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Over the past decade there has been a rise in the number of people with Emotional Support Animals. This has caused some confusion around what it means to have a service, emotional support or therapy animal . Here, we explain briefly the differences between each of these animals, the training required for each different type, and debunk some common myths. Read on to learn the differences between each type of animal, which one might be right for you or your loved one, and how Dog Training Elite Pittsburgh can help.
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Pittsburgh location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
ESA vs. Therapy vs. Service Animals: What's the Difference?
Service Animals
Service animals are animals that have been trained to assist individuals with tasks specific to their needs.
- Redirecting attention when an individual is beginning to feel overstimulated
- Reminding owners to take medication
- Waking someone who is having a nightmare
Service dogs are valued in the mental health, health care and disability community and are protected under ADA laws which allow owners to take their service dog with them everywhere they go. Dog Training Elite Pittsburgh trains dogs to serve individuals with autism, diabetes and PTSD.
Dog Training Elite Pittsburgh trains autism service dogs to benefit and assist children with autism. Autism service dogs can be trained to track their child in case of wandering and redirect a child’s behavior when they are starting to become overwhelmed.
PTSD service dogs help ground owners to reality, especially in public settings. These service dogs can also be trained to recognize signs of a panic attack and regulate emotional responses through pressure.
Diabetic service dogs can alert their owners to their low blood sugar and provide stability, safety and support.
Visit our individual web pages to understand more about the differences and benefits of autism service dogs, PTSD services dogs and diabetic service dogs.
Emotional Support Animals
Although all dog owners may feel the emotional benefits of owning a dog, the dog needs to be prescribed by a licensed mental health professional to a person with a disabling mental illness such as anxiety or depression to legally be considered an ESA. Emotional Support dogs can be of any age and any breed whereas service dogs usually begin training as puppies.
In addition to being prescribed by a mental health professional, owners may wish for their dog to undergo more specific training. If you are looking for emotional support dog training in your local area, Dog Training Elite Pittsburgh has you covered.
The professional dog trainers of Dog Training Elite Pittsburgh are experienced with training various types of therapy animals. Trainers work with a dog’s natural temperament to ensure a strong, loving bond between dog and owner. Training can be personalized to fit the needs of the owner.
It is important to note that Emotional Support Animals are meant for just that - emotional support. Dogs trained to assist with specific tasks that may be associated with a disability are service animals. Training a dog to be an Emotional Support Animal or a therapy dog is less intensive than training to be a service animal.
Therapy Animals
Therapy Animals are very similar to Emotional Support Animals, except that they are often used to bolster the mental health and wellbeing of a community, as opposed to just an individual. Therapy dogs are often seen serving in hospitals, rehabilitation or care centers with their owners.
Owners who feel their dog may be a good fit for this kind of community service can have them receive top-notch training from Dog Training Elite Pittsburgh.
The most important thing to note as a difference between Emotional Support Animals, Therapy and Service dogs, is service animals are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act which states service animals must be able to accompany their owners wherever they go. Emotional Support and Therapy animals do not have the same protections and public establishments may have their own rules about ESA and therapy dogs.
Whether you’re ready to get a new lease on life with the help of a service dog, or strengthen the existing bond with your dog, Dog Training Elite Pittsburgh has the experience and resources you need.
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!
Mr Conrad is an excellent trainer he has helped my fear aggressive border collie gain confidence now our daily walks have become a lot easier and she hardly reacts to people and other dogs. Overall this was an amazing experience— Briana Lanay
Posted January 28th 2024
I have a 2 year old. Lab and I can’t say enought. About how her training from Vince at Dog Training Elite Pittsburgh has helped her and is! Vince is very knowledgeable about training with individual one on one class and group classes. Whatever you need help with your dog Vince can fix it! I have a well behaved dog now that only continues to get better as she gets older . He is reasonably priced and is always available for questions or new concerns. DTEP gets my outstanding review. Give Vince a call ! You will be very happy with his training for your dog!! Sincerely, Linda Z— Linda Zemanick
Posted December 8th 2023
Vince was always punctual and sympathetic to my concerns regarding dog training/behavior. He gave thorough explanations and was flexible with the agenda of each class, tailoring them to my priorities. Even before signing on with him, he provided an in-depth consultation and answers, with examples, to all my questions. He was encouraging, yet realistic, and openly discussed the ongoinging responsibilities of the dog owner throughout the training process. I highly recommond Dog Training Elite Pittsburgh to any owner who wants to reach the next level of dog obedience and is willing to put in the required work necessary thereof.— Czarina Grace Michka
Posted November 13th 2023
Vince is the trainer that I needed for Dakoda-my 9mth old German shepherd. I tried other trainers and didn't get results. Vince is calm and patient and works to train you, not just your dog. I live a little bit out of his usual area, but Vince went the extra miles for me, and I am so thankful he did!— Lynn Bacha Antonucci
Posted September 11th 2023
Vince is the trainer that I needed for Dakoda-my 9mth old German shepherd. I tried other trainers and didn't get results. Vince is calm and patient and works to train you, not just your dog. I live a little bit out of his usual area, but Vince went the extra miles for me, and I am so thankful he did!— Lynn Antonucci
Posted September 11th 2023
My dog Teddy is still in training. He got nearly all his one to one trainings at our home with Tonya and now he has been in 3 group sessions so far. Tonya is not just knowledgeable and experienced as a dog trainer but her best qualities are her natural love for animals, her patience and her way to make them what we considered impossible. Teddy is a 7 MO sheepadoodle puppy and gets too excited around dogs and other people. He wish to play all the time so he gets jumpy and drags us whenever he wants to be playing. Tonya has been able to teach him basic commands and has been helping us to teach him to stay quieter. If you are in the need to get professional help along with loving care with your pup, Tonya and Luis are your answer. I recommend them 100%!— Steven Padin-Aquino, P.E.
Posted July 21st 2023
Vince is a wonderful dog trainer. He met Henry and I at no cost to assess his good and bad behaviors at home. Vince’s calm, patient and kind demeanor made me confident that he would be able to train Henry and educate me every step of the way. After our first training session Henry stopped nipping “puppy biting” at my sleeves and ankles. We have since worked on learning new commands and skills together that make having a puppy more enjoyable and even fun. I would recommend Vince to anyone who is looking to have a better relationship with their dog and who is even interested in service dog training.— Taylor Koch
Posted July 6th 2023
Vince is a wonderful dog trainer. He met Henry and I at no cost to assess his good and bad behaviors at home. Vince’s calm, patient and kind demeanor made me confident that he would be able to train Henry and educate me every step of the way. After our first private training season Henry stopped nipping “puppy biting” at my sleeves and ankles. We have since worked on learning new commands and skills together that make having a puppy more enjoyable and even fun. I would recommend Vince to anyone who is looking to have a better relationship with their dog and who is even interested in service dog training.— Taylor Koch
Posted July 6th 2023
Vince is a calm, intelligent, and highly skilled trainer. He is patient and corresponds very well with the client. His demeanor is top notch and his training invaluable. Would highly recommend!— Tammy Birmingham
Posted June 11th 2023
Vince was amazing! We were really impressed with the progress our dog made! We would highly recommend Vince— Dana Collins
Posted March 29th 2023
Vince is not only a wonderful trainer, but an amazing human being. I notice a changed in my dog after our first private session. His knowledge of dog psychology and behavior has really helped my dog work towards becoming an ESA. Vince also is so flexible and considerate when it comes to schedules, he will go above and beyond to make sure his customers feel important and accommodated. I highly recommend his services.— Shelby C
Posted February 20th 2023
Vince is not only a wonderful trainer, but an amazing human being. I notice a changed in my dog after our first private session. His knowledge of dog psychology and behavior has really helped my dog work towards becoming an ESA. Vince also is so flexible and considerate when it comes to schedules, he will go above and beyond to make sure his customers feel important and accommodated. I highly recommend his services.— Shelby Lynn
Posted February 20th 2023
Vince is a compassionate and knowledgeable trainer, and I'd recommend Dog Training Elite to anyone!— Aidan Rosequist
Posted November 28th 2022
(Translated by Google) My son was diagnosed with autism and I started looking for information about the help he could have for his social development and his verbal problem and I discovered that service dogs are a very important help. Thank God they gave my son a beautiful dog but he needed his training. From so many searches I found Dog Training Elite Tampa and the best of them speak Spanish and have been a blessing for my son and his great friend. I never thought I would have a dog inside my house, but the training received has made it part of the family and I think with more education and more respect. Thank you, thank you very much because with your help my son has shown changes, he has a friend to play with, he no longer plays alone and I am calmer because my son has a friend who will ensure his safety. (Original) Mi hijo fue diagnosticado con autismo y me puse a buscar información sobre las ayudas que el podía tener para su desarrollo social y su problema verbal y descubrí que los perros de servicio son una ayuda muy importante. Gracias a Dios le regalaron a mi hijo a un hermoso perro pero necesitaba su entrenamiento. De tantas búsquedas encontré a Dog Training Elite Tampa y lo mejor hablan español y han sido una bendición para mi hijo y su gran amigo. Jamás pensé tener un perro dentro de mi casa, pero el entrenamiento recibido lo ha hecho ser parte de la familia y creo que con más educación y más respeto. Gracias, mil gracias porque con su ayuda mi hijo ha demostrado cambios, tiene un amigo con quien jugar ya no juega solo y yo estoy más tranquila porque mi hijo tiene un amigo que velará por su seguridad.— Kamirelis Ramirez Ortiz
Posted November 17th 2022
Vince is great! He always brings a sense of calm confidence during his training sessions.— Cassandra Ramos
Posted November 10th 2022
Vince has a great demeanor for training dogs! Highly recommended!— Jessica Gocke
Posted November 10th 2022
Vince is a great dog trainer and super great to work with!— Emily Wheeler
Posted November 7th 2022
Great training classes and my daughter really enjoys the bonding time with her puppy. Vince has been great with helping her to train her puppy and has given her the fundamentals to continue to keep training throughout each week. I highly recommend the training.— Tara Wessol Coddington
Posted September 25th 2022
Tanya and Luis are great to work with! They will go above and beyond to help you. They have the ability to change your dog's behavior for the better.— Danielle Sanderson
Posted September 23rd 2022
Ryan & Kim are Patience Saints! Their love for animals is incredibly heartwarming, and with inclusive family values, their driven dedication to training truly sets them apart.— Misty Wilson
Posted September 19th 2022
Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation
At Dog Training Elite Pittsburgh, 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 Pittsburgh works with the Malinois Foundation to heal and empower these individuals with a specialized service animal, a partner in life, and a new best friend.