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

Service Dog Training in Nashville, TN

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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.

See Training Packages
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

  • Cameron Simmons
    Jun. 9, 2025
    Montana, Liam and the whole Elite team have been amazing!! Praline and I love working with them!
  • AL C
    Jun. 8, 2025
    I was looking for training for my puppies! My girls were so energetic and jumpy. Very quickly DTE got my pups down and listening! Their pricing is worth every minute they spent training with them. The results are long lasting and guaranteed! Thanks Parker -
  • Ashlynne Kirkland
    Jun. 8, 2025
    Absolutely amazing!! The best dog trainers out there. Definitely money well spent. Parker was a pleasure to work with and he makes sure to pay special attention to detail and will leave you feeling confident in your ability to carry on what they teach. My Blaze went from temperamental to obedient and we have been closer than ever! He no longer gets snippy at people and listens well. I would 1000% recommend.
  • Darin Barber
    Jun. 8, 2025
    Dog Training Elite and Parker helped me take my dog from an anxious wreck to an obedient rockstar. I watched him grow in confidence every time he came to our house for a session. I would definitely recommend their dog training services!
  • Victoria McCullough
    Jun. 8, 2025
    Liam is an excellent trainer! He really helped tailor the lessons to help us better understand and respond to our reactive and sometimes aggressive dog. If you are stressed or frustrated around dog training, highly recommend Dog Training Elite!
  • Avery Profancik
    Jun. 2, 2025
    I loved my experience using Dog Training Elite! My dog used to bark, pull, and jump at other dogs in the house and on walks, and now is so well mannered and obedient. The Dog Training Elite program in Nashville is top tier.
  • Luke Vosti
    Jun. 2, 2025
    Parker is an amazing dog trainer! My dog never listened or obeyed commands but after some patient and diligent work in Nashville my dog no longer feels like a nuisance to take out in public.
  • irelyn willden
    Jun. 2, 2025
    So glad that we decided to do dog training! My dog used to bark at everyone and jump up on them whenever they came in the house but now he has the best manners! He’s so good to guests and really is so much more obedient! Our experience with Dog Training Elite in Nashville was the best and I’m so glad we did it!
  • Abagail Ferguson
    Jun. 2, 2025
    I’m so grateful that my husband and I decided to train my dog with Parker and Dog training elite Nashville! We would try to take our dog for walks which never went well because he would bark and try to chase after other dogs. After training, he now walks right by our sides and doesn’t try to run away or bark.
  • Tanner Wilson
    Jun. 2, 2025
    This place really works. My dog is very obedient now thanks to their program. We struggled with my dogs listening but not anymore. Would recommend
  • Joseph Smith
    Jun. 2, 2025
    Parker with Dog Training Elite has was amazing for my little guy bolt! He was very loud and unpredictable from a pup, but after working with these guys, he was able to calm down and be more loving. Very obedient and only barks in certain circumstances. Very satisfied with the service and price!
  • cheyenne kane
    May. 31, 2025
    Our dog Winston grew and learned so so much with DTE!! Winston was a VERY stubborn dog and they truly were a blessing when it came to working with him and giving him the patience he needed with training. We are grateful they worked with not only him but trained us as well on anything ranging from not pulling on walks, taking things out of peoples hands, bolting out the door, etc. They were very accommodating and listened to ALL of our concerns and absolutely everything was addressed very thoroughly. We had looked into dozens of training centers and I am glad we chose DTE! They set you up for success that goes far after the training sessions end. It has been a pleasure to watch Winston grow from a very scared/anxious dog with resource aggression into a dog who is so confident with himself and has so so much obedience and respect for other people/animals space and boundaries.
  • Remy Rendeiro
    May. 30, 2025
    We did so much research for dog training, and this team is the absolute BEST!!! So incredibly helpful and flexible, and they gave us the attention, tools, and e-collar training we needed to transform our pup Ida into the best dog in the world. We worked with Liam and Parker the most, and they’re amazing—truly so knowledgeable and patient. Everyone here is so kind and experts at what they do, and their results speak for themselves!!! Thank you!!
  • Natalie Watson
    May. 27, 2025
    We've had a great experience with Dog Training Elite! The training has been simple and straightforward and our mini Aussie Ruby has learned so much - we would highly recommend to all of our friends and family!
  • Jim Finley
    May. 27, 2025
    I would definitely recommend this dog training program to anyone. My beagle, Cooper, is a stubborn hound and now he listens to me all of the time and I feel like he is much safer for it. I am so thankful to Parker and his team for delivering such amazing dog training right to my home in the Nashville area.
  • Kim Finley
    May. 27, 2025
    I loved my experience with Parker and Dog Training Elite. I have a beagle named Cooper who would never leave us alone at the dinner table and now he is the most polite little man. I would recommend them to anyone in the Nashville area for dog training
  • Allie Haslam
    May. 26, 2025
    Hiring Dog Training Elite has truly been one of the best decisions we have ever made! Both my Pitbull and German Shepard were out of control. They would jump on guests and bark uncontrollably. Now after training it has made the biggest difference! My dogs now walk on a leash nicely and are so good with guests! If you are looking for a dog trainer in Nashville for sure give them a call! Thank you dog training elite.
  • Reyn Haslam
    May. 26, 2025
    It did not know having a well behaved dog was even possible through training! I thought it was just luck if you got a good dog. My dogs used to be out of control. They would bolt out of the front door, counter surf, and dig in the back yard. Now my dogs are so well behaved. They listen on and off leash, are amazing with guests, and know obedience commands really well. Dog training elite are the best dog trainers in Nashville
  • Michelle Cannon
    May. 20, 2025
    We live in Brentwood, and contacted Dog Training Elite for help with our new puppy!! We have grandchildren and needed some help for our puppy to be able to play nicely with kids. Parker and his team were SO helpful and patient answering all of our questions and completely transforming our dog. My dog now stays by my side on walks, plays nicely with the kids (no biting or barking), stays off of our counters and couches. Our experience was 100/10, we couldn’t recommend Parker and his team at Dog Training Elite enough!!
  • Bailey Burden Kroff
    May. 19, 2025
    Great experience all around! I would recommend to all my friends and family!
  • Cameron Simmons
    Jun. 9, 2025
    Montana, Liam and the whole Elite team have been amazing!! Praline and I love working with them!
  • AL C
    Jun. 8, 2025
    I was looking for training for my puppies! My girls were so energetic and jumpy. Very quickly DTE got my pups down and listening! Their pricing is worth every minute they spent training with them. The results are long lasting and guaranteed! Thanks Parker -
  • Ashlynne Kirkland
    Jun. 8, 2025
    Absolutely amazing!! The best dog trainers out there. Definitely money well spent. Parker was a pleasure to work with and he makes sure to pay special attention to detail and will leave you feeling confident in your ability to carry on what they teach. My Blaze went from temperamental to obedient and we have been closer than ever! He no longer gets snippy at people and listens well. I would 1000% recommend.
  • Darin Barber
    Jun. 8, 2025
    Dog Training Elite and Parker helped me take my dog from an anxious wreck to an obedient rockstar. I watched him grow in confidence every time he came to our house for a session. I would definitely recommend their dog training services!
  • Victoria McCullough
    Jun. 8, 2025
    Liam is an excellent trainer! He really helped tailor the lessons to help us better understand and respond to our reactive and sometimes aggressive dog. If you are stressed or frustrated around dog training, highly recommend Dog Training Elite!
  • Avery Profancik
    Jun. 2, 2025
    I loved my experience using Dog Training Elite! My dog used to bark, pull, and jump at other dogs in the house and on walks, and now is so well mannered and obedient. The Dog Training Elite program in Nashville is top tier.
  • Luke Vosti
    Jun. 2, 2025
    Parker is an amazing dog trainer! My dog never listened or obeyed commands but after some patient and diligent work in Nashville my dog no longer feels like a nuisance to take out in public.
  • irelyn willden
    Jun. 2, 2025
    So glad that we decided to do dog training! My dog used to bark at everyone and jump up on them whenever they came in the house but now he has the best manners! He’s so good to guests and really is so much more obedient! Our experience with Dog Training Elite in Nashville was the best and I’m so glad we did it!
  • Abagail Ferguson
    Jun. 2, 2025
    I’m so grateful that my husband and I decided to train my dog with Parker and Dog training elite Nashville! We would try to take our dog for walks which never went well because he would bark and try to chase after other dogs. After training, he now walks right by our sides and doesn’t try to run away or bark.
  • Tanner Wilson
    Jun. 2, 2025
    This place really works. My dog is very obedient now thanks to their program. We struggled with my dogs listening but not anymore. Would recommend
  • Joseph Smith
    Jun. 2, 2025
    Parker with Dog Training Elite has was amazing for my little guy bolt! He was very loud and unpredictable from a pup, but after working with these guys, he was able to calm down and be more loving. Very obedient and only barks in certain circumstances. Very satisfied with the service and price!
  • cheyenne kane
    May. 31, 2025
    Our dog Winston grew and learned so so much with DTE!! Winston was a VERY stubborn dog and they truly were a blessing when it came to working with him and giving him the patience he needed with training. We are grateful they worked with not only him but trained us as well on anything ranging from not pulling on walks, taking things out of peoples hands, bolting out the door, etc. They were very accommodating and listened to ALL of our concerns and absolutely everything was addressed very thoroughly. We had looked into dozens of training centers and I am glad we chose DTE! They set you up for success that goes far after the training sessions end. It has been a pleasure to watch Winston grow from a very scared/anxious dog with resource aggression into a dog who is so confident with himself and has so so much obedience and respect for other people/animals space and boundaries.
  • Remy Rendeiro
    May. 30, 2025
    We did so much research for dog training, and this team is the absolute BEST!!! So incredibly helpful and flexible, and they gave us the attention, tools, and e-collar training we needed to transform our pup Ida into the best dog in the world. We worked with Liam and Parker the most, and they’re amazing—truly so knowledgeable and patient. Everyone here is so kind and experts at what they do, and their results speak for themselves!!! Thank you!!
  • Natalie Watson
    May. 27, 2025
    We've had a great experience with Dog Training Elite! The training has been simple and straightforward and our mini Aussie Ruby has learned so much - we would highly recommend to all of our friends and family!
  • Jim Finley
    May. 27, 2025
    I would definitely recommend this dog training program to anyone. My beagle, Cooper, is a stubborn hound and now he listens to me all of the time and I feel like he is much safer for it. I am so thankful to Parker and his team for delivering such amazing dog training right to my home in the Nashville area.
  • Kim Finley
    May. 27, 2025
    I loved my experience with Parker and Dog Training Elite. I have a beagle named Cooper who would never leave us alone at the dinner table and now he is the most polite little man. I would recommend them to anyone in the Nashville area for dog training
  • Allie Haslam
    May. 26, 2025
    Hiring Dog Training Elite has truly been one of the best decisions we have ever made! Both my Pitbull and German Shepard were out of control. They would jump on guests and bark uncontrollably. Now after training it has made the biggest difference! My dogs now walk on a leash nicely and are so good with guests! If you are looking for a dog trainer in Nashville for sure give them a call! Thank you dog training elite.
  • Reyn Haslam
    May. 26, 2025
    It did not know having a well behaved dog was even possible through training! I thought it was just luck if you got a good dog. My dogs used to be out of control. They would bolt out of the front door, counter surf, and dig in the back yard. Now my dogs are so well behaved. They listen on and off leash, are amazing with guests, and know obedience commands really well. Dog training elite are the best dog trainers in Nashville
  • Michelle Cannon
    May. 20, 2025
    We live in Brentwood, and contacted Dog Training Elite for help with our new puppy!! We have grandchildren and needed some help for our puppy to be able to play nicely with kids. Parker and his team were SO helpful and patient answering all of our questions and completely transforming our dog. My dog now stays by my side on walks, plays nicely with the kids (no biting or barking), stays off of our counters and couches. Our experience was 100/10, we couldn’t recommend Parker and his team at Dog Training Elite enough!!
  • Bailey Burden Kroff
    May. 19, 2025
    Great experience all around! I would recommend to all my friends and family!
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, TN. DTE

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 Training in Nashville, TN

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 Training in Nashville, TN

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 - Seizure Response Dog Training in Nashville, TN

Medical Response Dog Training

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

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.