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Over the past decade there has been a rise in the number of people with Emotional Support Animals. This has caused some confusion around what it means to have a service, emotional support or therapy animal . Here, we explain briefly the differences between each of these animals, the training required for each different type, and debunk some common myths. Read on to learn the differences between each type of animal, which one might be right for you or your loved one, and how Dog Training Elite Springfield can help.
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Springfield location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
ESA vs. Therapy vs. Service Animals: What's the Difference?
Service Animals
Service animals are animals that have been trained to assist individuals with tasks specific to their needs.
- Redirecting attention when an individual is beginning to feel overstimulated
- Reminding owners to take medication
- Waking someone who is having a nightmare
Service dogs are valued in the mental health, health care and disability community and are protected under ADA laws which allow owners to take their service dog with them everywhere they go. Dog Training Elite Springfield trains dogs to serve individuals with autism, diabetes and PTSD.
Dog Training Elite Springfield trains autism service dogs to benefit and assist children with autism. Autism service dogs can be trained to track their child in case of wandering and redirect a child’s behavior when they are starting to become overwhelmed.
PTSD service dogs help ground owners to reality, especially in public settings. These service dogs can also be trained to recognize signs of a panic attack and regulate emotional responses through pressure.
Diabetic service dogs can alert their owners to their low blood sugar and provide stability, safety and support.
Visit our individual web pages to understand more about the differences and benefits of autism service dogs, PTSD services dogs and diabetic service dogs.
Emotional Support Animals
Although all dog owners may feel the emotional benefits of owning a dog, the dog needs to be prescribed by a licensed mental health professional to a person with a disabling mental illness such as anxiety or depression to legally be considered an ESA. Emotional Support dogs can be of any age and any breed whereas service dogs usually begin training as puppies.
In addition to being prescribed by a mental health professional, owners may wish for their dog to undergo more specific training. If you are looking for emotional support dog training in your local area, Dog Training Elite Springfield has you covered.
The professional dog trainers of Dog Training Elite Springfield are experienced with training various types of therapy animals. Trainers work with a dog’s natural temperament to ensure a strong, loving bond between dog and owner. Training can be personalized to fit the needs of the owner.
It is important to note that Emotional Support Animals are meant for just that - emotional support. Dogs trained to assist with specific tasks that may be associated with a disability are service animals. Training a dog to be an Emotional Support Animal or a therapy dog is less intensive than training to be a service animal.
Therapy Animals
Therapy Animals are very similar to Emotional Support Animals, except that they are often used to bolster the mental health and wellbeing of a community, as opposed to just an individual. Therapy dogs are often seen serving in hospitals, rehabilitation or care centers with their owners.
Owners who feel their dog may be a good fit for this kind of community service can have them receive top-notch training from Dog Training Elite Springfield.
The most important thing to note as a difference between Emotional Support Animals, Therapy and Service dogs, is service animals are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act which states service animals must be able to accompany their owners wherever they go. Emotional Support and Therapy animals do not have the same protections and public establishments may have their own rules about ESA and therapy dogs.
Whether you’re ready to get a new lease on life with the help of a service dog, or strengthen the existing bond with your dog, Dog Training Elite Springfield has the experience and resources you need.
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!
I have owned and had dogs trained all my life. I wanted this puppy and I to understand how to communicate. Kristi and Jeremy deserve 20 stars at least. Plus don't forget Erin at the front desk she makes it all operate smoothly(she is supper sweet). They are patient kind thorough, and sincerely care that we have success. We started with the weekly puppy school. Well, I quickly decided to advance her to puppy camp best decision because they fast tracked her(us) to listening and understanding. Sophia is truly proud of herself and has such joy usually in the process. Do not hesitate to to spend the money you will not regret this decision.— Kurt and Sally Larson
Posted September 21st 2024
We have been working with Kristi for 3 weeks now and have seen so much improvement in our 4 year old dog. Before training he would bark at any person, dog, or moving car he saw, pull on his leash during walks, and ignore commands he was given and after just 3 classes we were able to have a very calm and peaceful walk around our neighborhood with no pulling or barking. He has also started to listen to all commands given. If you’re thinking about training, DO IT!— Jade Graham
Posted September 19th 2024
I am so thankful for Kristi and Jeremy, the owners and trainers for Dog Training Elite Springfield. They have been helping me train our 6 year old Boston Terrier to be a service dog. My husband has been in and out of the hospital for over 7 weeks this year. We were told by the doctors this will continue to be my husband’s life. Because of Kristi and Jeremy’s loving, positive training our sweet Bo was able to see his daddy in the hospital! Having Bo visit him in the hospital lifted his spirits so much! I can’t believe our stubborn, sweet dog is so well behaved and minds me! Bo gets so excited when I work with him and I enjoy taking him for walks, no pulling!!!!! It is obvious that Kristi and Jeremy love what they do! I highly recommend Dog Training Elite!— Tani Kremer
Posted September 18th 2024
Rock-it is our 5 month Golden Retriever. He was very impulsive and difficult to manage. I thought I had made a huge mistake in bringing home this dog. ONE DAY WITH KRISTI and I have the manageable— Becky Fisher
Posted September 17th 2024
I am speechless how amazing this Company has been for my family and my service dog. There has been many challenges that have approached since we started and no matter what the challenges are they have helped and figure out what was best for the dog and our family. We found out that our dog was deaf and I am crippled until I have Surgery plus I have ptsd towards other dogs since my attack. The whole staff has been so patient with me and my dog and understanding they have showed my kids my husband and I so many different ways to communicate with our dog now and I'm just so thankful for this opportunity. I am so glad that I found elite! 100% recommend!— Jerrica Brown
Posted September 6th 2024
If I could beam and flash spotlights on Dog Training Elite Springfield, I would! I once hated our little dog, Patsy, because of her terrible, obnoxious, and infuriating behavior. I was amazed that after the first session with Dog Training Elite, the monster became somewhat tame. I was not sold even yet. It was too good to be true for long! After a few more sessions, our Tasmanian Devil became a complete sweetheart. Our Patsy has now learned many commands which makes our lives so much easier. And I can now say, we love Patsy dearly; she is the dog we have always hoped to have.— Tina Sullivan
Posted August 16th 2024
I knew that my experience at Dog Training Elite of Springfield would be amazing just based on the passion that Kristi and Jeremy have for what they do, but seeing Lucy in action at a busy Kindergarten open house with a hundred excited kids (Lucy's kryptonite) and just being totally focused on me and the task at hand.. it's indescribable. I get chills just thinking about it. Lucy is kind of a celebrity around our school district because she has always come with me to drop off and pick up kids. I had several parents come up to me at open house and tell me that they couldn't even believe she was the same dog! I am forever grateful for the peace that having Lucy as my service animal has given me and for the sense of purpose it has given her. Thank you so much for helping me get my life and sense of freedom back! ❤️— Megan Snow
Posted August 16th 2024
Absolutely thrilled with Dog Training Elite! Their expertise and personalized approach have made a world of difference for our furry friend. The trainers are incredibly knowledgeable and patient, working diligently to address our dog's specific needs. The positive reinforcement techniques have not only improved our dog's behavior but also strengthened our bond. The transformation has been remarkable, and we couldn’t be happier with the results. Highly recommend Dog Training Elite for anyone looking to enhance their dog's obedience and overall well-being. Five stars without a doubt!— Valerie Bradham
Posted August 2nd 2024
We can’t even begin to explain how much of a blessing Kristi and her team have been. Our sweet puppy has mastered some awesome skills and as she has grown so have we. Having gone through the service dog training with Kristi, I couldn’t imagine how we would have made it here if we didn’t have her, her team, the community to go through it with. If you’re on the fence about investing and making the commitment… just do it!— Maureen Wilson
Posted July 28th 2024
I can’t say enough about how much Kristi and Jeremy have done for my family. They helped a shy 12 year old take her over exuberant miniature schnauzer puppy and meet her goals of an outstanding service dog. Denali shows calm demeanor and dedication to his best friend - be it at small basketball tournaments or one of the largest girls basketball tournaments in the country. Denali has become the best companion for my daughter who has big dreams and aspirations. He is going to help her meet those by keeping her calm and present when she needs to be.— Ashlie
Posted July 28th 2024
We had Kristi come & train our girl Bella& she did an amazing job! By the time Kristi left on training day our girl had her new command down pat. Kristi was kind but had high expectations & we have not been disappointed. We now have a well behaved, obedient dog we can take anywhere with us!! We Thank Dog Training Elite & Kristi for all of their hard work!— Ruth Sonnenberg
Posted July 27th 2024
Kristi and Jeremy are amazing trainers! I love that they have put my dog to the test and he is now able to do things other trainers have told us he would not be able to do! I highly recommend Dog Training Elite for everyone and I will definitely be sending every other dog I get to Kristi for training.— Jamie Perkins
Posted July 25th 2024
If you are looking for a great dog training experience, look no further!!! I enrolled my two-year-old Golden Retriever and saw results on the first day. I cannot say enough positive things about the Dog Training Elite team!!! Kristi, Jeremy, and Erin are all amazing professionals who are extremely knowledgable and also give encouragement and support (both to you and your dog) throughout the whole training process. 100000/10 recommend!!!!!!!— Elizabeth
Posted July 24th 2024
Truly grateful for Kristi and her team for helping us with our German Shepherd (Angus). He is the best big boy ever but after training he's even more amazing. I can finally take him for a walk instead of him taking me for a walk! Kristi came to our house once a week and did an hour training with Angus and made sure we knew exactly what was going on and helped guide us through the whole training. We're so thankful for all they have done and continue to do to help us have a well-behaved dog!— Riley Woodward
Posted July 8th 2024
Amazing company, Kristi and her daughter are wonderful to work with. They accommodated our busy schedules, and broke down the training process making it easy to learn and implement. Their training was a big positive in my, and my pets lives. Would certainly recommend Dog Training Elite to anyone interested in training their pups!— Heather Bicknell
Posted July 2nd 2024
We have taken our German shepherd to just 2 sessions and she has improved SO much already. We have been trying to work on her leash reactivity (barking & lunging around dogs) for awhile now, and within these two sessions she hardly makes any noise when passing a dog now. Her recall has also gotten a lot better. I can’t wait to see what else she learns and improves on as we continue through these sessions!— Tessa Irvine
Posted June 28th 2024
Been working with Kristi for the last couple of months with my two standard poodles. One is 3 years old and one was 8 months when starting. I learned so much and my dogs are so much better behaved. I wanted more training with my dogs because my elderly parents come to visit and I was afraid they would take them out running around because the puppy has almost taken me out several times. Now when my parents come I can tell the doggie’s to go place and get my mother settled before releasing them for pets. I highly recommend if you are having issues with your dog or dogs Kristi can help you out.— Penny Jackson
Posted June 26th 2024
Seeing great result with my Bernedoodle. Today was a group class. I can see that this portion of the training is so very important, and it will get us there. Thank you!— Mary Birren
Posted June 18th 2024
They have helped us with our Girlz so much!! We use to kennel them when we traveled because they were hard to manage.....no more kennels!!!! Yes....an investment worthwhile!!— Paula White
Posted June 8th 2024
I started with a pup that I thought was untrainable…. I was wrong I learned how to train my pup and now he’s my best friend and a great service dog in just a few months… and he’s only 10 mos old! The experience and patience you get from Kristi and this group is amazing A million thanks! Highly Recommend— Patti Thornton
Posted June 6th 2024