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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 Broward can help.
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Broward 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 Broward trains dogs to serve individuals with autism, diabetes and PTSD.
Dog Training Elite Broward 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 Broward has you covered.
The professional dog trainers of Dog Training Elite Broward 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 Broward.
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 Broward 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!
Dog Training Elite Broward provided a fantastic experience with their personalized training approach. Gus, one of their trainers, was especially helpful during the individual sessions. He was patient, knowledgeable, and made sure to tailor the training to our dog’s specific needs. Thanks to Gus, we saw significant improvements in obedience and behavior after just a few sessions. Highly recommend Dog Training Elite for anyone looking for effective dog training!— Lynn Costo
Posted October 17th 2024
I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for the exceptional training that my dog, Brooklin, has received under Dog Training Elite’s guidance. The transformation in Brooklin's behavior and obedience is nothing short of remarkable, and it is a testament to the high-quality training provided by the esteemed team of Marie, Gus & Matthew. Marie's expertise and patience is pivotal in Brooklin's development. Her ability to connect with the dogs and tailor her approach to their individual needs is truly commendable. It is evident that she cares deeply about the well-being and progress of each canine in her class, and this dedication shines through in the results. After just two sessions, the improvement in Brooklin's obedience is clearly visible, and it brings me immense joy to see such positive changes. Furthermore, the dogs trained under Gus' guidance have shown remarkable improvements in obedience, agility, and task performance. His constant feedback and encouragement have been invaluable, especially during our public area training sessions. Gus's expertise and positive demeanor make the learning process enjoyable and effective, not just for Brooklin, but for me as well. His approach is not only professional but also filled with a genuine passion for helping dogs and their owners achieve their best. The environment at Dog Training Elite is one of support, encouragement, and professionalism. It is a place where dogs are not just trained but nurtured to become well-behaved and happy companions. The skills and techniques that Brooklin has learned are invaluable, and the confidence that both of us have gained from Dog Training Elite is immeasurable. The commitment to excellence in dog training has made a significant difference in our lives, and I am truly grateful for the positive impact Marie & Gus have had on Brooklin and myself— Jackie Gelly
Posted October 16th 2024
Excellent! I have had behavioral problems with my dog and they have helped me with everything in a super simple and super easy way for us. Mathew the best!— Mateo Zamudio
Posted September 28th 2024
I cannot express enough gratitude towards Marie and Gus at Dog Training Elite Broward for the incredible training they provided for my dog. Thanks to their dedication, my dog is now a confident and well-behaved therapy dog who is ready to bring joy to our community.— Stella Marujo
Posted September 18th 2024
I have had many dogs. This is the first time I engaged a trainer. What a great experience. My dog is happier, not anxious and actually listens. The service is great for both owner and dog. Marie is wonderful. Patient and kind. I highly recommend this company!!!— mitch katz
Posted August 29th 2024
It is motivational, admirable and inspiring to truly understand what your dogs are capable of. I highly recommend BTE to anyone who is looking to not only train their dog(s), but also resolve any behavioral issues you may be concerned about. Working with Marie is a treat for not only my two dogs, but also for us as owners. She’s a great coach and her methods will work for the long haul. If you are looking for a great dog training company, this is it.— Sarah Mohammed
Posted August 27th 2024
Matthew is an exceptional dog trainer who is not only highly knowledgeable but also very patient. He has been instrumental in helping Sammy and me build a stronger bond. His clear and understandable explanations of the training steps have made a significant difference in our progress. I highly recommend Matthew to anyone looking for a dedicated and skilled dog trainer. Gus is also great and very consistent with making sure that you are scheduled for classes.— Lynn Candy
Posted August 8th 2024
Matthew is an exceptional dog trainer who is not only highly knowledgeable but also very patient. He has been instrumental in helping Sammy and me build a stronger bond. His clear and understandable explanations of the training steps have made a significant difference in our progress. I highly recommend Matthew to anyone looking for a dedicated and skilled dog trainer.— Jessica Powell
Posted August 8th 2024
Ok, look no further. This is by far the best dog training school in Florida! It's called ELITE because that is how they work! Marie and Gus are extremely professional and knowledgeable, and they truly care for your pets, using the best methods to ensure no harm comes to your furry babies. I can confirm that their methods really work, as one of my dogs went through a lot of trauma. They gave her life back, and she is soon to be on her best behavior. Thank you, Marie, for being such an amazing coach and fun to work with! You are a blessing to our family. Sophye Nolet, Margate, Florida— Sophye Nolet
Posted July 15th 2024
I would rate them 5 Stars Outstanding From the first contact with Marie's team, I found the professional, willing and able to help with our 5 year old Plot Hound rescue. We rescued our Tazzy from a no kill shelter 6 months ago. We are dog lovers and have two wonderful dogs who live to the age of 14. Tazzy is by far the most active. We don't know her history but found her aggressive with anyone coming to the door or gate. From the first lesson, Marie was always helpful in explaining each step she was taking with the training. I soon realized we need to remain calm but in control when Tazzy acted out. We needed training too. With Marie's guidance, patience and authority, Tazzy's behavior with strangers is very much improved. We would recommend Marie's Dog Training Elite to everyone who wants to learn how to adjust their thinking and methods in training their dog. They are remarkable!— Robert Cooper
Posted May 4th 2024
It's been a great experience to work with Marie and Matt. I love the personal service and the attention to my dog. My dog's behavior has changed so much and I've learned so much on how to be consistent and teach him new things. I'm so grateful for Marie's lessons and personal touch.— Reyna Lopez
Posted March 6th 2024
Amazing business they realy know what they do, i had a teainer for one off my dogs that i thought it was amazing untill i meet Dog training Elite cant be happier with them Thx team— Luca Woodworking
Posted March 5th 2024
Working with Maria, Gus and Matt to give Vinnie, our Goldendoodle, some extra training has been amazing. They are warm, friendly and give expert advice. Easy to contact and great with responses. Absolutely recommend them for your training needs.— Pat M Chin
Posted December 6th 2023
Thank you so much guy to helping me out with my dog since he was just fourth month. We have such a good time at classes and is all the result of your dedication and attention to every single dog in there.— Gonzalo Galeano
Posted December 6th 2023
Excellent program with personal service suited to our specific needs. We can see progress on dog behavior from day to day working together with the trainer and our personal commitment. The personal touch from the trainer is highly appreciated making the process fun for us and our dog.— Andres Ottati
Posted October 29th 2023
Thank you for helping me train my puppy! she went from wild to manageable and getting better every day! Matt the trainer was so sweet with her, she loved him!— Helena Poleo
Posted October 27th 2023
Great service. Our dog Buttercup really enjoyed the training sessions and her behavior has improved so much. Thank you to all the staff of Dog Training Elite Broward.— Andre Rodriguez
Posted October 26th 2023
I have been having a great experience this far with my dogs training. Marie has been patient and gentle while working with my reactive/anxious dog. We have had 6 individual classes and 1 group class so far and my dog has shown such great improvement. I am also being conditioned to be more relax when walking him and more confident in my expected action of my dog from my commands.— Angelica Chica
Posted October 23rd 2023
Thanks for all trainers. Our dog is a golden retriever 3.5 years old. We took her to parks, hotels and travel with her. She has a good behavior and love with people. Marie and her staff done very good work— OLGA FIDLIN
Posted October 23rd 2023
Marie’s patience and dedication has been beyond what I ever expected. The Dog training Elites team is exceptional. Their compassion and pride in what they do is evident. I am beyond pleased with how our furry companion has progressed and continues to progress. We look forward to our appointments because they are always so successful. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite. I cannot thank Marie and Gus from Elite Training enough for everything they’ve done and continue to do.— brittney manresa
Posted August 23rd 2023