Request a Free Assessment
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 Tulsa apart from any other dog training service.
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Tulsa location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
(Service Dog reevaluation mandatory 6 months after certification to verify maintenance of training - small additional fee)
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 Tulsa 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 Tulsa’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 Tulsa 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 Tulsa 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 Tulsa?
Dog Training Elite Tulsa 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 Tulsa does not use punishments or shock collars to break bad habits. Instead, Dog Training Elite Tulsa 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 Tulsa is that while most dog training programs train dogs at their own facilities, Dog Training Elite Tulsa 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 Tulsa is there every step of the way. With Dog Training Elite Tulsa, 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!
They were honestly the best in helping me train my service dog. Along side that because you are involved in the training I got to learn how to train my other dogs as well. They are patient and kind and truly love dogs. You can tell that they truly have a passion for dogs and helping them and the owners succeed. The group classes are fun and great practice as well. 10/10 recommend.— Alyse Grzymala
Posted April 17th 2024
Dog Training Elite is amazing! My one yr old male labradoodle is 95 lbs of non-stop energy. He loves his training sessions and comes away from every session better behaved than the last time. DTE really takes the time to not only train the dog, but the owner as well which has made all the difference. Beyond their obedience training package, I use their day-long training sessions at their new facility when I have to be at a job site all day. It’s been great! My dog gets in a day of work on training and I don’t have to worry about trying to exercise him enough or work on his training after a long day. I can’t recommend the DTE team enough - they are awesome!— Jennifer Marie
Posted March 27th 2024
David, Kristin, Paul & Jamie are exceptional trainers. Ginger and I went to a group class for some refresher training and it was like spending time with family. The approach to dog training is consistent, well managed, and easy to follow. I am forever grateful for the obedience and service dog training Ginger received. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite!— Marilyn Fooshee
Posted August 3rd 2023
💙 Blue and I have loved working with Dog Training Elite Oklahoma. Blue is becoming a Therapy and Service dog so he can help on multiple platforms. You can really see the passion D.T.E.Ok has for what they do, and the dogs feel it too! They do an excellent job of training us so we know how to speak K-9 🐶 What I love the most is how well behaved my boy Blue is 🥰 I take him everywhere with me and people are always incredibly impressed. Then they want to love on him, and because he's a therapy dog as well, he adores allowing them to do so 💙 It's been a true blessing to both 💙 Blue and myself to work with Dog Training Elite Oklahoma!— Kitzie
Posted February 22nd 2024
They did amazing at helping me train my 10 month old GSP puppy! He is a different dog now. 10/10 would recommend!— Megan Parris
Posted February 19th 2024
We've had a great experience with Dog Training Elite. Jamie has been wonderful with obedience training our Great Dane/Great Pyrenees, Chance. He was a very nervous and reactive dog that made walking and being around strangers a struggle. Over the past few weeks we've seen noticeable changes and can see his confidence growing. We're able to walk comfortably now and the trust between us and Chance is getting better everyday.— Sarah Hintz
Posted February 9th 2024
Grateful to DTE for truly taking the time and caring about our dog’s success. It is helpful to not have a one size fits all approach….they have taken the time to get to know us, our dog, and have helped all of us make progress. They have listened and been patient as we learn we are seeing improvements with each session. Thank you!!!!! Would highly recommend to any family who wants a happy, thriving dog.— Matthew Parker
Posted February 6th 2024
My dog and I have had the best experience with Dog Training Elite. They have shown me how to building a trusting relationship with my dog that has in turn allowed him to trust me and it took our training to a whole new level. I am so excited to be working on a Therapy certification with my petite Golden Doodle and they have made it possible. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite for all of your training needs.— Michelle Talbot
Posted January 23rd 2024
I love them they are all great they have helped Bella come so far and taught me a lot about a service dog requires. I’d take all my dogs to them if I had the money they are great.— Hailey
Posted January 19th 2024
We have had an excellent experience with Dog Training Elite Oklahoma. Kristen and her team are excellent to work with. We would never second-guess our decision to work with them.— Mitch Myers
Posted January 13th 2024
We went to our first group training session today and it was so fun and well planned out. Our sweet boy did very well for his first session. We are looking forward to joining another group very soon. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite for any dog training needs you may have!! We love it.— Katy Whisnant
Posted December 16th 2023
Our family just adopted a very energetic Frenchie. Dog Training Elite came over and before she left, Sonny was responding to his name and basic commands.— jessica sowers
Posted November 27th 2023
My pup absolutely loved Kristin and David! He went from being absolutely unruly when someone walked in the door jumping and running around to sitting in one spot waiting to be called on. Kristin did puppy and obedience training with my labradoodle and it was well worth it!— Jennifer Polk
Posted October 16th 2023
Best dog trainers ever. I have worked with several other trainers. David and Kristin are by far the best.— Paul Edwards
Posted April 7th 2023
Kristin, Jamie, David, and the other trainers have been great working with our 10 year old son and his dog spider.— Scott Koch
Posted August 26th 2023
Both David and Kristen are amazing trainers. I had a horrible experience with another training company. They both validated what happened and why I was so hesitant to start a new program and I’m so glad that we did because Asher has grown tremendously. I’ve noticed a difference in his behaviors. They are both professional, and also very supportive with making sure that my pup is given the best quality service, and I couldn’t ask for anything more. I highly recommend dog training elite you won’t be disappointed.— Brandi DeHaven
Posted August 26th 2023
Kristen is incredible!! In just one session I see such an improvement. I love my dog and want to make sure he has the best chance at being out in the world with other dogs who might be reactive or worse. No bad dogs, just bad owners and I certainly didn't want to be one of those. I'm reassured that I chose the right training service and look forward to creating the best system for my fur baby and best friend. Can't recommend Kristin enough!— Sabine Sa
Posted July 20th 2023
Our Sheltie is seven years old and pretty set in her ways. Her barking inside and outside of the house has grown to be such a problem. We have been with David and Kristen for just four weeks now and the barking has noticeably improved, not to just us but others that visit. In addition, she will come, sit and place on command. Not 100 per cent yet, but certainly so much better than she was. One can tell that David and Kristen truly love the animals they are training and want the dog to succeed. Their enthusiasm and kindness are evident and so well received by our dog. From the results we have seen in our dog so far, we can highly recommend DTE for yours!— Don
Posted August 23rd 2023
Kristen and David have been amazing to work with. They have been patient with any questions I have. They ensure that I’m comfortable with each new session during and after each session. The techniques that they share are respectful and kind to both me and Minnie. I look forward to working with them on our training journey.— Donna Yaffe
Posted August 23rd 2023
Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation
At Dog Training Elite Tulsa, 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 Tulsa work's with the Malinois Foundation to heal and empower these individuals with a specialized service animal, a partner in life, and a new best friend.
