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

Service Dog Training in Indianapolis, IN

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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
(participating locations)
Advanced medical training (participating locations)

Dog Training Elite of Indianapolis

Service Dog Training in Indianapolis, 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 Indianapolis, 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 Positive 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 balanced 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.

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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!

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Jean Fox
    Apr. 9, 2025
    We can’t thank Doug, Josh and all the trainers at DTE enough for the incredible work they do with our new family member, Remy. She struggles with reactive and aggressive behaviors, but their calm, patient approach and deep understanding of dog behavior has made all the difference. They gave us practical, easy to follow training techniques that have helped her make incredible progress. Especially grateful for the coaching and encouragement we receive as her handlers. We couldn’t be happier with the team’s expertise, kindness and dedication - it was made all the difference. Highly recommended the DTE Team!
  • Elizabeth Todd
    Apr. 14, 2025
    Our Bernedoodle was much more to handle than the yellow labs we had in the past. Dog Training Elite was a godsend. Very professional. They gave us all the tools to work with our dog. Elijah, our trainer, did a great job demonstrating and explaining. Very knowledgeable. Our in-home puppy and then obedience classes followed a strong logical progression that was easy to follow and practice. It was well worth the cost. I’m looking forward to attending some group classes. Just finished a doggy daycare training day to polish up on some of the basic skills. Have a bad knee and Normie was just enough out ahead of me on walks that it was causing strain on my knee I showed the instructors where i wanted him to heal and when i picked him up for the day and took him for a walk it was amazed at the improvement he showed. It was a pain free walk
  • Terri Gomez
    Aug. 17, 2025
    We have been very impressed with the training that our Stella has received. We get a good recap at the end of each session and as much time as we need to ask questions. Anika has been great to work with. She seems to really enjoy her work and making sure Stella succeeds. We look forward to more sessions with Anika and the rest of the staff at Dog Training Elite.
  • Julie Anne
    Aug. 16, 2025
    Greatly appreciate the information and patience Elijah provides.
  • Ruth Robertson
    Aug. 16, 2025
    Josh changed our lives. Not only he helped with my two reactive dogs, but helped me as well. Fantastic experience!
  • Cat Rash
    Aug. 16, 2025
    Wonderful place! Elijah is very patient and helpful. The courses are highly informative and seeing my dog grow and learn is amazing. Highly recommend.
  • Paula Koester
    Aug. 1, 2025
    They do a great job with the dogs and training us owners in addition to the dogs. Josh is extremely helpful trainor
  • Trevor Hill
    Aug. 8, 2025
    Dog Training Elite is worth every penny! We have 2 dogs, a 1 year old and 3 year old. Both were having issues with reactivity to people and other dogs, as well as struggling with basic obedience during walks. My fiancé and I were always stressed about how they might react on walks, and we honestly felt hopeless that it would get better. Thankfully we decided to go with Dog Training Elite and it feels like it’s gotten 100x better! What ultimately made us settle on DTE were the reviews. There were so many amazing success stories, and now we’re very happy to be one of them. So if you need a push, this is your sign!! We decided to go with the 2 week boot camp, because we wanted quick results but we also didn’t want to miss our pups for 2 weeks at an overnight camp. DTE’s the perfect solution of an intensive training period, while also not missing your best friend. My fiancé and I were always so excited and proud when we got videos of our dogs during each day of camp. It was amazing how quickly we noticed results during and after the 2 weeks! It was comforting to see how our dogs grew to love the trainers, and were excited arriving each day. Even our older boy, who used to have very bad anxiety with new people warmed up to them which was a big concern for us initially. Although, the training has given him (and us) much more confidence, and the way he responds to his anxiety has improved so much when meeting people. The staff at DTE are wonderful and truly care about your dog, we are so grateful to Sonya, Elijah, Josh, Doug, and everyone else on the team! It’s now been 2 months since they’ve graduated, and our dogs are still getting better with time as we continue to reinforce what was learned in boot camp. Today we did our first follow-up session with Josh. Our dogs were so excited to see him, and remembered him instantly. The follow-up at home sessions are very helpful to make sure that the training transitions to everyday life effectively - or if it’s been a while and you and your dog could use a refresher. We highly recommend DTE!! If you think you have an untrainable dog, you have no idea what these pros are capable of! p.s. The graduation photos are the cherry on top! 10⭐️
  • Jill Pugh
    Aug. 8, 2025
    Just finished training sessions with Elijah, and he was fabulous! Patient, knowledgeable, and truly understands a dog’s needs/behavior. Eli's style is calm, kind and confident, and he's soo likeable. Highly recommend Elijah, Doug and DTE to anyone wanting the best!
  • Patricia SICA
    Jul. 15, 2025
    Super job of explaining showing then directing me in doing. Donato now knows name-walked in cage. Prior he did not want to walk in room with cage. One lesson with Elijah!!! Now we are on the third lesson-every lesson is re-enforced. Elijah is the best....
  • Jeffrey Schillinger
    Aug. 6, 2025
    Doug came by our home for an initial visit. He was very professional and explained the available sevices in a low pressure way. We start training in two weeks! Also, our dog really liked Doug.
  • Alisa Grady
    Jul. 1, 2025
    Doug did a wonderful job with my in-home consultation! Elijah, Josh, Sonia, & Anika are all wonderful trainers. They did a great job with my pup, Molly, and do a superb job explaining everything to me as well. Josh completed my first post-class in-home session and that was a great experience as well. We have already gone to multiple weekend classes and will continue to do so. I will be signing up another pup in the near future!
  • Scot Allen
    Jul. 28, 2025
    Josh at DTE Indy is great. Working to build some strong basics with our rescue that shares a house with a young child.
  • James Witte
    May. 6, 2025
    I could not be happier with the whole team at Dog Training Elite
  • Jordyn Strong
    May. 23, 2025
    Josh has been absolutely incredible with our Duke. We started working with Josh when Duke was just under 3 months old and was mouthing us like crazy. Josh came in and gave us the skills necessary to manage and limit the mouthing as well as teaching us various key skills. He explained each skill in detail, providing demonstrations, and having us demonstrate as well. He always took the time to answer our questions, even beyond basic obedience skills and was extremely responsive via messaging as needed. Josh made us feel more confident and comfortable to take Duke into public spaces. We are incredibly grateful for all Josh has taught us and can’t wait to watch Duke thrive!
  • Grace B
    Jul. 18, 2025
    I am SO impressed with ALL the staff at Dog Training Elite! My bassett hound has been in their obedience camp for one week and already its a drastic difference. Im so excited to see how much better he gets. It's definitely worth every penny!
  • Lisa Berfiend
    Jul. 17, 2025
    We are having a wonderful experience. Doug and his trainers are all outstanding. Our puppy is doing great and has learned so much. The weekly group classes are very helpful to us as well. This group and their program is top notch!!
  • Josie Axness Hunckler
    Jul. 12, 2025
    I had a very helpful experience to have a pro trainer come out and evaluate my dog Jake and me, to know if we’re a good fit for training and service dog training soon too. All of my questions were answered promptly and thoroughly. My dog Jake, my partner Yuniel, and I felt respected and well cared for as we embark (no pun intended) on this journey of professional training! Doug clearly cares for his clients, the dogs, and their success, providing honest and detailed answers to all my questions along the way. We are feeling confident with a clear understanding of how training will be going forward. This is an investment which I can tell will be worthwhile.
  • Larry Bowmer
    Jul. 11, 2025
    Doug came to our home to evaluate our dog, We rescued her in march and have been having some issues with her having accidents in the house, after her evaluation he gave us some great ideas to help her, he offered some in home training as well as a doggie day camp, we will be using his services in the very near future. If your looking for a professional dog training service, these guys are it
  • Julie Clark
    Jun. 22, 2025
    Elijah did a great job introducing our golden retriever to the training program. He was patient and answered all questions.
A Dog Training Elite of Indianapolis owner smiling with his dog in Indianapolis, IN.

Dog Training Elite of Indianapolis

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 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 of Indianapolis

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 of Indianapolis - PTSD Service Dog Training in Indianapolis, IN. DTE

PTSD Service Dog

If you're looking to train a PTSD service dog in Indianapolis, 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 of Indianapolis - Psychiatric Service Dog Training in Indianapolis, IN

Psychiatric Service Dog Training

Our psychiatric service dog training in Indianapolis, 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 of Indianapolis - Seizure Response Dog Training in Indianapolis, IN

Medical Response Dog Training

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

Dog Training Elite of Indianapolis - Autism Support Dog Training in Indianapolis, IN

Autism Support Service Dog

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

Dog Training Elite of Indianapolis

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 of Indianapolis.

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 of Indianapolis.
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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 Indianapolis, IN with Dog Training Elite.

We Are Committed to Making a Difference

Choose DTE for Indianapolis Service Dog Training

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At Dog Training Elite, we are passionate about transforming lives through Indianapolis service dog training. Our proven, balanced training methods 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 of Indianapolis and experience the difference that elite training and compassionate care can make.