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PTSD Service Dog

Dog Training Elite Suncoast

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A well-trained PTSD service dog in Tampa, FL  - contact Dog Training Elite today to discuss training options!

PTSD Service Dog in Tampa, FL

DTE: Top PTSD Dog Trainers

A psychiatric or PTSD service dog in Tampa, FL provides invaluable support to individuals experiencing high anxiety, stress, or trauma-related symptoms. These service animals accompany their handler everywhere, offering emotional support and helping them reintegrate into society.

Through our specialized PTSD service dog training program at Dog Training Elite, dogs are taught to assist in reducing depression, decreasing the frequency and severity of flashbacks, anchoring their handler to the present, and helping minimize suicidal thoughts.

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A picture of an obedient PTSD service dog in Tampa FL trained at Dog Training Elite.

PTSD Service Dog in Tampa, FL

How PTSD Service Dogs Help in Public Settings

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For individuals with PTSD, public settings can feel unsafe and overwhelming. Service dogs for PTSD provide grounding and protection, preventing people from crowding their handler and offering emotional support during moments of heightened anxiety.

Service dogs can also be trained to recognize signs of an impending panic attack, wake individuals from night terrors, and regulate emotional responses by applying pressure, helping their handler regain a sense of calm and control.

Our Service Dog Training Programs

Dog Training Elite Suncoast - Psychiatric Service Dog in Tampa, FL. DTE
Psychiatric Service Dog Training
Dog Training Elite Suncoast - Mobility Service Dog in Tampa, FL. Dog Training Elite
Mobility Support Service Dog
Dog Training Elite Suncoast - Autism Support Dog Training in Tampa, FL. DTE
Autism Support Service Dog
Two PTSD service dogs trained by the experts at Dog Training Elite Suncoast sitting with their owners.

Benefits of PTSD Service Dog Training


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  • Increase activity and integration into society: Dogs are active and need to be exercised regularly, the responsibility of caring for a service animal will force their handler to get out and exercise. A routine is established and ties to the future are forged again.
  • Create a sense of safety: Public settings and crowds are an enormous trigger for most individuals suffering from PTSD. Psychiatric service dogs are trained to create a physical barrier between their handler and crowds of people.
  • Ground in reality, redirect hyper-vigilance: Hyper-vigilance is a symptom of PTSD and creates constant tension and paranoia within suffers. Service dogs are trained to recognize their handler’s warning signs for anxiety, hyper-vigilance, and panic attacks and redirect that energy into positive coping skills and grounding techniques such as petting the dog.
  • Reduce nightmares and flashbacks: One of the most emotionally challenging situations for individuals with PTSD to deal with are flashbacks and nightmares. They can transport an individual back to a terrifying time in their life where they have felt unsafe, threatened, and traumatized. A PTSD service animal is trained to bring their handler back to reality quickly and calmly, ground the individual, and help them to feel safe in their environment again.

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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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See An Elite Dog in Action

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • J C
    May. 28, 2024
    Kim, Jana, and Ryan have been great to work with. They have turned Benny's behavior around and are helping me to get him trained as a service dog. They have been very considerate and helpful with my physical limitations. We look forward to every session with them.
  • Kelly Kelly-Fritz
    Dec. 6, 2024
    DTE are the 2nd dog training co. I've used. The first was for my son's dog - and DTE for my own. I'm so happy with the personalized experience DTE have offered me. Kim, Aaron & Ryan are all excellent folks to work with. My Pepper has learned so much and I look forward to completion of the program so she will have a full-on Service Dog credentials. This has been a great experience.
  • Deb Barrett
    Jul. 5, 2023
    Kim, Ryan, and Aaron are the best dog trainers. They are very patient both with my Frenchie and me! If you need a specific area that needs work, they are there for you and your dog. People continually comment on how well behaved my little Frenchie. He will be 3 years old in a couple of weeks. He began his training when he was 9 months old & I take him to group glass to reinforce what he has learned & to keep him on his paws!!! Jackson is a certified service dog and it's all thanks to Dog Training Elite Suncoast.
  • Linda Kelly
    Dec. 6, 2024
    Ryan, Kimberly and Aaron are the absolute best at what they do. I adopted Luna from the humane society and she is a BIG girl; I knew I would need help training her if I ever hoped to be out with her successfully. Kim came to interview us and believed in Luna's potential. She gave us homework and I truly believe she, Ryan, and Aaron trained me as well as Luna. The classes are small, ensuring that each dog gets personalized attention. This is such a key factor in fostering a real bond between you and your dog. Every session felt tailored to Luna’s needs, and the trainers were always available for follow-up questions or advice. The trainers keep the classes engaging with games and activities that help reinforce key skills. Under their excellent tutelage at home, in group sessions, and in public places, Luna achieved her Service Dog certification. I can’t recommend Suncoast Elite enough! Luna is now a happy, well-behaved dog, and our walks are something I look forward to. The experience and dedication of these highly skilled trainers and their training philosophy are unsurpassed in my opinion.
  • Heather Vicioso
    Oct. 6, 2024
    I cannot speak highly enough of Dog Training Elite Suncoast and their exceptional work in training my service dog, Sammy. From the moment we began working with them, it was clear that their expertise and dedication were unparalleled. The team at Dog Training Elite Suncoast transformed Sammy from a loving companion into an indispensable service dog. Their training methods were not only effective but also compassionate, ensuring that Sammy's natural personality shone through while developing the skills necessary for her important role. Thanks to their thorough and professional training, Sammy has become an integral part of my daily life. She's mastered a wide range of tasks that help me navigate my day-to-day challenges with confidence and independence. The impact of their training extends far beyond our local community - Sammy has since accompanied me on travels around the world, adapting seamlessly to new environments and situations. What truly sets Dog Training Elite Suncoast apart is their ongoing commitment to Sammy's development. They continue to work with us, teaching her new tasks and reinforcing her existing skills. This dedication ensures that Sammy remains at the top of her game as a task-trained service dog, constantly evolving to meet my changing needs. The bond I share with Sammy, and the freedom and security she provides me, are testaments to the incredible work of Dog Training Elite Suncoast. They haven't just trained a service dog; they've given me a loyal partner and a new lease on life. I wholeheartedly recommend their services to anyone in need of professional dog training, especially for service animals. They truly are elite in every sense of the word.
  • SILVER ROOTS SENIORS MOVING AND REAL ESTATE
    Nov. 30, 2024
    Finnley is training to be a service dog for me personally and to help with my senior customers. We started with a At Home training classes and then moved to Group classes. The public park group classes where there are distractions have proven beneficial and enjoyable for him and I. The training at the airport was amazing, preparing him so that he will be able to travel with me. I have mentioned to Kim that I was struggling with him listening when the Grandchildren and are over, Kim quickly said let’s schedule a date for me to come over and have the grandkids there. Identifying problems and actually working with you Is one of the best parts of working with this team. I look forward to continuing to work with Kim and the team as Finnley progresses.
  • Kinley Sf
    Nov. 10, 2024
    I am so grateful to Elite Suncoast Dog Training for changing my relationship with my dog, Sunny. I came to them with a very leash-reactive dog. Walks were stressful ~ I would scan the block ahead looking for other dogs ~ I would pivot and turn around when I saw them: I even started driving to Glencliff or Baybridge Park to avoid my neighborhood, with its close houses and small yards. The first transformation came when Aaron evaluated and demonstrated to me that my dog had a strong protective drive (there is a positive side to his leash reactivity). The second transformation was in taking the group classes and seeing how capable Sunny was in following my direction in close proximity to other dogs. It has given me confidence in my abilities to command the situation with other dogs. Sunny is not cured of his reactivity, but it has diminished it, to the point where I don’t feel completely embarrassed and discouraged in taking walks with him again. If you are in my shoes, ask for a free consult with Aaron ~ learn what your dog needs ~ and go from there. I hope this can help anyone else who is in my shoes. ~ Eva
  • Alexis Hackworth
    Nov. 9, 2024
    Amazing experience! I was so excited to have a professional trainer to help and these guys don’t disappoint!! Copper is now an official therapy dog and he loves his work! I so appreciate the time the trainers took with Copper to understand him and the best ways for us to communicate! We’ve loved our experience and I recommend this company to everyone I know who’s looking for a well mannered pup! Best money we’ve spent on our dog hands down!
  • Anya Terrill
    Nov. 9, 2024
    Great choice, they really helped with my dog goose. No more jumping on people when they come over. Places very well and stays. And has more confidence in himself. All around glad I chose DTE suncoast.
  • Kalie Irwin
    Sep. 12, 2024
    We reached out to Dog Training Elite when our golden was about 3 months old. He was jumping over everything, peeing when he would encountered new people and trying to eat anything he could get his mouth on. The trainers were so helpful with their suggestions and we really felt like our concerns were addressed. After 6 weeks of one on one training, we have seen a huge improvement in his behavior at home and we have the tools to correct any unwanted behavior and we are really able to see his potential and know how to motivate him. We look forward to attending group sessions and using the skills we have learned to take him out into the community. I cannot recommend them enough.
  • Kimberly Gillin
    Aug. 20, 2024
    We just moved to Tampa in an apartment complex and my 2 year old Hamilton became reactive and anxious. After 5 lessons I have a totally different fur baby. Ryan, Kimberly and Aaron are the best. I can now walk Hamilton in our complex with no reaction to other dogs and people.
  • C CJ
    Jun. 14, 2024
    I am very happy with my experience with Dog Training Elite Suncoast. The training tools have helped us get a difficult and at times dangerous situation with multiple large dogs under control. The team are always willing to listen and offer advice, they even helped us when it became clear one of our dogs needed to be rehomed for safety reasons. She is now living her best life and is very happy! Our other dogs have responded so well the training and love the group classes. The team goes above and beyond helping two people wrangle many more dogs and we are all happier for it. Thank you all!
  • brandon brady
    May. 24, 2024
    We’ve been with DTE for about 7 months now for our Doberman, Bruce. For anyone that knows how stubborn a Doberman puppy can be knows just how challenging it can be to train him, especially with the very little knowledge we had. That’s where Dog Training Elite came in. They’ve been with us from the start, and any question or concern we have they make it known that they are always one text or call away. Over the course of training Bruce, his attitude has changed, or he's gotten used to one method of training, and where we get stuck, is where DTE comes in and helps us overcome these new challenges my wife and I face with Bruce. Long story short they’ve been great trainers to us, and have became great friends to us all, at our weekly group sessions. I would recommend them to anyone with any dog. At training we’ve seen people with giant Great Danes, to small chihuahuas, and even with the very diverse breeds they encounter they might change the way they train some dogs, but it all leads to the same goal, a well trained dog, and trained puppy parents. Thanks again for the help and constant support Kim, Ryan, and Aaron!
  • Richard Butler
    May. 24, 2024
    My dog was a handful for me and I had no clue what to do I saw a tire cover with there phone number advertised on it! so I looked them up and liked what I saw. So I gave them a chance and I’m glad I did. Aaron had my dog listening immediately on day one like it was my dogs job to listen to him lol now my boy walks on leash most what perfect ignoring other dogs and people. I call him he comes! I am very proud of the fact my 7 year old nephew can work him!!!
  • CAROL LONG
    Feb. 16, 2024
    First a little background.... I have this sweet, very active, energy plus Staffordshire Terrier that was my daughter's. She became very ill and couldn't handle him. I am 83 and couldn't handle him, also. I decided I needed to rehome his ad it was not fair to keep him where he was getting no exercise and little attention. We were unsuccessful in finding someone (truthfully, I was very picky and down deep didn't want to let him go). I decided to look for training and hopefully, keep him. This is where ELITE comes to the rescue! I was impressed with them right away. They are professional, friendly, animal lovers. Ryan came to interview TAZ and me and brought one of his own babies to show how little time it takes just get them understanding the basics. He even worked with TAZ for a short while and was impressed at how quickly he responded. We have had 4 sessions, and I am so impressed and proud of my boy! Because of the professionalism and dedication, they show these animals, I am able to keep my baby!! THANK YOU, ELITE: RYAN, AARON AND KIM. Carol Long
  • Amber Mayne
    May. 24, 2024
    Dog Training Elite has been phenomenal to work with! Kim, Ryan, and Aaron know what they are doing and have helped me tremendously with my new puppy. 12/10 would recommend to everyone!
  • vita marie
    May. 24, 2024
    The team at Elite is outstanding; very professional and personable. I get so many compliments on how well-behaved my dog is and I always tell them that it’s due to the training that we received from Elite.
  • Living With Giants
    Feb. 2, 2024
    I decided to enlist some trainers, with my great Dane puppy, Moon Pie. I chose Elite after meeting with them because I found them to be both professional and knowledgeable. I thought they could teach me how to train my dog properly and when you’re dealing with a dog that will eventually outweigh you, training is a great idea. I can’t say enough good things about these folks. I have been with them for about five months now and definitely see a difference in the puppy. You have to do the work after the lessons, but it’s so worthwhile. I’m really loving the group classes too because training outside of your home is essential to having a great dog. I highly recommend these folks.
  • Kyle Daniel
    Apr. 21, 2024
    We had a great experience with our 17 week old pup KoKo. KoKo and I have learned so much and she is just starting the group trainings. Each trainer is professional and works with you to get the most out of your sessions
  • Charity Smith-Engelin
    May. 19, 2024
    We have a very wild maltipoo who couldn’t walk on a leash and would run out the front door. She had flunked out of 4 training schools. Not to mention the barking and playing catch me if you can game. Since having Aaron and Ryan come and train her (me). She has calmed down and actually likes the special collar DTE uses. She’ll come and sit while I put it on. She likes to practice the training exercises we do and it tires her out. We are very happy so far.