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Military / Retired Vet Programs

Dog Training Elite

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A military veteran and service dog - Dog Training Elite offers elite veteran service dog training.

Dog Training Elite

Military Veteran Service Dog Training

At Dog Training Elite, 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.

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 for those who have served our country.

Dog Training Elite

Why We Offer Service Dog Training for Military Veterans

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At Dog Training Elite, we are passionate about helping military veterans through the support of service dogs. We offer specialized service dog training options, 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.

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Poodles: Poodles are highly intelligent and easily trained, making them great service dogs, particularly for those with allergies due to their hypoallergenic coats. They excel in roles such as mobility assistance and medical alert dogs, offering a versatile solution for individuals with diverse needs.

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!

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

Our Veteran Service Dog Training

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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.

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.

The Malionois Foundation logo.
The Malionois Foundation logo.

Proud Sponsor of
The Malinois Foundation

At Dog Training Elite, 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 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.

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Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Danielle Zaremba
    Feb. 12, 2025
    Dog Training Elite is truly a business with trainers who have a heart and do everything possible to help a dog. I highly recommend Josh and his team for all training needs. CLE Dog Rescue Crew
  • Christina Bernard
    Dec. 17, 2024
    Badgers first training session was a game changer looking forward to working with Beth! Thank you! Week 8 and I am over the moon! When Badger and me started with Beth and Rene I was skeptical as my pup had spent 15 months 24/7 with me with very little contact with other humans and that being family only . He jumped, barked pulled had no direction! Ahh 8 weeks later I ask myself who is this gentle 80 pound pup who listens to all commands, come, sit, down , heal and place! I can walk with him and take him in the public! Thank you Beth and Rene! I am a senior citizen and a 80 pound pulling jumping dog is not fun. Thanks to you I enjoy Badger and others can to! I recommend you and your business to anyone with a dog! Thank you from Badger and Christina.
  • Athena Poole
    Feb. 12, 2025
    Jeff and yaga are amazing they know their stuff. Our little pup It’s always so exciting to work with Jeff and Yaga.
  • Hoff Stauffer
    Feb. 12, 2025
    He was very helpful. She will walk on a leash now. 🤗
  • Kevin Mcquade
    Feb. 12, 2025
    The Dog Training Elite Greater Cleveland team demonstrated exceptional patience, knowledge, and experience during my dog's Basic obedience lessons, and their dedication and enthusiasm were the perfect ingredients for achieving rapid progress and lasting results. As a bonus, having a certified Dog behavior expert guided us through the In home dog training process made us feel confident that our furry friend was in capable and knowledgeable hands during the Service Dog Training journey.
  • La Law
    Feb. 12, 2025
    The Dog Training Elite Greater Cleveland team demonstrated exceptional empathy, patience, experience, knowledge, and affection as they helped us work through basic obedience lessons and overcome challenges with our puppy Training needs. Fritz had become the best Pupoy and I cannot say enough good things about everyone - they truly are the best!!
  • CYNDE ROW
    Oct. 1, 2024
    Meggie is always so informative and an excellent dog trainer! She everything FUN!
  • Cheryl Willis
    Feb. 12, 2025
    Josh and Lexi were amazing. I have a 1 year old golden retriever I thought untrainable just because he was so rambunctious. Not only were they able to work with me and Dune on training, Dune is now at the end training to become a therapy dog! I can’t not express how much they have worked with him as well as myself. I know have a well mannered dog. It is amazing. Thank you for all you guys do! We can’t what to go on our therapy journey. Cheryl
  • Emily Fintak
    Feb. 11, 2025
    I highly recommend Dog Training Elite! We’ve had the best experience!
  • j d
    Feb. 11, 2025
    Gray and Denise with Dog Training Elite Hill Country are the BEST!! Gray is an amazing trainer, such a delight to be with and Nacho adores him. We look forward to every visit. Hopefully Nacho will become a great Therapy Dog and bring joy and comfort to many in need!
  • Skally Benitez
    Jan. 15, 2025
    Anuj and his team are amazing trainers! So knowledgeable and patient answering all our questions to help us learn along with our pup. Highly recommend and support a veteran ran business.
  • Julie Braun
    Feb. 11, 2025
    Marcy was a fabulous trainer. Odie responded to his training so well. He did such a great job and grew so much. So thankful Marcy was patient and helpful. Highly recommend the program. Thank you Dog Training Elite Northeast WI.
  • Megan W.
    Feb. 11, 2025
    When I got my puppy, Henry, I was hoping to turn him into a service dog, but had no clue where to even start. Tom has been there every step of the way to help us get to that point. Henry will now alert to me on his own, and I know that wouldn’t have been possible without Tom’s expertise. And I have been so impressed with how well thought out the group classes are! It’s been amazing to watch Henry’s improvement with each outing. Would 1000% recommend this program to anyone!
  • Megan W.
    Feb. 11, 2025
    When I got my puppy, Henry, I was hoping to turn him into a service dog, but had no clue where to even start. Tom has been there every step of the way to help us get to that point. Henry will now alert to me on his own, and I know that wouldn’t have been possible without Tom’s expertise. And I have been so impressed with how well thought out the group classes are! It’s been amazing to watch Henry’s improvement with each outing. Would 1000% recommend this program to anyone!
  • Cristy Estes
    Feb. 11, 2025
    Anthony was patient and gave great feedback for what I could work on with my dog. He was very helpful.
  • Fred Conley
    Feb. 11, 2025
    We had a lot of trouble controlling Bandit before he attended Dog Training Elite Upstate. Since he was trained he is a different dog. He is very obedient and very happy. We recommend Upstate to anyone who would like to have a well trained dog
  • Tj Franks
    Jan. 28, 2025
    Meggie is doing such a great job with both Dexter and myself. She’s extremely knowledgeable and supportive. Meggie is a fantastic trainer. Thank you so much for your support and help!!!
  • Tamika Bloodworth
    Feb. 11, 2025
    Craig was hired to turn our 2 year old Mini Goldendoodle into a service dog specifically so he could fly back and forth cross country with my daughter. Craig was amazing, friendly, professional, flexible and worth every cent. Our boy had his first flight yesterday from orlando to LA and did perfect! He got so many compliments on his well behaved demeanor and even the flight attendants said they forgot there was a dog onboard! Everyone wanted to know who his trainer was and we were happy to refer them to Craig! Thanks so much Craig- you changed our lives.
  • Captain Marie
    Feb. 11, 2025
    Danielle is amazing! Right in the first 45 minutes my dog learned trust and confidence. My main focus was “recall” This journey started about 8 weeks ago. Rex is now walking with me off leash. He listens , does not take off for hours anymore. Just a completely changed dog in no time. Money well spent! I do recommend Dog training elite!
  • Lisa
    Feb. 11, 2025
    Alisa came for an introduction and evaluation. She was prompt and professional and really took the time to explain the methods and goals of the available training programs. I look forward to working with her again.