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Epilepsy is a common disorder, affecting approximately 3.4 million Americans. Living with epilepsy can be difficult for many individuals. Due to fear of falling or other consequences related to seizures, many epileptic individuals will avoid going out in public. This greatly reduces quality of life and independence. Fortunately, service dogs can be trained to assist those with epilepsy. A Medical Response Dog is able to alert their caretaker and anyone nearby of an imminent seizure and protect their caretaker from injury or falling. The Americans with Disabilities Act allows individuals with disabilities, such as epilepsy, to bring service dogs anywhere with them in public spaces. The assistance of a Medical Response Dog can empower those with epilepsy and increase their quality of life.
Dogs have the ability to detect changes in an individual’s smell right before an epileptic attack, which allows them to effectively warn their caretakers. Almost any dog can be trained to act as a Medical Response Dog if they have the right temperament. If you or a loved one suffer from epilepsy, a Medical Response Dog training program can be life changing. Dog Training Elite offers a specialized Medical Response Dog training program in St. Petersburg.
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Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite St. Petersburg location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
The Medical Response Dog Training Program in St. Petersburg
For specialized training, it is best to start with puppies. Our Medical Response Dog training program is intensive and prepares your dog for a life of service. Service dogs must have a calm temperament and they must be first trained in obedience. Dogs that have aggressive, shy, or disobedient characteristics cannot be service dogs. After completing obedience programs, service dogs must undergo specialized skill training. An expert assessment will determine whether or not the dog is suited for medical alert services at this point. If so, they dog will be trained to detect oncoming seizures and warn the epileptic individual. Medical Response Dogs warn their caretakers in various ways, including: barking, close eye contact, pawing or licking, and or circling. Additional behaviors can be taught to protect the caretaker, such as breaking a fall by standing behind the individual, turning on lights or opening doors, and alerting others to the situation.
If you are looking for a Medical Response Dog training program in St. Petersburg to assist an individual with epilepsy, Dog Training Elite is here to help. Our expert trainers are experienced with various types of service dog training programs. Medical Response service dogs can bring independence, increased quality of love, and companionship.
Dog Training Elite St. Petersburg Offers Free Assessments
Dog Training Elite offers free in-home assessments to assess if a current family dog can be trained to become a Medical Response Dog or can help you select a service puppy or dog for training. We offer a unique in-home dog training method that involves owners in the training process, ensuring that training is never undone and both owners and their dogs are bonding and empowered.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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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!
We began a search for a service dog about 2 years ago. About a year ago, by a stroke of luck, we were directed to Dog Training Elite Suncoast where we met Ryan. Ryan started a search and quickly found the perfect dog for my wife. They developed an instant bond. Then Ryan, Kim and Aaron went to work with Shadow’s training. Since then, Shadow has attained the service dog certification and has been busy at work working with my wife and giving her advance notification of an oncoming episode. We feel blessed with the results of the entire process and there is no way that we could have accomplished this on our own. We are continuing to attend group sessions and strengthening his skills. I would 100% recommend Dog Training Elite Suncoast to anyone.— Anthony Cistone
Posted March 1st 2024
I am so pleased with the training. Both the in home and group sessions have taught me and my dog so much. The trainers are patient and also make it fun for my dog. Aaron was so kind in including our older dog who wanted to learn as well. I wish I started the training years ago when my dog was a puppy.— carolyn james
Posted January 5th 2024
I can't imagine a better experience! Dog Training Elite St. Petersburg will improve the relationship between you and your dog by training you (the owner) how to communicate effectively with your fur baby. Not only will they teach you how to train commands, but they will challenge you how to take those commands to the next level. So, your dog can sit or down for 30 seconds? Great! Can they sit for 5 full minutes with a bicycle, runner, ball, and squirrel going by? With Dog Training Elite, you can train them to do this and more. Truly exceptional! They will take your dog's obedience and manners beyond where you ever thought possible.— Tonya Stafford
Posted September 24th 2023
The BEST dog training program in all of St. Pete! Professional, knowledgeable, and friendly trainers that customize to you and your dog’s needs! Can’t believe the remarkable transformation! If you’re looking to take your dog out for leisurely walks without pulling and lunging, call DTE! If you want to welcome guests to your home without barking and rushing the door, call DTE! If you want a well-mannered and behaved dog no matter the situation, call DTE! JUST CALL DTE! You won’t regret it!— Alisa Kellington-Welsh
Posted September 24th 2023
Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation
At Dog Training Elite St. Petersburg, 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 St. Petersburg 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.