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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 Cleveland apart from any other dog training service.
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite in Cleveland 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 Cleveland 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 Cleveland’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 Cleveland 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 Cleveland 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 Cleveland?
Dog Training Elite in Cleveland 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 Cleveland does not use punishments or shock collars to break bad habits. Instead, Dog Training Elite in Cleveland 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 Cleveland is that while most dog training programs train dogs at their own facilities, Dog Training Elite in Cleveland 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 Cleveland is there every step of the way. With Dog Training Elite in Cleveland, 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!
Josh is an awesome trainer. My dog Lovie behaves so well now— Jeramee Caraballo
Posted June 14th 2024
We are Seniors and adopted a spirited golden retriever. We thought we'd be able to manage him. He's a golden, right? But this dog had so much energy and strength that we feared we'd get dragged around the neighborhood. Dog Training Elite (Josh and Lexie) taught us how to manage him, anticipate his "triggers," and accept only the behavior we desired without breaking his spirit. He's 1 1/2 now and we are still doing the group classes. We couldn't be happier. Sully goes most everywhere with us now and is a good Boi thanks to DTE.— Jane Lewins
Posted June 3rd 2024
⚠️ 𝗪𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝘃𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀. 1. Using false names/images of others. 2. Sharing content that puts other users at risk. 3. Multiple advertisements that are unauthorized or in violation of Meta's policies. 4. Using tricks to bypass Meta's ad verification system. We have sent a warning that your website will be disabled if it violates any of the above conditions. As a result, your account is scheduled for review.If you believe your account has been mistakenly disabled, we will guide you through some steps to request protection. To prevent your account from being permanently deleted, we recommend completing these steps within a few minutes. Please review and submit your complaint here: http://bummm.site/Nxe1AFu You have 24 hours to file an objection to our decision. If this deadline is missed, your account will be permanently disabled.— Julia SP Page
Posted June 10th 2024
Could not recommend more! Had my pug thing trained to be a service dog. They offer boot camps, at home visits, public outings, group classes, and a free consultation! They are super patient and friendly, and never made me feel rushed or stupid.— Reannin Bailey
Posted June 4th 2024
Josh was so good working with our dog. Patient and I swear he’s the dog whisperer. I would recommend him for any dog type or breed. Any problem you have he has an answer for. He even got our neighbors dog to stop attacking your feet for attention.— Christine Dodds
Posted May 31st 2024
My rescue dog went from no obedience or listening skills at all and in a matter of a few sessions listens great and have had no issues with obedience since. Wish they could train my kids!— Dustin Supan
Posted May 31st 2024
Extremely professional, knowledgeable trainer. Knows everything from basic obedience to full on dual purpose. Great trainer and person that explains everything. Other staff have been very professional as well.— Zach King
Posted May 31st 2024
DTE made things super convenient and taught me and my puppy so much. I have so much confidence at home and in public.— Zane Baylor
Posted May 31st 2024
We gave our rescue Grey a great home with lots of patience and love! "DOG TRAINING ELITE" gave us the tools, training and skillset to build on that foundation! With their help, we have been able to build Grey's confidence so he can be a GREAT DOG!!! The owners Kevin, and Andrea and their team are great pack leaders!!! Their leadership builds confidence in the handlers and canines to trust and have confidence in each other. We strongly recommend DOG TRAINIG ELITE for all dog training. Lynn & Yvonne— Yvonne Thompson
Posted May 25th 2024
Our experience with Dog Training Elite has exceeded our expectations. After only 3 sessions our dog's behavior has dramatically improved! We still have 12 sessions to go. Can't wait to see the end results! Josh provides excellent hands on training which allows us to practice the techniques with results after he leaves.— Kevin Fagan
Posted May 24th 2024
We got to work with Josh for our Goldendoodle, and he was nothing short of Elite. We had him trained as a diabetic alert dog, and the level of obedience in a (currently) 11 month old puppy is unmatched. He’s been able to perform his service duties well, which has saved me from some bad situations had Leo not caught them. Josh has been incredible to work with separate from the results. He was intentional with all training, and didn’t stick to a strict regimen and force Leo to follow it, but he learned what our struggles and successes were and matched training accordingly. We made the correct decision from day one. We’ve had minimal things destroyed from chewing or playful puppy phase, had little issue around others, and had little issues in house training too. Josh trained us as well as our dog, so we could be an extension of his training and it worked beautifully. It’s hard to have an energetic pup be so obedient, but it’s been a dream for us by choosing Dog Training Elite. I have way more I could say, but I hope reading this helps anyone who may be on the fence. You get the best care from Josh and the entire team, and you get long lasting results as long as you keep up with the minimal training to ensure it sticks with the pup. Thank you Dog Training Elite for all the hard work! Leo and I thank you so much!— Sam Logan
Posted May 24th 2024
Josh is a very patient and talented dig trainer. He has been very successful in training our 90 pound GSD. Last night he combined come, sit and place outside with the dog off leash. The photo is from this morning after we successfully practiced the same!— Brigitte Matchett
Posted May 24th 2024
I have a German rottweiler that had reactive aggression. Just taking him out with any other person or dog around was a challenge.. car rides were not fun. After much research I decided to work with this company. I will say it has been the best decision I have made. Josh is very patient and understanding. He has done wonders with Kota... we even went to Home Depot without any issues. Josh has been a god send. I was at my wits end with Kota and thought it was a lost cause. Josh trains the dog so they know what to do then he trains us to do it. Bonus... those skills he teaches us I can use with other dogs. The gift that keeps giving!. Josh is very down to earth, very approachable, and has a super kind heart. I have been amazed and impressed how quickly Josh can illicit change with my stubborn dog. I have had other large breed dogs, and other Rottweilers through the years. I have taken all my dogs through training. I will say Josh has done more, with a dog with more issues than I have ever had. For the 1st time the training is very easily reproduced to other dogs. He explains the rationale behind as why some other ways aren't as effective and why. I can't say enough positive things about my experience. If you are on the fence. Trust me. Go with this company. You will NOT be sorry.— Renee Poling
Posted May 23rd 2024
We have had multiple sessions with both Josh and Lexi and they have been amazing to work with. Millie loves seeing them and has made so much progress in just a short amount of time. Our last session was at Lowe’s and Millie did a little off leash and stayed by my side - it was amazing! If you would have told me two months ago that was going to happen, I would have thought you were crazy! So happy we went with Dog Training Elite and it is worth every penny. Couldn’t recommend them more!— Jason Hartzell
Posted May 23rd 2024
The facility was empty so we are moving in and will occupy the property.— James J Greene Sr (JimmyJeruelle)
Posted May 13th 2024
Great staff and great training! You can tell they love their job, love dogs and love helping people move to the next level in their dog training.— Coach Dan Howard
Posted April 28th 2024
We had a great experience with Dog Training Elite! We were sold the minute we had the pleasure of meeting Josh and Lexi and got to learn about them and the wonderful training program. Our puppy Maggie was 12 weeks old when we started her basic training with Lexi. She was very professional, efficient and effective with training and also really fun to work with! Maggie loved her and was SO excited to see her every week. It's been such a positive experience for us as dog owners to learn how to train Maggie in a way that makes it fun and get the results that we want. We have moved through the in-home puppy classes and obedience classes and Maggie has learned all the basic commands and good manners, on leash and off, in a program that was tailored for her and the way she best learns. We feel very comfortable taking her out and about with us. We are looking forward to the Saturday group training sessions with Josh soon. Maggie is going to love it!— Lori Davis
Posted April 26th 2024
Josh and Lexi have been in my home for multiple sessions and not only are the professional and knowledgable, but they are really personable as well. We have a great time each session and my 7 year old dog has made tremendous progress in just 3 sessions. I can't rave enough about these guys, you will not be sorry if you choose them for your canine family!— Agata Stasiak
Posted April 13th 2024