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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 Oklahoma can help.
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Oklahoma location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
(Service Dog reevaluation mandatory 6 months after certification to verify maintenance of training - small additional fee)
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 Oklahoma trains dogs to serve individuals with autism, diabetes and PTSD.
Dog Training Elite Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma has you covered.
The professional dog trainers of Dog Training Elite Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma.
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 Oklahoma 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!
Jessica has taught us and Penny so much! Penny can now go on walks, rides, and public places without a problem. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite, well worth the investment!— Heather Kramer
Posted September 6th 2024
Dog Training Elite provides excellent dog training. My golden doodle is behaving so much better as a result of the lessons David, Kristin, and Paul provided!!!— Karen Wilson
Posted September 4th 2024
The trainers have been very helpful to us in getting our Autism Service Dog trained. They have worked well with our busy schedule. We are still in training and have completed the obedience portion and we have seen some major improvements in our dog.— Nichole Criswell
Posted September 3rd 2024
Really impressed with the training and service Dog Training Elite offers. Would highly recommend!— Shana Darby
Posted September 3rd 2024
Prior to DTE, Dashi was very nervous and reactive around other dogs, people, and vehicles. Treats were required to get her to do anything and we would never have dreamed she could ever be off-leash. Now, she is so well behaved and much better around all sorts of distractions. She regularly goes off-leash and is so much more confident and obedient! We can have so many more adventures now because we have confidence that she will listen. DTE was a game changer and our whole family is grateful! Multiple people have noticed that she really is a different dog. We won’t have another dog without DTE!— Lindsey Madden
Posted December 1st 2023
Look man, my day was a straight up "BREAK SOME shhtuff" day! While dealing with a family emergency, I realized, I was 30 minutes away from home and my apt started in 10 minutes! I called Kristen who relayed the message to Korbyn (already patiently waiting at my home because you know... punctuality matters... sorry again . She got a heads up that I was having a hard time and NEEDED the therapy. (I'm not crying, you're crying!) When I arrived to my home, 40 minutes later; (I said sorry...) Korbyn sensed my stress/anxiety and informed me that she enjoyed the views my Homefront offer. She just told me if I needed some time to center or grab a drink she would sit right there and enjoy the view. INSTANT relief. Despite my tardiness, she ensured I understood every aspect of the information she provided me. I even had a breakdown moment in front of this young lady y'all. There is not a single, tiny little thing I can say negative about her. I am HONORED to post this. ~ Adam— Adam Johnson
Posted November 12th 2023
David and Kristin have a real passion for the services they provide, and their love for both people and dogs is so genuine. We are grateful for the time and work they put into their training to ensure success!— Marcie Waligura
Posted September 17th 2023
You won’t find better training in the area for your best furry friend!! You’ll be so glad you called Dog Training Elite OKC!! We’ve known the owners/operators for many years and their results are truly inspiring!!— Holly Jule
Posted September 13th 2023
I loved DTE so much and believed in their training so fully that I became a trainer with them myself! Couldn't recommend highly enough.— korbyn carter
Posted September 11th 2023
Kristin and David helped me train my pup and now he is my full time service dog! They are so thoughtful and passionate about what they do. Couldn’t recommend them more!— Korbyn McKale Poetry
Posted August 27th 2023
This is the company and these are the people to use to train your dog. David and Kristin are amazing! They are patient yet authoritative with my dog. I saw an improvement in my dog after just the first session. But not only is my dog learning, but I’m also learning how to be a better owner. David and Kristin make the training simple and have given me the tools to reinforce everything they have taught my dog. I am so fortunate to have found them. I highly recommend David and Kristin and Dog Training Elite.— Jason Dawes
Posted July 28th 2023
