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PTSD Service Dog

Dog Training Elite Chattanooga

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A well-trained PTSD service dog in Chattanooga, TN  - contact Dog Training Elite today to discuss training options!

PTSD Service Dog in Chattanooga, TN

DTE: Top PTSD Dog Trainers

A psychiatric or PTSD service dog in Chattanooga, TN provides invaluable support to individuals experiencing high anxiety, stress, or trauma-related symptoms. These service animals accompany their handler everywhere, offering emotional support and helping them reintegrate into society.

Through our specialized PTSD service dog training program at Dog Training Elite, dogs are taught to assist in reducing depression, decreasing the frequency and severity of flashbacks, anchoring their handler to the present, and helping minimize suicidal thoughts.

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A picture of an obedient PTSD service dog in Chattanooga TN trained at Dog Training Elite.

PTSD Service Dog in Chattanooga, TN

How PTSD Service Dogs Help in Public Settings

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For individuals with PTSD, public settings can feel unsafe and overwhelming. Service dogs for PTSD provide grounding and protection, preventing people from crowding their handler and offering emotional support during moments of heightened anxiety.

Service dogs can also be trained to recognize signs of an impending panic attack, wake individuals from night terrors, and regulate emotional responses by applying pressure, helping their handler regain a sense of calm and control.

Our Service Dog Training Programs

Dog Training Elite Chattanooga - Psychiatric Service Dog in Chattanooga, TN. DTE
Psychiatric Service Dog Training
Dog Training Elite Chattanooga - Mobility Service Dog in Chattanooga, TN. Dog Training Elite
Mobility Support Service Dog
Dog Training Elite Chattanooga - Autism Support Dog Training in Chattanooga, TN. DTE
Autism Support Service Dog
Two PTSD service dogs trained by the experts at Dog Training Elite Chattanooga sitting with their owners.

Benefits of PTSD Service Dog Training


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  • Increase activity and integration into society: Dogs are active and need to be exercised regularly, the responsibility of caring for a service animal will force their handler to get out and exercise. A routine is established and ties to the future are forged again.
  • Create a sense of safety: Public settings and crowds are an enormous trigger for most individuals suffering from PTSD. Psychiatric service dogs are trained to create a physical barrier between their handler and crowds of people.
  • Ground in reality, redirect hyper-vigilance: Hyper-vigilance is a symptom of PTSD and creates constant tension and paranoia within suffers. Service dogs are trained to recognize their handler’s warning signs for anxiety, hyper-vigilance, and panic attacks and redirect that energy into positive coping skills and grounding techniques such as petting the dog.
  • Reduce nightmares and flashbacks: One of the most emotionally challenging situations for individuals with PTSD to deal with are flashbacks and nightmares. They can transport an individual back to a terrifying time in their life where they have felt unsafe, threatened, and traumatized. A PTSD service animal is trained to bring their handler back to reality quickly and calmly, ground the individual, and help them to feel safe in their environment again.

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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!

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See An Elite Dog in Action

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Paula S.
    Feb. 13, 2024
    Rod takes special care and consideration in guidance and training of my service dog for PTSD. As a veteran I feel comfortable knowing that he understands my dog and our needs. Dog Training Elite was even able to help watch my dog for a special occasion while I was out of town and not yet able to travel with her. Dog training elite found and Matched my dog with me based on my desires and needs. My service dog was a special find as she is almost human like and truly a diamond in the "ruff". I would encourage anyone looking for a furry canine companion to work with Rod as my service animal doesn't pull or run while I'm trying to walk her ... this was worked out, easily in the first 3 lessons which really makes or break you in neighborhood reputation for having a friendly, welcoming, safe, dog. My companion is much more than that but without her refined behaviors she would just be a "dog". But she is much more than that because Rod and Dog Training Elite has brought out the best in her. Many people wonder where I found her and how she is so well behaved and I must in fact credit that to Dog Training Elite. I have very basic specifications I desired. Dog Training Elite Found even more than I asked for in specific characteristics. I am so happy with my *new family member* as she will be with me for years to come. I am proud to have her by my side a without her I would still be struggling with my PTSD alone. Please inquisitively ask yourself if you want a companion, or a dog. I have a new family member as a result of Dog Training Elite. ... I cannot thank Rod enough for the care he has put into, selecting my new family member.
  • Susan Jenkins
    Nov. 16, 2024
    We had such a great experience with Dog Training Elite! Rod was a fantastic trainer. He gave us great tips and was so helpful all along the way. He was flexible with our schedule, too. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite. If you have a chance to work with Rod, you will be pleased with the results.
  • Autumn Bhushan TN-Chattanooga
    Oct. 2, 2024
    We've had an incredible experience training with Rod! Our 10-month-old pup was full of energy and quite a handful, but almost immediately after starting training, he seemed to understand exactly what was expected of him. The transformation was truly remarkable. I couldn’t believe how much progress he made in just a few sessions! If you're looking for a trainer who gets results, I wholeheartedly recommend Rod with Dog Training Elite!
  • Jackie Flores
    Jul. 23, 2024
    We are so glad we used Dog Training Elite for our rottie! He was a loving 1-year old, with more spirit than we could handle, and his size and lack of recall was getting to be dangerous, for him and us. Thankfully they curbed his stubbornness and now we can all exist safely and happily in the same house!
  • Paula Crowe
    Jul. 19, 2024
    I can’t say enough about Dog Training Elite! Just a few sessions in, and my 5 month old puppy is already fairly consistently obeying several commands. Rod’s expertise on training is impeccable. With each session, I am so amazed on how he can read, handle and train my pup. I must say, it takes much work on my part, but it’s extremely exciting to walk this journey with my puppy. I am so excited that we chose the life time package. I can truly see the value already. I love Rod’s heart for dogs and love that he is always eager to help tweak some of the commands in between sessions. Thank you Dog Training Elite for this already rewarding adventure!
  • Ashley McDowell
    Jul. 6, 2024
    They are wonderful got my dog where I wan5ed her to be still more work to be done but looking forward to continuing
  • Emily Hamby
    Jun. 5, 2024
    The absolute BEST of the best! We have been so blessed with such an amazing trainer. He and his wife have been by our sides the whole way even through some tough stuff and have been completely supportive through this process. Truly cannot say enough amazing things about them! ❤️
  • Michele Chandra
    Feb. 10, 2024
    I have loved my experience with dog training elite! Rod my trainer is very detailed and knowledgeable about all things dog training. He is patient and also willing to answer my questions when they come up. Scheduling is fast and easy and the improvement I have seen in my dog is amazing! I have told my friends about this company and have seen incredible results with my pup.
  • Madison Flowers
    Dec. 14, 2023
    My beautiful baby girl, Byrdie Mae, has been training with Rod for the past 8 months. Rod has taught Byrdie as well as me so much throughout this program. She definitely loves her Uncle Rod for sure! Byrdie put up challenges but we all took them on together. This training truly makes everyone a family and we all want nothing more than for her to succeed. I am forever grateful and recommend this program to everyone!
  • Jan Hardy Fanslow
    Oct. 23, 2023
    My job has been very difficult to live with he misbehaves he pulls on his leash he tears up things in the house and going on a walk with him it’s like a race we started working with Rod and it’s as if I have a new dog he is so well behaved he knows the rules and the boundaries and the best part is he’s happier so we are so grateful for all the lessons that haveAllowed both of us such freedom to enjoy one another I encourage you to take advantage of these services
  • Hannah hogan
    Dec. 21, 2022
    Dog Training Elite has been training my son's dog to be a service dog since we got her when she was 2 months old. Rod is so patient with our dog, very kind and communicates with you all of the time. He is very interested in how well your dog is doing with the training on days we do not meet. He is a very professional dog trainer, the best of the best. He is ALWAYS HIGHLY RECOMMENDEDABLE as he cares so much about your pet/loved one. You won't regret using him. We are VERY thankful for the work and time he gives to us for our dog.
  • Kelley Rosequist
    May. 17, 2022
    Rod is a fantastic dog trainer and very passionate about the work he does!
  • Kyle Christie
    May. 20, 2022
    This is a veteran owned business and Rod who is the owner takes an extremely hard working, professional (yet personable) approach to the business. He's passionate about community work and he truly cares about getting results when it comes to building your confidence and your relationship with your dog. Highly recommend!
  • Audra Larkins
    Mar. 28, 2022
    Rod is a natural trainer. The passion he has for helping dogs and their owners is obvious. He worked with us for a couple of weeks and the improvement in our dog’s manners and behavior was amazing. I’d highly recommend Rod to anyone as he is clearly the best dog trainer in Chatanooga!
  • Pat Lewis
    Mar. 26, 2022
    Dog training elite has helped me learn to better understand and control my dog Sam. She is strong, strong willed and wasn’t socialized properly. With the help of DTE Sam (and I) have learned to heel well, sit, go to “place” when others come to visit instead of jumping on them in the doorway. I no longer worry that I won’t be able to control my strong dog on our daily walk. Rodney Westmoreland in Chattanooga spent time getting to know Sam and her personal needs, as well as mine. He is encouraging and patient and reminded me that I am the Alpha dog, not Sam. Learning the “off” command has saved many of my friends and family from Sam’s excited (annoying) “hug” upon entering my home. I highly recommend DTE for your dog training needs. – Pat Lewis 3/26/2022