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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 in Atlanta apart from any other dog training service.
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite in Atlanta 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 in Atlanta 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 in Atlanta’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 in Atlanta 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 in Atlanta 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 in Atlanta?
Dog Training Elite in Atlanta 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 in Atlanta does not use punishments or shock collars to break bad habits. Instead, Dog Training Elite in Atlanta 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 in Atlanta is that while most dog training programs train dogs at their own facilities, Dog Training Elite in Atlanta 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 in Atlanta is there every step of the way. With Dog Training Elite in Atlanta, 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!
I can't say enough about Michael and Gosia. They were professional, great with my dog, flexible, and encouraging even when I was not learning as well as my dog. Thank you!— Leslie Lady
Posted September 19th 2024
Michael and Gosia are a great duo in obedience dog training! They worked slowly and in detail with my dog that I thought would require aggression training. I learned of her reactivity triggers and how boundaries are so critical. I recommend Elite Training to anyone who is looking to make any change in behavior with their dog. You can’t not see a difference to follow!— Alyse Santoro Martinez
Posted September 16th 2024
Mike was amazing in helping train Dolly and me. Mike gave me the confidence to give Dolly the best forever home. He was patient and encouraging to both of us and always listened to any challenges I was having with “homework”. I highly recommend using Dog Training Elite Northeast Atlanta.— Cindy Jacobs
Posted September 14th 2024
I’m not sure who Michael trained more - us or the dogs! We had a wonderful experience with Dog Training Elite from start to finish. I will admit, I was extremely skeptical that our two large, rambunctious hound dogs (1yr and 2yrs old) could ever follow commands or walk nicely on leashes without pulling my arms out of their sockets. If you told me I would be able to take them both out in public or even sit down at an outdoor cafe table while they laid at our feet I would have choked. But here we are! Michael is so knowledgeable and dedicated to what he does, and he was able to guide us in training two dogs with very different personalities with ease. While training was both a financial and time commitment (reinforcement practice at home is critical!), we found it to be completely worth the investment. He was very flexible in scheduling our training sessions as we have 3 active sons and a full time job. We have already recommended Michael and Dog Training Elite to our friends and family who see how much it has changed our dogs. I’m so thankful!— Addie Rodriguez
Posted September 14th 2024
Mike was amazing. I hired him to help me build trust with my American Pit Bull Terrier, Samson. Samson is 2 and started to experience anxiety when he was around children, working breed dogs, and select others. Samson knew basic commands, but he wasn't focusing on me which led me to hire Mike and his wife. I'm so grateful I did because now, Samson focuses on me, has learned new commands, and his an overall happier dog. I would recommend this amazing company to anyone searching for top quality dog training.— J Y
Posted September 5th 2024
Gosia is the best! She not only taught my dog but she taught me as well! She gave me the tools that I needed to continue to keep up with my dogs training as he continues to grow. 10/10 would recommend Dog Training Elite Northeast Atlanta!— Kamaryn
Posted September 2nd 2024
I love that they come to us for the training. They were very helpful and great to work with! Thanks for all the help with puppy training. We cannot wait to start obedience next.— Mary Armstrong
Posted August 16th 2024
Our pup is almost 2 years old and very headstrong. We have had 2 trainers before without being able to get him to obey. Mike was great with him. He runs to his place, runs to me when I call and does a great heel. I highly recommend them to anyone trying to get a well behaved dog!— Gail Walker
Posted June 22nd 2024
I have been working with DTE for about 8 months now on training my mini goldendoodle, Maya. Gosia and Mike have been extremely informative, kind, generous, helpful and encouraging since day one, and it has not dwindled one bit in these 8 months. Gosia helped me day - 10 (10 days before getting a dog) pick a pup with a good temperament for my needs and has been beyond amazing and wonderful every day since. They provide helpful documents, info and reminders; encouragement and availability via phone; clear communication with scheduling and payments; and personalized training in my house, out in public, and at the Saturday group classes. This has been the best set up for dog training for me: affordable, Mike and Gosia come to me, and they continually give me vision and aid when training is challenging. Together, we are training Maya as a service dog, but I know any level of training through them is nothing less than personal, doable, and enjoyable! Thanks DTE!!!! You’re changing me and Mayas lives for the best!!!!— Ellie Hamstra
Posted June 17th 2024
Whit and his family are incredibly talented at making sure that obedience training is accessible to the dog owner and to the dog. Whit is always available to answer questions, and he always shows up if help is needed. My dog Duke used to be dog reactive and was horrible at obedience. Now, Duke is a service animal. Whit changed both of our lives for the better, and his knowledge and expertise has not stopped since Duke passed his training. He continues to be a support and continues to offer classes. The customer service experience became more familial over time, and we are so grateful as a family to have him and his team be a part of our lives.— Ruth Lambert
Posted June 1st 2024
Whit and his family are incredibly talented at making sure that obedience training is accessible to the dog owner and to the dog. Whit is always available to answer questions, and he always shows up if help is needed. My dog Duke used to be dog reactive and was horrible at obedience. Now, Duke is a service animal. Whit changed both of our lives for the better, and his knowledge and expertise has not stopped since Duke passed his training. He continues to be a support and continues to offer classes. The customer service experience became more familial over time, and we are so grateful as a family to have him and his team be a part of our lives.— Ruthi Lambert
Posted June 1st 2024
The training sessions were great. Very detailed and left a guideline after every session to get more practice in with our Wesley. He has learned so much and loves showing off his new abilities.— Zach Edenfield
Posted May 30th 2024
This company is AMAZING! They are super patient and most definitely know what they are doing! I would def refer them to people! Started off as trainers and ended as a forever relationship! My dog can’t sit still as soon as she sees Gosia (who was her trainer) she gets super excited and happy and starts whining it’s soooo cute!! Mike and Gosia thank you for everything !! 💙💝— Ness Marie LLC
Posted May 22nd 2024
BEST TRAINERS OUT THERE! My dog started out a couple months ago and his progress is unreal! Gosia and Mike are FANTASTIC!!— jewelya nelson
Posted May 22nd 2024
Dog Training Elite have been phenomenal. They’ve been so accommodating with the insanity of my schedule. Mike’s professionalism, thoroughness, knowledge, and passion shows through with every session. Luger (my pup) has truly blossomed under his/their tutelage. I highly recommend their employment for anyone seeking top tier canine training.— Seth Jahn
Posted May 22nd 2024
Whit is an amazing trainer , we have now trained 3 of our dogs and the change is amazing. One of our dogs went through 2 other trainers and we never had success until we met Whit and now she is doing great and listens to us impeccably— nancy kilpatrick
Posted May 11th 2024
We are so happy with Dog Training Elite. Our puppy, Oliver, loves Gosia and we’ve learned how to handle his excitement while he is interacting with other pups. Michael and Gosia really know their business! Their one-on-one training plus group lessons are just what our little man needs . We highly recommend this training program!!!— patricia hubenthal
Posted April 30th 2024
Walking my Great Pyrenees could be difficult because he would constantly pull as he wanted to explore all of the different smells. Furthermore, Great Pyrenees are known for their stubborn behavior, doing want they want, not always obeying their owners. With the training that Dog Training Elite offered us, our dog is more mellow, he listens, and he doesn’t pull when we go for walks. I wish I would have discovered their training sooner! I can’t believe the change in my dog’s behavior. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite!— LaTease Drawdy
Posted April 29th 2024
We did the alpha den puppy program for our rescue puppy and we couldn't be happier with our little guy's progress - highly recommend!— Abigail Foster
Posted April 27th 2024
We were looking for in home training as that is where our girl has the most troubles and they gave us the tools to be able to help her get through the scary stuff (doorbells, knocking, other dogs, school busses to name a few) So happy to have found them and that we are more confident and so is our dog. Big thank you to Mike for being our trainer. Very easy and accommodating to work around busy life schedules as well.— Malynnda Witkauskis
Posted April 3rd 2024