A service dog and their owner outside - find elite service dog training in Murfreesboro / Spring Hill, TN with Dog Training Elite.

Professional

Service Dog Training

Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville

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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 Greater Nashville

Service Dog Training in Murfreesboro / Spring Hill, TN

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 Murfreesboro / Spring Hill, TN, 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

  • Eddie Buford
    Apr. 29, 2025
    Brad was an excellent choice for training Piper. He was very knowledgeable and patient with Piper and us. I would recommend him to anyone but his services.
  • Kristie Bayse
    Apr. 20, 2025
    I'm the owner of 5 large dogs. My German Shepherd had started being aggressive toward my other dogs. I knew Brad had his work cut out for him, the first day was super intense. Brad worked his skills and got her under control. By the end of our training I have a different dog now and the knowledge to start training the rest of my pack. Brad was wonderful and I enjoyed working with him.
  • Ben Boutwell
    Apr. 5, 2025
    We loved working with Brad! He provided top-notch instruction and support for our Golden Retriever. We were blown away by how well Brad was able to care for and work with, not only Wesley, but us as well. Making sure we had all the knowledge necessary to continually work with Wesley. We highly recommend Dog Training Elite of Greater Nashville!
  • Courtney
    Apr. 4, 2025
    Our Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville experience was outstanding from the first moment to the end session! Brad not only made us feel comfortable, he approached us with humor as well, which is our comfort zone! He quickly learned our baby and honed in with patience and his lessons stuck due to his consistent approach with both our dog and us! I highly recommend to anyone needing their proof. This is it!
  • Nancy Feliciano
    Apr. 3, 2025
    I was very pleased with the specialized coaching and detailed training skills that Brad (Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville) shared with me and my dog. His precise yet gentle training approach was spot on for my disability needs. Brad’s training instructions were instrumental in guiding us become a better and more effective service dog team. The home training sessions exceeded my expectations every week; we had a familiar environment in which we learned, practiced and troubleshoot new skills. Think about it, an expert coming to your home to do dog training - You can’t beat that! This is just some of the reasons that I am so glad I found this company and that Brad is our trainer!
  • Jennifer Quigley
    Mar. 27, 2025
    We can’t say enough amazing things about our experience with Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville and our incredible trainer, Brad! Our 4-year-old Icelandic Sheepdog, Kylo has with a very enthusiastic herding instinct—cars, birds, squirrels, rabbits, even small children on our walks were all fair game in his eyes. But from the very first session, we were blown away by how well Kylo responded to Brad’s calm, confident guidance. Brad brought a perfect mix of kindness, patience, and consistent leadership to each session, and it was clear he genuinely loved working with dogs. We saw noticeable improvement after every visit, and best of all, Kylo was having the time of his life learning and growing. Brad made training fun for all of us—not just effective! Thanks to Dog Training Elite, walks are no longer chaotic but enjoyable, and we feel so much more connected to our pup. If you’re looking for someone who brings heart, professionalism, and real results, Brad and the team at Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville are second to none. We wholeheartedly recommend them!
  • chris okeson
    Mar. 7, 2025
    Brad was the best when it comes to working with my dog! Highly recommend to anyone with a dog that needs training!
  • Cindy Williams
    Mar. 5, 2025
    I was impressed by Brad at Dog Training Elite. After working with my Australian Shepherd, who is a handful she is definitely a different dog . He has built up her confidence and she’s no longer scared of people . I would highly recommend any dog training . He is very patient and kind and he really loves the dogs.
  • Bryan Rogers
    Feb. 28, 2025
    Masterful and skilled! The best dog trainer I’ve ever met! He is so kind and compassionate also! Highly recommend!
  • Alex House
    Feb. 25, 2025
    Brad has changed my life! I can't say enough good things about this program but specifically about Brad himself. I came into this process uneducated, unsure, and anxious. After completing our 8 in-home one-on-one sessions I can truthfully say I am educated, sure, and no longer anxious! Brad made me feel comfortable from day one and met my dog where he was. Brad handled difficult situations with grace and never made me feel embarrassed or ashamed of my dogs behavior. I seriously cannot say enough good things - take the leap! It's well worth it.
  • Nick Dafni
    Feb. 21, 2025
    Really appreciated the consistency and professionalism. Our puppy is much better behaved and continually getting better. So happy we did it.
  • Joe Mullvain
    Feb. 10, 2025
    Brad has been a tremendous resource for us and our new puppy. He is patient and has a wealth of knowledge that has proven to be very helpful in the training process! We would recommend him to anyone seeking some additional training resources for their dog!!
  • Jessica Rathbun
    Feb. 7, 2025
    They were amazing at getting our five year old Great Pyrenees to not be reactive and listen better. Their techniques are doable and I cannot thank them enough! Such an improvement!
  • Stephani Keetch
    Jan. 20, 2025
    Brad is PHENOMENAL! His patience with our VERY stubborn 4 year old dog was incredible! He never wavered or showed any signs of frustration, but instead continued to confidently show his expertise and knowledge, even still somehow seeming to enjoy himself! Brad's care, compassion and passion for what he does is palpable. Our dog loves Brad!
  • Tracy Davison
    Jan. 18, 2025
    The trainers at Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville were incredibly kind, patient, and encouraging, making the entire training process a positive and effective experience for both my family and our pup, ultimately transforming him into a well-behaved companion. With their exceptional expertise and caring approach, they helped us overcome our pup's behavioral issues and achieve the best results through their top-notch private in-home dog training.
  • Katthy Peidigo
    Jan. 7, 2025
    It was such an enjoyable time watching Brad train our German Shepherd Kilo. I will recommend to everyone that needs a great company to train their dogs.
  • Tamar Gillock
    Dec. 10, 2024
    Brad and Dog Training Elite Nashville were the absolute best thing to ever happen to my dog. Our family has a miniature Aussie and boy is he a handful! Within 3 training sessions our dog Bandit was a new man! Once we were finished with our in home session it was like Brad had given us a new dog, it was amazing. I can’t speak highly enough of Brad and his ability to work with not just dogs but their owners. I would recommend them over and over!
  • Amanda Corn
    Dec. 5, 2024
    Brad with Dog Training Elite has been FANTASTIC to work with. He is great at both dog training and training us to be confident and able to effectively train our dog outside of scheduled sessions. He has helped us be able to see and unlock our dog's potential. We thought we were doing okay on our own, but Brad has helped us take our dog's obedience to a whole new level. Highly recommend Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville.
  • Brett Hinson
    Nov. 25, 2024
    Helped out tremendously!!!! Night and day difference from day 1!! Brad has been amazing!
  • Sr. Catherine Marie, O.P.
    Nov. 24, 2024
    We have been so pleased with the work of Brad Okeson at Dog Training Elite. He has done wonders with our facility dog. Our school counselor was able to reenforce the skills taught. Our dog is now able to work effectively with the children in our school and they are responsive to him. Brad has been personable and great to work with.
  • Eddie Buford
    Apr. 29, 2025
    Brad was an excellent choice for training Piper. He was very knowledgeable and patient with Piper and us. I would recommend him to anyone but his services.
  • Kristie Bayse
    Apr. 20, 2025
    I'm the owner of 5 large dogs. My German Shepherd had started being aggressive toward my other dogs. I knew Brad had his work cut out for him, the first day was super intense. Brad worked his skills and got her under control. By the end of our training I have a different dog now and the knowledge to start training the rest of my pack. Brad was wonderful and I enjoyed working with him.
  • Ben Boutwell
    Apr. 5, 2025
    We loved working with Brad! He provided top-notch instruction and support for our Golden Retriever. We were blown away by how well Brad was able to care for and work with, not only Wesley, but us as well. Making sure we had all the knowledge necessary to continually work with Wesley. We highly recommend Dog Training Elite of Greater Nashville!
  • Courtney
    Apr. 4, 2025
    Our Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville experience was outstanding from the first moment to the end session! Brad not only made us feel comfortable, he approached us with humor as well, which is our comfort zone! He quickly learned our baby and honed in with patience and his lessons stuck due to his consistent approach with both our dog and us! I highly recommend to anyone needing their proof. This is it!
  • Nancy Feliciano
    Apr. 3, 2025
    I was very pleased with the specialized coaching and detailed training skills that Brad (Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville) shared with me and my dog. His precise yet gentle training approach was spot on for my disability needs. Brad’s training instructions were instrumental in guiding us become a better and more effective service dog team. The home training sessions exceeded my expectations every week; we had a familiar environment in which we learned, practiced and troubleshoot new skills. Think about it, an expert coming to your home to do dog training - You can’t beat that! This is just some of the reasons that I am so glad I found this company and that Brad is our trainer!
  • Jennifer Quigley
    Mar. 27, 2025
    We can’t say enough amazing things about our experience with Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville and our incredible trainer, Brad! Our 4-year-old Icelandic Sheepdog, Kylo has with a very enthusiastic herding instinct—cars, birds, squirrels, rabbits, even small children on our walks were all fair game in his eyes. But from the very first session, we were blown away by how well Kylo responded to Brad’s calm, confident guidance. Brad brought a perfect mix of kindness, patience, and consistent leadership to each session, and it was clear he genuinely loved working with dogs. We saw noticeable improvement after every visit, and best of all, Kylo was having the time of his life learning and growing. Brad made training fun for all of us—not just effective! Thanks to Dog Training Elite, walks are no longer chaotic but enjoyable, and we feel so much more connected to our pup. If you’re looking for someone who brings heart, professionalism, and real results, Brad and the team at Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville are second to none. We wholeheartedly recommend them!
  • chris okeson
    Mar. 7, 2025
    Brad was the best when it comes to working with my dog! Highly recommend to anyone with a dog that needs training!
  • Cindy Williams
    Mar. 5, 2025
    I was impressed by Brad at Dog Training Elite. After working with my Australian Shepherd, who is a handful she is definitely a different dog . He has built up her confidence and she’s no longer scared of people . I would highly recommend any dog training . He is very patient and kind and he really loves the dogs.
  • Bryan Rogers
    Feb. 28, 2025
    Masterful and skilled! The best dog trainer I’ve ever met! He is so kind and compassionate also! Highly recommend!
  • Alex House
    Feb. 25, 2025
    Brad has changed my life! I can't say enough good things about this program but specifically about Brad himself. I came into this process uneducated, unsure, and anxious. After completing our 8 in-home one-on-one sessions I can truthfully say I am educated, sure, and no longer anxious! Brad made me feel comfortable from day one and met my dog where he was. Brad handled difficult situations with grace and never made me feel embarrassed or ashamed of my dogs behavior. I seriously cannot say enough good things - take the leap! It's well worth it.
  • Nick Dafni
    Feb. 21, 2025
    Really appreciated the consistency and professionalism. Our puppy is much better behaved and continually getting better. So happy we did it.
  • Joe Mullvain
    Feb. 10, 2025
    Brad has been a tremendous resource for us and our new puppy. He is patient and has a wealth of knowledge that has proven to be very helpful in the training process! We would recommend him to anyone seeking some additional training resources for their dog!!
  • Jessica Rathbun
    Feb. 7, 2025
    They were amazing at getting our five year old Great Pyrenees to not be reactive and listen better. Their techniques are doable and I cannot thank them enough! Such an improvement!
  • Stephani Keetch
    Jan. 20, 2025
    Brad is PHENOMENAL! His patience with our VERY stubborn 4 year old dog was incredible! He never wavered or showed any signs of frustration, but instead continued to confidently show his expertise and knowledge, even still somehow seeming to enjoy himself! Brad's care, compassion and passion for what he does is palpable. Our dog loves Brad!
  • Tracy Davison
    Jan. 18, 2025
    The trainers at Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville were incredibly kind, patient, and encouraging, making the entire training process a positive and effective experience for both my family and our pup, ultimately transforming him into a well-behaved companion. With their exceptional expertise and caring approach, they helped us overcome our pup's behavioral issues and achieve the best results through their top-notch private in-home dog training.
  • Katthy Peidigo
    Jan. 7, 2025
    It was such an enjoyable time watching Brad train our German Shepherd Kilo. I will recommend to everyone that needs a great company to train their dogs.
  • Tamar Gillock
    Dec. 10, 2024
    Brad and Dog Training Elite Nashville were the absolute best thing to ever happen to my dog. Our family has a miniature Aussie and boy is he a handful! Within 3 training sessions our dog Bandit was a new man! Once we were finished with our in home session it was like Brad had given us a new dog, it was amazing. I can’t speak highly enough of Brad and his ability to work with not just dogs but their owners. I would recommend them over and over!
  • Amanda Corn
    Dec. 5, 2024
    Brad with Dog Training Elite has been FANTASTIC to work with. He is great at both dog training and training us to be confident and able to effectively train our dog outside of scheduled sessions. He has helped us be able to see and unlock our dog's potential. We thought we were doing okay on our own, but Brad has helped us take our dog's obedience to a whole new level. Highly recommend Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville.
  • Brett Hinson
    Nov. 25, 2024
    Helped out tremendously!!!! Night and day difference from day 1!! Brad has been amazing!
  • Sr. Catherine Marie, O.P.
    Nov. 24, 2024
    We have been so pleased with the work of Brad Okeson at Dog Training Elite. He has done wonders with our facility dog. Our school counselor was able to reenforce the skills taught. Our dog is now able to work effectively with the children in our school and they are responsive to him. Brad has been personable and great to work with.
A Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville owner smiling with his dog in Murfreesboro / Spring Hill, TN.

Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville

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 Greater Nashville

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 Greater Nashville - PTSD Service Dog Training in Murfreesboro / Spring Hill. Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville
PTSD Service Dog

If you're looking to train a PTSD service dog in Murfreesboro / Spring Hill, TN, 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 Greater Nashville - Psychiatric Service Dog Trainers in Murfreesboro / Spring Hill
Psychiatric Service Dog Training

Our psychiatric service dog training in Murfreesboro / Spring Hill, TN 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 Greater Nashville - Mobility Service Dog in Murfreesboro / Spring Hill, TN. Dog Training Elite
Mobility Support Service Dog

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

Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville - Seizure Response Dog in Murfreesboro / Spring Hill, TN
Medical Response Dog Training

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

Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville - Autism Support Dog Training in Murfreesboro / Spring Hill, TN
Autism Support Service Dog

Bring life-changing support to your family with Dog Training Elite's autism support dog training in Murfreesboro / Spring Hill, TN. 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 Murfreesboro / Spring Hill service dog training with Dog Training Elite.

Dog Training Elite Greater Nashville

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 Greater Nashville.

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 Greater Nashville.
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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 Murfreesboro / Spring Hill, TN with Dog Training Elite.

We Are Committed to Making a Difference

Choose DTE for Murfreesboro / Spring Hill Service Dog Training

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At Dog Training Elite, we are passionate about transforming lives through Murfreesboro / Spring Hill 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 Greater Nashville and experience the difference that elite training and compassionate care can make.