A service dog and their owner outside - find elite service dog training in Fort Wayne, IN with Dog Training Elite.

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Service Dog Training

Dog Training Elite Fort Wayne

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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
Advanced medical training (participating locations)

Dog Training Elite Fort Wayne

Service Dog Training in Fort Wayne, IN

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 Fort Wayne, IN, 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 Pawsitive 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 positive reinforcement 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.

Get Your Free Consultation

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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FAQs

One of our trainers will visit your home to meet you and your dog and discuss any issues you're facing. We will then demonstrate one of our model dogs so you can see what you can expect after hiring our trainers. From there, we will discuss the various packages we offer and which we feel best suit your (and your dog's) needs.
We provide full obedience training that covers all basic commands, both on and off-leash. Our in-home visits target specific issues like counter-surfing, digging, and more. Unlike some trainers, we work with all breeds, including those often considered challenging.
Yes. You (and anyone in your family who wants to be involved) are integral to your dog getting trained. We need you to practice 5-6 days a week, about 15-20 minutes a day for optimal results.
Once a week. We come to you (with the silver, gold and platinum packages) once a week to start your dog off, then you come to park sessions which are held once a week in Fort Wayne.
We train dogs of all breeds, sizes, and temperaments. Whether your dog is a tiny Chihuahua or a large Mastiff, we have the experience and expertise to work with them.

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Patrice Jordan
    Oct. 1, 2024
    The training was exceptional. Both Nathan and Clint were fantastic. Knowledgeable and professional. My two older dogs 10 and 8 had never received training and really needed some help - I needed some help - and within a few sessions and I really saw a transformational change. I feel much more comfortable taking my dogs out in public. On walks. One of the best investments I’ve made. Highly recommend!!!
  • Jenna Harter
    Oct. 1, 2024
    We had a fantastic experience with Dog Training Elite Fort Wayne! Our 5-month-old English Shepherd didn’t even know her name or how to wear a collar before we started training. Nathan and Clint worked with us over six sessions, and the transformation has been incredible. They not only helped her learn commands but also taught us why she behaves the way she does and how she responds to different situations. We learned what behaviors to watch for and how to set her up for success. Each session was informative, and they were always available to answer questions, review commands, and provide guidance for at-home training. Highly recommend for anyone looking to build a strong foundation with their dog!
  • Todd Mullins
    Sep. 26, 2024
    Our little Georgi had a great time learning from two great trainers, Nathan & Clint. They both loved on Georgi while training her and she looked forward to the training. They were very clear and consistent with their commands to Georgi and with explanation of the commands to both my wife and myself. We are able to continue our training throughout the week with ease. The 5 weeks flew bye and we look forward to the park visits on Saturdays. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking to build a stronger relationship with their puppies.
  • connie McDaniels
    Sep. 13, 2024
    Our dog Pete has made a major transformation. Nate has been so helpful and has great knowledge. He has helped us to learn how to be better pet owners. Thank you Nate. We highly recommend Dog Training Elite.
  • kelli faulkner
    Sep. 5, 2024
    Nathan was my trainer and he was great. My dog is smart, but easily distracted and very stubborn. Nathan was very good with my dog. He was very good at explaining how the training works and giving me good tips when my dog was being challenging. I would recommend this training to anyone who wants their dog to be well trained and happy.
  • Brandi Bilger
    Aug. 25, 2024
    Dog training Elite training program did wonders for my boy. They were fexible and accommodating to my schedule for training. Trained me as well as my boy. Great people to work with and their knowledge is extensive.
  • Zack Solmonson
    Aug. 18, 2024
    Clint and his team have done wonders for my 3 year old GSD. I would highly recommend their program.
  • Scott Herman
    Aug. 4, 2024
    We had a Soft Coated Wheaton who needed help with some behavioral issues (aggressive towards other dogs, barking, walking, etc.). Dog Training Elite has helped tremendously. The in home training was great for our whole family to learn together. Also the in home training helped our dog learn in a familiar environment (full of the usual distractions). Nathan the trainer was always kind, patient, and helpful in answering all of our questions. Nathan has taught our whole family tools and commands to help our dog improve tremendously with his behavior issues. We highly recommend Dog Training Elite.
  • Louis Carravetta
    Jun. 28, 2024
    Great Group of Trainers
  • scott Tegtmeyer
    Jun. 27, 2024
    Nathan is phenomenal! Our Great Dane Tiberius has transformed and became manageable. We are very grateful, and could not be happier with the results.
  • Lisa Holler
    Jun. 19, 2024
    My 2 year old shih tzu, Buddy was driving me crazy with all the barking and lunging at other dogs and cars. I now have a much calmer dog - who listens when I give him a command. The difference is AMAZING! Nathan is great at communicating the method and why. It's obvious he loves dogs. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite!
  • Erica McNutt
    May. 29, 2024
    I would recommend Dog Training Elite of Ft Wayne to anyone that wants their dog to be awesome. In just the 2 months of private lessons, my husband and i have seen an improvement in our dog. And I want to give a huge shout out to Clint and Zandra to help me train Athena
  • Pamela Fike
    May. 26, 2024
    I got a golden retriever puppy September 2023. This pup was scared to get in a car & did not like walks. I hired Elite to help me with training. They were awesome!! Clint, Nathan & Zandra were all part of his training. He just turned 1 on 5/25/2024 & he is the best behaved dog I have ever had. He loves his walks and has no problem getting in the car. I recommend them highly!
  • Jenny Nott
    May. 17, 2024
    Bella was a pretty good dog, but with the help of Nathan and Clint, she is more well mannered and is ready to continue her journey as a therapy pup! Very thankful for Nathan and Clint at Dog Training Elite! Highly Recommend!!
  • Jeremy Potts
    May. 14, 2024
    It's been an amazing experience training with my boy Khan. Clint's approach to dog training is highly effective. Looking forward to the group classes next.
  • Lori Myers
    May. 7, 2024
    We have recently wrapped up our 1 on 1 training sessions with Nathan from Elite. What a huge difference he has made in our young German Shepherd! When first contacting Elite, our pup was a bit out of control and had anxiety issues. With Nathan's help she is now well behaved and enjoys going out to meet the public. She has surprised us all with her progress. I can't wait to start our park group trips with her! A big THANK YOU to Nathan and Elite!!!
  • Kurt Beuchel
    Apr. 28, 2024
    Clint, Nathan, and Janella were wonderful in training our GSD, Betty. They trained in our home and neighborhood, which was great for observing Betty in her natural environment. We regularly receive compliments on Betty’s manners and impulse control. For our previous dog, we used another local trainer for a 5 day boot camp at their facility. We found Dog Training Elite to be much more effective and have seen better results. We would definitely recommend them.
  • Jodi & Don Rowlands
    Apr. 26, 2024
    Dog Training Elite is phenomenal. Clint and Nathan provided in home dog training for our 5 month old pups, Sami & Sofi. They were professional yet genuine in their training and methods. They made it an environment that was fun yet structured. As pet owner’s for years - we learned so much from them (as did our pups). This was one of the best investments we could have ever made, not only for our pups, but for us. The change has been truly amazing!
  • *
    Mar. 15, 2024
    Clint is awesome. He listens as well as ensures your understanding of the method and why. Follow his training and you will have a dog that is adjusted and able to in public. No embarrassment from your fur buddy. You will not regret the call, unless you don't make it today. It's never to late or early to start training your dog.
  • Alicia Scott
    Apr. 24, 2024
    We started training with another trainer and it just wasn't working. Our girl wasn't catching on and she wasn't happy. We met a very happy Dog Training Elite customer and after their glowing review we immediately signed up. In just a few weeks Clint helped us take our girl from 'not so trained' to walking in a heel OFF leash! Her behaviors went from "meh" to 'what a well behaved dog!". She is happier and more confident. We couldn't be more pleased. Clint came and worked with our girl and taught us how to do the same. We put in the work between sessions and now we have a great dog! We highly recommend Dog Training Elite!
A Dog Training Elite Fort Wayne owner smiling with his dog in Fort Wayne, IN.

Dog Training Elite Fort Wayne

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, pigs, and monkeys 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 Fort Wayne

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 Fort Wayne - PTSD Service Dog in Fort Wayne, IN. DTE
PTSD Service Dog

If you're looking to train a PTSD service dog in Fort Wayne, IN, 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 Fort Wayne - Psychiatric Service Dog in Fort Wayne, IN. DTE
Psychiatric Service Dog Training

Our psychiatric service dog training in Fort Wayne, IN 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 Fort Wayne - Mobility Service Dog in Fort Wayne, IN. Dog Training Elite
Mobility Support Service Dog

Enhance your independence or help a loved one with specialized mobility service dog training in Fort Wayne, IN from Dog Training Elite. Our expert trainers teach dogs the skills they need to support their owners with mobility challenges.

Dog Training Elite Fort Wayne - Autism Support Dog Training in Fort Wayne, IN. DTE
Autism Support Service Dog

Bring life-changing support to your family with Dog Training Elite's autism support dog training in Fort Wayne, IN. 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 Fort Wayne service dog training with Dog Training Elite.

Dog Training Elite Fort Wayne

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 Fort Wayne.

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 Fort Wayne.
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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 Fort Wayne, IN with Dog Training Elite.

We Are Committed to Making a Difference

Choose DTE for Fort Wayne Service Dog Training

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At Dog Training Elite, we are passionate about transforming lives through Fort Wayne service dog training. Our proven methods and positive reinforcement techniques 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 Fort Wayne and experience the difference that elite training and compassionate care can make.