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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 Columbus apart from any other dog training service.
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.
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 Columbus 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 Columbus’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 Columbus 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 Columbus 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 Columbus?
Dog Training Elite Columbus 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 Columbus does not use punishments or shock collars to break bad habits. Instead, Dog Training Elite Columbus 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 Columbus is that while most dog training programs train dogs at their own facilities, Dog Training Elite Columbus 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 Columbus is there every step of the way. With Dog Training Elite Columbus, 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 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