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Over the past decade there has been a rise in the number of people with Emotional Support Animals. This has caused some confusion around what it means to have a service, emotional support or therapy animal . Here, we explain briefly the differences between each of these animals, the training required for each different type, and debunk some common myths. Read on to learn the differences between each type of animal, which one might be right for you or your loved one, and how Dog Training Elite Northern Utah can help.
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Northern Utah location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
ESA vs. Therapy vs. Service Animals: What's the Difference?
Service Animals
Service animals are animals that have been trained to assist individuals with tasks specific to their needs.
- Redirecting attention when an individual is beginning to feel overstimulated
- Reminding owners to take medication
- Waking someone who is having a nightmare
Service dogs are valued in the mental health, health care and disability community and are protected under ADA laws which allow owners to take their service dog with them everywhere they go. Dog Training Elite Northern Utah trains dogs to serve individuals with autism, diabetes and PTSD.
Dog Training Elite Northern Utah trains autism service dogs to benefit and assist children with autism. Autism service dogs can be trained to track their child in case of wandering and redirect a child’s behavior when they are starting to become overwhelmed.
PTSD service dogs help ground owners to reality, especially in public settings. These service dogs can also be trained to recognize signs of a panic attack and regulate emotional responses through pressure.
Diabetic service dogs can alert their owners to their low blood sugar and provide stability, safety and support.
Visit our individual web pages to understand more about the differences and benefits of autism service dogs, PTSD services dogs and diabetic service dogs.
Emotional Support Animals
Although all dog owners may feel the emotional benefits of owning a dog, the dog needs to be prescribed by a licensed mental health professional to a person with a disabling mental illness such as anxiety or depression to legally be considered an ESA. Emotional Support dogs can be of any age and any breed whereas service dogs usually begin training as puppies.
In addition to being prescribed by a mental health professional, owners may wish for their dog to undergo more specific training. If you are looking for emotional support dog training in your local area, Dog Training Elite Northern Utah has you covered.
The professional dog trainers of Dog Training Elite Northern Utah are experienced with training various types of therapy animals. Trainers work with a dog’s natural temperament to ensure a strong, loving bond between dog and owner. Training can be personalized to fit the needs of the owner.
It is important to note that Emotional Support Animals are meant for just that - emotional support. Dogs trained to assist with specific tasks that may be associated with a disability are service animals. Training a dog to be an Emotional Support Animal or a therapy dog is less intensive than training to be a service animal.
Therapy Animals
Therapy Animals are very similar to Emotional Support Animals, except that they are often used to bolster the mental health and wellbeing of a community, as opposed to just an individual. Therapy dogs are often seen serving in hospitals, rehabilitation or care centers with their owners.
Owners who feel their dog may be a good fit for this kind of community service can have them receive top-notch training from Dog Training Elite Northern Utah.
The most important thing to note as a difference between Emotional Support Animals, Therapy and Service dogs, is service animals are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act which states service animals must be able to accompany their owners wherever they go. Emotional Support and Therapy animals do not have the same protections and public establishments may have their own rules about ESA and therapy dogs.
Whether you’re ready to get a new lease on life with the help of a service dog, or strengthen the existing bond with your dog, Dog Training Elite Northern Utah has the experience and resources you need.
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!
They take the time to develop a plan for you and your dog, i would highly recommend them for service dog training— Joseph Lombard (Rebel dog paws)
Posted September 24th 2024
Words cannot express the deepest sense of gratitude I have for Dog Training Elite Northern Utah. Our puppy Sage was completely unmanageable. We had basically lost hope and were at our wits end, unsure of what our next step was with her. Thankfully, we found DTENU. They trained us in the art of handling our puppy. They listened to our concerns and we re always available for feedback or any questions we had. We could not have done this without Trevor, who took us under his wing and shared his passion for training and handling dogs. Thank you to Colleen, Matt, Lexie, Fona and Griffin. I absolutely recommend this company for any of your dog training needs.— PAOLA ECHEVERRI
Posted August 28th 2024
I love how they give straight forward communication and give all tools and supplies needed to set you up for success ❤️— Karla Valencia
Posted August 22nd 2024
Totally thrilled with the training our first pup has received. She is learning rapidly and we feel more confident daily about her ability to respond appropriately in a wide variety of scenarios. Including the endless quick feedback and tips we get via texts.— Kaiden Kelly
Posted July 22nd 2024
A few months ago I brought our puppy a Frenchie and Boston mixed Arlo to be accessed. I wanted to know if he would make a good service/therapy dog for my PTSD as a combat veteran. Colleen the owner met with me and Arlo that day. She did the assessment and showed us what kind of discipline we could expect from the training with another of her dogs. I was pleased to find out Arlo had the right temperament for the training. He was still a bit young so we had to wait some months before he would be mature enough for the training to be effective. Colleen and her team worked with me on the costs and a payment plan. They stayed in touch and reached out when Arlo was old enough. We started to schedule his training for 3 weeks there at the center. Our situation changed and so we are moving to Florida in about a month. Colleen felt that although we could get his training at the center done in 3 weeks. The ongoing support and additional group training would not be enough time. She reached out to another franchisee in Florida where we are moving and made sure we could start the training there with them and be able to have the close community and ongoing support. I really appreciate her taking the time to make sure mine and Arlo's best interest were put first over closing a sale. I appreciate the respect and courtesy given to me in my situation. I hope these remarks help someone with their decision to place their trust in this company and Colleen. Thanks So Much For Everything! Jeremy W.— Jeremy Willes
Posted July 11th 2024
We have nothing but good things to say about Dog Training Elite. We had two dogs trained here, one as a service dog, one as a companion. We are so pleased with the results. 100% recommend this service for anyone with a dog.— Chas McClure
Posted June 25th 2024
We can’t thank Dog Training Elite enough for the amazing work they’ve done with our dog. From puppy training to becoming a certified medical alert service dog, their journey with us has been nothing short of incredible. From day one, the trainers at Dog Training Elite were fantastic. They made us feel comfortable and confident, even when we didn’t know what we were doing. Their patience and knowledge made all the difference. Our daughter Rainey, who has autism and epilepsy, has found her best friend in our service dog. The bond they share is beautiful, and it’s changed Rainey’s life for the better. Seeing them together brings us so much joy and peace of mind. The trainers didn’t just train our dog - they trained us too! They made sure we were prepared for everything that comes with having a service dog. Their support and encouragement have been amazing, and we always felt like we could reach out with any questions. Dog Training Elite has given us more than just a service dog. They’ve given us security, independence for Rainey, and a whole lot of happiness. We are forever grateful and can’t recommend them enough to anyone looking for top-notch dog training. Thank you, Dog Training Elite, for everything. Our lives are so much better because of you!— Brittany Joseph
Posted May 25th 2024
We can’t thank Dog Training Elite enough for the amazing work they’ve done with our dog. From puppy training to becoming a certified medical alert service dog, their journey with us has been nothing short of incredible. From day one, the trainers at Dog Training Elite were fantastic. They made us feel comfortable and confident, even when we didn’t know what we were doing. Their patience and knowledge made all the difference. Our daughter Rainey, who has autism and epilepsy, has found her best friend in our service dog. The bond they share is beautiful, and it’s changed Rainey’s life for the better. Seeing them together brings us so much joy and peace of mind. The trainers didn’t just train our dog - they trained us too! They made sure we were prepared for everything that comes with having a service dog. Their support and encouragement have been amazing, and we always felt like we could reach out with any questions. Dog Training Elite has given us more than just a service dog. They’ve given us security, independence for Rainey, and a whole lot of happiness. We are forever grateful and can’t recommend them enough to anyone looking for top-notch dog training. Thank you, Dog Training Elite, for everything. Our lives are so much better because of you!— Brittany Joseph
Posted May 25th 2024
Love the process my dog has made! Deidre has been a great teacher to both me and my dog, have noticed a huge difference in her personality since starting training! Would recommend elite dog training to anyone looking for consistent progress in their pup!— Mariana Hincapie
Posted May 8th 2024
From the very first day I expressed interest in training my goldie, Ry, to be a service dog, this wonderful team has made the process nothing but positive. I can’t recommend them enough. I am wholeheartedly SO grateful for this training center and what they do. Ry has already made immense progress and I can’t wait to continue his training with DTENU :)— Dresden Chamberlain
Posted May 1st 2024
I can’t thank them enough! My wild first experience was with my unruly husky mix who didn’t care to listen. After they helped us I am excited to take him out and about, he loves the attention he gets by showing off. And we now have our Great Dane in their training program and I’m so happy with the improvement we’ve seen. Thank you!— Tristen Topham
Posted March 1st 2024
We sent our collie here to a week of training and from the first day I could not believe the change in her. Everyone is great and they are training us to continue what she learned. I was referred from a friend who sent her dog here for training. I highly recommend the training. Every dog who attended with our dog did great as each dog showed what they learned at the end of the week. Spectacular!— Debbie Hollberg
Posted January 20th 2024
As soon as my wire haired pointer started training it was a noticeable difference and at the end of the first week it was night and day difference like she was a completely different dog. They do absolutely fantastic with their training and keep very good communication with everything and anything you could possibly need! 10/10 would recommend to anyone looking to get their pup trained!— Jacob McNiven
Posted February 7th 2024
These guys rock! They helped me get my girl finished up in her training, are super responsive to messages, and are always encouraging us and looking to help. When I saw how they cared for my girl during her day camps every bit of anxiety over her being there melted away, and Eir was excited every time she went. I would absolutely anyone I know looking for dog training go to DTE Northern Utah!— Chet Showalter
Posted January 29th 2024
These guys rock! They helped me get my girl finished up in her training, are super responsive to messages, and are always encouraging us and looking to help. When I saw how they cared for my girl during her day camps every bit of anxiety over her being there melted away, and Eir was excited every time she went. I would absolutely anyone I know looking for dog training go to DTE Northern Utah!— Chet Showalter
Posted January 29th 2024
I enthusiastically recomend Elite Dog Training Northern Utah!! I was not sure if a mobility service dog was for me, but my daughter was concerned about me and dragged me into my first interview. What a wonderful day that was!! They found me a dog, and now Clyde and I have finished our first year together. The team is fantastic and I was skeptical. They truly work miricles and have taken the time to listen to me and my disability and make it work for me. They took a puppy and have turned him into a champ at going anywhere with me. I look forward to the next year and working with them. Thanks for making me a believer in what a service dog can do.— Marlene Hyndman
Posted January 29th 2024
I am so happy I chose this company to help me train my dog! Lexi and Trevor are the two trainers we had come out and they are the best! You can tell they care about your dog and know what they’re doing. I thought my dog was already good but after training he’s like a new dog with how well he listens- he loves training everyday! We’re excited to keep advancing his training through this company!— Shelby Barber
Posted January 18th 2024
These guys are truly wonderful to work with. They helped me train my German Shepherd as a PTSD service animal. They also had a lot of one on one sessions with my dog and then again with my dog and I. They have taught me a lot during the training sessions. I would highly recommend this company from just basic obedience training to what ever service animal you may need.— Mike-Wazowski
Posted January 15th 2024
What an awesome group of trainers! Mac is an awesome diabetic alert dog and we paid a lot less going this route instead of buying an already trained dog. Dan and Hailey helped us train Mac to alert and also to obey simple commands. They give you 110% dedication to help train your dog. This was a much better and cheaper solution to getting a service animal. I am at ease knowing that Mac is capable of saving my son’s life if he needs to. If you are considering a company for dog training go with Dog Training Elite, They Rock!— Dana Wellard
Posted December 7th 2023