A service dog and their owner outside - find elite service dog training in Hardin County, KY /  Harrison County, IN, KY with Dog Training Elite.

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Service Dog Training

Dog Training Elite Kentuckiana

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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 Kentuckiana

Service Dog Training in Hardin County, KY /  Harrison County, IN, KY

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 Hardin County, KY /  Harrison County, IN, KY, 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 Hardin County, KY /  Harrison County, IN.
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

  • Jennifer Comings
    Oct. 14, 2024
    Marlene and Joe have been amazing to work with. They reinforced what I knew and gave me confidence in training my girls. I definitely learned some needed skills and how to read their language and behaviors. My girls had lived together for over a year and after one of them sustaining an injury and surgery the aggression and fighting began. I didn’t know how to acclimate them. After working with Marlene and Joe I picked up on some behaviors that had likely started before then but I didn’t know I should have corrected them at the time. Not all stories may end up like mine, each dog is different. But I wanted someone to come to my house and work with me and the girls in their own environment. I didn’t want to go elsewhere. I would highly recommend them if you are in need of training. Be prepared to put in the work though because it won’t work if you don’t . But well worth the time spent with them!!! Here’s a pic of the girls back to being BFF again
  • Graci Arias
    Oct. 13, 2024
    When we rescued our dog Pancho (Cane Corso/Boxer mix) we knew he’d need training. While we don’t know his past, his scars tell us that he wasn’t treated kindly and is very reactive to other dogs. Marlene and Joe have done an incredible job both teaching us and working with him to show how smart and sweet he can be. Group training has been immensely helpful in reducing his reactivity. Marlene and Joe are compassionate, patient, professional and kind. Highly recommend them.
  • Adalyn Atilano
    Sep. 3, 2024
    mar and joe have been amazing with my dog. they’re not only great with my dog but with me as well. they are respectful and patient, and always put my dog as a priority. i couldn’t have wished a better trainer in my life. couldn’t recommend them more ❤️
  • The Andersons
    Sep. 2, 2024
    I cannot say enough positive things about Marlene and Joe. Our Boy is 4 and a half months old any strangers often are SHOCKED that he is so young because of his behavior. Bodin has been working with them since he was 12 weeks old and i can’t wait to see who he is after all his trading is completed. I will recommend Dog Training Elite Kentuckiana to anyone and everyone! Thank you for all that you have taught baby boy Bodin and us!
  • LaVar Quarles
    Sep. 2, 2024
    Marble is a completely changed GSD from the first day we started. Marlene and Joe were so amazing! Everything I wanted to have them train Marble on, they did that and so much more! I think the best thing about everything is the in-home experience and the ability to observe what's going on where most places have people drop their pets off and never really experience the process. Marlene and Joe were very helpful and for me, it speaks volumes when Marlene would request updates on the homework she gave us during the week. This was an investment that was WELL WORTH IT! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
  • Sandra Lopez
    Jun. 21, 2024
    My dog and I had such a great experience with Marlene and Joe. After only four weeks of training with them I’ve noticed a huge improvement in my dog. We both learned so much, I could not recommend Dog Training Elite and Marlene and Joe enough.
A Dog Training Elite Kentuckiana owner smiling with his dog in Hardin County, KY /  Harrison County, IN, KY.

Dog Training Elite Kentuckiana

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 Kentuckiana

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 Kentuckiana - PTSD Service Dog in Hardin County, KY /  Harrison County, IN, KY. DTE
PTSD Service Dog

If you're looking to train a PTSD service dog in Hardin County, KY /  Harrison County, IN, KY, 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 Kentuckiana - Psychiatric Service Dog in Hardin County, KY /  Harrison County, IN, KY. DTE
Psychiatric Service Dog Training

Our psychiatric service dog training in Hardin County, KY /  Harrison County, IN, KY 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 Kentuckiana - Mobility Service Dog in Hardin County, KY /  Harrison County, IN, KY. Dog Training Elite
Mobility Support Service Dog

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

Dog Training Elite Kentuckiana - Autism Support Dog Training in Hardin County, KY /  Harrison County, IN, KY. DTE
Autism Support Service Dog

Bring life-changing support to your family with Dog Training Elite's autism support dog training in Hardin County, KY /  Harrison County, IN, KY. 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 Hardin County, KY /  Harrison County, IN service dog training with Dog Training Elite.

Dog Training Elite Kentuckiana

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 Kentuckiana.

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 Kentuckiana.
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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 Hardin County, KY /  Harrison County, IN, KY with Dog Training Elite.

We Are Committed to Making a Difference

Choose DTE for Hardin County, KY /  Harrison County, IN Service Dog Training

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At Dog Training Elite, we are passionate about transforming lives through Hardin County, KY /  Harrison County, IN 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 Kentuckiana and experience the difference that elite training and compassionate care can make.