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A service dog and their owner outside - find elite service dog training in San Antonio, TX with Dog Training Elite.

Professional

Service Dog Training

Dog Training Elite San Antonio

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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
Advanced medical training (participating locations)

Dog Training Elite San Antonio

Service Dog Training in San Antonio, TX

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 San Antonio, TX, 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 Pawsitive 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

  • Glori Tate
    Dec. 31, 2024
    I love the trainers and how they are helping my little Poppy learn all she needs to know on her journey to become a service dog. She is tiny and they treat her like she is normal dog with a big heart . They do not baby her and treat her like she can do everything a regular size dog can do. She can be a bit spicy but she listens to them and is also so happy to see them. Her little nub tail goes a mile a minute as soon as we pull up. She knows she is going to see the amazing staff and trainers. Her first week she learned a lot and it was up to me to keep it up. They found treats she likes. * She was super picky* She was a bit shy at first and they got her out of her shell. Now she is not afraid of anything. They still come to the house for additional training and we can go every Tuesday for refresher training until she is old enough to start service dog training. I know, I was so nervous at first before Poppy joined this program. After meeting with them and visiting the facility I was very happy. The facility is very clean. The trainers, staff have been absolutely wonderful and take time to answer my questions. If I don’t feel confident in what I am doing they do not hesitate to guide me. When Poppy joined she was only 1.5 lbs and they made sure she was safe while she started puppy basics. Yet she still played with the big puppy’s and did everything all the other puppy’s got to do. She is 3lbs now and I have no concerns in leaving my little treasure with anyone at Dog Training Elite for her continue education onto Service dog training. If you’re looking for Basic training to advance to anything in between. I highly recommend this wonderful facility. They truly care about their clients and the work they do. My little Poppy loves going to see them every time. They also educate me on what I am doing wrong and guide me in the correct way to handle poor behavior in my Poppy. Come join this place! Poppy would love to make new friends too
  • Natasha Kova
    Dec. 31, 2024
    We have been coming to DTE for 3 years and it was the best decision we made after getting a dog! She still has her wild side but way more behaved when she was in the beginning. Trainers are amazing, facility is at a great location, several classes every week to choose from, and classes are super fun! 100% recommend reaching out to DTE for anyone who is considering getting a dog💜
  • Dana Bishop
    Dec. 30, 2024
    Where do I even begin? DTE took a 4 month old Doberman puppy and turned him into the most amazing service dog in a period of 3 months time. This boy was wild! He learned discipline, self control and all the things necessary to pass the test. This was all done with a perfect balance of building amazing confidence while maintaining his wonderful disposition. Leo truly loved his trainers and we could tell that they absolutely loved him as well. I recommend them 100 times over.
  • Chrisany Franklin
    Dec. 18, 2024
    The basic puppy training and service dog training options are amazing. The staff is so nice and very informative. Chewbacca has learned so much and is always happy to come to class. We’ve done the puppy class and now on week 2 of service dog training! The trainers are so helpful and educational when it comes to showing what Chewbacca has learned and answering all of our questions! You get daily updates of what was taught to include videos and written information. Plus, cute photos of your pup! I highly recommend DTE!
  • Troy Sahai
    Dec. 17, 2024
    We recused bolt in late Dec 23. He was about to be put down because there was no room at the shelter. Initially, he would take off running had no recall, and was constantly acting up. That’s when we reached out to Dog Training Elite. We met with Whitley and she immediately promised us we can get him trained. Throughout his training Adakais(his trainer) was patient and gave us numerous lessons that we were able to apply. It was life changing for us. Bolt went from being a dog that would lose his mind if you even put a leash on him to becoming fully service dog qualified by summer of 2024. He knows all the commands and really responds well to having a job as a service dog. There a lots of group classes and everyone attending is supportive. Plus you have the one on one with the trainer. This is a great team and you’re really part of a supportive community. That’s bolt at my retirement ceremony being a great service dog. The other photo was after training at the facility. He was relaxed even with other dogs around.
  • Jazzmen Wilken
    Dec. 17, 2024
    I am so thankful to DTE for being patient with me and my pup during the training process. The group classes are a plus as they allow me and my dog to work in various environments with distractions. I have received constant feedback from them as well which has helped me build my confidence as a dog owner!
  • Amber Rodriguez
    Dec. 16, 2024
    I can’t say enough good things about this facility. The staff is always so friendly and they were absolutely amazing with my dog. Gunner is very well behaved now, and I have a better understanding of how to upkeep his training at home because they give you the tools you need to be able to work with your dog at home. My dog went through the puppy boot camp and service dog training. Definitely recommend!
  • Amber Rodriguez
    Dec. 16, 2024
    I can’t say enough good things about this facility. The staff is always so friendly and they are absolutely amazing with dogs. My dog is very well behaved now, and I have a better understanding of how to upkeep his training at home because they give you the tools you need to be able to work with your dog at home. My dog went through the puppy boot camp and service dog training. Definitely recommend!
  • leticia sanders
    Dec. 14, 2024
    The staff is professional, helpful, and patient. I am pleased with my dogs’s progress… She’s a Llasa Apso so that says a lot when it comes to training. You’ll see a difference day one after training … one week later is amazing and then group training just adds to the benefit of having your dog trained. Highly recommend.
  • Timothy Shaw
    Dec. 12, 2024
    Dog Training Elite has been the best! We are so happy that we chose them for our training needs. They have really helped our strongminded bully breed become an exceptional member of our home. Worth every penny of the cost to work with people who truly care about meeting our needs.
  • Roxanne Kiesling
    Dec. 12, 2024
    Beyond 5 Stars!! From day one of service dog camp, Hogan (the cutest puppy around) was learning new commands and breaking bad habits. Beyond the AMAZING trainers--Ali & Whitley, the training facility was top-notch and well kept. Sometimes I would walk in and think they were baking cookies because it smelled so good :) Highly would recommend Dog Training Elite! After just 3 weeks of training and reinforcing, we now have a graduate of Service Dog Camp!
  • Andrea Calleros
    Dec. 12, 2024
    This is the best place for all your dog training needs. During covid i was able to get my dog trained as a PSD and the experience was so great that when my guy retired i went back to get his replacement trained. Everyone is incredibly helpful, friendly and flexible with your schedule. They were able to come to my home for all of the training. I highly recommend DTE!
  • Julie Aulner
    Nov. 14, 2024
    DTE has been amazing! Their services are truly the best and have been a huge blessing to our family. The training and support they have provided to Calypso and my husband has truly been above what we could have imagined.
  • Kris NeSmith
    Nov. 2, 2024
    They have been awesome with training my lab, Harley. Harley had a stubborn streak but with their help he is doing great. Our trainer Adakias has been great to work with, understanding and accommodating. I highly recommend them!
  • Diane Foster
    Oct. 20, 2024
    Very professional and listens to your concerns. Their work is amazing!
  • Sharonanne Brunet
    Sep. 4, 2024
    Trainers are sensitive to Dog’s personality and the specific concerns of owners. Excellent feedback on the commands taught during training. They detail your dog’s “report card”. They are pleasant & patient in teaching & having owners demonstrate understanding & use of learned commands with their pet. We love that we bring our Pet home for the evening & a reassuring night’s sleep!
  • Hollow Tree Ranch
    Aug. 21, 2024
    Cannot express how happy and appreciative I am for DTE. Truly heartfelt and personal trainers who were all patient, informative, caring, and interested in the needs for our particular situation. We have a special needs child and they went above and beyond helping us get our dog service dog trained and task trained for her needs. Cannot say enough! 10 stars for sure!!
  • Bob Berg
    Aug. 20, 2024
    I will have more to say as time goes by. This was our first day and had a lot to digest!!
  • donald
    Aug. 8, 2024
    Terrence has been sole trainer, his knowledge and experience has surpassed our expectations. He and Lexxa bonded quickly and the training has progressed much quicker than we expected. We highly recommend and couldn’t be happier with the results.
  • Haley Schenasi
    Jul. 7, 2024
    Highly recommend Dog Training Elite! We trained our German Shepherds through their program and love everything about it. The care and attention to detail they have for dogs is incomparable. Kai is a phenomenal trainer!
A Dog Training Elite San Antonio owner smiling with his dog in San Antonio, TX.

Dog Training Elite San Antonio

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, pigs, and monkeys 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 San Antonio

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 San Antonio - PTSD Service Dog Training in San Antonio. Dog Training Elite San Antonio
PTSD Service Dog

If you're looking to train a PTSD service dog in San Antonio, TX, 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 San Antonio - Psychiatric Service Dog Trainers in San Antonio
Psychiatric Service Dog Training

Our psychiatric service dog training in San Antonio, TX 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 San Antonio - Mobility Service Dog in San Antonio, TX. Dog Training Elite
Mobility Support Service Dog

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

Dog Training Elite San Antonio - Seizure Response Dog in San Antonio, TX
Medical Response Dog Training

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

Dog Training Elite San Antonio - Autism Support Dog Training in San Antonio, TX
Autism Support Service Dog

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

Dog Training Elite San Antonio

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 San Antonio.

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 San Antonio.
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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 San Antonio, TX with Dog Training Elite.

We Are Committed to Making a Difference

Choose DTE for San Antonio Service Dog Training

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At Dog Training Elite, we are passionate about transforming lives through San Antonio service dog training. Our proven methods and positive reinforcement techniques 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 San Antonio and experience the difference that elite training and compassionate care can make.