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Service Dog Training Near You
What makes a dog a service dog? Who can have a service dog, and why? We answer all these questions and more, as well as explain what sets Dog Training Elite in Orlando apart from any other dog training service.
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite in Orlando location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
Service Dog Training FAQs
What makes a dog a service dog?
Service dogs are dogs that have been specially trained to assist their handler or owner with specific tasks. Dog Training Elite in Orlando trains dogs to assist people with epilepsy, diabetes, PTSD, autism, and various mental illnesses.
Who are service dogs for?
Service dogs are for any individual dealing with a disability that lowers their quality of life. For example, someone who suffers from epilepsy may avoid going out in public due to a fear of falling or other consequences related to seizures. This may inhibit their independence and sense of well-being.
In addition to improving the lives of individuals, service dogs can bring a sense of security to families, such as families with autistic children. Children with autism can often feel isolated and a service dog becomes a 24/7 companion to share experiences with, connect with and love. They can also help children reintegrate into society and connect with others.
Families who have children with autism experience a decrease in stress as they are more able to engage socially in public settings and experience less anxiety at home. A service dog increases safety and has a calming presence that can minimize emotional outbursts, allowing the family to feel more secure and a child with autism to better participate in family activities.
Service dogs are for all individuals or families that are experiencing a decrease in quality of life due to disability.
What kind of training does a service dog need?
Service dog training begins with puppies. Dog Training Elite in Orlando’s service puppy training program works with breeders to adopt puppies that are fully obedience trained by six months and are ready to undergo extensive socialization and additional training to ensure they are well-suited for service and therapy needs.
Then, Dog Training Elite in Orlando places puppies with families or individuals. Further specialized service training takes place alongside the new handler. It generally takes 1-2 years for a service dog to become fully trained.
Service dog training focuses on two main areas: public access behaviors, and how to “do work or perform tasks” that assist with a disability.
Public access behaviors refer to how a service dog acts in public - well-trained service dogs remain calm in public situations and in turn help their handlers to stay calm, and are attuned to any other handler needs.
As for “do work or perform tasks,” the ADA requires that service dogs be trained to take a specific action when needed to assist the person with a disability.
For example, to assist handlers with PTSD, Dog Training Elite in Orlando trains dogs to de-escalate anxiety, wake handlers experiencing night terrors, and so on.
Do service dogs require special certification?
The ADA does not require special certification for service animals. State and local government agencies, businesses and non-profit organizations may not require documentation, such as proof that the animal has been certified, trained or licensed as a service animal, as a condition for entry. Mandatory registration of service animals in the city of residence is also not permissible under the ADA.
However, service animals are not exempt from local animal control or public health requirements, such as vaccinations, or local dog licensing and registration requirements.
Why should I train my service dog with Dog Training Elite in Orlando?
Dog Training Elite in Orlando sets itself apart from other dog training methods by focusing on positive reinforcement with a personalized, in-home approach. This method empowers owners and handlers to be an integral part of the process for sustained dog obedience and service training. For service dogs especially, it is important that handlers be present and involved every step of the way.
The positive reinforcement approach, also referred to as “Classical Conditioning” or the “Pavlovian” model has shown to be more effective with longer lasting results than any other training method.
Dog Training Elite in Orlando does not use punishments or shock collars to break bad habits. Instead, Dog Training Elite in Orlando pairs positive reinforcement training with a vibration electronic collar. An electronic collar is not a shock collar and does not harm the dog. It is used to gain the dog’s attention, similar to a tug on a leash. It is never used as a punishment for bad behavior.
Another unique aspect of training with Dog Training Elite in Orlando is that while most dog training programs train dogs at their own facilities, Dog Training Elite in Orlando specializes in in-home training, customizing training to the dog, its owners and its environment for long-lasting success.
Positive Reinforcement Training
Training takes time, commitment and balance and Dog Training Elite in Orlando is there every step of the way. With Dog Training Elite in Orlando, dogs will learn the highest level of obedience, even in the face of the toughest level of distractions. The positive-reinforcement method focuses on encouraging good behavior through ongoing praise, creating a dog that wants to please from the inside out and creating deep-rooted, sustained obedience as well as a strong bond between dog and owner.
Our Balanced Theory
We base our training around the "Classical Conditioning" model (a.k.a. "Pavlovian" or "respondent conditioning"). This includes developing conditioned or automatic reflexes to commands. In its simplest form (after proper conditioning), when the owner says "sit," the dog automatically sits without thinking about it. Our unique techniques ensure our program is a success no matter what behavior we encounter.
Empowering Owners
We empower owners to train so their dog knows who to obey at all times.
Personalized
We deal with problem behaviors on a personal basis.
Environment Specific
We train wherever issues tend to arise (i.e. jogging, park, home).
Supportive
We support owners in the off-hours (when training is "not in session").
Involved
We work with all members of the household.
Simplified & Customized
We plan training around the owner's schedule and require only 20 min/day follow-up practice.
Continued Training
Additional programs / group sessions offered after in-home training.
Lifetime Investment
We follow up & are invested in the owner's success long-term.
Satisfaction Ratings
Our high client satisfaction rating sets us apart from competitors.
clas·si·cal con·di·tion·ing PSYCHOLOGY noun A learning process that occurs when two stimuli are repeatedly paired; a response that is at first elicited by the second stimulus and is eventually elicited by the first stimulus alone.
We help your dog become a valued companion and beloved member of the family. Read what our customers have to say and then give us a call!
Craig is a definite must as a trainer if you need help with your dog. I HIGHLY recommend his company, Craig is professional, patient, kind and courteous with not only your beloved dog, but also you the owner. My stubborn Yorkie has made so much improvement so far in the four weeks of working with Craig. More to come.— Sandy Nicol
Posted June 20th 2024
I cannot say enough about Dog Training Elite. We knew we had the potential of a great dog in our Ozzie but we needed help in reassuring him that we had things under control so that he could relax and not be so reactive and Maria with her home visits and Chelsea and Cheyenne with the groups classes helped us do just that. I’m not exaggerating when I say it’s been a complete lifestyle change for us. He’s great on walks, can be around other dogs without reacting, and we can take him with us to the park and kids activities on the weekends. This program is worth every penny and has allowed Ozzie to live out his full potential. I highly recommend!— Megan Hoyer
Posted June 18th 2024
Chelsea, Cheyenne, and Maria are absolutely incredible. We had tried other local trainers but still had a puppy whose behavior was frustrating and unmanageable. After working with DTE it is like I have a brand new dog! This crew is extremely knowledgeable and takes a personalized approach when it comes to your dog. Their communication skills are top-notch and their dog training services are even better. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite Orlando and look forward to using then again when we add another pup to our family!— Emily Marosi
Posted June 18th 2024
Love Dog Training Elite! Our dog, Fiddler, began being unpredictable with other dogs and pulled on the leash like crazy, so it was difficult to take her anywhere. Now, thanks to Dog Training Elite, we can take Fiddler on all of our adventures without any worry! Fiddler loves it!— Stephanie Murphy
Posted June 18th 2024
Cheyenne,Chelsea and Maria are all AMAZING!!! They really have helped our puppy Lucy learn the basics for training and safety!!! We are looking forward to booking the next level at some point 🩷— teach326
Posted June 18th 2024
Chelsea, Cheyenne, and Maria are excellent dog trainers. Upon meeting them you instantly know working with dogs is their passion. My little puggle, Maggie, is adorable but was a “hot mess” when it came to behavior. Maria worked with us in home and within a few lessens she was much better behaved. She loves people and didn’t understand that not everyone loves her, her jumping on people has stopped. The group walks in Winter Garden and obedience training in Phelps has helped further improve her listening and behavior. She’s learned how to behave around other dogs and people. I’m considering taking her training to the next level with their therapy dog training. I highly recommend this team for your dog training needs.— Milissa Burger
Posted June 18th 2024
Dog training Elite was top Kotch. We loved working one on one with Maria! She was calm and friendly. Gave us all her expertise with training our little mini Goldendoodle Kopper. He has a lot of energy so all her techniques have been so helpful. We look forward to group classes. Looking for a trainer look no further hire them!— Dominique Aro - Zebrowski
Posted June 18th 2024
Update 6/18/24: I am incredibly grateful for Dog Training Elite Orlando. The progress has been remarkable, and their support is outstanding. Whenever I have a question, they are always available to help Ella (my dog) and me navigate through it. Ella is now 11 months. Chelsea, Cheyenne, and Maria are amazing. My 5-month-old Golden Retriever is thriving, and it's all thanks to them. As a service dog in training, she is receiving the best care and guidance from this team. I am extremely appreciative of their dedication and expertise.— Yassairah Gonzalez
Posted December 11th 2023
Chelsea and Cheyenne from Dog Training Elite were incredible. I have a dog, Bama, that I was nervous to even sign up for training due to his fear-based aggression, especially with strangers. Long story short he is a rescue that was abused most of his younger life. He only likes 5 people. His life is very limited because of this. Chelsea put all my worries at ease. She came well equipped with different tools so that we could move past the aggression and actually focus on training. She wasn't even phased by his behavior and was incredibly professional and helpful. After a few sessions, Chelsea even brought her own dog so we could work on Bama’s reactivity. She literally thought of everything and made it so seamless and 100% worthwhile. I have gone through many different training companies- the whole board and train, a dog “therapist,” I’ve even tried medication. You name it I’ve tried it. I’ve spent so much money looking for help for him. And this is the first time I felt I actually got it! I am so thankful for the work they did with him, all the ways they taught me how to continue to train with him, and the breakthroughs we have continued to experience even after the 1 on 1 training ended. I feel like his life is slowly starting to open up and he’s going to be able to actually live a worthwhile life thanks to them and their help. I really can’t say enough good things about their team and recommend them to everyone I know!— Jaymee Comer
Posted June 4th 2024
We reached out to this lovely group of trainers to assist us with basic training for our two pups, we also learned from them about advanced training for one of our pups to better assist me (the hubby) with my PTSD, anxiety and a couple other issues from my deployments since one of our pups were naturally already alerting in her own way to me when I was having issues. We didn’t realize that we had reached out to an amazing team that has helped us step by step even on bad days get to where we are today with certain things, they have grown on us so much there like family and will furever be in the pack guiding us even further down the line. Mrs Maria was are main in home trainer and with her help and time we learned simple things to make lives challenges easier, don’t get me wrong the Bosses are amazing too and seeing them at group helped us out in other ways that made training fun and easy not like some job. All I know is without this amazing team we wouldn’t be doing some of the things I struggle with and making it a little easier at night. I highly recommend this team to any veteran out there wishing to have assist from the ease of there home with there best friend at home to make life’s challenges easier for you. Aaron S.— Jennifer Stapleton
Posted June 3rd 2024
My dog is a rescue puppy and had every issue in the book. Dog Training elite implemented structure and obedience into my hazel and she’s never been better. Cannot recommended enough to friends and family.— Zachary Underwood
Posted May 24th 2024
We researched quite a few training programs and since choosing Dog training Elite Orlando they have been amazing! Maria has been our at home trainer and she is very kind, informative, patient and funny at times. We just went to our first group training and it was very interactive and you get to see other dogs on all levels of training. Sarge is learning a lot and is becoming a very well behaved boy.— Valerie Fife
Posted May 20th 2024
Wonderful experience Craig very professional & our 14 month Uma , aWoodle responded well to the commands & I was quite pleased!— Diane Warren
Posted May 14th 2024
We had Maria for our in home trainer and she is a gem! She is able train the handler as well as the doggy. Her calm, assertive, and at times funny delivery is amazing. The use of the E-collar to communicate (not punish) is a great tool. Our group lessons with Chelsea, Cheyenne, & Maria are informative and fun. Our Great Dane- Nebula is really becoming the dog we knew she could be without losing her personality.— Jason Diana
Posted May 8th 2024
If I could give 10 stars for Dog Training Elite, I would! I was so nervous about my baby Bella going thru this and our trainer, Maria, was the perfect fit for our family. She truly has a gift from God for these dogs. She made the training fun for our family. My Bella loved Maria! She is no longer jumping on people when they come in the door. We finally can have our life back and start having people over again. She isn't pulling on the leash anymore so our walks are so much more enjoyable and safe. I am so thrilled with our experience with Dog Training Elite!— Jill Davis
Posted May 3rd 2024
Dog Training Elite Orlando is truly a life saver. I have a 10 month old Rottweiler pitbull mix, who was very reactive. He used to have explosive barking and lunging fits at dogs, people, kids, skateboards, bikes, and motorcycles. The two week boarding program is the best money I’ve ever spent. I can finally enjoy the best parts of having a dog with out worrying about someone getting injured. He has an arsenal of commands now and is able to walk off leash even with all of his previous triggers visible to him, at the same time. To be honest and give fair warning, I got lucky I signed him up when he was young and he’s a very smart dog. So my advice would be to take action as soon as possible but to keep your expectations reasonable because every dog is different. But if you’re in need of help, like I was, this is the place to go to. I was helped by Cheyenne but I’m sure everyone apart of this organization is professional and experienced in dog training.— Ryan McGuiness
Posted April 18th 2024
I can’t say enough great things about the programs offered from Dog Training Elite! I rescued Kai, my boxer/pit mix, and right from the start DTE was so supportive in starting his training and working towards giving him the best life possible. I am amazed with how quickly Kai is progressing, and even after the first few weeks he is tremendously better behaved. All the trainers are excellent, and Maria did a fantastic job working with Kai and myself directly, teaching both of us how to properly train! I’m excited to continue working with Kai and all the trainers with DTE on his training journey. Highly recommend!— Anthony Leary
Posted April 9th 2024
I recently had the pleasure of working with Dog Training Elite North Orlando for my new puppy, and I couldn't be happier with the experience. Craig came directly to my house, which was incredibly convenient and made the training process feel very personalized. Craig was knowledgeable, patient, and clearly passionate about helping both my puppy and me. He taught me a variety of tips and tricks for house training that have been absolutely invaluable. I highly recommend his services to any new dog owners out there looking for effective, compassionate training assistance."— Sarah Ragland
Posted April 6th 2024
Roscoe is 9 years old and still learning we have been working with Craig excellent trainer We are able to walk with very little reaction now and also meet up with other dogs. Always training Mini Australian Shepard very smart.— Sharon Hallman
Posted March 26th 2024
I have never been so impressed by a dog training company before these guys. When I first started thinking about a service dog, I had no idea what it would be like. As I met staff (Chelsea, Cheyanne, Maria, and the rest of the crew) they listened to my needs and gave their hearts beyond my expectations. All my hopes were fulfilled and then some., Dog Training Elite Orlando has been nothing but by my side this whole year during the training process with my now Service dog, Raven”. I can say that I have been truly blessed ❤️ Thank you all! You are the best in my book, 😊👍— Sean Meskimen
Posted March 17th 2024
Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation
At Dog Training Elite in Orlando, we believe that Service Dogs save lives. It is our mission to make these life-saving companions available to our Veterans, First Responders, Women Survivors, and Children with Medical Needs. Whether it be for PTSD, Mobility Support, or Special Needs, Dog Training Elite in Orlando works with the Malinois Foundation to heal and empower these individuals with a specialized service animal, a partner in life, and a new best friend.