There are estimated to be over 500,000 service dogs actively helping those in need in the United States. Service dogs are in very high demand, and the waiting lists to adopt a service dog are very long, sometimes 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 below for more information.
1. Beyond the Dog
Beyond the Dog is located in Houston, Texas. The training facility offers not only dog training but also cat training, as well. The company has a 5-star rating on Google and is consistently one of the top-rated facilities in Texas.
It was founded by Dr. Kristyn Echterling-Savage and Sean Savage. Dr. Kristyn is a board-certified behavior analyst with a doctoral degree in behavior analysis. Sean Savage is certified through the Association of Dog Trainers.
Beyond the Dog offers service dog training in object retrieval, wheelchair assistance, and emotional support. They do not train service dogs to deal with seizure alerts, black-out alerts, or glucose alerts. However, they offer an advanced obedience training program, which is the first step when attempting to certify 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 right in the city that it gets its name from, Austin, Texas. The company has a 5-star rating on Google, with many customer testimonials to back that rating up.
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 assist handlers that have PTSD. They focus on teaching the dogs how to give medication reminders, how to calm their handler during a panic attack, and keep people from rushing or crowding their handler.
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 are interested in learning more about the PTSD service dog training that Austin Dog Zone offers, you can find their website here. Feel free to reach out and contact them if you have any questions about setting up training or how it works.
3. Dog Training Elite
Dog Training Elite can be found in San Antonio, Texas, and serves many of the surrounding areas, as well. This dog training company has a 4.8-star rating on Google and offers award-winning training services.
The facility offers puppy training, obedience training, aggression training, and therapy training for dogs. It also provides training for service dogs that are customized to the individual needs of the handler.
Dog Training Elite trains service dogs for those dealing with PTSD, mobility issues, ASD, and diabetes. Each dog will learn different functions to assist their handler in its day-to-day 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 offer in-home training, as well, which is great for any handlers that may have difficulty leaving their homes. The prices for their services are upfront, and it costs anywhere from $3,595 to $6,695, depending on the type of training that is required.
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 can be found in Cedar Park, Texas, right outside of Austin. The company has a 4.7 Google rating and focuses on the healing power of a person’s relationship with their dog.
The facility is a non-profit that was founded back in 2006 by Debi Krakar. They offer a wide variety of training options for your dog. The company also provides trained dogs to facilities that need them, 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 service dog training focuses on things such as hearing alerts, mental health support, and mobility assistance. They do not train service dogs that assist with allergies, such as nut allergies, seizures, diabetes, or vision impairments.
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 has its location right in Houston, Texas. The facility has a 4.7-star rating with Google and is a registered non-profit.
The company offers normal obedience training for dogs, as well as training for service dogs. Service dog training is free for United States veterans. They use positive reinforcement and methods that are backed by science when training dogs in order to get the best results.
Give Us Paws specializes in training service dogs to assist handlers who have PTSD, limited mobility, or traumatic brain injuries. The handler will be heavily involved during training sessions so that they are able to learn how to properly communicate with their service dog. The training lasts 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 best service dog trainers in Texas, you will still want to know what to look for when deciding which one is best for you and your current or future dog.
The most important thing to consider when choosing a great service dog trainer is how much experience they have in the field, which includes any certifications they may have received throughout the years.
You will want to make sure the trainer has experience training service dogs to assist with your specific needs. Make sure to check what the trainer is able to train service dogs to do when you are looking.
While many handlers want their current pup to become their service dog, sometimes it just is not feasible, and you will want a trainer that lets you know the truth instead of wasting your time and money. Some trainers will also help you find a suitable service dog or dog to train if your dog does not qualify.
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 have gone through all of the service dog trainers in Texas to bring you the top 5 options that are available. With this list, you will be able to find the appropriate trainer for your needs. Just head over to their website and set up your dogs’ training session now.
