If you’re in need of a list of service dog trainers in Texas, we’ve featured 9 below and have summarized their service dog training services.
1. Give Us Paws (Houston)
Based in Houston, TX, Give Us Paws offers training for would-be service dogs as well as regular pet dog obedience training. This registered non-profit organization operates throughout the greater Houston area and their service dog training services are free for veterans. Give Us Paws specializes in training dogs for veterans suffering from PTSD, as well as those with limited mobility or traumatic brain injuries.
The trainers at Give Us Paws use positive reinforcement techniques and scientific methods to see the best results from your dog. They also ensure that each handler is heavily involved in the training process and learns how to communicate with their dog. The service dog training program at Give Us Paws typically takes 8-12 months. Contact Give Us Paws for more details.
2. Dog Training Elite (San Antonio)
Dog Training Elite has several locations, including in San Antonio, TX. As well as puppy training, obedience training for dogs, and behavioral training, their experienced team also offers service dog training that’s customized to suit the unique needs of each owner.
In terms of service dog training, Dog Training Elite offers training for psychiatric/PTSD support, mobility assistance, autism support, or seizure/diabetic alerts. Their trainers provide complimentary in-home visits to assess whether your current dog can be trained as a service dog and can also help you select a new puppy or dog that will be suitable for training as a service dog. Training packages vary from $3595 to $6595 – contact Dog Training Elite to learn more.
3. Canine Solutions Dallas (Dallas)
Canine Solutions Dallas offers personalized dog training in the greater Dallas area. As well as behavior modification and obedience programs, they also provide service dog training. Trainer Valerie Fry is a certified professional dog trainer who studied at the Karen Pryor Academy of Animal Training and Behavior.
The team at Canine Solutions Dallas has over a decade of experience working with service dogs, and specifically train dogs to assist with mobility support, object retrieval, opening doors, seizure/medical response, and more. They can also train dogs for owners with psychiatric disabilities such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Contact Canine Solutions Dallas with any questions you may have.
4. IDEA Service Dogs (Denton)
IDEA Service Dogs is a Denton, TX-based organization that provides in-home service dog training in the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area. A qualified trainer supervises and provides guidance, but ultimately the owner is responsible for training their service dog. Their trainers all volunteer their time with the non-profit organization, which helps to keep their training rates as low as possible.
The team at IDEA Service Dogs trains dogs for mobility support, wheelchair assistance, object retrieval, medical/seizure response, and nut allergy detection. They do not offer training for anxiety or PTSD support dogs, diabetic alert, autism assistance, or dogs that will be supporting minors. Contact IDEA Service Dogs to learn more.
5. United K9 Academy (Caddo Mills)
United K9 Academy offers both regular obedience training as well as specific training for service dogs. Founder and owner Craig Hanna first started United K9 Academy in 2015 after spending time working with dogs in the military. United K9 Academy is based in Caddo Mills, TX, and operates throughout Dallas, El Paso, Houston, Waco, San Antonio, and beyond.
Their expert, specialist trainers provide service dog training to help with mobility issues, diabetes, epilepsy, and autism. They also train dogs for assistance with psychological needs like PTSD, depression, and more. Contact United K9 Academy for a complimentary evaluation.
6. Karma Dog Training (Dallas)
Operating throughout the greater Dallas area, Karma Dog Training uses only positive reinforcement, scientifically-backed training methods. Since 2004, founder and owner Jeffrey Liebowitz and his team of experienced trainers have been helping owners train their dogs with great success. They offer everything from puppy training to basic obedience, as well as service dog training.
At Karma Dog Training, Kathlyn Ross is the service dog supervisor. With over 15 years of experience, Kathryn starts by understanding which skills your dog needs to learn in order to best serve you. Contact Karma Dog Training to learn more about the types of service dog training they offer.
7. Puptown Houston (Houston)
Puptown Houston is a “lodge-and-learn” training facility where your dog enjoys an immersive experience with a trainer, either in the trainer’s home or at the Puptown training facility. They offer training for puppies, dogs, and also specialize in service dog training. They also work with various organizations and grant programs to help provide low-cost or free service dogs to veterans and first responders.
The trainers at Puptown Houston can train your existing dog to act as a service dog, as long as your dog has the right temperament and skill set. At least three months of training is required – this is the absolute minimum and assumes your dog already has a high level of obedience. Typically, training takes between six months and one year and can cost between $10,000 and $15,000. Contact Puptown Houston for more details.
8. Beyond the Dog (Houston)
Beyond the Dog operates throughout the greater Houston area and offers dog training and even cat training! Board-certified behavior analyst Dr. Kristyn Echterling-Savage and many of her trainers are certified through the Association of Professional Dog Trainers.
Currently, Beyond the Dog does not train service dogs for seizure, black-out, or glucose monitoring. However, they do train dogs to perform certain service behaviors like object retrieval, walking with a wheelchair, and emotional support. What’s more, they offer advanced obedience training, which is the first step in getting your dog certified as a service dog. Contact Beyond the Dog to learn more.
9. Austin Dog Zone (Austin)
Austin Dog Zone is more than your average dog trainer – they train special dogs for special situations. Trainer Brianna holds a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science and has many years of professional training experience, including training service dogs, military dogs, and police K9 dogs. Her own three dogs are each trained to locate missing individuals in search and rescue scenarios.
Austin Dog Zone offers training for service dogs to assist owners with PTSD. They can assess your current dog to see whether they are suitable for training as a service dog, or can help you choose a new dog to become your service animal. Contact Austin Dog Zone to schedule a free consultation.