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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 Los Angeles apart from any other dog training service.
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles’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 Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles?
Dog Training Elite Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles does not use punishments or shock collars to break bad habits. Instead, Dog Training Elite Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles is that while most dog training programs train dogs at their own facilities, Dog Training Elite Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles is there every step of the way. With Dog Training Elite Los Angeles, 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!
Great time helping my pup name Ace he’s a Belgian Malinos breed after his training he has been easier to handle Hard work has paid off We are expecting to keep with his training at the park with your facility Trainer took his time to explain n help us greatly I would Highly recommend them— Maria G
Posted October 15th 2024
Would 10/10 recommend. Clayton was so helpful and understanding when it came to my reactive cattle dog— Ryan Peterlin
Posted October 15th 2024
Clayton is an amazing trainer who has not only taught our stubborn Jack Russell Terrier to listen and respond…..he has also taught us to be consistent with the training techniques and the results are fantastic. The time we have spent training our dog Gary for the last 8 weeks will pay off for a lifetime!— Brittney Post
Posted September 20th 2024
Clayton was great and very knowledgeable. They do awesome work.— Josh S
Posted September 18th 2024
Jon and Clayton are awesome. Our German Shepherd is a rescue and was very territorial at our house. The guys gave us great tools to redirect his aggression and teach him good manners. The whole experience has been outstanding. Highly recommend these guys.— Mike Feldman
Posted September 5th 2024
Just had my training session with Clayton he was so sweet and gentle with my big 92 lb dog. Taught me a lot in such a short time. Will be ordering Anya her little bed to focus on practicing her place command. Thank you again Clayton was a pleasure:)!— Sonia Vera
Posted August 7th 2024
Amazing training session for my nervous puppy! She was able to learn 3 new training skills the first day.— brianna gutierrez
Posted July 31st 2024
Had an intro session at my apartment. Learned a ton about how I can be more effective training my pup and some errors I was making— Akshay S
Posted July 31st 2024
Clayton is super patient and great at communicating. I like that he's very honest and helpful . I really enjoyed my dogs training session walking my dog will be less of a hassle now. He also saved my dog from an attack I swear Clayton is the best— Brit Hall
Posted July 25th 2024
This was the very best dog training session I've ever come across! Clayton, our dog training was absolutely great! He was very knowledgeable about dogs and knows exactly what it takes to get a dog on track in any area of training! I would absolutely recommend this company and Clayton, to anyone who needs help understanding their dogs, etc. He gave us so many great tips and explained so much to me that helped me understand just where my dog was and what he needed moving forward. Definitely will be using this company again!— THIS OR THAT!!!!!
Posted July 22nd 2024
Clayton is such a nice and talented man!! Learned so much from our session and will recommend to all my friends!— jasmin baadsgaard
Posted July 19th 2024
It was great! They're awesome and responsive, will answer any of your questions and concerns. Definitely reach out to them for proper training and their knowledge trainers. 😊— Victoria Cruz
Posted July 16th 2024
Our experience with Jon was terrific. Our Australian Shepherd is now a well trained young dog, the addition of the E collar was genius. We are extremely pleased and we recommend John highly— Jan Gordon
Posted July 13th 2024
This company is great! I saw improvement in my puppy after just the first training session. I cant wait to continue with her training and learn more.— Alexis Sanford
Posted July 11th 2024
I really enjoyed the training and was very impressed with Clayton’s knowledge on dog training— Brittany Jacobs
Posted July 11th 2024
My session with trainer was great!! He was very helpful and my puppy is acting good when walking now. Thank you!— 뷘
Posted July 10th 2024
I can not recommend the trainers and staff at Dog Trainer Elite LA enough!! Clayton showed up promptly at our scheduling session. I was a bit nervous with my dog being selectively reactive to random people and animals. I was unsure how my boy Rey, a staffordshire bull terrier, would react to a visitor. As we don't get very many at all. Of course he barked and sized up the trainer, Clayton, inside our home. I made sure I was vigilant to any signs of aggression. He's so good and obedient with me inside the house. So lovable and cuddly. However, another story when we go outside. I know that it falls under the owner, pack leader, and not so much the animal. I've been working on my communication to best of my ability with my dog. However, the strong pull I could not efficiently master with him. Within minutes, Clayton had him calm and striding close by his side in heel position. We even walked past a usual spot where my dog always nervously reacts to the dogs behind the fence. Clayton effectively controlled the situation and implemented some techniques. Such a difference. I was shocked and overjoyed! As we walked around the block, I then took on the leash and implemented Clayton's instructions. My Rey didn't pull or react like he normally would. I'm so thrilled and overjoyed with Clayton's patience and effective technique. Everything else with my boy is fine. I really appreciate Dog Training Elite LA. I highly recommend them. I will definitely be calling them for advanced obedience in the future. Look at them in action! 🐕🦺🧍🏻♂️— Anthony A. González
Posted July 8th 2024
Clayton was an awesome trainer, such a big help, educated me well on how to execute things I need to with my Nova. I appreciate him so much. I feel more confident— Taylor Thomas
Posted July 6th 2024
We’ve been working with trainer Clayton, he’s been so amazing, patient, & kind helping us with our 2year old American bully Ziggy. Ziggys getting better and more well behaved with every session. Thank you Clayton ❤️— Julianne Lantz
Posted July 3rd 2024
If you're struggling with leash-pulling, look no further. Dog Training Elite doesn't just train dogs, they educate owners! I spoke on the phone with the owner Jon, to learn a bit about the services they offered and was able to schedule an in-home session the following week. Clayton was the trainer that came to our home and our dog went from a pulling machine to a perfect walking companion in a single session. He also empowered us with the knowledge and skills to continue the training journey. We appreciate this personalized approach and commitment to our dog's long-term success.Thank you Jon, Clayton, and Dog Training Elite!— Cindy Q
Posted May 15th 2024