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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 Greater New Hampshire can help.
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Greater New Hampshire 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 Greater New Hampshire trains dogs to serve individuals with autism, diabetes and PTSD.
Dog Training Elite Greater New Hampshire 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 Greater New Hampshire has you covered.
The professional dog trainers of Dog Training Elite Greater New Hampshire 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 Greater New Hampshire.
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 Greater New Hampshire 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!
Beth has been so great with our dog's training! We were worried about aggression in our pitbull/lab mix, but the trainings have brought out his sweetness again and made me much more confident having people come over and having him out in public. Beth has been so sweet to our Trenton and very accommodating in answering all of my many questions.— Molly Jenkins
Posted October 14th 2024
Rene and Beth are an amazing duo. We hired this incredible team to help us train our fear reactive rescue. She is a one year-old pit mix that knew no commands and just after three visits to our home, she was sitting, placing and coming when called. Rene was our point person; he is laid back and easy to talk to but also professional. They have group doggy classes which are so fun and great for introducing dogs to dogs (very important for our rescue). We have had a blast learning and teaching and would hire them again.— Alisa Ryea
Posted October 9th 2024
I cannot express the gratitude I have for Rene's hard work. Our sweet Bruno lost his front left arm after a freak accident last year so we were a little late to starting his training. Yet Rene was ready to get started. You can see the determination in his eyes as he takes his job very seriously. If your fur baby succeeds than it is a job well done for him and Beth. Bruno was his first Tripawd and we actually tried PetSmart training first (which was not the best fit for Bruno he needed more 1 on 1 training). Rene went above and beyond!! We asked him what booties he suggested, what are the best snacks, toys just everything! Just in the first training Bruno already changed and our neighbors all noticed. We've had people ask us how we changed this hyper boy into a gentle sweet man and we tell them all CALL RENE! 5 out of 5 stars cannot express the gratitude I have for Rene and Beth. You guys helped my boy become the sweetest boy he absolutely can be and for that I thank you! sincerely, The Bascom's— Lorissa Michelle Bascom
Posted October 5th 2024
I adopted a rescue from Texas. (Henry) His Bio said how great he was with people, children, other dogs, etc. They neglected to let us know that he was a raving maniac who had no idea how to behave. I would never return a rescue, but if I did, this one would be the one. I called Rene who came over and did the evaluation. He had no doubt that Henry was 100 percent trainable. I doubted him, but was at wit's end, so gave it a try. Beth came over and did the home training for 5 weeks and 3 weeks outside at Home Depot, etc. Let me just say Rene and Beth are both amazing. And Rene was right. After the initial 8 weeks, (actually after the 3rd class) we had a completely different Henry. He is extremely well trained (not military style either, although I"m sure if that is what you want, they could do that) and now a pleasurable part of our family. Complete 360 with their training. Easy to follow and Beth explains everything perfectly. If you have any behavioral problems with your dog, this is the place to go. I can't recommend them enough. I would give them more than the 5 stars allowed.— Donna Hickey
Posted September 25th 2024
I discovered DET online when we knew we needed outside help to train our lab. We couldn’t take her for a walk without intense struggle. Now with Beth’s help she is able to accompany us on walks and in our truck. We work her every day, using the tools we were given to continue her ability to obey and cooperate in a loving way. We couldn’t have done this without Beth. The DET is still part of our lives with group training and public exposure. They are all about what’s best for our dog and we are very thankful.😊— Susan Grover
Posted September 25th 2024
I am just updating my review as our puppy has turned 1. We have love working with Rene and Beth. Our son and his dog work beautifully together and are getting ready to start going to school together! The group classes are a bonus as it provides additional touch points and time for us and our pup to see other handlers, pups, and learn to work with distractions. We hope to keep doing those regularly as time goes on to keep us sharp. From last winter: We are working with DTE-GNH to train our Autism service dog (puppy). We just completed the 4-week puppy training (we started at 9 weeks of age). This is NOT your average puppy kindergarten. I can say without hesitation that this is the best preparation and training we have ever had (and we have had dogs for decades). Everyone remarks how calm and well behaved our pup is. Last night we took him to a nice restaurant and he laid down quietly under the table the whole time (after investigating the under the table environment for a few minutes). And the training is gentle and educative (for both pup and even experienced dog owners) and focuses on building a strong relationship with the puppy and building trust to enable a calm demeanor and calm handling... and it's all positivity. Our pup wows everyone and I feel so secure going into new environments with him, and we feel so ready for the next stage.— Eden Badertscher
Posted December 28th 2023
I can’t say enough positive things about Beth and Dog Training Elite! Beth is helping my pup and me go down the path of becoming therapy dog certified and I could not ask for a more knowledgeable and supportive training partner. She told me when we started this journey people don’t comment on misbehaving dogs but you will get tons of comments and compliments on a well trained dog. She could not have been more accurate!! I am now very comfortable and confident taking my naturally shy pup into public places, meeting new people and animals without concern because I know he and I both have the training and knowledge to handle any situation that comes up. As a life long dog owner I am incredibly impressed with our weekly training and group classes where we get to practice our skills in all kinds of settings. I HIGHLY recommend Dog Training Elite for anyone looking to provide their pup with the highest level of confidence and ability to be the best companion possible!! Love love love this training program!— Laurie MacInnis
Posted September 25th 2024
Beth was absolutely amazing to work with from start to finish. From the moment I contacted the company about training for my dog that I had not even yet picked up from the breeder to now, I could not have asked for a better experience. Beth truly cares about the success of both you and your dog long term. She wants you to be successful and she gives you all the tools and skills you need to make that happen. I started this journey with my 8 week old puppy in the puppy course, he then progressed into platinum obedience. Through everything we have both gained so much knowledge that I will take with me forever. Zuma will hopefully be entering the service dog program soon. Something that is only offered by select few companies in the area. I cannot wait to continue to work, continue to grow, and continue to learn in the group classes that are offered for the life of the dog. I am so happy I found Dog Training Elite New Hampshire and Beth. I just wish our time could just keep going furever.— Arianna Bitetto
Posted August 6th 2024
Beth is awesome. She worked with my puppy Rubble who was a little nervous. He gained confidence with each new training and his goofy personality came out. The training I receive has made a huge difference with my handling of all my dogs. I to have more confidence in my ability to read, train, direct, and guide my dog through new experiences. I am looking forward to group trainings to continue build our skills together.— Holly Hancock
Posted August 6th 2024
Beth was absolutely amazing to work with from start to finish. From the moment I contacted the company about training for my dog that I had not even yet picked up from the breeder to now, I could not have asked for a better experience. Beth truly cares about the success of both you and your dog long term. She wants you to be successful and she gives you all the tools and skills you need to make that happen. I started this journey with my 8 week old puppy in the puppy course, he then progressed into platinum obedience. Through everything we have both gained so much knowledge that I will take with me forever. Zuma will hopefully be entering the service dog program soon. Something that is only offered by select few companies in the area. I cannot wait to continue to work, continue to grow, and continue to learn in the group classes that are offered for the life of the dog. I am so happy I found Dog Training Elite New Hampshire and Beth. I just wish our time could just keep going furever.— Arianna Hancock
Posted August 6th 2024
Really enjoy training with Beth and Rene! Aiming to train my 2yo bernedoodle Ernie to be a therapy dog, and they were among the few who offer therapy specific training. We just completed the obedience training pre-req and Ernie is behaving better than ever! You can tell Beth and Rene truly love dogs, and it’s clear they are really experienced with all different types of dogs/behaviors etc. Ernie loves people, but can be a bit timid, especially around men. We did a number of sessions in the community and with their guidance Ernie has gained so much confidence. Just this morning I took him out to greet the landscapers, all but one of whom was male and he just nuzzled right up to them to say hello. His anxiety is virtually gone and he now regularly contains his excitement without jumping etc. We’re now enjoying the complementary group classes, which have been great for getting exposure to other dogs/distractions, and are gearing up to start the therapy program! I’ve done a lot of training with Ernie in the Manchester/Londonderry area (Ecollar, obedience classes, in home, etc.), many of which were good and got results, but this DTE team is top of our list in terms of value, personalized attention, and their general joy of dogs! Would recommend to anyone who wants a positive experience for their dog alongside the results!— Kristel Garneau
Posted July 10th 2024
Really enjoy training with Beth and Rene! Aiming to train my 2yo bernedoodle Ernie to be a therapy dog, and they were among the few who offer therapy specific training. We just completed the obedience training pre-req and Ernie is behaving better than ever! You can tell Beth and Rene truly love dogs, and it’s clear they are really experienced with all different types of dogs/behaviors etc. Ernie loves people, but can be a bit timid, especially around men. We did a number of sessions in the community and with their guidance Ernie has gained so much confidence. Just this morning I took him out to greet the landscapers, all but one of whom was male and he just nuzzled right up to them to say hello. His anxiety is virtually gone and he now regularly contains his excitement without jumping etc. We’re now enjoying the complementary group classes, which have been great for getting exposure to other dogs/distractions, and are gearing up to start the therapy program! I’ve done a lot of training with Ernie in the Manchester/Londonderry area (Ecollar, obedience classes, in home, etc.), many of which were good and got results, but this DTE team is top of our list in terms of value, personalized attention, and their general joy of dogs! Would recommend to anyone who wants a positive experience for their dog alongside the results!— Kristel
Posted July 10th 2024
Beth and Rene were wonderful with our Abby. Not only did they patiently worked with her and helped me to have more confidence to take her in the public. I can now take Abby for walks and anywhere I go see can go. I love the training in the park that is offered even after graduation. I only wish I could have kept her graduation cap and got a graduation certificate to frame. Thank you so much for everything you have done and everything you keep on doing. Love Abby and Brenda— Brenda Wilson
Posted July 8th 2024
I can't express how thankful and grateful I am for Rene. Jasper was already a good dog, but now he is amazing. His obedience is next level. I love how I can always message Rene with questions and it is answered in a timely manner. 100000% would recommend.— Megan Gaudette
Posted July 3rd 2024
Have worked with many trainers over the past 3 yrs and have appreciated this group the most. Had fun doing the platinum obedience course. They even humored me and we went to Rye beach in Nh for last class as dreamed of having my dog off leash here. Had great time and will b using them for future training needs. Reliable training with results can’t recommend enough!— Wendy Dyment
Posted April 9th 2024
We have a very "talkative" older dog. When I first met Beth I was so happy that someone was able to comunicate to as well to me as my dog. Beth has taught both of us many new ways to improve. I am so grateful that Beth has the patience to keep us on the right path. After just a few months my 8 year old dog is listening better to me and behaving much better in public places. The group training that we are given are the game changer for us. Missy is better each time I take her. Even when things don't go as planned and I or my dog is stressed the whole team with DTE spoke kindly to us and made me feel so much more confident in myself and my dog. Thanks so much for all your help and I am looking forward to the group lessons. Laura— James Howell
Posted February 15th 2024
I had the most cathartic experience with Beth and Renee and staff! I am a therapist by trade and I recently adopted a “therapy dog” named Oliver. “Olly” doesn’t know he is being trained to be a therapy dog by everyone at Dog Training Elite and myself! He just has so much fun learning the commands and practicing tricks for treats at first and eventually without them! Something I thought was impossible. He is such an amazing emotional support animal for now thanks to Dog Training Elite and will be an amazing therapy dog once our training is done. I loved the 1:1 classes but really found a benefit from group classes once Oliver was ready to socialize with the other dogs. He impressed me with his skill at our most recent group class! I am looking forward to going into the community and creating one of the most beautiful gifts: a service animal for patients to love.— Victoria Sterk
Posted January 31st 2024
Amazing experience Beth. From start to finish she gave us great tools, tips, and lessons to help us train our lab. We got him during covid and as a result he had little exposure to other people and public places. Over the course of two months training with Beth he’s gone from being a skittish, unsure dog with little confidence to a confident boy who takes commands, and who is much more confident around people and out in public places. The difference is like night and day. I’d highly recommend making the investment in the team at Dog Training Elite. They are highly skilled at what they do and provide a great experience. Thank you guys!— Peter Palmer
Posted November 16th 2023
My experience with Haley from Dog Elite was awesome! She was very knowledgeable and professional. She took the time to get to know our dog and me! Our training sessions were tailored to Moon's needs and the incorporation of new ideas for keeping him engaged was so valuable! Haley is a gem and loves the animals! Thank you to all of you for the work you are doing to make all the dogs and humans be better and more balanced!— Lauri Sowers
Posted November 11th 2023
The training was highly individualized to meet the specific needs of the my dog The patience demonstrated to us was deeply appreciated— Kirsten Knaebel
Posted October 25th 2023