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

Professional

Service Dog Training

Dog Training Elite Central 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 Central Nashville

Service Dog Training in Nashville, 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 Nashville, 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

  • Kaitlyn Jones
    Apr. 21, 2025
    I have been working with Montana for the one-on-one basic training portion of the program. She has been incredibly kind and helpful through the process. We are super excited to start the group training portion! Also a special shout out for Parker who came out for our last session, he was awesome! For anyone on the fence about going through with it, I recommend Dog Training Elite 10/10 as long as you’re willing to put in the work outside of training sessions (as is the case for pretty much any kind of training). I have been able to see results in my puppy’s behavior pretty much immediately under their guidance.
  • Shane White
    Apr. 20, 2025
    We had the absolute best experience with Dog Training Elite! I've had a lot of dogs in my life, but never took training seriously and knew with our new puppy, I wanted to do it right. The team was professional, loving, and supportive every step of the way. They instruct in a calm and cool manner, and made sure we were comfortable with the process along the way. Do not HESITATE to use these folks if you want to be successful in your dog training journey. It's a relief to bring our dog out in public and know she'll be happy and also obedient; we often chuckle to ourselves when we see a dog out of control...it's not that hard folks-- just get with Dog Training Elite!
  • mandi Beuerlein
    Apr. 19, 2025
    I thought my dog would never be able to be trained. He is a completely different dog now. When we go out everyone compliments how well behaved he is. Couldn’t ask for better trainers.
  • Carrie DuRard
    Apr. 17, 2025
    From devil to delight!! My frenchie, Cool Whip, went from a stubborn knucklehead to the most obedient dog. We are totally blown away!!! Our dog learned so much and we did too. Parker was kind, gentle and effective - a total pro. I would highly recommend any trainer with. dog Training Elite!!!!
  • nick matteucci
    Apr. 17, 2025
    Great in home service… transformed our monster into an angel!
  • Black Widow
    Apr. 11, 2025
    Jen in the office was so kind, helpful, and professional!
  • Adam Seger
    Apr. 5, 2025
    Parker and his team are excellent! We have a full-go high-energy brittany, and after the training he is a completely different dog. Still energetic, but much more respectful, responsive, and easy. Highly recommended!
  • Pat Murphy
    Apr. 3, 2025
    Parker was an amazing trainer for our 1yo Labrador. She used to pull on the leash and had poor recall, not to mention a myriad of other behavior issues. Now, she is very obedient and recalls 100% of the time without issue. I run with her off the leash through neighborhoods and trails without issue, and we’re both much happier that way! A great investment!
  • Karly Kramer
    Nov. 27, 2024
    I absolutely love our trainer Reina! She is doing beautifully helping me out with my boy, Bolt. She is a very sweet individual that has an amazing vibe to her! I wouldn’t trade Reina for anything! Before we started with DTE, my boy was very reactive towards any noise, person, or dog. We have only had 4 sessions so far, and Bolt seems more comfortable with himself and our older dog, Lucas, which was a problem before we started training. Today after his session, he KISSED LUCAS!!! I have never seen them so comfortable with eachother before, and I think the confidence raise that the training is doing is helping him tremendously!! He has a long way to go, but so far, Bolt is doing very good with his emotions!! I highly recommend Dog Training Elite if you have a reactive/aggressive dog! They treat their clients amazingly, and they understand when the dog is struggling with a command and will help the best they can!! Don’t ever think your aggressive or reactive dog is untrainable, because Dog Training Elite shows otherwise!!! Additional: Reina really understands Bolt’s emotions and it makes me so thankful I was able to get a trainer like her. Bolt is weaning off of his Prozac now which is amazing! He is a happier dog now even if he has his days, but everyone does! The group sessions have helped him tremendously with his anxiety and his aggression. I see him one day being an off-leash dog that is desensitized by humans and animals! Thank you Reina and Dog Training Elite! I wouldn’t trade this professionalism for anything!
  • Brittney Berger
    Mar. 24, 2025
    Signing up for dog training with Dog Training Elite was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made! Cosima, Parker and Reina are so knowledgeable and kind. Our Newfoundland pup Ginny is now responsive to commands, and gentle on the leash thanks to what we have learned from our sessions. It has been so nice to have the confidence that our dog won’t jump on other people, or pull hard on walks! Thank you Dog Training Elite Nashville!😊
  • Miguel Herrera
    Mar. 18, 2025
    I am not overstating when I say the training has changed our lives. We have 2 mini Australian Shepards that were on high alert 24/7. They are so much calmer and happier now. They can relax and they understand what we are telling them to do. The trainers were all great. We worked with 4 different ones and they were all professional, patient, and very helpful. I would recommend this company to anyone needing help with their dog.
  • Martin Vukel
    Mar. 11, 2025
    This place really helped with my German Shepherd Great Pyrenees mix. He was very stubborn but quickly picked up on the training with Parker, Cosima and Reina!
  • Hobey Jiranek
    Mar. 11, 2025
    We’ve had a great experience working with Dog Training Elite. Their entire team is kind, passionate, and knowledgeable and I definitely recommend checking them out for dog training needs.
  • Scotty C
    Mar. 8, 2025
    Very professional and personable, prompt to the evaluation. Parker did a great job walking us through the process!
  • Rebecca King
    Mar. 7, 2025
    Parker has completely changed my dog! Toby has only had 4 sessions and it’s already like night and day. Toby is 10 years old and this past month is the first time he has been relaxed and calm when I answer the door and let someone in. He’s way less agitated and territorial. Allowing my brother to even give me a hug in the past has been a trigger for aggression, but now it’s like he doesn’t care. He’s not worried. I am in shock at how well this is going and I’m excited for the future. Toby’s life has completely changed because of Parker and his trainers. Thank you guys!!
  • Sam Rapp
    Feb. 20, 2025
    Parker, Montana, and all of the trainers are subject matter experts and great human beings!
  • Addee Hunt
    Feb. 14, 2025
    Amazing experience with Parker and the entire team at Dog Training Elite! It was the best thing for our family to do dog training with our dog, Jersie!
  • Cory Hunt
    Feb. 14, 2025
    Our goldendoodle Jersie had some basic training when she was a pup but she would still jump on people and bark when guests would come over or when others would walk past our home. We worked with Parker for a couple months and have been sooo happy with the results! She will finally do what we ask on a consistent basis and is much easier for us when we have people over! Highly recommend Parker
  • Dawn McDonnell
    Feb. 8, 2025
    Montana is wonderful! She truly changed the dynamic of our relationship with our dog Ryley.
  • Amanda Goins
    Feb. 7, 2025
    Montana did a fantastic job helping with our new puppy, Lucy. She worked with Lucy and us on how to get her to stop nipping at our fingers and toes and it worked perfectly. Helping me work on basic obedience and making Lucy know I was the one in control and not her. She really set us up to having a happy, healthy pup! I would recommend her to EVERYONE! She went above and beyond!
  • Kaitlyn Jones
    Apr. 21, 2025
    I have been working with Montana for the one-on-one basic training portion of the program. She has been incredibly kind and helpful through the process. We are super excited to start the group training portion! Also a special shout out for Parker who came out for our last session, he was awesome! For anyone on the fence about going through with it, I recommend Dog Training Elite 10/10 as long as you’re willing to put in the work outside of training sessions (as is the case for pretty much any kind of training). I have been able to see results in my puppy’s behavior pretty much immediately under their guidance.
  • Shane White
    Apr. 20, 2025
    We had the absolute best experience with Dog Training Elite! I've had a lot of dogs in my life, but never took training seriously and knew with our new puppy, I wanted to do it right. The team was professional, loving, and supportive every step of the way. They instruct in a calm and cool manner, and made sure we were comfortable with the process along the way. Do not HESITATE to use these folks if you want to be successful in your dog training journey. It's a relief to bring our dog out in public and know she'll be happy and also obedient; we often chuckle to ourselves when we see a dog out of control...it's not that hard folks-- just get with Dog Training Elite!
  • mandi Beuerlein
    Apr. 19, 2025
    I thought my dog would never be able to be trained. He is a completely different dog now. When we go out everyone compliments how well behaved he is. Couldn’t ask for better trainers.
  • Carrie DuRard
    Apr. 17, 2025
    From devil to delight!! My frenchie, Cool Whip, went from a stubborn knucklehead to the most obedient dog. We are totally blown away!!! Our dog learned so much and we did too. Parker was kind, gentle and effective - a total pro. I would highly recommend any trainer with. dog Training Elite!!!!
  • nick matteucci
    Apr. 17, 2025
    Great in home service… transformed our monster into an angel!
  • Black Widow
    Apr. 11, 2025
    Jen in the office was so kind, helpful, and professional!
  • Adam Seger
    Apr. 5, 2025
    Parker and his team are excellent! We have a full-go high-energy brittany, and after the training he is a completely different dog. Still energetic, but much more respectful, responsive, and easy. Highly recommended!
  • Pat Murphy
    Apr. 3, 2025
    Parker was an amazing trainer for our 1yo Labrador. She used to pull on the leash and had poor recall, not to mention a myriad of other behavior issues. Now, she is very obedient and recalls 100% of the time without issue. I run with her off the leash through neighborhoods and trails without issue, and we’re both much happier that way! A great investment!
  • Karly Kramer
    Nov. 27, 2024
    I absolutely love our trainer Reina! She is doing beautifully helping me out with my boy, Bolt. She is a very sweet individual that has an amazing vibe to her! I wouldn’t trade Reina for anything! Before we started with DTE, my boy was very reactive towards any noise, person, or dog. We have only had 4 sessions so far, and Bolt seems more comfortable with himself and our older dog, Lucas, which was a problem before we started training. Today after his session, he KISSED LUCAS!!! I have never seen them so comfortable with eachother before, and I think the confidence raise that the training is doing is helping him tremendously!! He has a long way to go, but so far, Bolt is doing very good with his emotions!! I highly recommend Dog Training Elite if you have a reactive/aggressive dog! They treat their clients amazingly, and they understand when the dog is struggling with a command and will help the best they can!! Don’t ever think your aggressive or reactive dog is untrainable, because Dog Training Elite shows otherwise!!! Additional: Reina really understands Bolt’s emotions and it makes me so thankful I was able to get a trainer like her. Bolt is weaning off of his Prozac now which is amazing! He is a happier dog now even if he has his days, but everyone does! The group sessions have helped him tremendously with his anxiety and his aggression. I see him one day being an off-leash dog that is desensitized by humans and animals! Thank you Reina and Dog Training Elite! I wouldn’t trade this professionalism for anything!
  • Brittney Berger
    Mar. 24, 2025
    Signing up for dog training with Dog Training Elite was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made! Cosima, Parker and Reina are so knowledgeable and kind. Our Newfoundland pup Ginny is now responsive to commands, and gentle on the leash thanks to what we have learned from our sessions. It has been so nice to have the confidence that our dog won’t jump on other people, or pull hard on walks! Thank you Dog Training Elite Nashville!😊
  • Miguel Herrera
    Mar. 18, 2025
    I am not overstating when I say the training has changed our lives. We have 2 mini Australian Shepards that were on high alert 24/7. They are so much calmer and happier now. They can relax and they understand what we are telling them to do. The trainers were all great. We worked with 4 different ones and they were all professional, patient, and very helpful. I would recommend this company to anyone needing help with their dog.
  • Martin Vukel
    Mar. 11, 2025
    This place really helped with my German Shepherd Great Pyrenees mix. He was very stubborn but quickly picked up on the training with Parker, Cosima and Reina!
  • Hobey Jiranek
    Mar. 11, 2025
    We’ve had a great experience working with Dog Training Elite. Their entire team is kind, passionate, and knowledgeable and I definitely recommend checking them out for dog training needs.
  • Scotty C
    Mar. 8, 2025
    Very professional and personable, prompt to the evaluation. Parker did a great job walking us through the process!
  • Rebecca King
    Mar. 7, 2025
    Parker has completely changed my dog! Toby has only had 4 sessions and it’s already like night and day. Toby is 10 years old and this past month is the first time he has been relaxed and calm when I answer the door and let someone in. He’s way less agitated and territorial. Allowing my brother to even give me a hug in the past has been a trigger for aggression, but now it’s like he doesn’t care. He’s not worried. I am in shock at how well this is going and I’m excited for the future. Toby’s life has completely changed because of Parker and his trainers. Thank you guys!!
  • Sam Rapp
    Feb. 20, 2025
    Parker, Montana, and all of the trainers are subject matter experts and great human beings!
  • Addee Hunt
    Feb. 14, 2025
    Amazing experience with Parker and the entire team at Dog Training Elite! It was the best thing for our family to do dog training with our dog, Jersie!
  • Cory Hunt
    Feb. 14, 2025
    Our goldendoodle Jersie had some basic training when she was a pup but she would still jump on people and bark when guests would come over or when others would walk past our home. We worked with Parker for a couple months and have been sooo happy with the results! She will finally do what we ask on a consistent basis and is much easier for us when we have people over! Highly recommend Parker
  • Dawn McDonnell
    Feb. 8, 2025
    Montana is wonderful! She truly changed the dynamic of our relationship with our dog Ryley.
  • Amanda Goins
    Feb. 7, 2025
    Montana did a fantastic job helping with our new puppy, Lucy. She worked with Lucy and us on how to get her to stop nipping at our fingers and toes and it worked perfectly. Helping me work on basic obedience and making Lucy know I was the one in control and not her. She really set us up to having a happy, healthy pup! I would recommend her to EVERYONE! She went above and beyond!
A Dog Training Elite Central Nashville owner smiling with his dog in Nashville, TN.

Dog Training Elite Central 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 Central 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 Central Nashville - PTSD Service Dog Training in Nashville. Dog Training Elite Central Nashville
PTSD Service Dog

If you're looking to train a PTSD service dog in Nashville, 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 Central Nashville - Psychiatric Service Dog Trainers in Nashville
Psychiatric Service Dog Training

Our psychiatric service dog training in Nashville, 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 Central Nashville - Mobility Service Dog in Nashville, TN. Dog Training Elite
Mobility Support Service Dog

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

Dog Training Elite Central Nashville - Autism Support Dog Training in Nashville, TN
Autism Support Service Dog

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

Dog Training Elite Central 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 Central 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 Central 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 Nashville, TN with Dog Training Elite.

We Are Committed to Making a Difference

Choose DTE for Nashville Service Dog Training

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