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Service Dog Breeds
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. We've created this brief guide to review 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. Take the first step towards a better future with a trained service dog by contacting Dog Training Elite of Southwest Florida today!
Popular Breeds for Service Dogs
While most dogs can be trained to become service dogs, regardless of breed, a few breeds lead the pack in popularity due to their personalities and inherent traits. Here are a few of the most popular service dog breeds.
Labrador Retrievers
Labrador retrievers are among the most sought-after breeds to be service dogs for PTSD in Sarasota / Venice due to their intelligence, versatility, and friendly nature. They excel in various roles, including guide dogs for individuals with visual impairments, service dogs for individuals with mobility issues, and service dogs for veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Labradors are highly trainable and possess a strong desire to please, making them ideal candidates for service work.
Golden Retrievers
Golden retrievers are known for their gentle and patient nature, making them excellent service dog candidates. Their calm temperament, intelligence, and willingness to learn contribute to their success in roles such as mobility assistance, therapy dogs, and service dogs for veterans. Their ability to provide emotional support and comfort makes them particularly well-suited for individuals with PTSD or other mental health conditions.
German Shepherds
German shepherds possess a remarkable combination of strength, intelligence, and loyalty, making them an excellent choice as a service dog for veterans. Their versatility allows them to excel in various roles, including mobility assistance, search and rescue, and service dogs for individuals with psychiatric or neurological conditions. With their keen sense of observation and natural protective instincts, German Shepherds can provide physical and emotional support to their handlers.
Poodles
Poodles are renowned for their intelligence, trainability, and hypoallergenic coats, making them popular for service dog training, especially for individuals with allergies. They excel in roles such as mobility assistance, diabetic alert dogs, and medical alert dogs.
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.
Who Are Service Dogs For?
Service dogs offer invaluable support and assistance to individuals facing various challenges. Service dogs are sought after by individuals with conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), mobility limitations, visual or hearing impairments, autism spectrum disorders, anxiety disorders, and more. Service dogs can help provide security, independence, and emotional well-being regardless of the specific condition. If you seek a loyal and capable partner to enhance your daily life, a service dog for PTSD in Sarasota / Venice can make a remarkable difference.
Service Dog Training
Service dogs undergo extensive and specialized training to perform their essential tasks and assist individuals with disabilities. The training process involves a combination of obedience training, task training, and public access training.
- Obedience Training
This training focuses on teaching a dog basic commands, such as sit, stay, heel, and come, as well as proper leash manners and socialization skills.
- Task Training
Task training tailors to the specific needs of the individual. It involves teaching the dog to perform tasks that mitigate the person's disability, such as retrieving items, opening doors, or providing deep pressure therapy.
- Public Access Training
This type of training is crucial to ensure the dog remains calm, well-behaved, and non-disruptive in various public settings. This training includes exposure to different environments, distractions, and social interactions to provide a dog that can confidently navigate public spaces.
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!
Anthony at Dog Training Elite helped me get my reactive dog under control. Within just a couple sessions, we saw noticeable differences with our dog, and by the end of our at home lessons, our dog is able to be out in public and completely under control. They are communicative and responsive for scheduling and questions. We highly recommend their team for general training but specifically for reactivity/aggression. If you would have told me a year ago I would be able to walk my dog in the farmer's market, I would not have believed you, but here we are! :)— Molly Lanners
Posted April 29th 2024
When we first got our Rottweiler puppy, we began to wonder if we made a mistake. She was biting, chewing on objects, jumping on people, pulling on the leash, and using the bathroom in the house. Then we hired this amazing company to help us properly train our dog. Our Stella is an unbelievable puppy with an amazingly sweet demeanor. She is so well behaved now, we have a completely different dog! She is 7 months old now, and we constantly get compliments about how well behaved she is. This trainer is worth every single dollar. The best investment you’ll ever make. Anthony is an unbelievable trainer. He understands dogs so well, assists with any questions, and is very attentive to making sure you finish training with the best dog possible. I cannot say enough good things about him and this company. 10/10 all day long!— Tyler Vaden
Posted April 25th 2024
Can't say enough about my trainer and all the help with my stubborn French Bulldog puppy! I was taught the tools to help teach her to be a better dog and am so thankful for your services! Thank you and recommend to anyone with a dog need training.— Jennifer Cunningham
Posted April 24th 2024
I have had an awesome experience with the entire DTE team starting with the initial in-home assessment and continuing through the individualized Service Dog training and group classes. Riley and I both adapted to the lessons and teaching style quickly and found that the pace of instruction was tailored to both of us, ensuring that we were challenged, but not overwhelmed with the process. It was amazing to see the transformation in Riley each week as she learned new skills and became more attentive and focused on tasks. I appreciated that the DTE team was approachable and that I was able to ask questions and receive feedback along the way. Group lessons were probably one of the most intimidating aspects of the program, but after the first one they became one of our favorite activities and we met a lot of great dogs and owners during these learning sessions. Knowing what we know now, we would 100% choose DTE again! Highly recommend Dog Training Elite of SW Florida and their entire team.— Allison Conley
Posted April 21st 2024
Absolutely great. I am closer to my dog and she is close to me. We're not all the way through yet. I'm waiting to do the group lessons.— Paulette Scarry
Posted April 21st 2024
10/10 would highly recommend Dog Training Elite of SW Florida. Anthony was our trainer, and he was awesome! Anthony was very helpful, knowledgeable and patient (with us and our Vizsla pup, Ziggie). He taught us the skills to succeed in training Ziggie (and vice-versa!). Much thanks to Anthony!— Maggie
Posted April 17th 2024
We were very happy with the work that Dog Training Elite staff did with our puppy and us! He truly has become an even better and loving version of himself!— Stephen Scogna
Posted April 16th 2024
We have been having a great experience with Elite! Big shout-out to Anthony! Thank you for working so patiently with Max (and us! 😊)— Joanne Weiss
Posted April 12th 2024
Anthony/trainer is Outstanding . Within the first few minutes of the vet first session he was able to train my then naughty Pug named Pearl. Then he trained me to train her. I was very nervous when Pearl graduated to group training. She did so well Alisa owner/trainer called her a “Rock Star”! Denise owner/trainer even spent extra time with Pearl and me on some issues I was having with her being stubborn. Chris/trainer also spent extra time with us on the down command. It is called Dog Training ELITE for a reason. All the trainers were very patient with me. They are the ones who are truly “Rock Stars”!— Ed Shilney
Posted April 9th 2024
The training sessions were great, our trainer went out of his way to help and instruct. The one thing I’d appreciate more of was more one on one time, like twice the number of lesson for the cost we paid, as the strong willed puppy we have often wore out during the lessons, as did my mother and I, and needed more of that intense and intentional focused training with the professional.— Alys West
Posted January 3rd 2024
I loved my experience with DTE! They were always on time and clear communicators and taught me so much about dog training! My dogs, Nash and Kila, are amazing examples of the hard work that DTE puts into their clients! I love my pups so much and I am so glad we chose to work with Dog Training Elite Southwest Fl.— Andie Haslam
Posted April 5th 2024
We have a reactive dog who has done really well with the training. I appreciate Anthony’s patience and knowledge. He made it fun.— Marjorie Shoobe
Posted April 3rd 2024
Couldn't be happier with Dog Training Elite, and Chris. The first session with Chris we had to chase Parker around the yard for 10 minutes to catch him to get the lessons started. Now I can retrieve him from most anywhere (not-so much if other dogs are involved). Can't wait for the group classes. We might have muddied the waters a bit by bringing a new puppy in the house, but so far all is well.— Russell Gnant
Posted March 13th 2024
We were so lucky to find the most amazing trainers for our puppy Sydney. Chris has been fantastic. Sydney has learned so much and so have we. They are amazing. We are so happy to know that we found the best place to learn and get such great support!!!— Barbara sellinger
Posted March 11th 2024
Our dog has been difficult to train (on the leash with distractions)but the different techniques we have been taught have started to work. Dog training Elite won’t give up until the right method works. The group class is extremely important and helpful. There are several trainers that attend and are willing to help if needed.— Janis Schechter
Posted February 22nd 2024
It has been a great team to work with. They are very knowledgeable and our dog is responding to the training. It's been very easy.— Lorin Cartwright
Posted March 5th 2024
I was impressed by this organization from the first phone call with Denise, to the in home assessment with Alissa to our in home training sessions with Anthony. I have 2 siblings, rescued from the streets of Aruba. Maya is very reactive and cannot sit still and Cooper is just the opposite but they are inseparable. Anthony was very patient and working together we figured out how to train them separately without a lot of drama. It had been an amazing journey to see the progress they have made so far We are looking forward to the rest of our journey. Thank you everyone from Patti, Walter, Cooper and Maya— Patti Baptiste
Posted March 4th 2024
This has been the best investment of time and money. Our Teddy is well on his way to being the perfect dog thanks to Chris’s invaluable training tips. I highly recommend Elite Dog Training.— Margaret Lopez
Posted February 9th 2024
Winston is a new man! He is still making progress and has finished his home training.— Judy Romano
Posted February 5th 2024
Service Dogs for Veterans & PTSDTraining with Dog Training Elite in Sarasota / Venice
Dog Training Elite offers comprehensive service dog training programs designed to meet your unique needs. With our expertise and personalized approach, we can help your service dog develop the skills and behaviors necessary to fulfill their vital role in enhancing your daily life.
Service dogs are an invaluable resource for individuals with disabilities, providing support, independence, and companionship. Service dogs can benefit individuals with various conditions, including PTSD, mobility limitations, autism, anxiety disorders, and more. At Dog Training Elite of Southwest Florida, we offer comprehensive service dog training programs to ensure your dog has the necessary skills to meet your needs. Our expertise and personalized approach will help you forge a strong bond with your service dog and confidently navigate daily life. Take the first step towards a brighter future by contacting Dog Training Elite today and discovering how a service dog can make a remarkable difference in your life.
Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation
At Dog Training Elite of Southwest Florida, 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 of Southwest Florida 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.