There are around 500,000 assistance dogs currently helping individuals in the US. The need for service dogs is high, and the waiting period to obtain one can be quite long, lasting up to 3 years.
For a person that is living with a disability, service dogs allow them a bit of independence that they might not normally be able to have. The dogs undergo very specific training that allows them to be certified so the service pup can accompany their handler wherever they need to go.
Reliable service dog training, and dog training in general, can be very hard to come by, which is why we’ve created this ranked list for you. In this list, you can discover the best service dog trainers available in Texas, the various techniques they use, and which disabilities or functions the trainers cover.
Continue reading for more information.
1. Beyond the Dog
Beyond the Dog is in Houston, Texas. The training center offers dog and cat training. It has a high rating on Google and is one of the best facilities in Texas.
It was started by Dr. Kristyn Echterling-Savage and Sean Savage. Dr. Kristyn is a board-certified behavior analyst with a doctorate in behavior analysis. Sean Savage is certified by the Association of Dog Trainers.
This program trains service dogs to retrieve objects, provide support for wheelchairs, and offer emotional assistance. They do not teach dogs to alert seizures, blackouts, or glucose levels. However, they offer a program to teach advanced obedience skills, which is the initial step in certifying your dog as a service dog.
If you are interested in learning more about Beyond the Dog, you can check out their website here. If you are ready to set up your first training appointment with the company’s extremely qualified trainers, contact them by calling or emailing to book a spot.
2. Austin Dog Zone
Austin Dog Zone is located in the city it is named after, Austin, Texas. The business has a perfect rating of 5 stars on Google, backed by many customer reviews.
Many of the trainers that work at Austin Dog Zone have their CPTD-KA, with a couple also having their KPA-CTP, both of which are certifications for professional dog trainers. The founder, Laura, built the company out of a desire to teach dog owners about proper wellness and training for their companions.
Austin Dog Zone trains service dogs to help handlers with PTSD. They specialize in teaching the dogs to give reminders for medication, provide comfort during a panic attack, and prevent others from approaching their handler too closely.
The facility will even help you train your own dog if they can pass the behavior and skill requirements needed to become a service dog. They can also assist you when you are looking for a new service dog.
If you want to know more about the PTSD service dog training that Austin Dog Zone provides, you can visit their website here. Don’t hesitate to reach out and contact them if you have any questions about arranging training or how it works.
3. Dog Training Elite
Dog Training Elite is located in San Antonio, Texas, and also serves nearby areas. The company has a 4.8-star rating on Google and provides top-notch training services.
The place provides puppy teaching, obedience teaching, fury teaching, and therapy teaching for dogs. It also offers teaching for service dogs that are tailored to the specific needs of the handler.
Dog Training Elite trains service dogs for people with PTSD, mobility problems, ASD, and diabetes. Each dog will learn various tasks to help their handler in everyday life.
The company offers complimentary in-home visits to evaluate if your current dog can be trained as a service dog. If the trainers rule your dog unable to be trained as a service dog, they will help you find a puppy or dog that can be.
They also offer training at home, which is helpful for handlers who have difficulty going out. The prices vary from $3,595 to $6,695 based on the type of training needed.
Dog Training Elite offers a lot of information and training options, which you can find on their website. If you are ready to set up training for your dog or want to search for a dog to begin service training with, you can contact them by phone or through an online form.
4. The Dog Alliance
The Dog Alliance is located in Cedar Park, Texas, near Austin. They have a 4.7 rating on Google and emphasize the importance of the bond between people and their dogs.
The charity was founded in 2006 by Debi Krakar. They offer various training options for your pet. Trained dogs are also provided to places in need, such as fire stations and nursing homes.
All of their trainers have their CPDT-KA and AKC evaluation. The Dog Alliance specifically works with veterans and civilians who have PTSD or mobility problems, as well as first responders and civilians who have physical or mental disabilities. The company does not train service dogs for minors who are under 13.
The training for service dogs focuses on hearing alerts, mental health assistance, and mobility help. They do not train service dogs to assist with allergies such as nut allergies, seizures, diabetes, or vision problems.
If you want to find more about their programs for veterans or first responders or about their service dog training programs in general, you can visit their website. To get in touch with The Dog Alliance and set up an appointment for service dog training, you can contact them through email or text.
5. Give Us Paws
Give Us Paws is located in Houston, Texas. It has a 4.7-star rating on Google and is a non-profit organization.
The company offers obedience classes for pets and service dogs. Service dog classes are free for American veterans. They use positive reinforcement and proven methods to teach dogs for best results.
Give Us Paws focuses on teaching service dogs to aid handlers with PTSD, restricted movement, or brain injuries. Handlers play a significant role in training to effectively communicate with their assigned dog. The training period ranges from 8 to 12 months.
If you would like to learn more about Give Us Paws’ free training services for dogs of veterans or other information about their service dog training, you can check out their website. If you have any questions or would like to get in touch with them, you can contact them by phone or email.
What To Look For When Finding A Good Service Dog Trainer?
Now that you have a list of the top service dog instructors in Texas, you will still need to understand what qualities to consider while choosing the most suitable one for you and your present or upcoming pet.
The key factor to think about when selecting a good service dog trainer is their experience in the field, including any certifications they have earned over time.
Be sure the trainer has experience in training service dogs for your specific needs. See what tasks the trainer can teach service dogs before making a decision.
Sometimes handlers hope their current puppy will become their service dog, but it might not work out. It’s important to find a trainer who will be honest with you and help you if your dog isn’t the right fit for service work.
Conclusion
It can be very stressful to try and find a service dog trainer that not only is great at what they do but also is a good fit for you. It is something that many people need to improve their quality of life, but it can be very expensive.
We looked at all the service dog trainers in Texas to give you the top 5 choices. Use this list to find the right trainer for your needs. Visit their website to schedule your dog’s training session today.
