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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 Southeast Michigan apart from any other dog training service.
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Southeast Michigan 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 Southeast Michigan 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 Southeast Michigan’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 Southeast Michigan 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 Southeast Michigan 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 Southeast Michigan?
Dog Training Elite Southeast Michigan 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 Southeast Michigan does not use punishments or shock collars to break bad habits. Instead, Dog Training Elite Southeast Michigan 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 Southeast Michigan is that while most dog training programs train dogs at their own facilities, Dog Training Elite Southeast Michigan 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 Southeast Michigan is there every step of the way. With Dog Training Elite Southeast Michigan, 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!
Dog Training Elite of Southeast Michigan is the best of the best when it comes to training. They go above and beyond to make sure you are happy with the services they provide. They truly love the animals like their own and work with the families every step of the way. If I could give 6/5 stars I would. I would highly recommend.— Michelle Foley
Posted October 21st 2024
I cannot recommend Dog Training Elite enough. Hailey and Steve have been training my one-year-old Golden Retriever to be a therapy dog. Daisy has progressed so much in just a few sessions in the comfort of our home. She is so proud of herself and my whole family has benefitted from everything she’s learned.— Stephanie McGuire
Posted October 18th 2024
We have sent 2 service dogs through training with them and their service is fantastic! We've specifically requested Hailey (sp) both times and she is amazing! Kind, upbeat, energetic and empathetic. The company is flexible, understanding and extremely helpful and available! They train you just as well as your pets!— Kei Wolfe
Posted October 4th 2024
Couldn’t have asked for a more professional, yet fun and exciting experience for Murphy, my wife and I. This is our first golden retriever, and our experience with Dog Training Elite and Hailey (our trainer❤️) has been nothing short of perfect. Our Murphy has passed his public service access test (service animal) with the amazing training provided by Hailey and my wife. He is an absolutely perfect addition to our family, and we owe so much of that to Hailey and the team at Dog Training Elite.— Jameson Kyle Hagerty
Posted September 26th 2024
Hailey was very knowledgeable and professional and I would recommend her with confidence.— Mark Jaffray
Posted September 26th 2024
We contacted dog training elite prior to picking up our Murphy. They helped guide us with the initial pup search (we were seeking to get a PSD service dog). Once we got our Murph Hailey started with our training. She has been absolutely amazing to work with. She has done a fantastic job helping me to train him. He’s become the best well behaved (service dog) puppy we could’ve asked for, all thanks to the knowledge that Hailey has given me. I’m excited to see what she has in store for us next.— Ashley Hagerty
Posted September 24th 2024
Our trainer Hailey , is a pro. She wants success for our dog and us. She is clear and patient. At a group session, another trainer Ryann came over to assist us. Great people and company leadership. Our dog is really being trained to be a better companion. Thanks all at Elite Dog Training. Forrest & Ann— forrest hayford
Posted August 31st 2024
Dog Training Elite is great! Ryann helped us train our 2 year old, very hyper dog, and he’s completely different now!! Plus he has a new friend. I highly recommend having your dog trained with DTE!— Sarah Thomas
Posted August 30th 2024
My dog Winnie has been completing therapy dog training with Hailey at Dog Training Elite Southeast Michigan for a few months now, and we absolutely love Hailey and the program! It has been so fun to see Winnie's confidence and skills evolve, and I can't wait to continue the rest of our training with this team! If you're looking for high quality dog training in the metro-Detroit area I can't recommend them enough!— Christina E Agostino
Posted August 28th 2024
Hailey at Southeast Michigan Dog Training Elite was awesome. Arlo, our 9 month old Australian Shepherd has been one of the best dogs we have ever had and with the training that Hailey did with us and Arlo, has just made having a dog amazing again. Our goal was to be able to take Arlo where ever we go and behave and just be one of the family. With the training program from Southeast Michigan Dog Training Elite and Hailey’s passion and patients, we have that dog. Would highly recommend Hailey and Southeast Michigan Dog Training Elite.— Kirk Hedding
Posted August 28th 2024
Hailey with Dog Training Elite was absolutely exceptional. She made herself available for our schedule, and was willing to help us train our dog in any scenario, with family members, and other dogs. It was great! Highly recommend!— Ryan Rosenberg
Posted August 20th 2024
We are so impressed with Austin, Hailey, and this company! The one on one personal training really helped to train our Tessa (and more importantly us humans). She continues to learn more tasks to be the best service dog! Thank you for being professional and still enjoying butt wiggles!— Jean Perczak
Posted August 12th 2024
My family & I adopted a 7-week-old, purebred, German Shepherd in Jan. As she got a bit older, we discovered that we were WAY over our heads when it came to her training. Of course, we went online searching for trainers & we finally found DOG TRAINING ELITE which was the BEST discovery EVER!!! Of course, we read the reviews & we found HAILEY...one of the BEST trainers that we could EVER ask for!!! Her reviews are A+, and we stand behind those reviews!!! She's KIND, PATIENT, UNDERSTANDING, SO INFORMATIVE & IS GREAT w/MAZIE, and w/us too!!! The things she teaches us is so EXTREMELY helpful when we're training on our own! Once we had our free consultation, we were SO impressed to learn about their AMAZING training programs that we signed up right away!!! HAILEY comes to our house once a week, and it truly is AMAZING the things she teaches our pup!!! If you are looking for a dog trainer, look no further!!! Call DOG TRAINING ELITE, request Hailey, and I promise you, you WON'T be sorry!!!— Tiffany Raubacher
Posted June 30th 2024
Just finished a 10-week training class with Hailey from DTE, and it was a great experience. Hailey was wonderful to work with; she was flexible and accommodating and did a fabulous job with our 4 year old mix Tater. She worked with us to customize the curriculum, increasing the time we spent on our areas of concern (behavior basics and leash walking) instead of covering some advanced topics we didn't need or want (e.g., going into public spaces). Sessions were fun and engaging; Hailey worked directly with Tater on each skill to get her started, but also taught me how to continue the process between and beyond class. We also had a few sessions with both Hailey and Austin, along with Austin's dog Sunny, to work on socialization. Tater had been quite a handful since we got her... constantly barking and agitated when outside, overly excited and hard to control with visitors, unable to walk on a leash, zero recognition of any commands, etc. We honestly thought that perhaps there was something wrong with her; that she was untrainable. Nope. She responded immediately to the training, and in fact seems quite smart (though stubborn). She now understands (and follows) necessary commands, walks very well on a leash (and even without a leash), remains quiet in the yard (even when bunnies are present, or the neighbor's dog is yapping), and behaves with visitors. We're looking forward to maintaining and even advancing her behavior at the weekly group sessions. If you are looking for a high quality training program for your dog and have the time and the means, I highly recommend Dog Training Elite and both Hailey and Austin as an excellent choice.— David Kulmaczewski
Posted June 29th 2024
Hailey has been fantastic with Moose! He has learned so much in just a few short weeks. My office is dog friendly but as a large 9 month old puppy he was loud and wanted constant attention and play. In just 4 sessions I was able to bring a well mannered dog into the office with me! He gets to play with his dog friends now at work and daycare and I get to take my smart pup for walks where he’s not pulling me along. And Moose loves to see Hailey each week. He gets so excited to see her. We taught him to swim yesterday! I cannot tell you how happy I am with Hailey and Dog Training Elite!— Tammy H
Posted June 14th 2024
Highly recommend. Hailey and Ryann were great with us and our dogs! The whole team was very responsive throughout the process, patient and thorough. Overall wonderful experience.— Elizabeth Curley
Posted May 28th 2024
A huge thank you to Hailey! She did a great job both with us and our Russell! We needed training as much as he did! The entire team at DTE Southeast Michigan is fantastic. When Hailey couldn’t make it Ryann came and was wonderful! Austin took time with us also to teach us how to get Russell ready for a group environment. We highly recommend DTE Southeast Michigan! #fantasticinvestment❤️— Teresa Leonard
Posted May 27th 2024
We could not be happier with the training we received from Dog Training Elite. Hailey did a great job working with us and we’ve seen a significant improvement in Cassius. I would highly recommend working with the team!— Joe Fornasiero
Posted May 20th 2024
Thank you Dog Training Elite Southeast Michigan! Hailey and Holleigh did a great job connecting with our dogs and listening to our concerns. Austin is extremely knowledgeable and teaches how to work with your dog in different situations and environments.— Melanie McPeake
Posted May 8th 2024
So glad we chose Dog Training Elite! Hailey was awesome and shared so much knowledge on training us on how to train our pup. We loved how she came to our home to see what day to day expectations were. Athena is much more well behaved and has quickly learned her boundaries outside as well. Would highly recommend them...and actually we already have to a couple of people!— Teri Nagel
Posted May 7th 2024