You are at Dog Training Elite serving the Tampa area Choose Location
You are at Dog Training Elite serving the Tampa area
Choose Location

Professional

Service Dog Training in Tampa


Dog Training Elite in Tampa Near You

Call to Schedule FREE In-Home Assessment

Call Us!


Se habla español!

Request a Free Assessment

Contact Dog Training Elite in Tampa

Or Call to Schedule FREE In-Home Assessment

Call Us!


Se habla español!

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 in Tampa can help.

Dog Training Elite in Tampa offers top rated autism service dog training near you in Tampa.


Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite in Tampa location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.


Best In-Home Dog Trainers Near Me in Tampa
Highest Rated Dog Obedience Trainers Near You in Tampa
Top Dog Trainers Near Me in Tampa
In-Home Dog Trainers Near You in Tampa

Dog Training Elite in Tampa is proud to have professional autism service dog trainers near you in Tampa.

ESA vs. Therapy vs. Service Animals: What's the Difference?


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 in Tampa trains dogs to serve individuals with autism, diabetes and PTSD.

Dog Training Elite in Tampa 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.

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 in Tampa has you covered.

The professional dog trainers of Dog Training Elite in Tampa 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 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 in Tampa.

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 in Tampa 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.


Dog Training Elite in Tampa is the top company near you that uses professional positive dog training methods.
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.

See Our Pricing

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 am very happy with my experience with Dog Training Elite Suncoast. The training tools have helped us get a difficult and at times dangerous situation with multiple large dogs under control. The team are always willing to listen and offer advice, they even helped us when it became clear one of our dogs needed to be rehomed for safety reasons. She is now living her best life and is very happy! Our other dogs have responded so well the training and love the group classes. The team goes above and beyond helping two people wrangle many more dogs and we are all happier for it. Thank you all!
— C CJ
Posted June 14th 2024
google
We are extremely grateful to Luis and Tonya. Our puppy's behavior is totally different. From the first classes the improvement of our dog (Niko) was noticed. They have been very attentive and have answered each of our questions. Thanks to them today we have our service dog. Totally recommended! Niko loves them and always enjoys the group classes.
— Johanna Maisonet
Posted June 8th 2024
google
Due to rapid decline of health, getting a service dog through standard means (2-3 year process) wasn’t an option. I found a dog I thought could be trained but had trouble finding a trainer willing or able to help. I reached out to Tonya at Dog Training Elite pretty much at wits end and she immediately responded and put me at ease. She came out to the house within days and started the training journey for/with us. Our dog is making wonderful progress already in just 2 months and we should have a dog that is ready for service soon thanks to the Dog Training Elite team.
— Sheri-Rob Dusse
Posted June 3rd 2024
facebook
Tonya and Marissa were awesome with our Luna. She is well behaved when we have company over and loves place. We look forward to the group classes to make her continued training fun.
— Annmarie Gardiner
Posted May 31st 2024
google
Tonya was a big help during the new puppy stage of our Cavalier. We felt very comfortable with her and the techniques she used. She was very patient and made the training fun and successful. We highly recommend her.
— Amy Reyes
Posted May 29th 2024
google
Kim, Jana, and Ryan have been great to work with. They have turned Benny's behavior around and are helping me to get him trained as a service dog. They have been very considerate and helpful with my physical limitations. We look forward to every session with them.
— J C
Posted May 28th 2024
google
We’ve been with DTE for about 7 months now for our Doberman, Bruce. For anyone that knows how stubborn a Doberman puppy can be knows just how challenging it can be to train him, especially with the very little knowledge we had. That’s where Dog Training Elite came in. They’ve been with us from the start, and any question or concern we have they make it known that they are always one text or call away. Over the course of training Bruce, his attitude has changed, or he's gotten used to one method of training, and where we get stuck, is where DTE comes in and helps us overcome these new challenges my wife and I face with Bruce. Long story short they’ve been great trainers to us, and have became great friends to us all, at our weekly group sessions. I would recommend them to anyone with any dog. At training we’ve seen people with giant Great Danes, to small chihuahuas, and even with the very diverse breeds they encounter they might change the way they train some dogs, but it all leads to the same goal, a well trained dog, and trained puppy parents. Thanks again for the help and constant support Kim, Ryan, and Aaron!
— brandon brady
Posted May 24th 2024
google
My dog was a handful for me and I had no clue what to do I saw a tire cover with there phone number advertised on it! so I looked them up and liked what I saw. So I gave them a chance and I’m glad I did. Aaron had my dog listening immediately on day one like it was my dogs job to listen to him lol now my boy walks on leash most what perfect ignoring other dogs and people. I call him he comes! I am very proud of the fact my 7 year old nephew can work him!!!
— Richard Butler
Posted May 24th 2024
google
First a little background.... I have this sweet, very active, energy plus Staffordshire Terrier that was my daughter's. She became very ill and couldn't handle him. I am 83 and couldn't handle him, also. I decided I needed to rehome his ad it was not fair to keep him where he was getting no exercise and little attention. We were unsuccessful in finding someone (truthfully, I was very picky and down deep didn't want to let him go). I decided to look for training and hopefully, keep him. This is where ELITE comes to the rescue! I was impressed with them right away. They are professional, friendly, animal lovers. Ryan came to interview TAZ and me and brought one of his own babies to show how little time it takes just get them understanding the basics. He even worked with TAZ for a short while and was impressed at how quickly he responded. We have had 4 sessions, and I am so impressed and proud of my boy! Because of the professionalism and dedication, they show these animals, I am able to keep my baby!! THANK YOU, ELITE: RYAN, AARON AND KIM. Carol Long
— CAROL LONG
Posted February 16th 2024
google
Dog Training Elite has been phenomenal to work with! Kim, Ryan, and Aaron know what they are doing and have helped me tremendously with my new puppy. 12/10 would recommend to everyone!
— Amber Mayne
Posted May 24th 2024
google
The team at Elite is outstanding; very professional and personable. I get so many compliments on how well-behaved my dog is and I always tell them that it’s due to the training that we received from Elite.
— vita marie
Posted May 24th 2024
google
I decided to enlist some trainers, with my great Dane puppy, Moon Pie. I chose Elite after meeting with them because I found them to be both professional and knowledgeable. I thought they could teach me how to train my dog properly and when you’re dealing with a dog that will eventually outweigh you, training is a great idea. I can’t say enough good things about these folks. I have been with them for about five months now and definitely see a difference in the puppy. You have to do the work after the lessons, but it’s so worthwhile. I’m really loving the group classes too because training outside of your home is essential to having a great dog. I highly recommend these folks.
— Living With Giants
Posted February 2nd 2024
google
We had a great experience with our 17 week old pup KoKo. KoKo and I have learned so much and she is just starting the group trainings. Each trainer is professional and works with you to get the most out of your sessions
— Kyle Daniel
Posted April 21st 2024
google
We have a very wild maltipoo who couldn’t walk on a leash and would run out the front door. She had flunked out of 4 training schools. Not to mention the barking and playing catch me if you can game. Since having Aaron and Ryan come and train her (me). She has calmed down and actually likes the special collar DTE uses. She’ll come and sit while I put it on. She likes to practice the training exercises we do and it tires her out. We are very happy so far.
— Charity Smith-Engelin
Posted May 19th 2024
google
We highly recommend Dog Training Elite! Our 5 month old puppy learned so much over the 5 weeks of in home training and continues to learn at the Group Distractions Training on Saturdays. Kim, Ryan, Aaron and the entire DTE training family are professional, compassionate, hands on and love what they do for you and your lovely pet. My puppy was able to learn all the commands during the one on one trainings and did a great job at home after the trainers were gone. The more we worked with her and had fun training, the more disciplined and consistent she became with commands. DTE is worth every penny on the investment and peace of mind. Please give them a call to schedule your free introduction.
— Kyle Myers
Posted May 18th 2024
facebook
Great trainers that are very caring of their work. Awesome people and could not have asked for a better experience.
— Tyler Wagner
Posted May 9th 2024
google
Phenomenal training. Aaron has been great with my dog. The group classes are an excellent addition to the training program. Don’t hesitate… Sign your dog up today!
— Jacob Irwin
Posted April 20th 2024
google
The trainers are excellent and provide a customized training program to address your dog's individual needs! They are extremely customer focused and provide the utmost customer service !!! We would highly recommend Dog Training Elite Suncoast!!
— Juan Nadal
Posted March 30th 2024
google
Tanya is very skilled in her profession! She had my Bully Dog obeying her commands within 20 minutes! My dog had a problem with jumping with excitement when I received a visitor. She is 70 pounds and her action was painful and annoying. Thanks to DOG TRAINING ELITE, that behavior has stopped.
— E thel Fentzlaff
Posted February 17th 2024
google
Tonya was awesome!! Can’t say enough good things about our experience with Dog Training Elite!! Tonya was timely, efficient and so good with our dog Maverick!!! She truly is the best and has become like family!!
— Mechelle Merrell
Posted February 11th 2024
google

All Reviews Set Up an Assessment Today!