Military / Retired Vet Programs

Dog Training Elite Springfield

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Dog Training Elite

Military Veteran Service Dog Training in Springfield, MO

At Dog Training Elite Springfield, we strongly believe in the healing power of service dogs for military veterans. That’s why we dedicate our time and passion to providing veteran service dog training in Springfield, MO.

Service dogs can greatly assist with both the mental and physical challenges veterans may face after serving our country. Many veterans experience PTSD, physical disabilities, or other impairments, and our service dogs have been proven to help reduce symptoms and support veterans in returning to their daily routines.

Learn more about our programs designed for veterans and discover why Dog Training Elite is committed to making a difference in the community.

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A service puppy in training - Dog Training Elite offers veteran service dog training in Springfield, MO for those who have served our country.

Dog Training Elite Springfield

Why We Offer Service Dog Training for Military Veterans

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At Dog Training Elite Springfield, we are passionate about helping military veterans through the support of service dogs. We offer specialized service dog training options in Springfield, backed by scientific research and proven by our own success stories.

In a study conducted by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, veterans paired with service dogs experienced a significant reduction in PTSD symptoms and fewer self-harm ideations. The mental health and medical communities increasingly recognize service dogs’ positive impact on emotional well-being and independence, making them one of the most effective tools for veteran recovery.

At Dog Training Elite, we are dedicated to providing exceptional dog training services that provide the tools and support needed for our veterans and their dogs to thrive, offering a path toward healing and better quality of life.

A beautiful golden retriever service dog - Dog Training Elite Springfield.

Popular Service Dog Breeds

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Finding a service dog that fits your individual needs is important, especially for military veteran support. While most dogs can be trained to become service dogs, a few breeds stand out due to their personalities and inherent traits.

Here are a few of the most popular service dog breeds:

Labrador Retrievers: Labradors are intelligent, versatile, and eager to please, making them ideal for PTSD service dogs. Their trainability allows them to excel in roles like guide dogs, mobility support, and emotional support, making them highly adaptable for veterans.
Golden Retrievers: Golden Retrievers are known for their calm, gentle nature and strong work ethic. They are excellent at providing mobility assistance and emotional support, especially for veterans with PTSD, due to their patient and loving temperament.
German Shepherds: German Shepherds are strong, loyal, and highly intelligent, making them excellent service dogs. Their protective instincts and trainability allow them to assist with mobility, search and rescue, and provide emotional support for veterans.
Malinois: Belgian Malinois are known for their deep loyalty and intelligence. Malinois are not for everyone due to their energy and drive, but for retired veterans who appreciate discipline, structure, and a deep connection, they can be life-changing companions.

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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!

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A service dog and his veteran owner - Dog Training Elite Springfield.

Our Veteran Service Dog Training in Springfield, MO

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Service dogs undergo extensive specialized training to perform their tasks and assist their owners. Our 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, down, heel, come, as well as proper leash manners and socialization skills.
Task Training: Task training is tailored to fit the needs of each 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.

A beautiful service dog standing outside - Dog Training Elite Springfield.

Service Dogs for Veterans & PTSD

Get Specialized Training with DTE Today

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Training with Dog Training Elite is tailored specifically for military veterans dealing with PTSD and other service-related challenges. Our programs focus on helping veterans regain independence, emotional stability, and confidence through the support of a well-trained service dog.

At Dog Training Elite, we are dedicated to providing service dog training that strengthens the bond between veterans and their dogs, guiding them toward a brighter future and supporting their healing journey.

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

Grace Klein

Jan. 31, 2025

Elite went above and beyond for our dog! Our expectations were met and then some. It was worth every penny to have a better relationship with our beloved Doberman and for her to have the confidence for every situation. Highly recommend!
Pam Swihart

Jan. 31, 2025

I love dog training elite. Kristi trained Chloe, who was a very rambunctious ill behaved puppy, to behave politely in public. No jumping, barking, running wild. I’m in a wheelchair with MS. Kristi taught Chloe to also heel which is super important for me. Chloe finally walks beside me, while I’m driving my electric chair and when I stop, she sits right beside me. Anyone who is physically challenged and wants a dog but was worried it would not be safe Kristi will show you it’s possible. Dog training elite is so much more than just training, it’s caring. I’m complimented on Chloe’s manners all the time. I HIGHLY recommend dog training elite, Springfield. Kristi and team know their business.
Linda M

Jan. 31, 2025

The team at Dog Training Elite Springfield exhibited remarkable patience, kindness, and true dedication, making Ollie's training an amazing experience for him, and for us. His progress after only one day was remarkable, and today he graduated! From the time and interest Kristie initially took to gather information to customize the training to ours and Ollie's needs, to Jeremy's "gentle giant" approach and listening skills, we couldn't be happier. A special shout out to McKenzie, Ollie's new girlfriend for helping him become the best boy he can be and for very obviously loving him so much. We are beyond grateful to everyone and will see them at group classes very soon!
Kristine Carlile

Jan. 30, 2025

The trainers at Dog Training Elite give you the tools you need to be successful owners. Our two dogs are in the fast track day camp. We have tried other training with our pups, but never felt confident in what we learned and had issues with follow-up training at home. Every day, our pups show us what they learned and we are given the opportunity to go through that days lesson with the trainer. We never leave until we fully understand the lesson and how to confidently put that training into action at home. If we have questions or concerns (which of course we do) they take the time to listen and respond thoughtfully. Every day we leave with more knowledge and confidence than ever. The training is allowing us to more fully enjoy our pups and give them a more structured home, which in turn creates a better relationship between owner and pup, and gives them a fuller life.
Kimberly Tate

Jan. 16, 2025

Wow, just wow! Had trouble with a previous dog’s behaviors and disobedience. I decided I was going to do it differently this time around. This training is worth every penny! My very energetic, stubborn boxer is now a pleasure to be around. Even my older mother and elderly grandmother can’t get enough of him, now that he shows off his polite manners. I cannot say enough about Kristi and her amazing staff. They know their stuff and answer all of my questions…so make sure to ask. The learning environment is wonderful at the facility. Every time, we are greeted warmly and no matter how my stubborn puppy doesn’t want to listen, the trainers never loose their cool. I never feel like we are rushed through training and we all learn exactly what we need to be successful. Not only that, we are so blown away and in love with our now well-behaved dog that we are sticking around even longer to get advanced training.
Bella Alden

Jan. 6, 2025

My dog moo had been attacked several times while living in an apartment. She used to love dogs but became very afraid, leading to aggression. It got to a point where I would take her to parks and have to step off the trail as she would be reactive. I was pregnant and wanted to continue taking moo on all the adventures. After only 5 weeks of training moo attended her first group class with Kristi’s team, and 14 other dogs. She completed weave drills, pack walks, and even walking towards a wall of dogs. She is a completely different dog, while still being our happy girl moo. We couldn’t believe the progress and can’t wait to continue our adventures. Kristi and her team are amazing and all so very kind. If you are thinking about it, do it!
Erin Duvall

Dec. 29, 2024

The entire DTE team has been amazing to work with my dog to make him a certified therapy dog and myself so that I have to the tools to make him successful.
Kiera Sadernas

Dec. 20, 2024

Boba and I started training with DTE in 2022. It took me quite a while to decide on which training company to go with in the Springfield area, but what stood out the most to me about DTE was the fact that they taught me how to train my companion. I didn’t just drop Boba off for a three week program and come pick up the perfect pet, or leave him at a facility for two months and come home with a fully trained service dog. They spent time with me and Boba in one on one sessions, teaching us together how to be a great team. They helped us work through issues, build a great foundation for communication, develop trust as a service dog and handler, and they continue to provide support even after Boba has passed his exams and graduated from his program. I can’t stress enough how amazing this team of trainers is and how much they care about their clients (both human and animal). They teach everything from basic obedience to personal protection, and I will always, always, ALWAYS recommend DTE to anyone who asks!!
map 33387

Dec. 16, 2024

We adopted a 2 year old Doberman and named him blu. He came to us with no manners whatsoever. I am disabled and handling a 85 pound powerhouse was a challenge. Kristi at dog training Elite worked with us and trained us and blu so that we could all live together safely and be well behaved. She was amazing to work with and I would definitely go to her again for any training needs. If you are looking for a trainer that will work with you and your furbaby, and understand what you want and need out of your training give Dog Training Elite a call. Very good to work with. We love working with Kristi.
Nichole Brady

Dec. 12, 2024

Wonderful people. They take their time with you and your dog. My boy is almost 5m old and he has such good manners now.
Amy Mclean

Dec. 5, 2024

My dog was a wild child. She pulled on the leash. I could not walk her due to her size and my mobility problems. My husband was ready to find her a new home. After just 1 week of training she was a different dog. She had manners and stayed in control around people. Lindy is now a service dog and has completed her testing. She is such an amazing dog. Kristi found my dogs brain. Kristi, Jeremy, and Erin are so sweet. They listen to your needs and are so amazing with the dogs. I would recommend them to anybody who needs a dog trained. I cant say enough about how pleased I am. Picture is my Lindy when she graduated.
Amy Mclean

Dec. 5, 2024

My dog was a wild child. She pulled on the leash. I could not walk her due to her size and my mobility problems. My husband was ready to find her a new home. After just 1 week of training she was a different dog. She had manners and stayed in control around people. Lindy is now a service dog and has completed her testing. She is such an amazing dog. Kristi found my dogs brain. Kristi, Jeremy, and Erin are so sweet. They listen to your needs and are so amazing with the dogs. I would recommend them to anybody who needs a dog trained. I cant say enough about how pleased I am. Picture is my Lindy when she graduated.
Shairey Perkins

Dec. 5, 2024

Love this place teaching my dog so much very good very professional
Bill Virella

Oct. 22, 2024

The trainers are very proficient and knowledgeable. I like how they "train" the dog owners as well.
traveler

Oct. 22, 2024

Kristi and Jeremy were amazing training my 16 month old, 55 lb. dog, Wiley. They were both so knowledgeable, professional and patient. Erin in the office is wonderful too. Wiley was difficult to walk if there were other people or dogs nearby and didn’t always come when called, occasionally jumped on people, etc. I choose the 2 week day camp so I would have time to attend weekly group sessions before traveling with him. I saw improvement within a couple days! He has completed the 2 week session and attended one group session so far. He was very good around all the dogs and owners for the group session, I was so surprised. I highly recommend them!
ginger phillips

Oct. 18, 2024

When Sadie first arrived at Elite she had a big wide leash. She liked to drag me down the street. Quickly they taught she and I both how to have an obedient dog. She follows many commands now after 2 weeks and now she heals and we walk side by side with a reasonable leash. I highly recommend this team for obedience. Ginger Phillips
Kurt and Sally Larson

Sep. 21, 2024

I have owned and had dogs trained all my life. I wanted this puppy and I to understand how to communicate. Kristi and Jeremy deserve 20 stars at least. Plus don't forget Erin at the front desk she makes it all operate smoothly(she is supper sweet). They are patient kind thorough, and sincerely care that we have success. We started with the weekly puppy school. Well, I quickly decided to advance her to puppy camp best decision because they fast tracked her(us) to listening and understanding. Sophia is truly proud of herself and has such joy usually in the process. Do not hesitate to to spend the money you will not regret this decision.
Jade Graham

Sep. 19, 2024

We have been working with Kristi for 3 weeks now and have seen so much improvement in our 4 year old dog. Before training he would bark at any person, dog, or moving car he saw, pull on his leash during walks, and ignore commands he was given and after just 3 classes we were able to have a very calm and peaceful walk around our neighborhood with no pulling or barking. He has also started to listen to all commands given. If you’re thinking about training, DO IT!
Tani Kremer

Sep. 18, 2024

I am so thankful for Kristi and Jeremy, the owners and trainers for Dog Training Elite Springfield. They have been helping me train our 6 year old Boston Terrier to be a service dog. My husband has been in and out of the hospital for over 7 weeks this year. We were told by the doctors this will continue to be my husband’s life. Because of Kristi and Jeremy’s loving, positive training our sweet Bo was able to see his daddy in the hospital! Having Bo visit him in the hospital lifted his spirits so much! I can’t believe our stubborn, sweet dog is so well behaved and minds me! Bo gets so excited when I work with him and I enjoy taking him for walks, no pulling!!!!! It is obvious that Kristi and Jeremy love what they do! I highly recommend Dog Training Elite!
Becky Fisher

Sep. 17, 2024

Rock-it is our 5 month Golden Retriever. He was very impulsive and difficult to manage. I thought I had made a huge mistake in bringing home this dog. ONE DAY WITH KRISTI and I have the manageable

Reviews & Testimonials