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

Service Dog Training in Lowell, MA

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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 Lowell / Chelmsford

Service Dog Training in Lowell, MA

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 Lowell, MA, 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.

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!

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Daxton Tarantino
    Oct. 5, 2025
    Our meeting with Rich was great. He was very knowledgeable. Took his time and explained everything we need to know. Thank you!
  • John McEachern
    Sep. 11, 2025
    Richard is very easy going , stays on point and is working on our training as well as Phins ! I think we’re behind 🤣
  • Jenny Valentine
    Oct. 1, 2025
    All of the trainers have been great! We have been working a lot with Laydon and Jocynia. They both have been super kind and patient with us. Today we were at Home Depot with Laydon. Teddy is building up his confidence and has been improving a lot since working with Elite!! Laydon is really nice and is very reassuring which helps us stay on track. We were working on place & navigating in a social setting. Teddy has been learning lots of new skills throughout the training process. Each trainer has taken their time to explain thoroughly and answer any questions that I have. Thank you for the patience and teachings.
  • Denise Amirto
    Sep. 22, 2025
    I had my initial consultation for my Rescue pup, a SATO, with Rich today. I’m just starting out. My dog absolutely adored him. I loved his ways with her, I also was so happy hearing him state, “Good Sit” Bailey, as I have one online person I follow and he does the same. He was extremely helpful, loving with my dog, she stole his Entire Treat stick, he was thorough, he was patient with my Mom and myself, as we are exhausted from our management writing about taking her. He had my mom test the e-collar and brought the Hermspringer for my Baby Girl. I asked him if he could ask, X, y & z to the office and when I called he’d already done it. He was a pleasure to work with and Bailey was very saddened when he left. I would Recommend speaking with Debbie, as she’s very knowledgeable and professional, as well as patient with others. She is why I decided to go with. Rich sealed the deal. He helped me through the payment process, had my dog sitting and staying without a word and asked her for some kisses. Calling Debbie afterwards was a very easy process and she is just excellent at what she does. BTW I got my third letter today, apparently when Rich was here, hand delivered, stating Bailey has until the 26th. Debbie’s words of encouragement today are what’s getting me through that. Rich’s Example of what a professional Trainer is, a dog lover and kind man, has me feeling like, going forward with my Sweet little Girl, is All going to be filled with joy and a Happy, Confident pup, with us understanding each other. Thank you 🙏
  • Lyn Quarti
    Sep. 22, 2025
    We've been really happy working with Rich! In addition to great training, he's given us tips on various issues to help Misha reach her potential!
  • Matt Smith
    Sep. 18, 2025
    Rich did an amazing job!!! I’ve had him multiple times and he always does great with my dog Fergie, giving me great training exercises to do with her and showing me how to do them properly. He also gave me tips on how to help her and my girlfriends dog get along better!!!
  • Timothy Hall
    Aug. 6, 2025
    Richard, Belle Amie and I had a great time working with Belle. She is a smart gsd and Richard is a smart and patient trainer.
  • Luann Smith
    Jul. 8, 2025
    Dog Trainer Tiffany, of Dog Training Elite, came by today for our hour long consultation. I was very impressed with her knowledge level and with the plan she made to address my one year old dog Pumpkin's (and my) training. With a plan in place and some things we can do before our next in house session I am very confident that we'll reach our goals. Pumpkin loves learning and practicing new things and she had an enjoyable time interacting with Tiffany.
  • Sandra LaPerche
    Jun. 13, 2025
    Tiffany came on time and explained the program very well. We are looking forward to starting with the Platinum Program. We want our dog to become a good dog citizen, and we have committed to doing the work. Thank you.
  • Holly Haines
    Jun. 11, 2025
    Excellent first visit with Tiffany! Can’t wait to get my pups 🐶 on track!
  • Deborah Karson
    May. 29, 2025
    Excellent initial consultation with Tiffany. She assessed our dog as well as our needs and provided a clear plan for training. I look forwsrd to building a successful working relationship.
  • denise ramsey
    Mar. 5, 2025
    Tiffany helped us with a new command word of heel to our puppy and the introduction of a prong collar for light corrections.
  • Shelly Killian
    Apr. 21, 2025
    Tiffany was great again in training session with my German Shepherd Karma. She made the session interesting while teaching Karma new behaviors and I always learn something as well. Highly recommend.
  • Judith Philbrook
    Apr. 15, 2025
    This my second session with Tiffany. She was very encouraging and some new tips that was fun for me and my dog Jake. Looking forward to the next session at home Depot
  • Francesca Izzo
    May. 7, 2025
    All of the trainers at Dog Training Elite have been wonderful, especially Tiffany who we have worked with the most. My puppy has made so much progress under their guidance.
  • Beth Morin
    Mar. 11, 2025
    Super lesson learning to heel with Duncan distractions! We are ready for some group lessons. Thanks, Tiffany.
  • Elizabeth Underwood
    Apr. 28, 2025
    Very knowledgeable and kind person
  • Nicole Johnson
    Apr. 26, 2025
    Tiffany, from the Fitchburg branch, is great to work with. She is informative, patient, and kind. Tiffany was very thorough explaining and modeling training techniques. We're looking forward to working with her again.
  • Billy Carroll
    Apr. 21, 2025
    Tiffany was great! She worked with all of us and taught us great training techniques. We were very happy😊
  • Maria W
    Apr. 14, 2025
    Tiffany was very informative, friendly, and attentive.
  • Daxton Tarantino
    Oct. 5, 2025
    Our meeting with Rich was great. He was very knowledgeable. Took his time and explained everything we need to know. Thank you!
  • John McEachern
    Sep. 11, 2025
    Richard is very easy going , stays on point and is working on our training as well as Phins ! I think we’re behind 🤣
  • Jenny Valentine
    Oct. 1, 2025
    All of the trainers have been great! We have been working a lot with Laydon and Jocynia. They both have been super kind and patient with us. Today we were at Home Depot with Laydon. Teddy is building up his confidence and has been improving a lot since working with Elite!! Laydon is really nice and is very reassuring which helps us stay on track. We were working on place & navigating in a social setting. Teddy has been learning lots of new skills throughout the training process. Each trainer has taken their time to explain thoroughly and answer any questions that I have. Thank you for the patience and teachings.
  • Denise Amirto
    Sep. 22, 2025
    I had my initial consultation for my Rescue pup, a SATO, with Rich today. I’m just starting out. My dog absolutely adored him. I loved his ways with her, I also was so happy hearing him state, “Good Sit” Bailey, as I have one online person I follow and he does the same. He was extremely helpful, loving with my dog, she stole his Entire Treat stick, he was thorough, he was patient with my Mom and myself, as we are exhausted from our management writing about taking her. He had my mom test the e-collar and brought the Hermspringer for my Baby Girl. I asked him if he could ask, X, y & z to the office and when I called he’d already done it. He was a pleasure to work with and Bailey was very saddened when he left. I would Recommend speaking with Debbie, as she’s very knowledgeable and professional, as well as patient with others. She is why I decided to go with. Rich sealed the deal. He helped me through the payment process, had my dog sitting and staying without a word and asked her for some kisses. Calling Debbie afterwards was a very easy process and she is just excellent at what she does. BTW I got my third letter today, apparently when Rich was here, hand delivered, stating Bailey has until the 26th. Debbie’s words of encouragement today are what’s getting me through that. Rich’s Example of what a professional Trainer is, a dog lover and kind man, has me feeling like, going forward with my Sweet little Girl, is All going to be filled with joy and a Happy, Confident pup, with us understanding each other. Thank you 🙏
  • Lyn Quarti
    Sep. 22, 2025
    We've been really happy working with Rich! In addition to great training, he's given us tips on various issues to help Misha reach her potential!
  • Matt Smith
    Sep. 18, 2025
    Rich did an amazing job!!! I’ve had him multiple times and he always does great with my dog Fergie, giving me great training exercises to do with her and showing me how to do them properly. He also gave me tips on how to help her and my girlfriends dog get along better!!!
  • Timothy Hall
    Aug. 6, 2025
    Richard, Belle Amie and I had a great time working with Belle. She is a smart gsd and Richard is a smart and patient trainer.
  • Luann Smith
    Jul. 8, 2025
    Dog Trainer Tiffany, of Dog Training Elite, came by today for our hour long consultation. I was very impressed with her knowledge level and with the plan she made to address my one year old dog Pumpkin's (and my) training. With a plan in place and some things we can do before our next in house session I am very confident that we'll reach our goals. Pumpkin loves learning and practicing new things and she had an enjoyable time interacting with Tiffany.
  • Sandra LaPerche
    Jun. 13, 2025
    Tiffany came on time and explained the program very well. We are looking forward to starting with the Platinum Program. We want our dog to become a good dog citizen, and we have committed to doing the work. Thank you.
  • Holly Haines
    Jun. 11, 2025
    Excellent first visit with Tiffany! Can’t wait to get my pups 🐶 on track!
  • Deborah Karson
    May. 29, 2025
    Excellent initial consultation with Tiffany. She assessed our dog as well as our needs and provided a clear plan for training. I look forwsrd to building a successful working relationship.
  • denise ramsey
    Mar. 5, 2025
    Tiffany helped us with a new command word of heel to our puppy and the introduction of a prong collar for light corrections.
  • Shelly Killian
    Apr. 21, 2025
    Tiffany was great again in training session with my German Shepherd Karma. She made the session interesting while teaching Karma new behaviors and I always learn something as well. Highly recommend.
  • Judith Philbrook
    Apr. 15, 2025
    This my second session with Tiffany. She was very encouraging and some new tips that was fun for me and my dog Jake. Looking forward to the next session at home Depot
  • Francesca Izzo
    May. 7, 2025
    All of the trainers at Dog Training Elite have been wonderful, especially Tiffany who we have worked with the most. My puppy has made so much progress under their guidance.
  • Beth Morin
    Mar. 11, 2025
    Super lesson learning to heel with Duncan distractions! We are ready for some group lessons. Thanks, Tiffany.
  • Elizabeth Underwood
    Apr. 28, 2025
    Very knowledgeable and kind person
  • Nicole Johnson
    Apr. 26, 2025
    Tiffany, from the Fitchburg branch, is great to work with. She is informative, patient, and kind. Tiffany was very thorough explaining and modeling training techniques. We're looking forward to working with her again.
  • Billy Carroll
    Apr. 21, 2025
    Tiffany was great! She worked with all of us and taught us great training techniques. We were very happy😊
  • Maria W
    Apr. 14, 2025
    Tiffany was very informative, friendly, and attentive.
A Dog Training Elite Lowell / Chelmsford owner smiling with his dog in Lowell, MA.

Dog Training Elite Lowell / Chelmsford

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 Lowell / Chelmsford

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 Lowell / Chelmsford - PTSD Service Dog Training in Lowell, MA. DTE

PTSD Service Dog

If you're looking to train a PTSD service dog in Lowell, MA, 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 Lowell / Chelmsford - Psychiatric Service Dog Training in Lowell, MA

Psychiatric Service Dog Training

Our psychiatric service dog training in Lowell, MA 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 Lowell / Chelmsford - Mobility Service Dog Training in Lowell, MA

Mobility Support Service Dog

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

Dog Training Elite Lowell / Chelmsford - Seizure Response Dog Training in Lowell, MA

Medical Response Dog Training

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

Dog Training Elite Lowell / Chelmsford - Autism Support Dog Training in Lowell, MA

Autism Support Service Dog

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

Dog Training Elite Lowell / Chelmsford

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 Lowell / Chelmsford.

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 Lowell / Chelmsford.
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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 Lowell, MA with Dog Training Elite.

We Are Committed to Making a Difference

Choose DTE for Lowell Service Dog Training

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