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Autism Support Training


Autism Support Dog Trainer in Elizabethtown, KY

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502-383-5993


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Contact Dog Training Elite Kentuckiana

Or Call to Schedule FREE In-Home Assessment

502-383-5993


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Service dogs can become an emotional anchor for children with autism and a sense of security to family members. Families 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.

Children with autism can often feel isolated. A service dog becomes a 24/7 companion to share experiences with, connect with, and love. They can help children reintegrate into society and connect with others as well. Perhaps the most fascinating benefit is the effect a service dog directly has on cortisol levels. Testing cortisol levels is a way for researchers to test stress levels without having to ask participants questions. Cortisol studies have proven that children with autism have reduced levels of cortisol with the introduction of a trained autism service dog.

Pricing Programs Free Assessment

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


Personalized Autism Canines

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Personalized autism canines provide an emotional anchor for children with autism and a sense of security to family members. The autism world is widely accepting of service dogs, as overwhelming results show psychological benefits for the child in addition to the entire family. Autism support service dogs will learn basic obedience and advanced tasks that are customizable, such as:

  • Deep Pressure Therapy
  • Anchor a Child Who Wanders
  • Sensory Assistance
  • Find Help
  • Redirect Repetitive Behaviors
  • Tactile Stimulation

About Autism Support Dogs

There has been an enormous increase in the use of service dogs as a powerful tool in advancing and supporting those with autism. The autism world is widely accepting and promoting service dogs as overwhelming results come in showing that not only is a child’s psychological state improved, but that of the entire family is as well. A service dog can unlock levels of connection and progress that is otherwise very difficult to obtain with autism.

Pricing Programs Free Assessment

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Benefits of an autism service dog:


  • Increase social interaction
  • Redirect repetitive behaviors
  • Increase independence
  • Increase vocabulary
  • Improve the quality of sleep
  • Provide sensory assistance
  • Increase safety
  • Deep pressure tasks
  • Mobility assistance
  • Create a calmer environment
  • Assist in quickly recovering a lost child with autism

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.

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!

Marlene and Joe have been amazing to work with. They reinforced what I knew and gave me confidence in training my girls. I definitely learned some needed skills and how to read their language and behaviors. My girls had lived together for over a year and after one of them sustaining an injury and surgery the aggression and fighting began. I didn’t know how to acclimate them. After working with Marlene and Joe I picked up on some behaviors that had likely started before then but I didn’t know I should have corrected them at the time. Not all stories may end up like mine, each dog is different. But I wanted someone to come to my house and work with me and the girls in their own environment. I didn’t want to go elsewhere. I would highly recommend them if you are in need of training. Be prepared to put in the work though because it won’t work if you don’t . But well worth the time spent with them!!! Here’s a pic of the girls back to being BFF again
— Jennifer Comings
Posted October 14th 2024
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When we rescued our dog Pancho (Cane Corso/Boxer mix) we knew he’d need training. While we don’t know his past, his scars tell us that he wasn’t treated kindly and is very reactive to other dogs. Marlene and Joe have done an incredible job both teaching us and working with him to show how smart and sweet he can be. Group training has been immensely helpful in reducing his reactivity. Marlene and Joe are compassionate, patient, professional and kind. Highly recommend them.
— Graci Arias
Posted October 13th 2024
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mar and joe have been amazing with my dog. they’re not only great with my dog but with me as well. they are respectful and patient, and always put my dog as a priority. i couldn’t have wished a better trainer in my life. couldn’t recommend them more ❤️
— Adalyn Atilano
Posted September 3rd 2024
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I cannot say enough positive things about Marlene and Joe. Our Boy is 4 and a half months old any strangers often are SHOCKED that he is so young because of his behavior. Bodin has been working with them since he was 12 weeks old and i can’t wait to see who he is after all his trading is completed. I will recommend Dog Training Elite Kentuckiana to anyone and everyone! Thank you for all that you have taught baby boy Bodin and us!
— The Andersons
Posted September 2nd 2024
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Marble is a completely changed GSD from the first day we started. Marlene and Joe were so amazing! Everything I wanted to have them train Marble on, they did that and so much more! I think the best thing about everything is the in-home experience and the ability to observe what's going on where most places have people drop their pets off and never really experience the process. Marlene and Joe were very helpful and for me, it speaks volumes when Marlene would request updates on the homework she gave us during the week. This was an investment that was WELL WORTH IT! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
— LaVar Quarles
Posted September 2nd 2024
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My dog and I had such a great experience with Marlene and Joe. After only four weeks of training with them I’ve noticed a huge improvement in my dog. We both learned so much, I could not recommend Dog Training Elite and Marlene and Joe enough.
— Sandra Lopez
Posted June 21st 2024
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