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PTSD Service Dog

PTSD Service Dog Training in Wilmington, NC

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

PTSD Service Dog Training in Wilmington, NC

DTE: Top PTSD Dog Trainers

A psychiatric or PTSD service dog in Wilmington, NC 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 Wilmington NC trained at Dog Training Elite.

PTSD Service Dog Training in Wilmington, NC

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 Wilmington - Psychiatric Service Dog Training in Wilmington, NC

Psychiatric Service Dog Training

Dog Training Elite Wilmington - Mobility Service Dog Training in Wilmington, NC

Mobility Support Service Dog

Dog Training Elite Wilmington - Autism Support Dog Training in Wilmington, NC

Autism Support Service Dog

Two PTSD service dogs trained by the experts at Dog Training Elite Wilmington 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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Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Suzanne Jones
    Oct. 30, 2025
    The absolute best we could have ever done for our dog!! Katy had been fantastic!!
  • paige diane
    Oct. 18, 2025
    Anna and the entire team at DTE are absolutely amazing. We had Miller enrolled when she was fairly young so we were a bit nervous that it may be overwhelming for her, but Anna was able to build her confidence and was SO patient with her (and us!). With being not even 6 months old, her attention span, patience, temperament, and overall behavior has been absolutely amazing and we’re beyond impressed and know we couldn’t have done it without her. We’ve learned so much through her and are so thankful to have the tools to continue to help shape our puppy. So excited for group class!!! Couldn’t recommend enough!!
  • Markim Campbell
    Oct. 9, 2025
    We are so ever grateful for Katy we learned so much and she brought with her so much knowledge and information. Our take away was an incredible experience Katy taught us how to work with our dogs reactive behavior in different challenges and how to understand his anxieties we will continue to work with Katy as needed but we left our 10 weeks with so much more confidence then we had prior thank you to elite training and thank you katy
  • Ken Elliott
    Aug. 4, 2025
    I had an exceptional experience working with Katy Filger from Dog Training Elite of Wilmington. Her professionalism and expertise truly set her apart as a dog trainer. Katy’s attention to detail is remarkable—she provides clear, concise instructions that are easy for both dogs and their owners to follow. Her training sessions are highly interactive and engaging, creating a positive and productive environment for learning. Katy’s ability to connect with both the dogs and their humans fosters a collaborative and effective training experience. I wholeheartedly recommend Katy and Dog Training Elite of Wilmington to anyone seeking top-tier dog training services!
  • Kim Wood
    Jul. 2, 2025
    I just moved into a summer rental with my big dog Henry. He refused to go down the stairs. I called Elite and Katie was here within 3 hours. She was able to get him up and the stairs and treated him so well! Elite saved our vacation. Thank you Katie and the Elite Team! We are so grateful.
  • Debbie Linton
    Jun. 24, 2025
    We really enjoyed having Miss Katy our trainer and so did Bella . Bella has learned so much so have my husband and I. They have a wonderful training program . We can really see the difference in Bella so glad we chose Dog Training Elite Wilmington give it a try you and your pet will really benefit from it. Very sadisfied 😊
  • Toni Schollenberger
    Jun. 18, 2025
    What a wonderful experience we have had with our trainer Katy! She was patient, knowledgeable and extremely easy to work with. Our Emma, a one year old lab was having major jumping up and leash pulling issues. Katy taught us how to handle these issues and reinforce positive behavior. Emma is doing very well. We will continue to practice what we have learned. She is a work in progress. My husband and I are looking forward to Saturday group lessons with Emma. I highly recommend Elite Dog Training.
  • Brooke Meyers
    Jun. 17, 2025
    Amazing service, professionalism and patience needed for this phase of training! Thank you! Would highly recommend
  • Dominador Gobaleza
    May. 31, 2025
    Katie was amazing. Personable and professional. We noticed improvements with our dog throughout the process. Thank you!!
  • Amy Leigh Speck
    May. 29, 2025
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I can’t say enough good things about my experience with Katy and this amazing dog training company! From the very first meeting, Katy was kind, professional, and genuinely invested in helping my dog, Tallulah, become her best self. Tallulah had been struggling with leash pulling and reactivity toward other dogs, and I was honestly feeling a little overwhelmed. But Katy came to my home, got to know us, and created a calm, supportive environment right from the start. Her approach was gentle, clear, and incredibly effective. The progress Tallulah made under Katy’s guidance was honestly more than I hoped for. Walks used to be stressful, but now I look forward to them—and I know Tallulah does too. Katy didn’t just train my dog—she gave me the tools and confidence to keep building on everything we learned. If you’re looking for a trainer who truly cares and knows what they’re doing, I couldn’t recommend Katy more. She was a joy to work with, and I’m so thankful we found her.
  • Paula Lowther
    May. 18, 2025
    I reached out to Elite out of desperation… I rescued a dog from the streets, she was abused and sick; skinny and with sores. After bringing her home, she and my Aussie had several major altercations that were scary and dangerous. After bringing Trainer Katy into our home for training, things turned around beautifully. She said we will prevent these altercations through obedience, and it worked! I am so thankful. The 2 dogs are co-existing, and even showing playful antics toward one another. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite! It’s been miraculous!
  • Henry
    May. 8, 2025
    I am looking forward to continuing the training of our dog (Daisy) with Katy her trainer. Katy was professional and easy to work with. She showed great patience with my wife and I because we have never been through a training course with any of our dogs. She deserves the praise. Hank Barr
  • Mary Barr
    May. 8, 2025
    We are so pleased with Daisy's results from working with Katy. She is soooo good at what she does. We've never used a dog trainer before and she exceeded all our expectations. I know it was a team effort between Daisy, me, my husband and Katy. But Katy was the one who made it happen. Thanks!
  • Sharon Roberts
    Apr. 25, 2025
    This is a fantastic group of people. Our golden is training to be a therapy dog and has gone from pulling to healing, staying and following all commands. Both Katie's are excellent. I love how our trainer, Katie, provides positive feedback as we work together. She provides just the right amount of instruction so I am not overwhelmed. It is evident that I am the one in training so Sally Mae and I are both learning to obey. If you are looking for a great program to train your puppy or dog, I highly recommend Elite! Sharon
  • Caitlin Sleight
    Apr. 2, 2025
    Katy was professional and knowledgeable about training our mini dachshund. He has learned new skills of how not to be reactive, basic commands, how to heel and walk with us, how not to bolt out the door when it’s open, be obedient and proper meet and greets with other dogs. She helped train us as the dog owners too, which is half the battle!
  • Patricia Hollingsworth
    Mar. 15, 2025
    We have a young Aussie doodle named Rocco. We were bound and determined to have a well trained dog this time around. After much research, we focused on Dog Training Elite Wilmington. We scheduled a consultation in which Kati came to our home. My husband and I were very impressed by her professionalism and the knowledge. We signed up for the premium package, even though the price tag seemed high at the time. Our dog trainer, Katy was on time for her all scheduled visits. Again, we were very impressed by her knowledge and how she immediately started working with Rocco from the moment she walked in the door. She explained everything that she was doing and why it was important. Ronco has just graduated with his 10th lesson and I have to tell you Dog Training Elite Wilmington is worth every penny. Rocco is still a puppy yet he can do all the basic commands and recalls. Katy even met with us in public places where I was having difficulty controlling Rocco. We are now able to walk through a busy store and Rocco will stay by my side, sit on command, lay down, and leave things alone, even when his sniffer is extra curious. I cannot say enough about Katy‘s knowledge, patience, and calm, cool collective approach she gives with every lesson. If you let her know of something that is not working, she immediately has a way to help solve it. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite Wilmington - you will not be sorry.
  • Stephanie McNeil
    Mar. 8, 2025
    Kati was very efficient and she helped me with one of my dogs Vader. She took her time to help my mom and I train him. Highly recommend Kati.
  • Alexus Chipps
    Nov. 16, 2024
    Katy was absolutely amazing! She was consistent and reliable! She didn’t just help train our dog, she helped us with a system that can easily be maintained! Highly recommend!!
  • Don Bullard
    Sep. 20, 2024
    Excellent professionalism and experienced trainer. Working together we accomplished a lot with my Frenchie. Highly recommend.
  • Paula Mazzoccante
    Aug. 20, 2024
    The training for my golden was a fantastic experience in all aspects ! I was dealing with a lovable, energetic, sweet 4 year old pup that would not walk on a leash and immediately would hide when I would bring the leash out. Katy immediately developed a bond with her and soon developed a trust with her. Katy was patient and knowledgeable in her techniques. It was surprising how fast my dog began to respond to her training. I highly recommend Elite to anyone with a dog in need of training. Katy provided excellent recommendations and was professional and pleasant to work with even for the owner who also may need training! 😃