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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 Salt Lake City apart from any other dog training service.
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City’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 Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City?
Dog Training Elite Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City does not use punishments or shock collars to break bad habits. Instead, Dog Training Elite Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City is that while most dog training programs train dogs at their own facilities, Dog Training Elite Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City is there every step of the way. With Dog Training Elite Salt Lake City, 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!
Dallin was professional in explaining the available programs -- without any pressure to "buy-up." I recently brought a 4y and 4m old Berner into my home. They exhibited their full range to him -- vocalization, jumpy, calm, puppy biting, and their need for attention. My animals quickly showed they were comfortable with him -- and he with them. We are looking forward to engaging in the 2w camp program!! Our vet is also delighted we have decided on this company/this program as a great fit!— Rachel Parent
Posted September 27th 2024
We love our home sessions with Dallin. We learn so much each visit.— Rosanne Gerrard
Posted September 25th 2024
Great direction for me and a fun and structured atmosphere during training for my dog Phoenix!— tracy brickner
Posted September 24th 2024
The trainer was great. He was able to train me... and Juno (my Bernese) as well. We have gone from a dog with little obedience to a dog that walks without a leash. Something I didn't expect, the bonds between Juno and me are stronger.— Tim Rose
Posted September 14th 2024
I have loved DTE and will happily recommend them to my friends and neighbors. They are professional, but also friendly and down to earth. We have loved the trainers we’ve worked with equally. Jeff is awesome! Our pup has loved him, and so do we. He is very knowledgeable and has helped us tremendously. Dallin is the best too! He is so gentle and friendly with our sweet dog, and we love his style. Our lives are so much better thanks to DTE and we are so happy with their service.— Caroline Morris
Posted August 29th 2024
Truly couldn’t recommend Dog Training Elite enough. I had a very reactive “aggressive” puppy that I was very close to dropping off at the pound and running as far as I could. I did the puppy den program and I have a completely different dog. He is sweet, loves other dogs and people, is confident and so well behaved. Jeff, Dalin, and Jake are Amazing and so so knowledgeable. They gave me all the tools that I could practice at home to be successful in training Billy. The in home training was so helpful. They were always right on time and attentive to what we needed help with. They continue to give me support with any questions or anything I’ve needed. Scheduling and communication has been awesome as well. Definitely worth the investment! There’s nothing better than a well behaved puppy/dog! So grateful for every single one of them!— Lara Draper
Posted July 16th 2024
Banjo and I have been part of the DTE family for over a year. We love everyone there! Every single person there is so knowledgeable and truly knows what is best for Banjo and myself. I can’t say enough nice things about DTE and will always reccomend them for any of your training needs. I’m truly grateful for everything they’ve done for me and Banjo!— Amanda Downes
Posted July 15th 2024
Dallin, dog training elite, frankly all the employees we’ve worked with or that have worked with our puppy coco have been fantastic. We’re new to the puppy/dog ownership process and dog training elite came highly recommend from dear friends of ours. We had an assessment and then opted for the whole den puppy package. Whether it’s been the flexibility and willingness to accommodate when I’ve needed to change appointment times, or making sure my questions and concerns are answered and addressed and proper techniques taught with each visit, our experience has been amazing. The trainers and facility staff have always been very professional and it’s been a delight anytime Dallin or Jeff have come to our home. They have given me the confidence to know how to train a dog and frankly that we can be a dog family and that everyone, including little coco, can thrive and be successful. We would highly recommend dog training elite to anyone looking for stellar dog training.— Joseph Wixom
Posted July 7th 2024
I have loved working with Dog Training Elite! The dog trainers truly care for the dogs and cater to their needs. The therapy dog program is amazing and has been very rewarding. Investing in my dog and sending him to dog training elite has been the best!— Andrea Jensen
Posted July 3rd 2024
Dog training elite is an amazing operation. The staff is very friendly and really cares about their clients and pets. My dog Kona has done amazing, from their training. She can go into public places, sit, down, place, and heel. She has become very obedient. They have also helped her become very social with other dogs. I have complete confidence in her safety and health while she is in their care.— zac barber
Posted July 3rd 2024
Amazing! Professional trainers who take all the time and effort their clients need to make sure each dog is trained and performing beautifully! DTE is worth every penny! Each trainer is top-notch and cares for each dog with love and respect. I give DTE a 100 out of 100 and recommend that every dog owner should show their love for their pups by ensuring the very best training for every stage of life. My heart felt thanks to the trainers at Dog Training Elite! I don't have the words to express my gratitude for the results. In 7 months, my pup transformed from a scared rescue to my loyal service dog who obeys and loves her family completely. 🥰👍 my life is forever changed! THANK YOU ALL!— Matt Prentice
Posted May 27th 2024
We have two small dogs with lots of energy, fear of larger dogs and people, and barkiness! The trainers at Dog Training Elite were so knowledgeable about how to approach their individual issues. After two weeks of training, we were amazed at the transformation. Our pups are much more confident, obedient, and willing to learn new skills. They are still young and have more to learn, so we are grateful for the continuing group classes and in home sessions. Thank you to Jake, McCall, Jeff and Dallin for all their help and patience with us and our pups!— Jonathan and Marisa Schwartz
Posted May 2nd 2024
I had an extremely positive experience with Dog Training Elite and Jeff. My dog is able to comfortably go on hikes off leash and is happier than ever.— Zachary Kriesberg
Posted May 1st 2024
I love Dobermans my 10 year old passed away so I just got a rescue, she was mistreated and very reactive ,my standard training practices were not working.Jeff the trainer has rescued us. Don’t fear the e collar this has been the easiest fastest safest way I have ever trained a dog Thank u so much Jeff— Lori Barker
Posted April 11th 2024
DTE has been absolutely fantastic over the past couple years. Their staff is responsive, friendly, and professional. They are prompt to address any questions or concerns and always put in their full effort to help in any way they can. I've trained three dogs with them, and every time it's a wonderful experience!— Bryce Magera
Posted March 25th 2024
Great instructors who are knowledgeable and friendly. A much better value for your money, as they include group classes in the total price. Highly recommend!— Bethany Foster
Posted February 23rd 2024
Jake and McCall were amazing, Intuitive, patient and knowledgeable. We always thought our boy was not the brightest bulb, but Jake saw right through his deception and let us know he was lazy and stubborn and how we could work with him. We came home with a new dog and the tools to keep training him at home. Elite is worth every penny.— Scott Hester-Johnson
Posted February 21st 2024
Dog Training Elite has changed my puppy from an obnoxious pain to the dream dog I hoped he could be. Evans work showed me not only the capability of my dog but the potential and love my puppy has. I cound not be happier with the training and the trainers. They are over the top amazing.— Bob Widrick
Posted January 29th 2024
DTE totally changed my dogs behavior and there staff are amazing. Highly recommended them— Justin Newsome
Posted January 26th 2024