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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 New Braunfels can help.
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite New Braunfels 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 New Braunfels trains dogs to serve individuals with autism, diabetes and PTSD.
Dog Training Elite New Braunfels 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 New Braunfels has you covered.
The professional dog trainers of Dog Training Elite New Braunfels 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 New Braunfels.
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 New Braunfels 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!
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Posted November 20th 2023
I am absolutely overjoyed and grateful to have found Dog Training Elite in New Braunfels! This place deserves a solid 5-star rating for the exceptional service they provide. My 8.5-month-old Cane Corso named Loki attended their dog training program and is currently enrolled in their service dog training program. Thanks to the amazing guidance and expertise of the trainers at Dog Training Elite, Loki recently passed his public access test with flying colors, even in the midst of a crowded mall! It's incredible to see how much progress he has made under their guidance. From the very beginning, the assessment process with the owner, Whitley, was incredibly smooth and efficient. She was knowledgeable, professional, and truly understood our needs and goals for Loki's training. I cannot express enough praise and gratitude for trainers Geneva and Adakias. Their passion, patience, and dedication to their craft are truly remarkable. They have an incredible ability to connect with dogs and create a positive and nurturing environment for learning. Loki absolutely adores them, and it's evident that they genuinely care about his progress and well-being. I would also like to acknowledge trainers Wolf and Mckimmie for their contributions to Loki's training journey. Their expertise and support have been invaluable, and their passion for dog training shines through in every session. Overall, Dog Training Elite in New Braunfels has exceeded my expectations in every way. Their professionalism, expertise, and commitment to their clients and their dogs are truly commendable. If you're looking for a top-notch dog training facility with exceptional trainers, look no further. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite without any hesitation! Thank you, Dog Training Elite, for everything you have done for Loki and our family. You have made a significant impact on our lives, and we are forever grateful.— Anuj Kainth
Posted May 19th 2023
The trainers are very good at what they do! I am training my puppy to be a therapy dog and in just a few months of working with them, he can stay, sit, come, walk perfectly on leash, settle, and many more commands. The trainers have been patient and professional. They first show you how to work with your dog and then offer feedback as they observe how you work with your dog. I am so happy with my dog, Gilly’s progress!— Holley Digby
Posted April 23rd 2021
It was fantastic! Food was awesome! Also had plenty to eat! Seafood was cooked just right!— Teresa Wells
Posted December 30th 2019
We have a 1 year old pitbull, Athena. I’ve had Athena since she was 8 weeks old. I believed that we were educated and seasoned dog owners. We cared for her but built a lot of bad habits! She walks all over us! We called Whitley and have had three sessions. We are very happy with our experience to this point and are confident that Athena will become the service dog we know she can be! Today, Athena ran out our garage door, I used her collar and the come command, she came back!!!!!!! I cried out of joy, she has no concept of cars and will run fast if she “escapes” the house. She came running back and even sat down in front of my feet in the front yard!!!!!! I took my time going inside and she stayed with me. I am so excited about this!— Julia Tucker
Posted April 7th 2019
Today my dog, Little Ann, graduated from service dog training. She has come so far in this program and she has really helped me. Whitley and Melanie are amazing people who are amazing with dogs. The training that Whitley and Melanie do at Dog Training Elite is spectacular! And now my dog is fully trained and has good manners, and I am able to do everyday things much easier with her. Thank you guys so much, you are the best!!!— Maya Gaffney
Posted February 20th 2019
Whitley was so great with muffin. When we started I though muffin might be a lost cause because of her breed, but with Whitley's help she has come along way. We are very happy with how well behaved muffin has become. Thank you Whitley!— Angela Stevens
Posted October 16th 2018
Lets start with how Suds came into our lives, he was literally dump out of a vehicle at a club, we brought him home, just to foster, (yeah right), after 6 months trying to just teach him manners, frustration sets in, we needed help, first trainer, (not going to mention names), looked at other training, and found dog training elite, gave them a call, set an appointment (at our home, at no charge), gave us a evaluation, at no time did she push her program, just recommendations, Ellen and I discussed it, decided to sign up, enter Ms. Whitley. Ms. Whitley is amazing with Suds, (teaching us what not to do), very positive outlook for Suds, we get to start group sessions next weekend, there has been no question unanswered. Ms Whitley is so professional, genuinely interested in the training, care, safety, and your satisfaction, words can't describe her commitment, not only to us but our fur babies, don't hesitate to contact Dog Training Elite.— Scott Morgan
Posted April 28th 2018
I can't even begin to tell you how wonderful Whitley is with Suds, and how he has responded to her. Suds was our foster dog that we ended up adopting, he is full of nerves energy and the energy was not good. We took Suds to another trainer here in New Braunfels and she recommended that we leave him there for training, that was a month of training. When he came home no difference other then he knew how to sit. By Gods good grace we found Whitley! We have been working with her for 5 weeks and he is now ready for group lessons. We can walk him without pulling, he sits and stays, he lays down and stays, he no longer wants to chase cars. We have learned how to distract his nerves energy. We are now working with our other dogs to teach them the same method. If your looking for a great trainer, Whitley is your person, Suds has come so far ! It was a heart breaking situation for us until we found her.— Ellen Morgan
Posted April 28th 2018
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