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

Service Dog Training in Phoenix, AZ

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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 Phoenix

Service Dog Training in Phoenix, AZ

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 Phoenix, AZ, 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

  • Mara Lockwood
    Oct. 31, 2025
    We're 3 weeks in and we had results from the very first session. Azure understood our dog so quickly and she's taught us things about our dog and dogs in general that have gone above beyond my expectations of what we'd be learning. I love how she talks about and to our dog. I also love how she does the initial training each week, tweaks it where needed, repeats it many time, then coaches us through it. This is so worth the investment!!!
  • Tom Brown
    Oct. 20, 2025
    We are in to our 3rd week......so far everyone has been very pleasant to work with....our 5month old puppy will not be the easiest to train however he's doing good for 3 lesson sessions. The training is equal for my husband and me along with our pup Norman. It is hard work but I think well worth it.
  • Christopher Wiltshire
    Oct. 6, 2025
    Exceptional experience with Dog Training Elite! The team has been absolutely amazing helping me train my Belgian Malinois, Sandy. From the very first session, they’ve been professional, patient, and incredibly knowledgeable — and it shows in Sandy’s progress. She just graduated and earned her invite to the group obedience classes, and she’s now advancing toward her Personal Protection Level 2 training! What I really love is that the trainers come to my home each week and always work around my schedule. They’re easy to work with, reliable, and genuinely care about Sandy and me. Every session is productive, positive, and fun — Sandy can’t wait to see them each time. Yes, the training isn’t cheap — but as the saying goes, cheap ain’t good and good ain’t cheap. The results and peace of mind I’ve gotten are absolutely worth it. If you want true professionals who deliver results and help you build an amazing bond with your dog, Dog Training Elite is the real deal. 🐾
  • Leida D
    Jun. 9, 2025
    They have the perfect program for my dog who is a pitti/german/mutt mix. They train you and your dog. My dog responded quickly and we saw changes in his behavior within 2 weeks.
  • Kristen Sanniec
    May. 25, 2025
    Dog training elite has given us the guidance for our Doberman puppy to be a well trained dog. They are available, helpful and are very professional. I would recommend them to anyone who needs puppy or dog training.
  • Karen Clayton
    May. 16, 2025
    We were so frustrated with our rescue-puppy that we were at wit’s end. Within the first week of training, we could tell a difference. It takes practice but we’re all learning and Kobe is so much more enjoyable. It is expensive, but worth the investment.
  • Brent Wood
    Apr. 21, 2025
    I’ve only had a few lessons but the progress I’ve seen in my 9 month old Anatolian Shepherd has been awesome! Money well spent!
  • Nickolas Rice
    Apr. 16, 2025
    Alexa has been amazing training our golden retriever puppy Chloe! No more getting jumped on and chewed like a dog bone!
  • Sandra Lazarus
    Mar. 15, 2025
    We are going enjoying our training sessions with Karen and Alexa. Both are great providing us with excellent training techniques.
  • Julia Crawford
    Mar. 11, 2025
    We just started our dog training for our mini labradoodle . We have had 3 training sessions so far with Azure and Karen. Azure did our first session and provided a lot of good info to get us started. Karen packed so much into our second session. In between sessions someone is always available to answer questions. We are so excited to see our Cooper progress through the trainings.
  • Leah C
    Mar. 5, 2025
    This place is excellent for dog training. It made a huge difference for us, we were at the end of our rope with a rescue from county who had a lot of behavioral issues. We did not know what to do and were desperate for a solution. Karen was our trainer and she was the absolute best. She was so good with our dog and the training. We could not have hoped for a better experience, it solved all of our problems. We have recommended Karen to anyone we know that is looking into dog training. 100% worth the money. Would do it again no question.
  • FaithTravelers
    Feb. 25, 2025
    Love the training. The trainers are patient, experienced, and appear to really care about both the client person and the client dog. Gave a 4 because of the cost and only two levels to choose from.
  • Gail Willmore
    Feb. 21, 2025
    If you are looking for top notch training for your dog I highly recommend Dog Training Elite. They understand behavior and train in a method that is rewarding for both your dog and the owner/trainer. Training can be stressful and the trainers understand that and are responsive to both the need of the dog and the trainer so that it is an enriching and rewarding experience for your dog and for you.
  • Cecilia Listrani
    Feb. 13, 2025
    Jaxon has turned his attitude around thanks to Alexa! She helps us and him with his training and we now feel confident taking him in public settings. Not only does Dog Training Elite help with obedience training, but also with off leash, aggression and reactivity! I would definitely recommend them for your pet!
  • Carol Hernandez
    Dec. 17, 2024
    Our 4 month old German Shepherd has improved since working with Dog Training Elite. We look forward to further improvement with working with Alexa. She’s good with our puppy Sammy.
  • Mindy Holman
    Oct. 2, 2024
    I have been very happy with their training! I feel capable and able to help my dog be successful and confident in what I’m asking her to do. Great people to work with. Highly recommend them.
  • Ryan Roudebush
    Sep. 23, 2024
    These trainers are masters at their craft! With their techniques and training our dog enjoys more freedom and the ability to go camping, hiking or whatever adventure comes our way.
  • Halal W
    Aug. 22, 2024
    Karen & Neil rock at everything. Jax went from zero to hero quickly. I've paid thousands elsewhere with little results. :( Dog Training Elite is the STANDARD of dog training. The real deal. Jax is doing amazing and will continue to be a customer for life.
  • Drevno
    Jun. 27, 2024
    This was a pricey one, but our dog needed help and this was the right place for the job. Our dog was quite reactive when people came over to our house. He really didn't like it and he would act aggressive, to the point where having someone watch him or even just having house guests over was a major ordeal. We went for the platinum package and overall the experience has been great. We've had private lessons with experienced dog trainers, they gave us the tools we need to keep our dog in check. Our dog is happier than ever and more confident, he's begun to play with our other dogs and more importantly we can have guests over without him losing his mind, he still doesn't like them but now we can get him to sit on his bed and calm down much more quickly. He gets over the guests being there and we can have a more normal life. Furthermore we had someone watch him when we went out of town for a few days (someone he's really not familiar with) and we had no issues. This was worth every penny, we got our lives back and his life is better. We're nearing the end of our private lessons but we have lifetime access to group lessons where he can continue to learn and grow. I would recommend dog training elite to anyone with a dog who needs training, and in fact I have recommended them to family.
  • Mari Griffin
    Jun. 15, 2024
    Dog Training Elite is all you need for the dog of your dreams. I have been working with Neal and his staff for 4 months now and I am blown away by how much we’ve accomplished in such a short time. My gorgeous Akita was very well trained by me in obedience but I wanted him to learn protection and socialization. I cannot recommend Neal and his team enough!!! Neal is the real deal!! If you want the dog you see in the movies then all you need to do is call Dog Training Elite.
A Dog Training Elite Phoenix owner smiling with his dog in Phoenix, AZ.

Dog Training Elite Phoenix

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 Phoenix

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 Phoenix - PTSD Service Dog Training in Phoenix, AZ. DTE

PTSD Service Dog

If you're looking to train a PTSD service dog in Phoenix, AZ, 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 Phoenix - Psychiatric Service Dog Training in Phoenix, AZ

Psychiatric Service Dog Training

Our psychiatric service dog training in Phoenix, AZ 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 Phoenix - Mobility Service Dog Training in Phoenix, AZ

Mobility Support Service Dog

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

Dog Training Elite Phoenix - Autism Support Dog Training in Phoenix, AZ

Autism Support Service Dog

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

Dog Training Elite Phoenix

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 Phoenix.

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 Phoenix.
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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 Phoenix, AZ with Dog Training Elite.

We Are Committed to Making a Difference

Choose DTE for Phoenix Service Dog Training

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