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Service Dog Training in Cleveland


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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 Cleveland can help.

Dog Training Elite in Cleveland offers top rated autism service dog training near you in Cleveland.


Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite in Cleveland location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.


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In-Home Dog Trainers Near You in Cleveland

Dog Training Elite in Cleveland is proud to have professional autism service dog trainers near you in Cleveland.

ESA vs. Therapy vs. Service Animals: What's the Difference?


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 Cleveland trains dogs to serve individuals with autism, diabetes and PTSD.

Dog Training Elite in Cleveland 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.

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 Cleveland has you covered.

The professional dog trainers of Dog Training Elite in Cleveland 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 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 Cleveland.

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 Cleveland 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.


Dog Training Elite in Cleveland is the top company near you that uses professional positive dog training methods.
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.

See Our Pricing

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’ll try to keep it short. I wish I could add videos because these pictures are just a sneak peak of the incredible things he will be able to get your dog or dogs to do! JOSH IS THE MAN!! Listen if you’re looking for a great dog trainer this is the place to go. You truly must be willing to do your part just like you’re paying them to do. This place really knows how to dial your dog in. They also take the time to teach you what they do which is truly amazing ! I would recommend anyone to go here for their dog! Josh is a very genuine human. Very warm kind heart guy. Have absolutely nothing but great respect for that man. Very intelligent when it comes to working with animals. He knows the breeds inside and out knows a lot of great great information. The in facility portion is highly recommended in my opinion if you want those results fast and that good socialization. The at homes are just as good the in facility though man it worked wonders. Feel free to follow me and I’d be happy to share my only 5 month old Rottweilers amazing results !
— Jacob Oberst
Posted October 5th 2024
google
I’ll try to keep it short. Listen if you’re looking for a good dog trainer this is the place to go. You truly must be willing to do your part just like you’re paying them to do. This place really knows how to dial your dog in. They also take the time to teach you what they do which is truly amazing ! I would recommend anyone to go here for their dog! Josh is a very genuine human. Very warm kind heart guy. Have absolutely nothing but great respect for that man. Very intelligent when it comes to working with animals. He knows the breeds inside and out knows a lot of great great information. The in facility portion is highly recommended in my opinion if you want those results fast and that good socialization. The at homes are just as good the in facility though man it worked wonders. Feel free to follow me and I’d be happy to share my only 5 month old Rottweilers amazing results !
— Jacob Oberst
Posted October 5th 2024
facebook
Josh is a great teacher. He is patient and explains everything clearly. Josh clearly loves dogs and enjoys sharing his knowledge with his students.
— Beth Elliott
Posted September 21st 2024
google
Every trainer we worked with to learn what our newly adopted dog had learned was fantastic; patient, kind and thorough. I highly recommend them to work with you and your pup!
— Faye Eishen
Posted September 19th 2024
google
We took our Bernese Mountain Dog/Australian Shepherd mix (Koda) to Dog Training Elite Greater Cleveland. We had the best experience throughout the in-facility training. The trainers were so helpful and pleasant to deal with, and Koda learned a ton throughout the process. He completed the therapy dog training a couple weeks ago and came out of training a new dog. He is still a puppy and never lost his spunk, but we are now able to take him on walks without being pulled around the neighborhood, he knows all of his basic commands, sit, down, place and heal, and also knows how to politely meet a friend. We couldn’t recommend more this facility and are so happy with all of the services provided. We are so proud of our young Koda and he is going to make a great therapy dog one day.
— Alex
Posted September 17th 2024
google
Amazing!! I can’t thank Josh and his team enough for all the help, support and training. My dog and I both learned so much.
— Megan Kelley
Posted September 16th 2024
google
I cannot begin to thank Josh and his wonderful employees for working so hard for our dog Rocky, also known as RJ. And rescue it's very hard for us to see our dogs struggling mentally and not knowing the proper way to be a dog and to share. We had one dog that had resource guarding, and that was Rocky, he worked with him for two weeks and we could not be any more happy if we tried. They went up and beyond what I feel was 2 weeks of training guidelines. I felt very safe knowing my dog was in their hands every day. I knew I would get back the new and improved dog, a happier dog and a well-rounded dog. They did not prove me wrong. It's just so beautiful to see Rocky now thriving in his new home with his new adapters. Thank you Elite Dog Training of Greater Cleveland for giving us a peaceful and loving dog, that we can confidently adopt out. All my best Melissa Daniels-Gelsinger Lake Erie Labrador Retriever Rescue Trustee
— Melissa Gelsinger
Posted September 12th 2024
google
I can’t explain my gratitude of what a great experience me and Romeo have had with Josh at elite dog training. We look forward to going there every week and can’t believe the progress Romeo has made going there. He gets so excited every week when we go there, and there are amazing staff is the best thing I’ve ever done for my dog. 💯💯💯💯
— Anthony Della Vella
Posted August 28th 2024
google
we reached out to Josh from a recommendation of a friend of ours, who had used the services in the past and swore up and down it was a game changer. When I tell you, it’s a game changer please believe me we were at the end of our rope with our dog saw no hope in sight. We finally made that call and got him started with training. By far, the best call and best decision that we made in just a little bit of time we have noticed quite a difference with our dog and his behaviors. We as pet owners have learned quite a few things from Josh and his crew as well. They are very knowledgeable. I am thankful for the training and even more thankful for the outcome, thank you guys! John &Jennifer Morris
— Jennifer Smith
Posted August 28th 2024
google
K9 Elite is top notch all the way. Josh and everyone he hires has exceptional knowledge of dog training using both positive reinforcement & correction. The training is tailored to you & your dog & the end result is a happy, well trained dog that is comfortable in any environment. My goal in choosing K9 Elite was advanced obedience and therapy dog certification. I couldn’t be happier, my dog just passed his certification test & we’re ready to begin work in the community!
— Anne Waters
Posted August 28th 2024
google
Our dog did very well and we were very pleased with the results. The team members are all great with the dogs and we look forward to future training sessions.
— Susan Patterson
Posted August 26th 2024
google
My husband and I are extremely pleased and very happy about learning this unique way of communicating with our boy. Our puppy was a little over 4 months old when we started the training and it took about 8-10 weeks for training. Josh is extremely intelligent, passionate, patient, professional and punctual. He came out to do our puppy’s evaluation and explained everything in detail about the process and different types of packages available, which was very thorough and helpful. We then started the training at our home. Josh always put in 100% effort and would wait patiently until the command is grasped by our puppy. Josh is very friendly and was always available to answer any questions about the training process. We are also very happy about doing the continued group classes with our puppy. You want to work with Josh as it’s very evident that he is passionate, dedicated and truly enjoys what he does!
— Garima Garg
Posted August 14th 2024
google
We rescued a one year old Saint Bernard and when we realized that she is too strong to even walk around the block I said we need to get her trained. The one and only call I made was to Dog Training Elite. From the initial phone call to Josh coming out for our free evaluation I knew it was the right choice. Josh said we would notice a difference after the first session and we were skeptical. When we picked Baby up we were in complete shock, our little girl was listening and seemed like a difference dog. She completed her 2 weeks of Camp and is a totally different dog. We are all happy now and can take her to the park and on walks. Josh and the team are absolutely incredible! We are so grateful for them! Our little girl is so well behaved and so happy. If you need obedience training do not waste another second Josh is amazing and so caring and truly loves what he does! Best decision ever!!!
— Jackie Roff
Posted August 14th 2024
google
I can’t recommend Elite Greater Cleveland enough! I was particularly looking for someone that would come to my home to train my mini aussie doodle. Lexi is a great trainer, very knowledgeable, and patient. She even got me out of the house to try training at different public locations!
— brooke eckley
Posted August 13th 2024
google
Dog Training Elite is a great organization with a truly phenomenal group of individuals. I’ve had the pleasure to be trained by Lexi & Josh on how to properly work alongside Maizy. From the initial free in home assessment to the weekly sessions & public access training, the team has been amazing! Maizy & I are grateful for the team and look forward to getting into the Service training aspect. Highly recommend Dog Training Elite!
— Anthony Winfield
Posted July 24th 2024
google
Thank you to Josh & crew - human and canine! From the initial consultation and demonstration with Lexi & Mocha to our first group class, Josh & crew have been supportive and helpful. I knew this was the right place for Finley. My breaking point was when Finley pulled me down injuring my hand while a jogger went past. I could not take anymore! I signed up Finley for the 2 week program. The first time I picked him up from class, I saw improvement. I was surprised! The best part was being able to practice with Finley what was learned that day before leaving the building. Josh & crew saw a good dog with great training potential when I saw frustration. They truly love training dogs and educating their owners. Like any relationship, the pet-owner bond needs daily work and our walks incorporated all the lessons we learned in the classes. I learned about dog behavior from Josh and his words of wisdom helped me to build confidence in Finley and myself. Attending Josh’s group classes allows me to work with Finley around other dogs in a supervised setting and we continue to learn new things. Does Finley behave perfectly all the time? No - but I now have the tools and knowledge to spot the triggers and correct the behavior. Do I have any regrets? Yes - I wish I called sooner! Seriously. I accepted bad behavior as normal because I did not know how to correct it. Now I know what a behaved dog should be! Thanks again DTE!
— Jennifer Payamgis
Posted July 23rd 2024
google
Josh and his team are remarkable at what they do. Before starting training, my five month old golden doodle Brody had many bad behaviors you would expect out of a typical puppy. After 8 weeks, he is a fully transformed dog. I haven’t even started the group classes yet, so I look forward to seeing even more progress. It is hard to believe what they can accomplish in such a short period of time. I am very thankful I went with Dog Training Elite.
— Bill Michaels
Posted July 19th 2024
google
I can't remark how professional and easy to work with the staff were at Dog Training Elite. They through the process I was kept informed of my dog's progress daily as well as being shown the methodology behind the training. My dog absolutely loved going to DTE and seeing the trainers. I would highly recommend them.
— Ron B
Posted July 12th 2024
google
Josh and his team at the facility are outstanding! There’s a noticeable difference in my dog’s obedience after doing 2 weeks at day camp. They have a clear schedule of each day and they gave updates at the end of each day when I picked my dog up. They get to know your dog and gave lots of one on one training throughout the day. Very geared towards his needs and areas that needed improvement. (Reactivity!) It’s a safe and clean environment and I felt safe leaving my pup knowing he was in good hands. The real testament is that my dog was excited to go in every morning!
— Sara Golden
Posted July 8th 2024
google
Highly Recommend! I can’t express how amazing Josh and his Team are. Endless amount of patience with a crazy pup mom. When I need reassurance, they were all there. The door is always open at Dog Training Elite Greater Cleveland. Definitely, worth it!
— Lissette Neal
Posted July 3rd 2024
google

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