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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 Southeast Louisiana apart from any other dog training service.
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Southeast Louisiana 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 Southeast Louisiana 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 Southeast Louisiana’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 Southeast Louisiana 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 Southeast Louisiana 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 Southeast Louisiana?
Dog Training Elite Southeast Louisiana 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 Southeast Louisiana does not use punishments or shock collars to break bad habits. Instead, Dog Training Elite Southeast Louisiana 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 Southeast Louisiana is that while most dog training programs train dogs at their own facilities, Dog Training Elite Southeast Louisiana 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 Southeast Louisiana is there every step of the way. With Dog Training Elite Southeast Louisiana, 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’m a little late posting but I can’t say enough good things about this company. From the immediate response when my little Nova was first brought home, to them coming to me for a consultation. Every experience I’ve had was amazing and every question was answered. This is the best place to train your dog. The group classes on Saturday are very informative and helpful. Nova has learned so much in the time she has been trained with this company. And let’s not forget how amazing Hannah is, she was incredible start to finish from puppy camp all the way to the end of the platinum classes, I highly recommend her, there is no one better. I’m so glad I went with this place and people. A+++++++++++ all the way around.— Derrick Fitzpatrick
Posted August 13th 2024
Claire and Hannah are the best! Daisy Rose is learning so much ! They are training her to be a wonderful service dog!— Anne Guilbeau
Posted October 5th 2023
Dog Training Elite has been fantastic! Caring & knowledgeable staff and the difference in Rusty has been amazing. Our in-home sessions were very helpful & informative. They spend as much time as needed an answer all questions. We are now attending the “come if you’d like” Saturday group sessions to fine tune our training. The vibration collar + plus excellent training has made such a difference. I very highly recommend 🐕🧡— Debbie Daniel
Posted September 18th 2023
DTE was fantastic. Our trainer, Claire, was flexible with the schedule and made the whole process painless and fun. Our pup, Casey, looked forward to working with Claire and us! She now performs exemplary - And on command. We highly recommend DTE and would use them again if we increase the size of our pack.— donna bossier
Posted June 28th 2023
DTE has helped me be a way more confident dog mom for Comet. Not only have they gone above and beyond to make sure he is comfortable and content, they really care about how you feel too. I’ve dealt with anxiety and worry over Comet’s reactivity and leash pulling seeing as he is a larger boy, but with their help we can take longer walks and handle distractions much more easily now. It’s definitely a progress but worth every minute of it.— Jenna Henning
Posted June 13th 2023
If you are looking for a trainer, look no further. Our dog Apollo was struggling with aggression and only listened when he wanted to, he had attacked our other dog, would get out of the house and run for miles, completely uncontrollable. I honestly didn't believe he would ever be able to do off leash walking, but went ahead with the training anyway because I was hoping to help with his aggression. THIS CHANGED OUR LIFE! A few weeks later our puppy takes complete off leash walks, goes to his place when told and stays, he can walk in a heal, go into stores with us (off and on leash) He basically has a whole new lease on life because we now can let him play off leash and with other dogs. He is happier as are we. Training is expensive but it is the best thing we have ever done for our entire family— Tzippy
Posted May 25th 2023
Ed and his staff understand dog behavior and are great at training both the dog and the owner.— Paul Granada
Posted April 2nd 2023
They are absolutely amazing. They help me with my unmanageable dog. He has never been happier in his life after going through training! The group classes have really helped my dog become less reactive! Their staff is so nice!— P Forstall
Posted March 31st 2023
I have a rescue dog who is reactive to other dogs. Ed has given me the tools to help her and we have now progressed to group training. Ed and his team and professional, patient and amazing. I cannot recommend them enough,.— Amy Pinero
Posted February 25th 2023
I am so glad I found DTE! Working with the trainers and my service dog in public is exactly what we needed to grow as a team! We now have a stronger connection and I cannot wait to see all of the adventures we go on in the future!!— Gracie Boudreaux
Posted February 23rd 2023
Mr Ed was so great with my pit bull Kaira! I chose Dog Training Elite after one trainer told me I had a very vicious dog and needed one on one training that I’d have to leave my baby there! But when Mr Ed came do the home evaluation he said that she didn’t have a vicious bone in her! And she and I have been living a happy life ever since!! Thank you so much!!— Kandie Breaux
Posted January 19th 2023
We have been stunned by the turn around in our already "great" dog. He is operating as a Super Service Dog for Catherine thanks to you! My daughter struggles with mobility and our big 200lb Great Dane does a great job of leading and holding her up but wasn't so good at "following her lead." You have helped her as well with a confident commanding process that was possible for her to master. From our family to yours, thank you Dog Training Elite!— Monica Francis
Posted November 11th 2022
It has been an amazing experience working with Dog Training Elite! Claire and Ed were both so helpful in training my dog and me. :) Any question I had they were able to answer for me. Helpful hints for car rides, recommendations for groomers, understanding behavior changes during teething, getting our puppy to stop jumping on guests and the list goes on. When we started training, our 11 year old daughter was afraid of our puppy when he started jumping, barking and biting. Now she feels completely comfortable with our puppy. Our golden doodle puppy went from out of control jumping and biting to such a fun and obedient puppy to be around. Thank you so much Dog Training Elite!— Jennifer Depew Taylor
Posted November 9th 2022
It has been an amazing experience working with Dog Training Elite! Claire and Ed were both so helpful in training my dog and me. :) Any question I had they were able to answer for me. Helpful hints for car rides, recommendations for groomers, understanding behavior changes during teething, getting our puppy to stop jumping on guests and the list goes on. When we started training, our 11 year old daughter was afraid of our puppy when he started jumping, barking and biting. Now she feels completely comfortable with our puppy. Our golden doodle puppy went from out of control jumping and biting to such a fun and obedient puppy to be around. Thank you so much Dog Training Elite!— Jennifer Taylor
Posted November 9th 2022
Between the E-collar and the trainers coming out to us, I couldn't recommend them more. The difference between my dog's behavior before and after the training sessions is like night and day. He's like a whole new dog and I couldn't be happier.— Matthew Cancienne
Posted November 4th 2022
I have been working with Dog Training Elite with my 2 year old mini Australian Shepherd for about 2 months now. We love all the trainers we have met Ed, Claire and Jacob! I have really seen great changes in my dog Ellie! Each trainer takes their time to explain and all work really well with my dog to make sure she’s as comfortable during our training sessions! Group classes are fun to meet other people and their dogs!! Would 10/10 recommend them! Looking forward to more training!— Olivia Cornu
Posted November 1st 2022
I have been working with Ed and Claire for a few weeks now, and I'm impressed! I've worked with several trainers recently, and Dog Training Elite has been the most helpful in my current situations with my Doberman. I appreciate the fact that they don't train "by the book" and believe that training is based on each individual dog. I have been dealing with a few issues with my Doberman puppy and they have been able to observe and find the best working solutions to assist with those issues. I also enjoy the group classes each Saturday to work on distractions. It's really been great for my boy! One recent victory that Claire helped me with was getting my pup to allow me to put a vest on him! She made that happen in 1 hour during our session at home!— Karen sardi
Posted October 31st 2022
All the trainers at Dog Training Elite are amazing!! Our Labradoodle received some training from another group, but we still struggled with particular behaviors/situations. After making the switch to Dog Training Elite and the e-collar, our dog has soared! We are so thankful for Ed and his team!— Natalee Menge
Posted October 28th 2022
I have nothing but good things to say about Dog Training Elite (Southeast Louisiana). I have an 80 pound, 2 year old Boxer Pit bull mix who was extremely hard to walk. He used to get triggered by everything when I would walk him and the triggers often lead to him pulling me down as he would suddenly dart towards the trigger. I dreaded walking him. I was very afraid that he would get us seriously hurt or, God forbid, hurt someone else or another dog. But the training we have received has been a literal life saver. I can now walk him peacefully and can give him commands like “Sit” and “Come” and he not only responds, but holds the command until I release him to continue. I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND these trainers to any dog owner!!! They are professional, kind, knowledgeable, and their love for dogs is evident in everything they do. I truly can’t say enough good things!!— Kelly Lee
Posted October 6th 2022