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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 in Orlando can help.
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite in Orlando 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 in Orlando trains dogs to serve individuals with autism, diabetes and PTSD.
Dog Training Elite in Orlando 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 in Orlando has you covered.
The professional dog trainers of Dog Training Elite in Orlando 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 in Orlando.
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 in Orlando 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!
Craig has helped me to train my 8 month old Heavapoo. She now gets in her create and I can leave her there while I go out. I live in a Condo so barking could be a problem. She now responds to quiet. Could not have done this without help. Highly recommend Dog training Elite.— Sharron Robinson
Posted September 26th 2024
Maria is amazing. Great company, they take pride in their work. Maria is very friendly and is working so well with my tiny chihuahua puppy. So thankful for her care. Bianca Heap— Bianca Heap
Posted September 20th 2024
Dog Elite Training have been a lifesaver for us and our puppy German shepherd. The trainers Cheyenne and Maria are so good with her and she is learning at lightening speed thanks to them. Chelsie goes beyond to accommodate our busy schedule. Run don’t walk to sign on with Dog Elite!— Robin Zander
Posted September 20th 2024
I can’t say enough wonderful things about Dog Training Elite! Millie is my first puppy + they have taught me everything I need to do to be the best Dog Mom and Millie has learned so much from them! Thank you Dog Training Elite + for loving Millie the way you do - we’re so grateful for y’all!!— Chloe Nelson
Posted September 16th 2024
Craig and his team are amazing!! He trained my Yorker, night and day difference!! Highly recommend to anyone who needs dog training!! Five star ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ all day long!!— Shawnie Whitaker
Posted September 15th 2024
I have never been so impressed by a dog training company before these guys. When I first started thinking about a service dog, I had no idea what it would be like. As I met staff (Chelsea, Cheyanne, Maria, and the rest of the crew) they listened to my needs and gave their hearts beyond my expectations. All my hopes were fulfilled and then some., Dog Training Elite Orlando has been nothing but by my side this whole year during the training process with my now Service dog, Raven”. I can say that I have been truly blessed ❤️ Thank you all! You are the best in my book, 😊👍— Sean Meskimen
Posted September 15th 2024
I cannot say enough about Dog Training Elite Orlando! One month ago we had a 3 month old puppy who was biting everything, jumping on everything (furniture, counters, people) and was only interested in chewing on our blankets, socks, shoes, and couch, and was completely uninterested in his toys. One month and 4 in-home training sessions later and we have THE happiest, most well-behaved boy who loves his toys AND loves training! Cheyenne and Maria have both been amazing and the results speak for themselves. Best decision we ever made! If I could give more than 5 stars I would.— Lindsay Escue
Posted September 14th 2024
This company is by far the greatest I have ever come across during my 15 years of owning dogs. Maria was my trainer for my dog Cairo, she is always on time and is very knowledgeable. I’ve never had any issues with her not showing up or feeling like my money was wasted on any of the training days. The company is very flexible with options depending on what you need and that’s helped me out greatly due to my work schedule. We just finished the advanced obedience training and will be moving on to the service dog training soon. My dog has made vast improvements since I started this program and I am very excited to start the next phase of his training.— Allison Norona
Posted September 14th 2024
When I contacted Dod Training Elite I was desperate because my baby Neo was so crazy. He would jump on people, bark at everything and everyone, walk on two paws pulling on his leash, hide when it was time to get him in his crate and so many other things. As soon as the first class we did with Maria we noticed a huge change on Neo. He immediately started listening to us and with each class things got better and better. One thing I was hesitating at first was using the training collar because I was scared it would hurt Neo. Maria was so helpful to explain how it worked and without the collar I don’t think we would have been able to train him. Besides Maria everyone else is so helpful and friendly. They always answer all my questions and communicate in the best way possible. A huge plus is the group classes on Saturdays because that’s extra training Neo gets with other dogs and the classes are so well organized. I highly recommend them!— mercedes reyes
Posted September 14th 2024
Maria was our trainer and did amazing with our dog Lambeau. He now listens to all the commands we’ve worked on and can go back on taking walks as a family. Look forward to our future vacations with our pup and all thanks to Maria and Elite Dog Training! We highly highly recommend it’s life changing!— Randall Birchmier
Posted September 12th 2024
We are so unbelievably happy we went through with dog training with Dog Training Elite. One of our dogs had some scary reactivity issues that had us considering rehoming him and the other was a puppy with no manners. Today we have two dogs who are able to stay on their place and focus on us when new people come into our house. Barely even a bark!! Craig is an amazing dog trainer who brings such a calm energy to us and our dogs when we start to get stressed out. Within 5 weeks of Craig coming to our house, our dogs are completely different. We were also really impressed with that lack of a sales pitch Craig gave us on our first meeting. We looked into a few different training facilities and Craig felt the most upfront with what he recommended (not like he was looking for more money) which was a nice change of pace. We can’t recommend Craig and this company as a whole more, worth every penny.— Cameron Lathan
Posted September 11th 2024
I couldn’t say enough good things about Dog Training Elite North Orlando!!! Craig and Miriam are so knowledgeable and offer so many practical, effective tips!! From puppyhood to obedience training, they have been AMAZING every step of the way!!!— Ana Davis
Posted August 27th 2024
My three French Bulldogs were transformed with the professional one-on-one behavioral training of Dog Training Elite. DTE provides techniques which are easy to practice with your pups and very effective. All three of my Frenchies have mastered several essential commands in a short period of time. Most importantly to me, I can now walk all 3 of my Frenchies without them pulling me. Walks are now enjoyable and much longer since they are not pulling and getting out of breath. I highly recommend DTE for training any pup needing behavioral modification.— Kim Necrason
Posted August 23rd 2024
Dog Training Elite is amazing! Our dogs were jumping and barking. They knew a few commands but would not stay in place. We have a Border and two Labs and a lot of energy. Maria came out to our home and the first day we saw a difference! She is awesome and you can tell she loves what she is doing. Thanks Maria for the great training and kindness to our dogs.— A M
Posted July 27th 2024
We got our rescue pup from the shelter at just over a year old. DTE has been the best thing for us and our pup Bam. He’s a true gentleman now bc of his training!— Alex Antoine
Posted August 15th 2024
Dog Training Elite’s team is WONDERFUL. Finneas and I are so happy with how our training is going. My boy is on track to becoming a service dog and we have a long way to go… but I couldn’t be happier to have Craig and his team by our side during this process. THANK YOU— camila meyer
Posted August 14th 2024
Working with Dog Training Elite Orlando has been one of the investments I’ve made for my dog. Maria was incredible in her knowledge and the way she handled my pup. The instruction was clear and easy to understand and in the 5 sessions we made tremendous progress. Highly recommend DTEO, Maria, and team!— Aizaz Chaudhary
Posted August 12th 2024
HIGHLY RECOMMEND this team for all of your people training needs lol No, but seriously, they have worked magic with my Zoe and Me. What I love is that they come to your house or to public spaces to work on issues specific to you and your pups needs. Their packages also include group training classes, which are always educational and FUN. Craig and Miriam love what they do and it shows. They are patient, encouraging, and dedicated to seeing you and your pup grow together. I just can’t say enough good things. Oh and did I mention they offer service animal training also!— Jacqueline Muenzner
Posted August 8th 2024
HIGHLY RECOMMEND this team for all of your people training needs lol No, but seriously, they have worked magic with my Zoe and Me. What I love is that they come to your house or to public spaces to work on issues specific to you and your pups needs. Their packages also include group training classes, which are always educational and FUN. Craig and Miriam love what they do and it shows. They are patient, encouraging, and dedicated to seeing you and your pup grow together. I just can’t say enough good things. Oh and did I mention they offer service animal training also!— Jackie Muenzner
Posted August 8th 2024
Hands down the best dog trainers out there! They take the time to figure out your dog and you/your family to tailor the training to fit perfectly. Everytime i have had a question or concern, they have been rapidly responsive. I give them my highest recommendation. Trust me you wont be disappointed!!! ❤️❤️❤️— Helen McEvoy
Posted July 29th 2024
Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation
At Dog Training Elite in Orlando, we believe that Service Dogs save lives. It is our mission to make these life-saving companions available to our Veterans, First Responders, Women Survivors, and Children with Medical Needs. Whether it be for PTSD, Mobility Support, or Special Needs, Dog Training Elite in Orlando works with the Malinois Foundation to heal and empower these individuals with a specialized service animal, a partner in life, and a new best friend.