A service dog and their owner outside - find elite service dog training in Huntsville, AL with Dog Training Elite.

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Service Dog Training

Dog Training Elite Huntsville

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Booking Request


Dog Training Elite Huntsville online booking

Request Free Assessment

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 Huntsville

Service Dog Training in Huntsville, AL

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 Huntsville, AL, 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 Assessment

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 Huntsville.
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

  • Jacqueline Perr
    Oct. 16, 2024
    I highly recommend DTE for training your dog for obedience. They have been very helpful and kind. Their service and training has been wonderful with my puppy. We still have some training to do and I’m excited to continue to work with them and if you are in the need to train your dog I believe you should contact them.
  • Greg Wilson
    Sep. 22, 2024
    The team at Dog Training Elite are amazing! From the moment I called them for information, they have been responsive and easy to work with. My husband is a 100% disabled vet. They helped train our puppy and worked with me on the best Service Dog package. We look forward to continuing training with them!
  • Rd W
    Aug. 21, 2024
    We have been very pleased and would recommend Dog Training Elite to anyone with puppies or dogs in need of better behavior and manners.
  • P Morgan
    Jul. 26, 2024
    We have been working with them to train my daughters Autism service dog and it has been a great. There is so much to do to get him ready and they are knowledgeable, kind and supportive. It is worth every penny to see my daughter blossom with her dog.
  • Jennie Brent
    Jul. 5, 2024
    We highly recommend Dog Training Elite for all of your dog training needs. They are extremely professional and know what they’re doing! JB and his team are phenomenal and we are so blessed to be working with them.
  • Michael B
    Jun. 19, 2024
    Service dogs cost many thousands of dollars. Through DTE, you can be trained to work with, and train, your chosen pup. The standard dog training is great. My pup and I have had great success and he will stay with me. This creates a greater bond. DTE is very receptive and easy to work with. JB has been our trainer and we have just been cleared to join the group sessions. JB has excellent delivery when he suggests a change or points out a mistake that i have made. I have a greater understanding of canine behavior through the guidance and advice. I would strongly advise anyone i know to consider training with JB and DTE. All of this is for a fraction of the price i would have paid for an already trained pup. I enjoy the classes and we will continue to enjoy the benefits of classes and group training for as long as we are a pair. Thanks to DTE, he is almost ready to go into stores with me, the ones that only allow service animals.
  • Debbie Longeddy
    Jun. 18, 2024
    Our instructor, JB, was thoroughly knowledgeable about dog training, and working with me to help my dog and me. Really liked the training classes at my home for a number of visits, and now attending classes at a park with other dogs. Excellent training organization!
  • Jerome Honeyman
    Apr. 21, 2023
    I would highly recommend Elite Dog Training. JB was found to be not only professional, but also extremely experienced with the behaviors of dogs and the mistakes that I was making as a 🐾 paw parent.This insight brought me and my dog on the same path and has given me and my dog, a stronger bond and relationship And as a treasured member of our family I could not of selected a better person to help me with Bella than JB. Thank you J B. Jerome Honeyman
  • Janna Lindsey
    Jun. 9, 2024
    JB is a phenomenal trainer.
  • Jennifer Waldran
    Jun. 7, 2024
    We have done training with our dog in the past, but JB has brought a whole new level of training. We are seeing extraordinary results! Paige has also been great with working on distractions. We highly recommend Dog Training Elite!
  • Melissa Robinson
    May. 29, 2024
    JB is excellent and very knowledgeable. Be ready to work with your dog for this program to work and you will see amazing and immediate success!
  • Thomas L. Adkins
    May. 7, 2024
    JB is very knowledgeable and easily teaches others how best to train their dog. He is very patient and understanding with both the dog and its owners. He instills confidence in the owner so they can continue with the training after his personal training sessions have ended. We now have a dog that answers when called and obeys commands. Our puppy is so much more a part of the family thanks to JB at Dog Training Elite!
  • Bryan Landreth
    Apr. 13, 2024
    They have done a phenomenal job training ‘tracker’ to be a diabetic alert dog for our 4 year old. He is extremely well behaved especially in public and doing a great job alerting at such a young age already!
  • Julie Castellanos
    Sep. 13, 2023
    We have Mr JB helped us with evaluating puppies and got our servicedog puppy. This is our first dog so we followed professional instructions thru our puppy Ruby’s arrival to family , puppy training and now we are at Service Dog training session. Mr JB and his wife are excellent dog trainers. Our puppy is only four months old now but already started picking up kid from school. Ruby the golden doodle girl is already a star for being loving and obedient. We are ready to take group training class now. Very exciting and proud for our little Ruby. Thank you , Dog Training Elite ! You are the best.
  • Melanie Harries Blitch
    Aug. 31, 2023
    JB has been amazing. Our puppy has learned so much and now both of us feel confident with each other. Thanks so much JB for training us.
  • Kristin McElroy
    Aug. 4, 2023
    We have had such a positive experience with the whole DTE team! There are several packages and training by options to fit multiple needs. The trainers are all great! We worked mostly with JB working on obedience and some behavior issues we were having. Can’t say enough good things! Highly recommend!!
  • sandra hensley
    Jul. 4, 2023
    Can't believe the change in my dog. Her training made her realize that she is not the boss, and it has completely changed her.
  • Don Traut
    Apr. 11, 2023
    Very knowledgeable and flexible in assisting us train a service dog. Individual classes are very effective, and group classes are fun for both the dog and handler.
  • katandthefids everything2cellos
    Apr. 8, 2023
    I'm very pleased with JB. I have difficult dogs and he's great with them, and pretty good with training me to work with them.
  • Kent Cook
    Mar. 14, 2023
    Absolutely the TOP service dog training in Huntsville.😀
A Dog Training Elite Huntsville owner smiling with his dog in Huntsville, AL.

Dog Training Elite Huntsville

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 Huntsville

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 Huntsville - PTSD Service Dog in Huntsville, AL. DTE
PTSD Service Dog

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

Our psychiatric service dog training in Huntsville, AL 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 Huntsville - Mobility Service Dog in Huntsville, AL. Dog Training Elite
Mobility Support Service Dog

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

Dog Training Elite Huntsville - Seizure Response Dog in Huntsville, AL. DTE
Medical Response Dog Training

If you are in need of a seizure response dog in Huntsville, AL, Dog Training Elite can help. Our training program is designed to help individuals with epilepsy regain independence and confidence.

Dog Training Elite Huntsville - Autism Support Dog Training in Huntsville, AL. DTE
Autism Support Service Dog

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

Dog Training Elite Huntsville

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 Huntsville.

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 Huntsville.
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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 Huntsville, AL with Dog Training Elite.

We Are Committed to Making a Difference

Choose DTE for Huntsville Service Dog Training

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At Dog Training Elite, we are passionate about transforming lives through Huntsville 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 Huntsville and experience the difference that elite training and compassionate care can make.