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Over the past decade there has been a rise in the number of people with Emotional Support Animals. This has caused some confusion around what it means to have a service, emotional support or therapy animal . Here, we explain briefly the differences between each of these animals, the training required for each different type, and debunk some common myths. Read on to learn the differences between each type of animal, which one might be right for you or your loved one, and how Dog Training Elite in Atlanta can help.
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite in Atlanta location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
ESA vs. Therapy vs. Service Animals: What's the Difference?
Service Animals
Service animals are animals that have been trained to assist individuals with tasks specific to their needs.
- Redirecting attention when an individual is beginning to feel overstimulated
- Reminding owners to take medication
- Waking someone who is having a nightmare
Service dogs are valued in the mental health, health care and disability community and are protected under ADA laws which allow owners to take their service dog with them everywhere they go. Dog Training Elite in Atlanta trains dogs to serve individuals with autism, diabetes and PTSD.
Dog Training Elite in Atlanta trains autism service dogs to benefit and assist children with autism. Autism service dogs can be trained to track their child in case of wandering and redirect a child’s behavior when they are starting to become overwhelmed.
PTSD service dogs help ground owners to reality, especially in public settings. These service dogs can also be trained to recognize signs of a panic attack and regulate emotional responses through pressure.
Diabetic service dogs can alert their owners to their low blood sugar and provide stability, safety and support.
Visit our individual web pages to understand more about the differences and benefits of autism service dogs, PTSD services dogs and diabetic service dogs.
Emotional Support Animals
Although all dog owners may feel the emotional benefits of owning a dog, the dog needs to be prescribed by a licensed mental health professional to a person with a disabling mental illness such as anxiety or depression to legally be considered an ESA. Emotional Support dogs can be of any age and any breed whereas service dogs usually begin training as puppies.
In addition to being prescribed by a mental health professional, owners may wish for their dog to undergo more specific training. If you are looking for emotional support dog training in your local area, Dog Training Elite in Atlanta has you covered.
The professional dog trainers of Dog Training Elite in Atlanta are experienced with training various types of therapy animals. Trainers work with a dog’s natural temperament to ensure a strong, loving bond between dog and owner. Training can be personalized to fit the needs of the owner.
It is important to note that Emotional Support Animals are meant for just that - emotional support. Dogs trained to assist with specific tasks that may be associated with a disability are service animals. Training a dog to be an Emotional Support Animal or a therapy dog is less intensive than training to be a service animal.
Therapy Animals
Therapy Animals are very similar to Emotional Support Animals, except that they are often used to bolster the mental health and wellbeing of a community, as opposed to just an individual. Therapy dogs are often seen serving in hospitals, rehabilitation or care centers with their owners.
Owners who feel their dog may be a good fit for this kind of community service can have them receive top-notch training from Dog Training Elite in Atlanta.
The most important thing to note as a difference between Emotional Support Animals, Therapy and Service dogs, is service animals are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act which states service animals must be able to accompany their owners wherever they go. Emotional Support and Therapy animals do not have the same protections and public establishments may have their own rules about ESA and therapy dogs.
Whether you’re ready to get a new lease on life with the help of a service dog, or strengthen the existing bond with your dog, Dog Training Elite in Atlanta has the experience and resources you need.
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!
We are very pleased with Dog Elite Training. Gosia is amazing and was very thorough about training our baby Leia. We seriously recommended their services. Training goes a long way when it comes to everyday circumstances and we are glad that we decided to get Leia on board with their Gold program. Can’t wait to try their Therapy Dog program. We are so grateful about having all the support from Dog Elite to get Leia where she is now. Jessica was also very quick to communicate throughout the whole program and to accommodate schedule changes when needed. Kudos to their excellent customer service!— Karen S
Posted September 7th 2023
Gosia and Michael Billedo of Dog Training Elite-Northeast clearly love dogs and love what they do. They are patient and disciplined trainers who know how to read both the dog and the dog owner to suggest what will help the dog to master all the commands. I recommend them without qualification to anyone who wants to enjoy the peace of mind of having your dog comply with commands.— Jane Fahey
Posted October 8th 2024
I can't say enough about Michael and Gosia. They were professional, great with my dog, flexible, and encouraging even when I was not learning as well as my dog. Thank you!— Leslie Lady
Posted September 19th 2024
Michael and Gosia are a great duo in obedience dog training! They worked slowly and in detail with my dog that I thought would require aggression training. I learned of her reactivity triggers and how boundaries are so critical. I recommend Elite Training to anyone who is looking to make any change in behavior with their dog. You can’t not see a difference to follow!— Alyse Santoro Martinez
Posted September 16th 2024
Mike was amazing in helping train Dolly and me. Mike gave me the confidence to give Dolly the best forever home. He was patient and encouraging to both of us and always listened to any challenges I was having with “homework”. I highly recommend using Dog Training Elite Northeast Atlanta.— Cindy Jacobs
Posted September 14th 2024
I’m not sure who Michael trained more - us or the dogs! We had a wonderful experience with Dog Training Elite from start to finish. I will admit, I was extremely skeptical that our two large, rambunctious hound dogs (1yr and 2yrs old) could ever follow commands or walk nicely on leashes without pulling my arms out of their sockets. If you told me I would be able to take them both out in public or even sit down at an outdoor cafe table while they laid at our feet I would have choked. But here we are! Michael is so knowledgeable and dedicated to what he does, and he was able to guide us in training two dogs with very different personalities with ease. While training was both a financial and time commitment (reinforcement practice at home is critical!), we found it to be completely worth the investment. He was very flexible in scheduling our training sessions as we have 3 active sons and a full time job. We have already recommended Michael and Dog Training Elite to our friends and family who see how much it has changed our dogs. I’m so thankful!— Addie Rodriguez
Posted September 14th 2024
Mike was amazing. I hired him to help me build trust with my American Pit Bull Terrier, Samson. Samson is 2 and started to experience anxiety when he was around children, working breed dogs, and select others. Samson knew basic commands, but he wasn't focusing on me which led me to hire Mike and his wife. I'm so grateful I did because now, Samson focuses on me, has learned new commands, and his an overall happier dog. I would recommend this amazing company to anyone searching for top quality dog training.— J Y
Posted September 5th 2024
Gosia is the best! She not only taught my dog but she taught me as well! She gave me the tools that I needed to continue to keep up with my dogs training as he continues to grow. 10/10 would recommend Dog Training Elite Northeast Atlanta!— Kamaryn
Posted September 2nd 2024
I love that they come to us for the training. They were very helpful and great to work with! Thanks for all the help with puppy training. We cannot wait to start obedience next.— Mary Armstrong
Posted August 16th 2024
Our pup is almost 2 years old and very headstrong. We have had 2 trainers before without being able to get him to obey. Mike was great with him. He runs to his place, runs to me when I call and does a great heel. I highly recommend them to anyone trying to get a well behaved dog!— Gail Walker
Posted June 22nd 2024
I have been working with DTE for about 8 months now on training my mini goldendoodle, Maya. Gosia and Mike have been extremely informative, kind, generous, helpful and encouraging since day one, and it has not dwindled one bit in these 8 months. Gosia helped me day - 10 (10 days before getting a dog) pick a pup with a good temperament for my needs and has been beyond amazing and wonderful every day since. They provide helpful documents, info and reminders; encouragement and availability via phone; clear communication with scheduling and payments; and personalized training in my house, out in public, and at the Saturday group classes. This has been the best set up for dog training for me: affordable, Mike and Gosia come to me, and they continually give me vision and aid when training is challenging. Together, we are training Maya as a service dog, but I know any level of training through them is nothing less than personal, doable, and enjoyable! Thanks DTE!!!! You’re changing me and Mayas lives for the best!!!!— Ellie Hamstra
Posted June 17th 2024
Whit and his family are incredibly talented at making sure that obedience training is accessible to the dog owner and to the dog. Whit is always available to answer questions, and he always shows up if help is needed. My dog Duke used to be dog reactive and was horrible at obedience. Now, Duke is a service animal. Whit changed both of our lives for the better, and his knowledge and expertise has not stopped since Duke passed his training. He continues to be a support and continues to offer classes. The customer service experience became more familial over time, and we are so grateful as a family to have him and his team be a part of our lives.— Ruth Lambert
Posted June 1st 2024
Whit and his family are incredibly talented at making sure that obedience training is accessible to the dog owner and to the dog. Whit is always available to answer questions, and he always shows up if help is needed. My dog Duke used to be dog reactive and was horrible at obedience. Now, Duke is a service animal. Whit changed both of our lives for the better, and his knowledge and expertise has not stopped since Duke passed his training. He continues to be a support and continues to offer classes. The customer service experience became more familial over time, and we are so grateful as a family to have him and his team be a part of our lives.— Ruthi Lambert
Posted June 1st 2024
The training sessions were great. Very detailed and left a guideline after every session to get more practice in with our Wesley. He has learned so much and loves showing off his new abilities.— Zach Edenfield
Posted May 30th 2024
This company is AMAZING! They are super patient and most definitely know what they are doing! I would def refer them to people! Started off as trainers and ended as a forever relationship! My dog can’t sit still as soon as she sees Gosia (who was her trainer) she gets super excited and happy and starts whining it’s soooo cute!! Mike and Gosia thank you for everything !! 💙💝— Ness Marie LLC
Posted May 22nd 2024
BEST TRAINERS OUT THERE! My dog started out a couple months ago and his progress is unreal! Gosia and Mike are FANTASTIC!!— jewelya nelson
Posted May 22nd 2024
Dog Training Elite have been phenomenal. They’ve been so accommodating with the insanity of my schedule. Mike’s professionalism, thoroughness, knowledge, and passion shows through with every session. Luger (my pup) has truly blossomed under his/their tutelage. I highly recommend their employment for anyone seeking top tier canine training.— Seth Jahn
Posted May 22nd 2024
Whit is an amazing trainer , we have now trained 3 of our dogs and the change is amazing. One of our dogs went through 2 other trainers and we never had success until we met Whit and now she is doing great and listens to us impeccably— nancy kilpatrick
Posted May 11th 2024
We are so happy with Dog Training Elite. Our puppy, Oliver, loves Gosia and we’ve learned how to handle his excitement while he is interacting with other pups. Michael and Gosia really know their business! Their one-on-one training plus group lessons are just what our little man needs . We highly recommend this training program!!!— patricia hubenthal
Posted April 30th 2024
Walking my Great Pyrenees could be difficult because he would constantly pull as he wanted to explore all of the different smells. Furthermore, Great Pyrenees are known for their stubborn behavior, doing want they want, not always obeying their owners. With the training that Dog Training Elite offered us, our dog is more mellow, he listens, and he doesn’t pull when we go for walks. I wish I would have discovered their training sooner! I can’t believe the change in my dog’s behavior. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite!— LaTease Drawdy
Posted April 29th 2024