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Service Dog Training Near You
What makes a dog a service dog? Who can have a service dog, and why? We answer all these questions and more, as well as explain what sets Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan apart from any other dog training service.
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
Service Dog Training FAQs
What makes a dog a service dog?
Service dogs are dogs that have been specially trained to assist their handler or owner with specific tasks. Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan trains dogs to assist people with epilepsy, diabetes, PTSD, autism, and various mental illnesses.
Who are service dogs for?
Service dogs are for any individual dealing with a disability that lowers their quality of life. For example, someone who suffers from epilepsy may avoid going out in public due to a fear of falling or other consequences related to seizures. This may inhibit their independence and sense of well-being.
In addition to improving the lives of individuals, service dogs can bring a sense of security to families, such as families with autistic children. Children with autism can often feel isolated and a service dog becomes a 24/7 companion to share experiences with, connect with and love. They can also help children reintegrate into society and connect with others.
Families who have children with autism experience a decrease in stress as they are more able to engage socially in public settings and experience less anxiety at home. A service dog increases safety and has a calming presence that can minimize emotional outbursts, allowing the family to feel more secure and a child with autism to better participate in family activities.
Service dogs are for all individuals or families that are experiencing a decrease in quality of life due to disability.
What kind of training does a service dog need?
Service dog training begins with puppies. Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan’s service puppy training program works with breeders to adopt puppies that are fully obedience trained by six months and are ready to undergo extensive socialization and additional training to ensure they are well-suited for service and therapy needs.
Then, Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan places puppies with families or individuals. Further specialized service training takes place alongside the new handler. It generally takes 1-2 years for a service dog to become fully trained.
Service dog training focuses on two main areas: public access behaviors, and how to “do work or perform tasks” that assist with a disability.
Public access behaviors refer to how a service dog acts in public - well-trained service dogs remain calm in public situations and in turn help their handlers to stay calm, and are attuned to any other handler needs.
As for “do work or perform tasks,” the ADA requires that service dogs be trained to take a specific action when needed to assist the person with a disability.
For example, to assist handlers with PTSD, Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan trains dogs to de-escalate anxiety, wake handlers experiencing night terrors, and so on.
Do service dogs require special certification?
The ADA does not require special certification for service animals. State and local government agencies, businesses and non-profit organizations may not require documentation, such as proof that the animal has been certified, trained or licensed as a service animal, as a condition for entry. Mandatory registration of service animals in the city of residence is also not permissible under the ADA.
However, service animals are not exempt from local animal control or public health requirements, such as vaccinations, or local dog licensing and registration requirements.
Why should I train my service dog with Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan?
Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan sets itself apart from other dog training methods by focusing on positive reinforcement with a personalized, in-home approach. This method empowers owners and handlers to be an integral part of the process for sustained dog obedience and service training. For service dogs especially, it is important that handlers be present and involved every step of the way.
The positive reinforcement approach, also referred to as “Classical Conditioning” or the “Pavlovian” model has shown to be more effective with longer lasting results than any other training method.
Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan does not use punishments or shock collars to break bad habits. Instead, Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan pairs positive reinforcement training with a vibration electronic collar. An electronic collar is not a shock collar and does not harm the dog. It is used to gain the dog’s attention, similar to a tug on a leash. It is never used as a punishment for bad behavior.
Another unique aspect of training with Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan is that while most dog training programs train dogs at their own facilities, Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan specializes in in-home training, customizing training to the dog, its owners and its environment for long-lasting success.
Positive Reinforcement Training
Training takes time, commitment and balance and Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan is there every step of the way. With Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan, dogs will learn the highest level of obedience, even in the face of the toughest level of distractions. The positive-reinforcement method focuses on encouraging good behavior through ongoing praise, creating a dog that wants to please from the inside out and creating deep-rooted, sustained obedience as well as a strong bond between dog and owner.
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.
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!
I had a fantastic experience working with Dan. His devotion to his work is readily apparent. I knew from the moment he arrived that my dog was in good hands. I highly recommend working with Dan.— Daniel Nelson
Posted April 15th 2024
I had a fantastic experience working with Dan. His devotion to his work is readily apparent. I knew from the moment he arrived that my dog was in good hands. I highly recommend working with Dan. The training sessions are quick and easy, and I saw results after the first session. I would give 6 stars if I could! Amazing experience and immediate results, from a trainer who cares about his clients!— Daniel Nelson
Posted April 15th 2024
I wish I had video footage to share comparing Dan’s first visit with Miss Large-and-in-charge and the second visit! Matilda is a rescue and is very protective of her new family and home. She growled at, barked fiercely, and tried to push Dan out of her space the first time he met her. I was mortified and very concerned about whether she could be trained by someone with whom she had such difficulty. (Definitely her problem, not his!) Dan brought the E-collar the second time he came over (first training session) and taught us how it works. He proceeded to work with Matilda for the hour and by the time he left she was a new dog! She followed him, looked to him for praise, and rolled on her back for belly scratches! Our walks are no longer stress-filled and I am AMAZED! I am so thankful that Dan was not put-off by her terrifying behavior at her assessment, and that he had the ability to teach this big girl how to behave! Many thanks from Matilda and her mom in Manistee!!!— Ruth Zehnder
Posted April 10th 2024
Absolutely unbelievable! I highly recommend having Dan train anyone's dog! I have had great results after the first session!— William Meade
Posted April 7th 2024
If I could leave 100 stars - I would! I took custody of a fragile foster. The dog would not leave my vehicle when I arrived home. I called Dan after hours - on a Sunday ---- he rushed over to help me. Dan coaxed the dog out of my truck, helped me set up a proper decompression area, and will be returning to help me with the dog. My foster is in an extremely sensitive state after surrender. Dan has already worked a few miracles today. I recommend calling Dan!!!!!! I look forward to our work together by my foster Belgian Malinois.— Donna Allers
Posted March 24th 2024
Dan is a fantastic trainer, I can’t believe how quickly he’s training our families dogs!— Dane Vermeulen
Posted July 2nd 2023
Dan is enthusiastic and professional. He loves what he is doing and it is shows. We have just begun training our 4 month old puppies. He has taught us many things so far and we are very happy with the progress in our sessions and Dan and his dog training talent.— Patricia Racine Barch
Posted May 5th 2023
Highly recommend! Dan has been nothing but patient and understanding with our 1 yr old Rottweiler! We are only a handful of sessions in and we already see a major difference. He’s very helpful even on days we aren’t training. Just a phone call away to help answer any questions or give advice if needed, he’s very accommodating to all our needs/wants. It’s nice not only having my dog being trained but me and my household as well! Happy to say my big headed, stubborn boy loves Dan! (Sometimes even more than me I think). It’s been great working with him and cannot wait to see the end results!— Ashley Leach
Posted April 23rd 2023
Dan is an incredible dog trainer and person. He is very patient and accommodating. He's been working with our French Bulldog for a while now and his reactive behavior and anxieties have diminished significantly. It's such a joy to watch him interact with his own dogs as well. They are incredibly well behaved and a testament to his training abilities!— Mary Elizabeth
Posted April 21st 2023
Want to make life with your dog more enjoyable for you, for him/her and for your family? Have challenges with your dog (excessive barking, fear of bicycles, anxiety)? Call Dan at Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan. His guidance trained us, to train Milo, and help him through those challenges. Highly recommended!!— Gary Gardner
Posted April 21st 2023
Dan is an amazing dog trainer and human being! His advice and recommendations are very helpful. He is extremely patient with our scheduling. Watch him with his own pups, it's incredible to observe!— Mary Olen
Posted April 21st 2023
Dan was the best! We loved working with him and he made our anxious dog feel safe, calm and helped to get us better boundaries in our house. Highly recommend. His dog Pickles is the best for socializing dogs.— Emily Wilkinson
Posted April 19th 2023
Dan is doing great work with my Certified Therapy Dog in Training. Dan has a passion for dogs and my dog definitely loves him too!— Michelle Loeffler-Rohraff
Posted April 19th 2023
Dog training elite helped me save my relationship with my dog 🐕 ❤. Dan is great its obvious that he really cares about people and dogs.— Samantha Schropp
Posted April 19th 2023
Super convenient, “fixed” my dog literally the first day. I thought he was untrainable. 10/10— Lauren
Posted April 19th 2023
Dan loves this work! Dogs are his passion and helping owners enjoy their much loved pets is why he chose this career. He is great at what he does, and is also a very nice guy. Highly recommend!!— Nancy Craig
Posted April 19th 2023
Highly recommend! Dan is outstanding with our dogs and beyond fabulous to work with. We have a pack of 4 and he has helped us with everything from severe anxiety to major manner issues and everything in between. We can now walk all 4 dogs at one time with zero issues, our whole pack can now go on off-leash adventures with us (and have flawless recall), and they now all have the very best of manners! We love how enthusiastic and positive Dan is with our dogs and we are so thankful for the positive changes he’s helped create in our household! ❤️🐾👏🏽—
Posted December 20th 2022
Dan is awesome, he truly cares about every dog, and it shows in his training! His dog Pickles is a legend!!!— Austin Goble
Posted October 11th 2022
Dan is a great dog trainer! Really cares about what he does!— parker fillmore
Posted September 28th 2022
Dan is an incredible business owner who has a true passion for dog training. I would highly recommend Dog Training Elite.— Michaela Macchia
Posted September 28th 2022
Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation
At Dog Training Elite of Northern Michigan, 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 Northern Michigan 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.