Dog Training Elite Greater New Hampshire in Manchester is more than just a dog-training company — they’re helping military personnel, veterans, people with disabilities and those with medical issues find a companion to support them through life’s struggles.

As a family-owned, franchised organization with a combined 40 years of experience in the field, Dog Training Elite’s training specialists have made it their mission to bond dogs with their people, where owners often receive more training than their canines.

“We believe that service dogs save lives. It’s our mission to make these live-saving companions available to our veterans, first responders, (domestic abuse) survivors, and individuals with medical needs,” their website reads. “Whether it be PTSD, mobility support or special needs, Dog Training Elite works with the Malinois Foundation to heal and empower these individuals with a specialized service animal, a partner in life, and a new best friend.”

The Malinois Foundation, a Utah-based nonprofit, was founded in 2013 to pair trained dogs with people who need them, whether for a medical condition — such as diabetic alert service dogs, an autism support dog, among other medical response services — a physical disability or for veterans and military personnel who may need extra support.

As the company’s website states, “Service dogs have been proven to lessen symptoms and assist in integrating veterans back into normal routines as much as possible. … Unlike a lot of other dog training companies, we understand that each client has different needs, so we tailor our dog training programs to accommodate any unique situation.”

René Marro, the owner of Dog Training Elite’s NH operations, is often seen out and about in the state at events and fundraisers to spread awareness of how the organization can not only help dog owners train their own canine friends, but also how they can support those who may need a little extra help in their daily lives.

From left: Bethany Ackerson, René Marro and Haley Whitten with Sully, Meadow and Raven.

Along with his leadership team and fellow trainers, Marro ensures that the organization can improve the lives of dogs and their families with a variety of programs that are tailored specifically to the owners and their dogs, from puppy training to anxiety and behavior corrections, with group classes available.

For service dogs, Dog Training Elite can teach specific breeds to help their handlers perform tasks, alert them to an impending medical issue such as high blood pressure or seizures, assist handlers in an emergency like epilepsy episodes or low blood sugar levels for diabetics, or support their handlers’ mental and emotional well-being.

“You’re not alone in this journey,” the organization shared, “and there are resources available to support you and your beloved pup.”

— AMANDA ANDREWS