labrador was always so excited to see Grace. She was very professional and very friendly. Grace always took the time to answer all my questions and helped out with a couple concerns I had with Sam. He learned quickly and is always excited to work. Dog Training Elite has very knowledgeable owners and trainers and I’m so very happy to have them to work with me and my dog. I’m looking forward to a long relationship with them and they are worth every penny. Also of note, they always respond in a very timely manner whenever you need to text with questions, concerns or scheduling times.
  • Gabriela Davila morell
    Jul. 14, 2025
    We had an amazing experience with training! Our puppy Rossie loved training sessions with trainer Pauline and she did such an amazing job helping us through the process. We can’t wait to continue learning with our puppy at Dog Training Elite.
A Dog Training Elite Western Chicago owner smiling with his dog in Naperville, IL.

Dog Training Elite Western Chicago

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 Western Chicago

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 Western Chicago - PTSD Service Dog Training in Naperville, IL. DTE

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 Western Chicago - Psychiatric Service Dog Training in Naperville, IL

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 Western Chicago - Mobility Service Dog Training in Naperville, IL

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 Western Chicago - Seizure Response Dog Training 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 Western Chicago - 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 Western Chicago

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 Western Chicago.

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 Western Chicago.
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Educate, Empower, Elevate, Elite

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 Western Chicago and experience the difference that elite training and compassionate care can make.