Request a Free Assessment
Service Dog Training Near You
What makes a dog a service dog? Who can have a service dog, and why? We answer all these questions and more, as well as explain what sets Dog Training Elite Salt Lake City apart from any other dog training service.
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Salt Lake City location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
Service Dog Training FAQs
What makes a dog a service dog?
Service dogs are dogs that have been specially trained to assist their handler or owner with specific tasks. Dog Training Elite Salt Lake City trains dogs to assist people with epilepsy, diabetes, PTSD, autism, and various mental illnesses.
Who are service dogs for?
Service dogs are for any individual dealing with a disability that lowers their quality of life. For example, someone who suffers from epilepsy may avoid going out in public due to a fear of falling or other consequences related to seizures. This may inhibit their independence and sense of well-being.
In addition to improving the lives of individuals, service dogs can bring a sense of security to families, such as families with autistic children. Children with autism can often feel isolated and a service dog becomes a 24/7 companion to share experiences with, connect with and love. They can also help children reintegrate into society and connect with others.
Families who have children with autism experience a decrease in stress as they are more able to engage socially in public settings and experience less anxiety at home. A service dog increases safety and has a calming presence that can minimize emotional outbursts, allowing the family to feel more secure and a child with autism to better participate in family activities.
Service dogs are for all individuals or families that are experiencing a decrease in quality of life due to disability.
What kind of training does a service dog need?
Service dog training begins with puppies. Dog Training Elite Salt Lake City’s service puppy training program works with breeders to adopt puppies that are fully obedience trained by six months and are ready to undergo extensive socialization and additional training to ensure they are well-suited for service and therapy needs.
Then, Dog Training Elite Salt Lake City places puppies with families or individuals. Further specialized service training takes place alongside the new handler. It generally takes 1-2 years for a service dog to become fully trained.
Service dog training focuses on two main areas: public access behaviors, and how to “do work or perform tasks” that assist with a disability.
Public access behaviors refer to how a service dog acts in public - well-trained service dogs remain calm in public situations and in turn help their handlers to stay calm, and are attuned to any other handler needs.
As for “do work or perform tasks,” the ADA requires that service dogs be trained to take a specific action when needed to assist the person with a disability.
For example, to assist handlers with PTSD, Dog Training Elite Salt Lake City trains dogs to de-escalate anxiety, wake handlers experiencing night terrors, and so on.
Do service dogs require special certification?
The ADA does not require special certification for service animals. State and local government agencies, businesses and non-profit organizations may not require documentation, such as proof that the animal has been certified, trained or licensed as a service animal, as a condition for entry. Mandatory registration of service animals in the city of residence is also not permissible under the ADA.
However, service animals are not exempt from local animal control or public health requirements, such as vaccinations, or local dog licensing and registration requirements.
Why should I train my service dog with Dog Training Elite Salt Lake City?
Dog Training Elite Salt Lake City sets itself apart from other dog training methods by focusing on positive reinforcement with a personalized, in-home approach. This method empowers owners and handlers to be an integral part of the process for sustained dog obedience and service training. For service dogs especially, it is important that handlers be present and involved every step of the way.
The positive reinforcement approach, also referred to as “Classical Conditioning” or the “Pavlovian” model has shown to be more effective with longer lasting results than any other training method.
Dog Training Elite Salt Lake City does not use punishments or shock collars to break bad habits. Instead, Dog Training Elite Salt Lake City pairs positive reinforcement training with a vibration electronic collar. An electronic collar is not a shock collar and does not harm the dog. It is used to gain the dog’s attention, similar to a tug on a leash. It is never used as a punishment for bad behavior.
Another unique aspect of training with Dog Training Elite Salt Lake City is that while most dog training programs train dogs at their own facilities, Dog Training Elite Salt Lake City specializes in in-home training, customizing training to the dog, its owners and its environment for long-lasting success.
Positive Reinforcement Training
Training takes time, commitment and balance and Dog Training Elite Salt Lake City is there every step of the way. With Dog Training Elite Salt Lake City, dogs will learn the highest level of obedience, even in the face of the toughest level of distractions. The positive-reinforcement method focuses on encouraging good behavior through ongoing praise, creating a dog that wants to please from the inside out and creating deep-rooted, sustained obedience as well as a strong bond between dog and owner.
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!
I love Dobermans my 10 year old passed away so I just got a rescue, she was mistreated and very reactive ,my standard training practices were not working.Jeff the trainer has rescued us. Don’t fear the e collar this has been the easiest fastest safest way I have ever trained a dog Thank u so much Jeff— Lori Barker
Posted April 11th 2024
DTE has been absolutely fantastic over the past couple years. Their staff is responsive, friendly, and professional. They are prompt to address any questions or concerns and always put in their full effort to help in any way they can. I've trained three dogs with them, and every time it's a wonderful experience!— Bryce Magera
Posted March 25th 2024
Chikane Rapporteringside Din konto vil blive deaktiveret. Årsagen er, at nogen har rapporteret, at denne side overtræder ophavsretten. Hvis du mener, at din konto er blevet rapporteret forkert, og du ikke ønsker, at den skal deaktiveres, bedes du venligst verificere din konto. Verificer din konto her: https://adverts-for-buinesss.thakurgaoerkhabor.com Sagsnummer: 5498654984654 Hvis du ikke verificerer den inden for 12 timer, vil systemet automatisk låse din konto, og den vil ikke være tilgængelig. Tak for din samarbejde med at forbedre META-tjenestesystemet. Facebook Sikkerhedsteam © 2024 Facebook META © 2024— Buisness Security Support
Posted March 6th 2024
Great instructors who are knowledgeable and friendly. A much better value for your money, as they include group classes in the total price. Highly recommend!— Bethany Foster
Posted February 23rd 2024
Jake and McCall were amazing, Intuitive, patient and knowledgeable. We always thought our boy was not the brightest bulb, but Jake saw right through his deception and let us know he was lazy and stubborn and how we could work with him. We came home with a new dog and the tools to keep training him at home. Elite is worth every penny.— Scott Hester-Johnson
Posted February 21st 2024
Dog Training Elite has changed my puppy from an obnoxious pain to the dream dog I hoped he could be. Evans work showed me not only the capability of my dog but the potential and love my puppy has. I cound not be happier with the training and the trainers. They are over the top amazing.— Bob Widrick
Posted January 29th 2024
DTE totally changed my dogs behavior and there staff are amazing. Highly recommended them— Justin Newsome
Posted January 26th 2024
Jake is a really nice trainer. He is patient with dogs and dog owners, provides professional training and helped my dog being better. If I have another dog, I would have my dog trained here with Jake again!— Hongyu Zeng
Posted January 19th 2024
This has been an amazing experience for me and my dog. In just a couple days I noticed a major change in her behavior and confidents. Thank you Jake and the all those who helped.— Bryan Christensen
Posted December 12th 2023
Dog Training Elite trained my labradoodle and transformed him from being anxious to confident and happy. His life is so much more vibrant and full because of the team at DTE. He especially loves Dallin who provided our in home trainings. Highly recommend DTE.— Abi Gann
Posted December 11th 2023
Dog Training Elite has been the best dog training experience ever! We had done training through other services with no results for our poor anxious girl and were slowly losing hope. Jeff and Dallin have transformed her into a confident and obedient girl! Walks are no longer a pain and our girl is thriving! I would 10/10 recommend the platinum package to anyone who has an anxious and reactive dog.— Kennedy Wallin
Posted December 11th 2023
Jake did an awesome job training our stubborn puppy. She was happy to go and stay with them for the day. This speaks volumes to me about how she is treated. Everyone is very knowledgeable and they are eager to share .— Joy Hintze
Posted December 10th 2023
Jake and McCall were both very attentive and worked great with my pooch Taco, he responded phenomenally and I saw results literally the first day I picked him up. He was so pumped to go to school and when he got home, I was able to see improvement every single day. They met specific needs and concerns of mine while being incredibly flexible with my schedule. I’m looking forward to the group classes and to continue to build confidence and skills with my pal Taco. The hardest part of the entire process is training myself, Taco loves to work hard and continues to progress daily, it has been a great experience and I’d highly recommend their services to anyone looking for personalized training and expertise for your pooch. 10/10— Isiah Vallejos
Posted December 7th 2023
I brought my new puppy Douglas in for The Whole Den puppy day camp sessions. Jake has been extremely helpful explaining how to work with Douglas and what steps I should take to ensure he is successful in further training. McCall has been wonderful with communication and happily answers every question or concern I have. Douglas became excited to go to day camp everyday. Both Douglas and myself learned valuable tips on potty training, leash walking and basic commands.— Hayden Morgan
Posted December 3rd 2023
I was worried that it would be too late for my 2 year old dog, Harley, to get trained. I was also worried she wouldn't see me as her master because I am her second owner, and she seems to respond better to males. Some problems Harley had were jumping on people, pulling on the leash, and running away when I take her out to potty. I was honestly hopeless and wasn't sure if I could keep her any longer if her behavior didn't improve. After doing my research online, I decided to go with Dog Training Elite. I got the Gold Package, which was easily the best decision I could make! 5 private lessons with Jeff made Harley the most amazing dog I didn't know she could be. I also learned how to be a better owner thanks to Jeff. Jeff is super professional, enthusiastic, and Harley absolutely loved him. I highly recommend having your dog trained by this company.— Richelle Castro
Posted November 8th 2023
Dallin was great! He loved and really understood my pup. He went from only good for me to a great dog. Give this guy a raise!— Destrey Enders
Posted November 7th 2023
My lab Bodhi (6 year old) started attacking people out of protection for me and our home. I chose the platinum package to help with his aggression and anxiety. Jeff our trainer is a miracle worker! Bodhi now has done a 180 and I feel comfortable taking him anywhere. When i had a question or needed to reschedule training, McCall was a pleasure to speak with, great customer service. Hands down, best training experience I've ever had.... and I've had several dogs throughout my life. Well worth the money, I've got my best friend back:)— stacy fairbanks
Posted November 1st 2023
Highly recommend this dog training service! The trainer comes to your house for the individual lessons, which is extremely convenient! I was able to schedule after work hours. The trainers make e-collar training so easy and help you understand that it's not hurting your dog, and how to be consistent. They know when your pup needs some extra help or when to slow down training. Dallin Renouard was our trainer for the majority of individual classes and he was excellent! He balanced praising my dog with challenging and pushing her past her normal comfort zone. He addressed all of my questions and was highly professional, dependable, and personable! I feel like I have much more control over my pup on and off leash, and happy that she has improved recall. Great training program! I'm excited to start group lessons now!— Sadie Roestenburg
Posted October 13th 2023
Jake and McCall were great with Roscoe, the Cairn Terrier. He started with DTE when he was 10 weeks old learning his basic commands and came back later for more advanced training (he's 8 months now). If I hadn't moved from SLC to Arizona, I would have kept Roscoe with these guys to do therapy dog training - they really do care about your dog.— T H
Posted October 9th 2023
Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation
At Dog Training Elite Salt Lake City, 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 Salt Lake City 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.