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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 Phoenix apart from any other dog training service.
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Phoenix 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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix’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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix?
Dog Training Elite Phoenix 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 Phoenix does not use punishments or shock collars to break bad habits. Instead, Dog Training Elite Phoenix 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 Phoenix is that while most dog training programs train dogs at their own facilities, Dog Training Elite Phoenix 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 Phoenix is there every step of the way. With Dog Training Elite Phoenix, 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!
These trainers are masters at their craft! With their techniques and training our dog enjoys more freedom and the ability to go camping, hiking or whatever adventure comes our way.— Ryan Roudebush
Posted September 23rd 2024
Dog Training Elite is all you need for the dog of your dreams. I have been working with Neal and his staff for 4 months now and I am blown away by how much we’ve accomplished in such a short time. My gorgeous Akita was very well trained by me in obedience but I wanted him to learn protection and socialization. I cannot recommend Neal and his team enough!!! Neal is the real deal!! If you want the dog you see in the movies then all you need to do is call Dog Training Elite.— Mari Griffin
Posted June 15th 2024
These guys have made a 100% difference in our dog and we are so glad we found them. Her dog reaction and aggression has gotten so much better. We're still working with her but half way through and she's a whole new dog in and out of the house.— Nick Rempel
Posted January 27th 2024
These people really know how to help train dogs and their owners. I never thought my super obstinate Frenchie could become so well mannered. I needed a trainer who could do in home personal training and this family owned company does just that. I’d recommend them to anyone.— Rachel Bergman
Posted October 2nd 2023
Taylor did a great job on training me to train Tosi, my German Shorthaired Pointer. Plus help me prepare him for his Public Acess Test. Tosi has turned out to be an obedient dog plus a well-behaved service animal. Thank you Taylor.— ronnwyo
Posted July 31st 2023
We have been participating in training since January. I was very apprehensive going into the process. At the first group class that I attended, I had an anxiety attack in my car. Upon her arrival, Taylor greeted me and immediately began asking about my needs. She stayed attentive throughout the class. After the class, I had another anxiety attack in my car. I dreaded the next group class but knew there was support for both my dog, Tod, and myself. I arrived to the next class and Taylor immediately asked if I was okay. She had witnessed my attack the week before and asked if she witnessed me in the midst of another attack, if she could interact with me and help give guidance on how Tod can help with the anxiety/PTSD. She said that I was not the first person to show these emotions and that she was there to help. It didn’t end there! At the first service dog class, I had the same anxiety. She found me sobbing on the bench and immediately went into training mode. She assured me that I could get through this. We made it through that class and continue to attend. This whole process has been made easier with supportive staff like Taylor. She has made it where I don’t feel like my questions or emotions are out of line.— Heidi Hollister
Posted July 11th 2023
We have had a great connection with Taylor when we go the Goodyear group classes, and service training classes. Our dog, Jack, was a bit shy at first, but he loves Taylor so much (and so do we!) she genuinely cares about our experience and always asks what she can do to help. She’s very attentive to all the dogs at our group class, and everyone loves working with her. It’s got to be a tough gig, but she does it extremly well! I’d recommend all my friends with dogs to her. I’m so grateful to Taylor for all she’s done to help our sweet Jack get to be the dog he is today! We had in home sessions with Savannah and we love her as well!!— Brittany Spatz
Posted July 11th 2023
Dog training Elite is one of the most professional training companies I’ve seen. They trained my German Shepherd Sofia as a service dog. As a disabled combat vet, my service dog was much needed to help me with ptsd and mobility issues out in public and I could not imagine my daily life without her. Dog training elite is definitely your go to for service dogs, they will not only meet your needs and expectations but they will also exceed them!!— Kyler Witt
Posted March 15th 2023
I have worked with Dog Training Elite with two of my dogs. My first dog Branch who was 6 months when we started the program. Branch was very aggressive towards other dogs. Thanks to the owner Neil and his helper Chris my dog Branch is a well rounded dog who became my Service Dog. Unfortunately, Branch who is 6 yrs old now, has hurt his leg and needed to be retired so I began Training my new dog Felicia who is now enrolled with Dog Training Elite. She is only 11 months old and has past her Service Dog Test. Neil came to our home to evaluate Felicia and assisted in getting the process started. Taylor was the trainer who came to my home to continue training with me and Felicia. Taylor also met me and Felicia for our public training and made sure she was completing the task she will be providing. If there was something I needed to work on or if I had any questions Taylor was always able to provide me feedback. Taylor is very passionate and very knowledgeable with the process for continued training. Aspen was the trainer who completed the Service Dog Test and I appreciate how thorough she was at making sure Felicia was able to complete the task she will provide for me ongoing. I would recommend Dog Training Elite and have given out their information as we have traveled in our RV across country because they are wonderful at what they do. I greatly appreciate how much patience Neil and his Team have with dogs and their families. Especially, when helping us train Branch through his aggressive behaviors. As you can see in the photo Branch is able to lay down beside Felicia. Prior to Dog Training Elite working with him this would have never been possible.— Tonya Emery
Posted March 11th 2023
Worth every penny!!! The trainers here are very knowledgeable, patient, and understanding. Especially Savanna and Taylor, they have gone above and beyond to help out with our dog. In a few short weeks he has made big changes in his obedience and aggression. I am super impressed and glad to have them as our dogs trainers— Danielle Geist
Posted March 9th 2023
I actually found them by google and boy was I so happy I did. This team is just perfect and full of knowledge on dogs. We went through the Service dog program they have and I can’t begin to explain how grateful I am to now have my own service dog. Each training session was fun and my dog and I learned so much in each class. Group classes with Savanah Taylor and Aspen were insightful and inspirational because we were around others like us. Also so much fun! Service dog group training with Mark, Savanah and Taylor was perfectly designed to help accustom our dogs to so many distractions. I appreciated it. But Taylor was outstanding, knowledgeable, full of energy, kind, patient, if you get to work with her your dog will gain a friend and work with a respectful trainer! Thanks DTE!— Rachel
Posted March 9th 2023
I can’t say enough about the amazing team at Dog training elite! We signed up our two dogs for their programs and it has been worth every penny! Taylor has been amazing and incredibly helpful with our puppy Sunny In our home. Reno took on our Portuguese water dog for the 10 day training at their facility and was amazing as well! Worth it! You won’t regret it!!— Jill Clark
Posted March 9th 2023
Worth it! I selected this training program because they were the most professional of the companies I met with. Savannah has routinely been punctual, prepared and 100% focused on my dog’s (and my) learning. I have seen great progress in my dog’s obedience since we started. You definitely get out of this program what you put into it so plan time to train at home between sessions. They update their training techniques to what is most effective which means they care about your success in the program. One thing that could help clients like me stay on track is calling or sending reminders to book the next training session or attend the next class. Thanks Dog Training Elite!— Jessica Duran
Posted February 6th 2023
I cannot give enough praise to Savannah and the team at Dog Training Elite. I worked with shepherds for years teaching them the basics on leash for a rescue in town and I am flabbergasted at the transformation of mine. She is going to be a great companion for life thanks to this team. Cannot recommend them enough!— Lucas Kolacki
Posted November 28th 2022
Thanks to Neal and his team for helping our 6 yr old Puggles learn some manners for our new full time RV lifestyle. 5 yrs of growing up with invisible fence and back yard enclosure, our boys needed to learn obedience with distractions and how to share dog parks. We are so pleased with the results. Thanks again! Larry & Debbie Daniels Leo & Reggie 🐶🐶— Larry&Deb Daniels
Posted November 17th 2022
Thanks to Neil and his team for helping our 6 yr old Puggles learn some manners for our new full time RV lifestyle. 5 yrs of growing up with invisible fence and back yard enclosure, our boys needed to learn obedience with distractions and how to share dog parks. We are so pleased with the results. Thanks again! Larry & Debbie Daniels Leo & Reggie 🐶🐶— Debbie Miller Daniels
Posted November 17th 2022
We went through off leash k9 training Phoenix. We have a 70+ pounds male Sheepadoodle, Murphy, who needed help with jumping on people, a calm behavior around strangers and grandchildren and taking walks. Our trainer, Brienna Ewoldt, was excellent. She is a calm, consistent trainer who tackled all of Murphy’s issues with confidence and presented us with a new and improved Murphy. Brienna mixed training with play and even got Murphy to ignore cats. His most important skill for me was the “heel” command. Murphy went from pulling on the leash and “greeting” every dog/owner he came across during a walk to staying right by my side without tugging. I heartily recommend both Off Leash K9 training Phoenix and Brienna Ewoldt. Annette Bowers, Chandler, AZ.— Annette Bowers
Posted September 16th 2022
Called dog training elite, the person who picked up the phone was very kind, helpful and social. They were informing us with many info that I am glad I heard of. I called to plan on an evaluation for my puppy, to be a service dog. Now I just can't wait for that day to come. Thank you so much trainers! (WILL BE UPDATING IF PUPPY PASSES)— Zo
Posted August 30th 2022
My wife decided to surprise me by bringing home three Malinois Puppies. I called Dog Elite Training Because I quickly got overwhelmed with these high-energy dogs. Can you imagine how crazy it was for me, a simple dog owner, trying to train 3 Malinois puppies? Dog Elite came to my rescue. Lexi, the trainor, has been amazing with the Malys. They are so much more obedient. They respond to my commands. It’s amazing. Everyone who meets our dogs are so impressed.— Joseph Vijungco
Posted July 12th 2022
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