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

Service Dog Training in Nashville, TN

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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 Central Nashville

Service Dog Training in Nashville, TN

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 Nashville, TN, 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.

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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

  • David Trent
    Jun. 5, 2026
    Her and her dog were great! Lilly leared along today!!
  • Hannah Laws
    Jun. 7, 2026
    Dog Training Elite Nashville has been fantastic! Aiden, Parker, and Reina all did a fabulous job with us, and we’ve seen such a dramatic difference with Gus. They were patient, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in helping both us and Gus succeed. It’s truly an investment in yourself and your dog, and the results are so worth it. The progress has been incredible, and we’re so grateful for their guidance and support. Highly recommend!
  • Jeremy Sanders
    Jun. 6, 2026
    Rhett is great! Cares about the animals and it shows.
  • Molly Poss
    Jun. 6, 2026
    Trey was The BEST!! What I thought would be impossible with teaching out pup he handled with ease and made it happen!! And our little dog wagged his taiol the whole time! He was loving learning and gave Trey all the kisses and thanks after!
  • Becca Alexander (Hannah)
    Jun. 5, 2026
    I’ve been working with Dog Training Elite for 2 months. I’ve seen incredible improvement in my dog’s behavior, temperament, and resource guarding. I’ve worked with Austin and Trey, both of which have been wonderful. They’re encouraging and very professional. Absolutely worth the money.
  • Pam Judd
    Jun. 3, 2026
    Parker took time to answer all of my questions and gave a positive first impression of the company. I am eager to get started with my puppy’s (and my) training!
  • Sara Petetabella
    Jun. 3, 2026
    Rhett was very professional, and knowledgeable. He was able to explain pricing, and services clearly, and efficiently. I feel as if Elite Training would be an amazing fit for us.
  • Debbie McCreary
    May. 31, 2026
    The trainers were all great & so good with Marco!
  • Madonna Archer
    May. 23, 2026
    Best dog training experience of my three. Red is kind, considerate, and well-trained. On our eighth lesson, we took my 60-lb dog to an antique mall. We walked in the areas for 50 minutes, and Memphis didn’t touch anything. He also was approached by several people and was a perfect gentleman. Five stars all the way.
  • HEGO
    May. 22, 2026
    We have loved working with Dog Training Elite! We have two young children – and being able to work with these trainers has really helped our Portuguese water Dog, Arthur, be such a great little member of our family. They are so responsive, professional, and knowledgeable!
  • Christina Maria
    May. 21, 2026
    We are so happy we found and entered a training program with DTE! When we started, our pup, Tarkin, was high energy and difficult to handle. Now, he is a respectable member of society and very good boy 😊 As a concerned owner, I really appreciated their style and approach to his training. It was very easy for us both to understand and the progress he made speaks for itself.
  • Annie Reagan
    May. 21, 2026
    This training has been so vital to enjoying our dog/yard/walks again. Shoko has made incredible strides. This program has allowed us to feel secure again and empowered with the training. Red, the trainer, has been fabulous every step of the way. *pic of Shoko at her last outing prior to group lessons and her laying calmly in place outside.
  • Jennifer Patten
    May. 11, 2026
    Great experience with Red! He is very knowledgeable on different training methods. Definitely recommend!
  • Vicki Mead
    May. 11, 2026
    We’ve been working with Red on Bernie’s therapy dog skills. We always benefit from his professional and knowledgeable teaching. Plus, he makes it fun!
  • Darian Keith
    May. 6, 2026
    Enjoyed working with Parker and Montana. Both were very knowledgeable. Nova’s behavior at home has improved! Appreciate the flexibility with scheduling lessons
  • Bert Mathews
    Apr. 30, 2026
    They have been prompt and professional. My dog has enjoyed each person. He has been calm and performed well which is hard for an English Bulldog.
  • Tess Wiltgen
    Apr. 13, 2026
    Red is an extraordinarily kind and patient person, my 3 year old frenchie Zeppelin has come so far in the 4 months since we started training with Dog Training Elite. Not only has my boy learned solid commands, but walking on a leash and interacting with other dogs has been a night and day difference. Our trainer Red not only provides support and praise, but has provided me with peace of mind and assuages all fears/concerns still to go with furthering our training goals. He’s a genuine asset to your organization, and we look forward to our next lessons with him in group classes. Thank you for all that you do!
  • Tammy Parmentier
    Apr. 3, 2026
    Red is a very professional and excellent trainer for our pup. He always gives great tips and encourages both me and my pup during our sessions. I highly recommend him for all your puppy training needs.
  • Kelly Acker
    Apr. 3, 2026
    Red from Dog Training Elite is the BEST! We truly cannot sing his praises enough. He helped turn our crazy puppy into such a well behaved dog. We love how communicative Dog Training Elite is - they have made this such a smooth training process.
  • Paige Miller
    Mar. 25, 2026
    Gus has been training with Red, Raina, and the Dog Training Elite team since he was 9 weeks old. We could not be happier with the puppy training Gus has received, and we are looking forward to starting group classes soon. He has transformed from a crazy, often frustrating puppy to a companionable and trustworthy friend in just a few short months with their help. He’s ready to keep learning and growing under their steady and gentle training.
A Dog Training Elite Central Nashville owner smiling with his dog in Nashville, TN.

Dog Training Elite Central Nashville

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

    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!

  2. Therapy Animal

    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.

  3. Emotional Support Animal

    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 Central Nashville

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 Central Nashville - PTSD Service Dog Training in Nashville, TN. DTE

PTSD Service Dog

If you're looking to train a PTSD service dog in Nashville, TN, 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 Central Nashville - Psychiatric Service Dog Training in Nashville, TN

Psychiatric Service Dog Training

Our psychiatric service dog training in Nashville, TN 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 Central Nashville - Mobility Service Dog Training in Nashville, TN

Mobility Support Service Dog

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

Dog Training Elite Central Nashville - Seizure Response Dog Training in Nashville, TN

Medical Response Dog Training

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

Dog Training Elite Central Nashville - Autism Support Dog Training in Nashville, TN

Autism Support Service Dog

Bring life-changing support to your family with Dog Training Elite's autism support dog training in Nashville, TN. 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 Nashville service dog training with Dog Training Elite.

Dog Training Elite Central Nashville

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 Central Nashville.

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 Central Nashville.
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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 Nashville, TN with Dog Training Elite.

We Are Committed to Making a Difference

Choose DTE for Nashville Service Dog Training

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At Dog Training Elite, we are passionate about transforming lives through Nashville 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 Central Nashville and experience the difference that elite training and compassionate care can make.