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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 Columbus can help.
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Columbus 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 Columbus trains dogs to serve individuals with autism, diabetes and PTSD.
Dog Training Elite Columbus 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 Columbus has you covered.
The professional dog trainers of Dog Training Elite Columbus 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 Columbus.
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 Columbus 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!
I can't recommend Dog Training Elite enough! Brennen, our trainer, is exceptional. His kind yet firm approach creates a positive atmosphere for both dogs and handlers. He takes the time to assess each handler's abilities, ensuring everyone is equipped to train effectively. With a focus on positive reinforcement, Brennen's methods truly work. He has been working with my Doberman, Minnie, who is in training to be a therapy dog in a behavioral health setting. If you're looking for top-notch dog training, look no further!— Natasha Schafer
Posted October 20th 2024
Brennan is the best dog trainer in town. He is the third trainer I used for my dog Kaden. The other two trainers did not get my dog where I wanted him to be. Brennan went beyond my expectations. My dog used to react to other dogs, now he can be around any dog. My dog can now be off leash and still have the obedience as he is on leash. I used to be nervous to have Kaden near my daughter, but now I feel 100% confident with him around her. Highly recommend Brennan and his dog training methods.— Nick Smith
Posted October 16th 2024
Best trainer ever. Trained my Golden Retriever beyond all expectations! And Mabel loves him.— James Owen
Posted August 18th 2024
Brennan and Dog Training Elite Columbus have been fantastic in helping with the training of Ozzy. Brennan has been involved since Ozzy was a young puppy and continues to provide great training. Brennan is enthusiastic, caring and is timely. I highly recommend him to help with training. -Dave H— Dave Hamlin
Posted June 3rd 2024
We’ve loved this experience! Brennen (our trainer) has been amazing to work with. He adapted to the needs of our dog and continued review basic training commands in the mix. Our dog was timid with loud sounds and he brought all the ideas and tools for each training session. We get 1:1 at our house and group sessions at the park. No matter what your end goal may be, Brennen is supportive and hard working to get to that goal.— Janelle Miller
Posted May 5th 2024
We’ve loved this experience! Brennen (our trainer) has been amazing to work with. He adapted to the needs of our dog and continued review basic training commands in the mix. Our dog was timid with loud sounds and he brought all the ideas and tools for each training session. We get 1:1 at our house and group sessions at the park. No matter what your end goal may be, Brennen is supportive and hard working to get to that goal.— Janelle Miller
Posted May 5th 2024
I would absolutely recommend Brennan with Dog Training Elite. He is calm, gently firm with his training and builds a relationship of trust and love in his training. Our GSD Luna is stubborn, but she loves Brennnan and loves to work. He has taught us, how to teach Luna and although she still has a bit to go, the things Brennan has taught are working! We now train at various locations outdoors and indoors and her dog distraction has greatly improved. At one point I worried if she would be a good Service Dog, but now I KNOW she will be and already demonstrates, thanks to Brennan' s guidance and our persistence with his training. If you need a trainer and program, THIS IS THE ONE.— Taylor Ez
Posted April 16th 2024
This place is where my dog is currently training and I love it! The trainer, Brennan, is really knowledgeable and easy to schedule with (even if you need to move the time around, but I try my best not to do that to him lol). I’m in need of a psychological support dog and I’m so glad I chose Dog Training Elite to make my shelter pup a service animal ❤️— Simon Freitas
Posted March 4th 2024
Brennan is amazing! He fits your needs along with your dogs. He doesn't do one size fits all. I love that he comes to you, spends time getting to know you and your dog before even trying to make any plan. He is definitely the go to guy!— Rebekah Johnston
Posted February 27th 2024
Brennan was exceptional in the training of my Nemo. His patience and explanations were well above adequate and he made both of us confident and comfortable. I recommend him highly to anyone looking for an excellent trainer.— Nancy Conkel
Posted December 18th 2023
Had an amazing experience with Brennan. Put in the extra effort to make sure we had the best resources. He not only showed us the correct techniques but he explained why we were doing that. From the beginning to the end their was a huge difference in Lokis behavior. 100% recommend this training.— Ariella Pitty
Posted December 15th 2023
Did a great job training our dog not to jump on guest, walking calming on leash and listen to multiple different commands. Very friendly and knowledgeable!— Luke Daugherty
Posted November 21st 2023
Very detailed, personable & knowledgeable, not only with owners but with my german shepherd. Took all the time needed & was able to change shepherd's behavior .— A Lester
Posted October 20th 2023
I really liked the amount of classes and additional dog socialization interaction classes. Brennan does a great job with the whole program and customizing to your specific needs.— Laura Lawrence
Posted September 26th 2023
We’ve had a really good experience with Brennan. He really listens to us and has helped with a lot of issues Howie has such as barking, pulling on walks, and distractions. He’s also very communicative, always on time, and always has treats! I highly recommend Dog Training Elite!— Kerry Lackner
Posted September 26th 2023
Brennan has helped us connect better with our pup, taught him some skills to make him more confident and happier, and it has been a fun process. Very much recommend.— Kelly Cox
Posted May 19th 2023
Brennan helped my grandma out with her dog and was prompt, professional, and consistent. He worked with her dog on a regular basis until her dog was fully trained. He really went above and beyond.— Exterior Revival
Posted March 31st 2023
The best dog trainers around! Brennan was so patient, understanding, and helpful! Would highly recommend!— Cassidy Clay
Posted March 22nd 2023
Thanks so much Brennan! Great improvement with the puppy after taking the course couldn’t have done it without you— garrett woerndle
Posted March 18th 2023
Brennan has done such a wonderful job training my dog Noomi. She is a very energetic bernedoodle that loves to play! I have always wanted to let her off leash but have been nervous that she would run away from me. Brennan has worked with her and has made me feel confident that I can take her off leash and she will listen to me. It makes her so happy and it gives me a peace of mind that she will be obedient to me. Thank you Brennan for the awesome work! My pup and I are so thankful for your help 😁— Logan Hunkus
Posted February 8th 2023