A service dog and their owner outside - find elite service dog training in Albuquerque / Santa Fe, NM with Dog Training Elite.
Dog Training Elite

Service Dog Training in Albuquerque / Santa Fe, NM

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Our Service Dog Training Could Help:
Veterans or civilians with PTSD, anxiety, or depression
Children or adults with autism
Individuals with epilepsy
(participating locations)
Advanced medical training (participating locations)

Dog Training Elite New Mexico

Service Dog Training in Albuquerque / Santa Fe, NM

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines a service dog as “a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability.” Disabilities include mental or physical impairments that affect an individual’s ability to perform one or more major life activities (walking, seeing, etc.).

Because service dogs play such a key role in the life of disabled individuals, they are protected by the law. Places of residence, employment, and commercial facilities cannot discriminate against disabled individuals with service animals. If you are wondering how to get a service dog, you can either purchase a fully trained dog or purchase a service puppy and train it.

With our service dog training in Albuquerque / Santa Fe, NM, we ensure that your dog is trained to meet the specific needs of your disability, providing personalized support and empowering both dog and handler for long-term success.

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A man and his support service dog - learn more about our positive training methods at Dog Training Elite.

Our Positive Approach to Service Dog Training


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At Dog Training Elite, we believe that successful dog training requires dedication, patience, and balance. That’s why we are committed to using positive reinforcement techniques in all of our training programs.

Through balanced training, our team helps owners build trust with their dogs. This approach is especially important for service dog training because strong relationships and communication are essential for dogs to reliably assist their handler.

By focusing on encouragement rather than punishment, we created confident, well-behaved dogs that are eager to perform their best and impress their owners.

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You and your canine companion really can have it all. See how easy it can be to become a member of the elite pup society by requesting a free consultation today!

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Judy Tremba
    Nov. 11, 2025
    Kayla was fantastic. She worked with our family's schedule to make sure everyone was there to hear what needs to be done with our big dog. She's super friendly to both pets and people. She was willing to help train where we needed it, even going with us to the in-laws house for some training there. She's super patient and kind. Highly recommended.
  • Laura Kennedy
    Nov. 11, 2025
    This has truly been one of the most rewarding and inspiring experiences I have ever had training my puppy to be a service dog! Our trainer Kayla D. Is absolutely fantastic. Her customer service, her insight and knowledge to animal behavior is amazing and my puppy has flourished. She is patient, kind and loving and I couldn’t have asked for a better trainer. The Dog Training Elite New Mexico program is beyond amazing and your dog will learn so much more than I ever thought possible. Highly recommend and thoroughly appreciate all they do for dog training.
  • Mariah
    Nov. 1, 2025
    I cannot say enough incredible things about these trainers!!! Kayla (both of them 🥰) are absolutely incredible. I brought my very skiddish and fearful catahoula to them not expecting much but just hoping he would be less nervous around new people and now he is a much more confident and incredibly obedient boy. They are kind, patient and gentle but firm when needed and I could not have had a better experience working with them!
  • Antoinette Stump-Lente
    Oct. 29, 2025
    When I say RUN, don’t walk to this dog training company, don’t take it lightly! I’ve had such a pleasant experience with them, and John has been absolutely amazing! I can’t believe how great my relationship with my dog is after a few short weeks. The transformation is incredible and I’m excited for the future and more freedom with dog. More so, my dog enjoys it as well! It’s a bonding experience and she is so much more engaged! If you are willing to put in the work, the rewards are endless.
  • Kelly Miller
    Aug. 20, 2025
    We took our puppy, Bear to elite training. We have loved every bit of it! We were so happy that the trainer, John, was able to come to our house and spend one on one time with us and our puppy. He was also very patient and knowledgeable about all things puppy and training. We are so pleased with the results and would highly recommend.
  • stacy nguyen
    Jul. 23, 2025
    Kayla was an amazing trainer! She was very patient with my puppy. She was also really good at noticing the little things that weren't exactly right and clearly explained to me how to do it better. She introduced her dog to mine, and he was able to learn so much from her pup; now he can read other dogs better and play with them properly. I won't deny that it is expensive, but it's worth it. I now have a lifetime of group training sessions and a friendly baby.
  • Amberley Luna
    Jul. 10, 2025
    I am writing to give my highest recommendation for Dog Training Elite in Albuquerque. My experience with this academy has been exceptional, and I am confident that anyone seeking professional, effective, and compassionate dog training will benefit greatly from their services. Why I Highly Recommend Dog Training Elite • Expertise and Professionalism:
The trainers at Dog Training Elite possess extensive knowledge and experience, using evidence-based methods tailored to each dog’s unique needs. • Remarkable Results:
I observed significant improvements in my dog’s obedience, socialization, and overall behavior after completing their program. • Comprehensive Programs:
They offer a wide range of training options, including basic and advanced obedience, behavioral modification, service and therapy dog training, and specialized puppy programs. • Personalized Approach:
Training plans are customized for each dog and owner, ensuring that goals are met and lasting results are achieved. • Positive Reinforcement:
The academy emphasizes positive reinforcement, patience, and respect, making the learning process enjoyable for both dogs and owners. • Outstanding Support:
Communication is clear and consistent, with ongoing guidance provided throughout the training journey. Additional Highlights • Flexible Training Options:
In-home, in-facility, group, and one-on-one sessions are available to fit any schedule and environment. • Free Assessment:
They offer a complimentary consultation to evaluate your dog and recommend the most suitable program. • Community Reputation:
Dog Training Elite is highly regarded in Albuquerque for its professionalism, results-driven approach, and positive client experiences. I wholeheartedly recommend Dog Training Elite to anyone looking to build a stronger bond with their dog and achieve real, lasting improvements in behavior. Their commitment, expertise, and genuine care set them apart as a leading dog training academy in the area. I highly recommend Trainer Karla at Dog Training Elite! Karla is not only knowledgeable and professional, but she is also incredibly patient and compassionate with both dogs and their owners. She takes the time to understand each dog’s unique personality and tailors her training methods accordingly. Thanks to her positive approach and clear communication, I saw amazing improvements in my dog’s behavior and confidence. Karla truly cares about the success of every dog she works with, and her passion for training shines through in every session. I am very grateful for her guidance and support! My dogs love your dog’s name Axel! Thank you so much!
  • sugar magnolia
    Jul. 7, 2025
    I was very pleased with the training program and my assigned trainer Kayla. She was on-time for all classes and always prepared and excited to be here and teach us something new. She has a wonderful aura along with a sweet demeanor making her a joy to work with. Doobie was very comfortable with her and that helped tremendously with his training. Another awesome perk was having the trainer come to you! Doobie was much more at ease because he felt safe being in familiar surroundings. I felt comfortable too and learning right along with my fur baby. Using the E-collar (which is part of the package) has been a bit of a challenge yet I think with more practice, both Doobie and I will adapt to its main purpose: educating both myself and him how to understand each other better. I’ve seen improvement each week and it is so encouraging to witness such progress over this brief period of time (5 weeks). Like any new-to-you thing, getting good at figuring out how to use it often requires commitment and practice. I am committed to carving out 10-20 minutes each day refreshing what we were both taught and keeping us both on top of our game. The program was worth the time and money and I would recommend anyone wanting to learn how to be a better parent and help you and your 4-legged companion relationship thrive, give them a call.
  • Jeremiah Jaramillo
    Jul. 1, 2025
    Me and my dog Goober had an amazing experience and I highly recommend getting your dog trained with Dog Training Elite New Mexico. One of their trainers John Yan, has been an amazing trainer not only to my dog Goober but he has showed me all of the ways I need to learn to be able to train my dog. John was always so friendly and really good at communicating. Definitely worth it!
  • Ben McCormack
    Jul. 1, 2025
    Complete transformed my relationship with my dog after the first week. His aggression and reactivity have gotten much better, and now I know how to handle it. We spend our time together now playing and laughing rather than being frustrated and angry. Cant recommend enough. And with the lifetime group training classes it is a steal. Easily one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
  • Ted Sariyski
    Jun. 27, 2025
    We are absolutely amazed by the results achieved with Dog Training Elite's obedience training for our dachshunds, Gina and Leo! Our dogs were initially overly shy and sensitive, but Kayla, our in-home trainer, did a brilliant job. With her extensive experience, including working with primates, she expertly trained us how to effectively communicate with our puppies and how to use the eTrainer. The six months of group classes included in the DTE obedience training have been invaluable. Working with other amazing DTE dog trainers, we were able to correct and solidify our in-home exercises, while also developing our puppies' social skills. We highly recommend Dog Training Elite and Kayla!
  • Corinne Fox
    Jun. 26, 2025
    If I could give more than five stars, I would. Working with Kayla has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for both myself and my dog. From the very first session, it was clear that this isn’t just a job for her—it’s her passion and her true calling. Kayla has an almost magical ability to connect not just with dogs, but with their humans too. It’s like she speaks both languages fluently. She sees beyond behavior and truly understands the emotional needs of both the pet and the owner. Kayla was always on time, always upbeat, and always 100% present. Her patience and calm energy made every session feel productive, positive, and even fun. She never made me feel silly for asking questions or needing extra help, and she was more than willing to offer support even outside of scheduled sessions. That kind of care is rare to find. What really stood out to me was how much she genuinely loves what she does. She’s not just training dogs—she’s building trust, strengthening bonds, and giving people the tools to enjoy a better life with their pets. The transformation I’ve seen in my dog (and honestly, in myself as a dog owner) is nothing short of incredible. The company as a whole is extremely professional, well-organized, and clearly made up of people who are passionate about animal care. Every dollar I spent was absolutely worth it, and I would do it again in a heartbeat. If you're on the fence about getting your dog trained—don’t be. Kayla and this team are the best of the best. Your future self (and your dog!) will thank you.
  • Charity Kroeker
    Jun. 26, 2025
    Oatmeal was very anxious and had been charging at kids and had even nipped a few strangers. After just two training sessions with John, things had changed completely. With Elite Dog Training’s techniques, it was like my dog and I were finally speaking the same language! Oatmeal could finally relax- knowing that I’m in charge and he doesn’t need to worry anymore. Whenever I have questions- even outside of our training sessions- John responds right away. I’m so glad I decided to do this training. It’s so worth it.
  • BLiF
    Jun. 5, 2025
    I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to Kayla D., our phenomenal dog trainer from Dog Training Elite. When we first met Kayla, my dog Jack was full of energy but lacked discipline. I wasn’t sure if he could ever become a regular and well-behaved dog, but Kayla saw his potential from the very beginning. Kayla D. brought professionalism, warmth, and an evident love for her work into every session. Her calm, confident approach helped both Jack and me grow in ways I didn’t think were possible. She didn’t just train Jack—she taught us how to work together, understand each other, and succeed as a team. Thanks to Kayla’s expert guidance and encouragement, Jack is now a well-mannered service dog who has successfully passed the Public Access Test. What once felt like an impossible goal is now our daily reality, and we owe it all to Kayla. She was incredibly patient with both of us, never rushing the process and always celebrating our progress. Her dedication to her profession and Jack’s success truly set her apart. It’s clear that Kayla isn’t just doing a job—she’s changing lives, one dog at a time. If you’re considering professional dog training, I wholeheartedly recommend Kayla and Dog Training Elite. They have made a world of difference for us, and I couldn’t be more thankful. Thank you, Kayla D. You are a gift to every dog and owner lucky enough to work with you!
  • valerie schlemmer
    May. 17, 2025
    My experience with Dog Training Elite was AMAZING! Kayla was an expert at training a reactive dog. She also taught me how to properly handle my dog. She was professional and compassionate when training my dog. It was well worth the cost, effort and time. Thank you Dog Training Elite and Kayla!
  • Elyse Benham
    Apr. 25, 2025
    We worked with Kayla over eight sessions to get our dog Chloe better behaved in public and on a leash. After just a few sessions, we were already seeing the results we wanted. We have been set up with the tools to keep working on Chloe’s manners to make her the best dog she can be! The depth and range of dog training and behavior knowledge we received was wonderful and very helpful to Chloe’s training. I would highly recommend training with Dog Training Elite - you won’t be disappointed!
  • Rachael Eaton
    Apr. 25, 2025
    Kayla is our trainer. She is a very knowledgeable and positive trainer. Our Great Pyrenees male, 2 1/2 yrs old is very reactive and wouldn't listen to commands and wreaking havoc in our home. He now responds to commands like place, come, sit, off, down and we are working on heeling but he does pretty well. He still needs daily training. Kayla let us know what we were doing right and practices we needed to stop doing. We are working on his behaviors with the skill she taught us. She has changed our lives.
  • Matthew Raboin
    Apr. 11, 2025
    John was a fantastic trainer for our shelter rescue. He’s super patient, great at teaching, and genuinely cares. Our dog started out with a lot of aggression issues, and from day 1 we saw immediate results, which really improved our day-to-day quality of life. After the full program, we have amazing control of her and we can easily go to public places without issue.
  • Morgan Childs
    Apr. 8, 2025
    John and Dog Training Elite are incredible! He has an innate understanding and vast knowledge of dogs, and he immediately understood my energetic and slightly anxious Husky/Shepherd mix. The tools we gained through training enabled us re-direct our boy's energy and happily coexist. We started early at 13 weeks, and John went at a pace that felt happy and sustainable for our young boy. There is an overwhelming amount of contradictory information about dog training on the internet, and it has been invaluable to have a professional trainer to ask questions (without judgment!) and guide me through the process of first-time dog ownership. If we ever get another dog, we know who we are calling!
  • Tammi Lambert
    Apr. 5, 2025
    I had such a wonderful experience. Stephanie was our trainer, and we cannot say enough about how perfect she was for our family and our puppies. Everywhere I go with my service dogs, people ask who trained them. I am so glad to say, "Dog Training Elite!!!" I could not have made a better choice.
A Dog Training Elite New Mexico owner smiling with his dog in Albuquerque / Santa Fe, NM.

Dog Training Elite New Mexico

Is a Service Dog The Same As a Therapy Dog?

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Many types of working dogs increase the quality of life for their handlers. The three main categories of working dogs are service animal, therapy animal, and emotional support animal. Each category covers different areas of support and different levels of protection under the law.

  1. Service Animal
  2. As mentioned above, service animals assist individuals with disabilities. Depending on the person’s needs, the service animal learns how to perform certain tasks. Guide dogs, for example, help blind individuals safely navigate their environment. Seizure response dogs respond to their handlers when the individual is having a seizure. Service animals are highly trained and specialized, and they are also offered the most protection under the law compared to therapy or emotional support animals.

    Dogs are not the only kinds of service animals - miniature horses are often trained to support individuals with disabilities!

  3. Therapy Animal
  4. Therapy dogs provide comfort and improve the mental well-being of individuals in hospitals, hospice care, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, and more. These dogs must have a friendly, calm demeanor and be comfortable when handled by strangers.

    Therapy dogs are not trained to perform specific tasks, but they must be obedient and well-mannered. Therapy animals are permitted in some areas where pets are not, but they have fewer protections than service animals. All therapy dogs must be certified before they can offer their services to the community.

  5. Emotional Support Animal
  6. Emotional support dogs relieve loneliness, anxiety, depression, and other symptoms of mental health disorders. They provide comfort to their handlers, but they are not trained to perform specific tasks. Most emotional support animals are sensitive to the emotional changes of their handler and will remain close by at all times. Emotional support animals are not protected by the ADA, but residential buildings must permit emotional support animals.

Dog Training Elite New Mexico

What Can Service Dogs Do?

Service dogs are crucial in assisting individuals with various disabilities and conditions, providing them with support, independence, and companionship. These highly trained dogs can perform specific tasks tailored to the needs of their handlers. Learn about breeds that make great service dogs, who can benefit from a service dog and the training that will help these pups meet their handler's needs.

Service dogs are a great help to disabled individuals thanks to their incredible ability to perform highly specialized tasks, like opening doors, switching lights on and off, assisting with balance and stability, guiding, pulling wheelchairs, answering phones and making calls, finding objects or places, unloading and loading items, clearing rooms, finding help, and many more. Service dogs improve the lives of disabled individuals by increasing their autonomy.
Individuals with certain diseases and disorders can benefit from a highly trained service dog. Dogs have an incredible sense of smell and they can detect the chemical changes associated with oncoming seizures and increases in blood pressure. Alert service dogs alert their handler to these situations to prevent a life-threatening emergency. Alert dogs also help those with extreme allergies detect potential allergens in food.
Disabled or epileptic individuals are more prone to emergencies than the average person. Service dogs are trained to alert their handler to a potential emergency, and alert surrounding individuals to an active emergency. Service dogs can also call for help on pre-programmed phones.

Additional Service Training Info

Dog Training Elite New Mexico - PTSD Service Dog Training in Albuquerque / Santa Fe, NM. DTE

PTSD Service Dog

If you're looking to train a PTSD service dog in Albuquerque / Santa Fe, NM, Dog Training Elite is here to help. Our service dogs are trained to assist with symptoms such as anxiety, hyper-vigilance, and panic attacks, providing grounding emotional support.

Dog Training Elite New Mexico - Psychiatric Service Dog Training in Albuquerque / Santa Fe, NM

Psychiatric Service Dog Training

Our psychiatric service dog training in Albuquerque / Santa Fe, NM helps individuals with PTSD, anxiety, and depression. We'll help train your dog to mitigate symptoms by offering emotional grounding and support during stressful situations.

Dog Training Elite New Mexico - Autism Support Dog Training in Albuquerque / Santa Fe, NM

Autism Support Service Dog

Bring life-changing support to your family with Dog Training Elite's autism support dog training in Albuquerque / Santa Fe, NM. Our compassionate trainers work closely with your family and dog throughout the entire process, ensuring your pup is fully prepared to provide comfort, safety, and companionship.

A service dog at a ball game with their owner - get professional Albuquerque / Santa Fe service dog training with Dog Training Elite.

Dog Training Elite New Mexico

Service Dogs for Anxiety, PTSD, and Autism

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Service dogs trained to assist handlers with severe anxiety or depression perform specific tasks that reduce the potential for panic attacks or self-harm attempts. Such tasks include deep-pressure therapy, tactile stimulation, alerting, clearing rooms, blocking strangers from approaching, and more. Service dogs trained to assist those with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) have greatly improved the lives of many veterans.

Service dogs also make a big impact on the lives of children with autism. Children with autism are often prone to meltdowns, have trouble communicating, and are quick to run off or become easily lost. Service dogs prevent and mediate all of these behaviors to provide a higher quality of life for children with autism and their families.

As autism is a spectrum disorder, each child has varying needs of assistance. Autism service dogs perform the following tasks:

  • Tracking: Children with autism often wander away, and a parent’s worst fear is turning their back for just a moment and discovering their child is gone. Autism service dogs will track the child if this ever happens.
  • Tethering: This task minimizes wandering, which is common in public settings. The child is tethered to the service dog’s leash or harness, preventing him or her from wandering away.
  • Behavior Interruption: Repetitive and ritualistic behaviors are typical of autistic children, as are meltdowns when the child becomes overstimulated. Autism service dogs recognize these negative behaviors and redirect the child’s attention when they start. A simple paw or nudge is all it takes to prevent a meltdown.
A service puppy waiting for their owner - Dog Training Elite New Mexico.

How Do I Get a Service Dog?

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If you are wondering how to get a service dog, there are a couple of different approaches. Some service dogs are purchased outright, fully trained. Or a compatible dog is selected and trained from an early age. Training a dog from the start is the best option, especially for those with specialized needs.

Training a dog to perform service responsibilities must start from day one. Only certain breeds are suited to service work, and breeders put a lot of time into raising puppies to be service animals. Once you have purchased a service puppy, additional training is necessary to prepare your puppy for life as a service dog. This is a complicated process that involves various steps. Dog Training Elite makes getting a service dog easier with our service dog training program.

Our talented trainers can help select puppies that are prepared for a life of service from well-respected breeders. When these puppies enter the service dog training program they are closely monitored for behavior and temperament and can be fully obedience trained by the age of six months. These puppies undergo extensive socialization and additional training to ensure they are well-suited for service and therapy needs including specialized service training alongside the new handler.

This program is ideal for handlers who want to take part in the developmental years and extensive training of their service puppy.

A group of dogs being trained by the expert team at Dog Training Elite New Mexico.
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Educate, Empower, Elevate, Elite

Victory Begins With Elite Education

A trainer, a man and his service dog - find the best service dog training in Albuquerque / Santa Fe, NM with Dog Training Elite.

We Are Committed to Making a Difference

Choose DTE for Albuquerque / Santa Fe Service Dog Training

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At Dog Training Elite, we are passionate about transforming lives through Albuquerque / Santa Fe service dog training. Our proven, balanced training methods help create highly skilled, dependable service dogs that are both obedient and loyal to their handlers.

From mobility support and physical assistance to emotional well-being and more, Dog Training Elite is committed to providing personalized, high-quality training that makes a lasting impact.

Choose Dog Training Elite New Mexico and experience the difference that elite training and compassionate care can make.