A therapy dog walking in a park with their owner - contact Dog Training Elite to talk to a professional therapy dog trainer in Atlanta, GA!

Therapy Dog Training

Dog Training Elite in Atlanta

Request Free Assessment


Request Free Assessment


Our Therapy Dog Training Could Help:

Those managing chronic pain
People looking to increase social interaction
Anyone seeking enhanced motivation and purpose
Individuals in need of emotional comfort
Those experiencing stress, anxiety, or depression
People wanting to boost overall optimism
Anyone feeling lonely or isolated

Therapy Dog Trainer in Atlanta, GA

What is a Therapy Dog?

A therapy dog is trained to provide emotional support and comfort to people in need, often visiting hospitals, nursing homes, and schools. These dogs must be friendly with strangers, able to handle high levels of distraction, and understand personal boundaries like not jumping, licking, or mouthing. With proper training, therapy dogs can bring joy and emotional relief to those they interact with, offering companionship in stressful environments.

At Dog Training Elite, we offer programs to help your dog become a certified therapy dog. As a leading therapy dog trainer in Atlanta, GA, we focus on developing the right temperament and skills so your dog can confidently provide comfort and support in various settings. With our professional guidance, your dog can become a valuable source of emotional care and connection for individuals in need.

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A therapy dog in training with Dog Training Elite in Atlanta's expert handlers.

How Does a Dog Become a Therapy Dog?


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While the companionship your dog brings you may inspire you to share that with others, not every dog is suited to be a therapy animal. Beyond a friendly, loving personality, several important qualifications must be met for a dog to be considered for therapy work:

  • Age: Puppies are typically too energetic and lack the focus to be therapy dogs.
  • Obedience: A therapy dog must follow commands reliably. Dogs that have completed obedience training with Dog Training Elite have the solid foundation needed to begin therapy dog training.
  • Social Skills: Therapy dogs need to naturally enjoy meeting new people and must handle being petted and approached by strangers without anxiety. Their ability to remain calm and friendly, even in unfamiliar situations, ensures they can provide emotional support to those they interact with.

Get Your Free Assessment

You and your canine companion really can have it all. See how easy it can be to become a member of the elite pup society by requesting a free consultation today!

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Rick Busch
    Dec. 20, 2024
    Many, many thanks to Dog Training Elite and especially to our Trainer/Owner, Michael Billedo. My wife and I checked out several dog training programs in the area for our Cavapoo, Cali, prior to contacting DTE. We were both very pleased and impressed with Michael and with the information he provided on that first phone call and felt very comfortable setting up an in-home introductory appointment. That first appointment went very well and Michael was very friendly and informative and there was absolutely no sales pressure. He made an immediate connection with Cali and with us and we comfortably selected the program we all felt would best meet our needs. Michael far exceeded our expectations as both a friendly and personable instructor and an expert dog trainer (and passionate dog lover!). We enjoyed working with Michael immensely both personally and professionally and highly recommend DTE and Michael for a great dog training experience. Our training goals were met and we now possess the tools and techniques we learned for a lifetime!
  • Valerie Wheeler
    Dec. 20, 2024
    Whit is clear in his instruction and eager to help dog and owner work together for the best outcome. He has always been willing to schedule appointments that work with our home calendar.
  • Kristy Hicks.
    Dec. 19, 2024
    Mr. Gray came to my house and help me train my dog Slim. He taught me what I needed to know to help me become a better pet parent. He works with your schedule and they have group training. He is a trainer that I would recommend.
  • Tai Harris
    Dec. 18, 2024
    The exceptional team at Dog Training Elite of West Atlanta showcased remarkable knowledge, patiently guiding us through private dog training sessions with kindness, clarity, and honesty, effectively fostering a deeper understanding of obedience training and puppy training classes. Their service dog training expertise was truly impressive, providing a wealth of insight into the world of dogs and leaving us feeling confident in our newfound abilities.
  • Tailor Harris
    Dec. 18, 2024
    The exceptional team at Dog Training Elite of West Atlanta showcased remarkable knowledge, patiently guiding us through private dog training sessions with kindness, clarity, and honesty, effectively fostering a deeper understanding of obedience training and puppy training classes. Their service dog training expertise was truly impressive, providing a wealth of insight into the world of dogs and leaving us feeling confident in our newfound abilities.
  • Derrick Gonzalez
    Dec. 16, 2024
    Whit and his family have done an incredible job with my Bella, as well as with us as dog parents. We enrolled Bella for service dog training since she was a little crazy puppy, and she has grown into a wonderful well behaved adult dog that we are very proud of. Consistency is key, and we appreciate Dog Training Elite West Atlanta for always being consistent with us.
  • Alaina Hornsby
    Nov. 8, 2024
    Mikie & Dixie have made SO much progress from training! Gosia & Mike were so patient with our newly rescued, very skiddish, dogs. The pups went from scattering like cockroaches with any amount of freedom or any noise to following us off leash in a Home Depot in the loud lumber department & following us down the path to our dock or wherever we lead them.p Thank you!!!
  • Kaitlyn Taylor
    Nov. 23, 2024
    The terms "professional," "personable," and "efficient" scarcely encapsulate the outstanding training and demeanor that Whit Gray provides! My dog had been labeled as "fear aggressive," as Whit accurately described. He would nip at strangers and exhibited discomfort with being touched, although he was comfortable around my family members. Additionally, he appeared intimidated by toddlers and unfamiliar faces in our home. After just four one-on-one training sessions, I observed a remarkable transformation in my dog! What I appreciated most about Whit was his patience and professionalism in his training techniques, complemented by his thorough explanations of his methods and their underlying rationale. He offered me reassurance and guidance on how to teach my dog right from wrong. Whit not only excels as a trainer but also maintains an approachable and responsive demeanor when I had inquiries about my dog's behavior or needed to reschedule sessions. His communication was consistently professional and efficient. I wholeheartedly recommend Whit as a trainer for anyone seeking a patient and skilled professional. Thank you, Whit!
  • Madelyn Spain
    Nov. 8, 2024
    Absolutely thrilled with the transformation our pup has undergone thanks to Mike and Gosia! Initially, I was hesitant about their training methods, but the results have been nothing short of life-changing. We had tried treat-based training, but it just wasn’t enough—she wasn’t really grasping the commands, and we constantly had to keep an eye on her. Fast forward to today, and she’s a trained service dog that I can confidently take anywhere. Her behavior garners so many compliments, and I finally feel the peace of knowing she’s well-trained and trustworthy, even around other dogs, thanks to the group training sessions. The group training has been invaluable, as she’s learned to follow commands amidst distractions, which has made a huge difference in real-world situations. Mike and Gosia go above and beyond—they genuinely care about the dogs and their clients. When our dog had surgery, they reached out to check on her, showing just how dedicated they are to the well-being of their “students.” Their passion for what they do is evident, and it’s clear they love their work. I can’t recommend them enough—if you’re on the fence, trust me, this is the best decision we ever made for our dog and our family!
  • Rhonda Hazen
    Nov. 7, 2024
    Our 1 yr old English Cream Golden Retriever needed training for basic commands. Ashia was wonderful! She achieved what we had hoped for and our sweet pup is now well behaved!!
  • Karen S
    Sep. 7, 2023
    We are very pleased with Dog Elite Training. Gosia is amazing and was very thorough about training our baby Leia. We seriously recommended their services. Training goes a long way when it comes to everyday circumstances and we are glad that we decided to get Leia on board with their Gold program. Can’t wait to try their Therapy Dog program. We are so grateful about having all the support from Dog Elite to get Leia where she is now. Jessica was also very quick to communicate throughout the whole program and to accommodate schedule changes when needed. Kudos to their excellent customer service!
  • Jane Fahey
    Oct. 8, 2024
    Gosia and Michael Billedo of Dog Training Elite-Northeast clearly love dogs and love what they do. They are patient and disciplined trainers who know how to read both the dog and the dog owner to suggest what will help the dog to master all the commands. I recommend them without qualification to anyone who wants to enjoy the peace of mind of having your dog comply with commands.
  • Leslie Lady
    Sep. 19, 2024
    I can't say enough about Michael and Gosia. They were professional, great with my dog, flexible, and encouraging even when I was not learning as well as my dog. Thank you!
  • Alyse Santoro Martinez
    Sep. 16, 2024
    Michael and Gosia are a great duo in obedience dog training! They worked slowly and in detail with my dog that I thought would require aggression training. I learned of her reactivity triggers and how boundaries are so critical. I recommend Elite Training to anyone who is looking to make any change in behavior with their dog. You can’t not see a difference to follow!
  • Cindy Jacobs
    Sep. 14, 2024
    Mike was amazing in helping train Dolly and me. Mike gave me the confidence to give Dolly the best forever home. He was patient and encouraging to both of us and always listened to any challenges I was having with “homework”. I highly recommend using Dog Training Elite Northeast Atlanta.
  • Addie Rodriguez
    Sep. 14, 2024
    I’m not sure who Michael trained more - us or the dogs! We had a wonderful experience with Dog Training Elite from start to finish. I will admit, I was extremely skeptical that our two large, rambunctious hound dogs (1yr and 2yrs old) could ever follow commands or walk nicely on leashes without pulling my arms out of their sockets. If you told me I would be able to take them both out in public or even sit down at an outdoor cafe table while they laid at our feet I would have choked. But here we are! Michael is so knowledgeable and dedicated to what he does, and he was able to guide us in training two dogs with very different personalities with ease. While training was both a financial and time commitment (reinforcement practice at home is critical!), we found it to be completely worth the investment. He was very flexible in scheduling our training sessions as we have 3 active sons and a full time job. We have already recommended Michael and Dog Training Elite to our friends and family who see how much it has changed our dogs. I’m so thankful!
  • J Y
    Sep. 5, 2024
    Mike was amazing. I hired him to help me build trust with my American Pit Bull Terrier, Samson. Samson is 2 and started to experience anxiety when he was around children, working breed dogs, and select others. Samson knew basic commands, but he wasn't focusing on me which led me to hire Mike and his wife. I'm so grateful I did because now, Samson focuses on me, has learned new commands, and his an overall happier dog. I would recommend this amazing company to anyone searching for top quality dog training.
  • Kamaryn
    Sep. 2, 2024
    Gosia is the best! She not only taught my dog but she taught me as well! She gave me the tools that I needed to continue to keep up with my dogs training as he continues to grow. 10/10 would recommend Dog Training Elite Northeast Atlanta!
  • Mary Armstrong
    Aug. 16, 2024
    I love that they come to us for the training. They were very helpful and great to work with! Thanks for all the help with puppy training. We cannot wait to start obedience next.
  • Gail Walker
    Jun. 22, 2024
    Our pup is almost 2 years old and very headstrong. We have had 2 trainers before without being able to get him to obey. Mike was great with him. He runs to his place, runs to me when I call and does a great heel. I highly recommend them to anyone trying to get a well behaved dog!
An obedient dog in a fran_territory_name} emotional support dog training program.

Benefits of Therapy Dogs

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Therapy dogs have a profound impact on individuals’ emotional and physical well-being. Research demonstrates that therapy dogs can improve a patient's mood, reduce stress, and even lower pain levels during hospital stays or medical treatments. Their calming presence provides comfort and relief in challenging moments.

Children, in particular, often respond well to therapy dogs. The companionship and playful interaction of a therapy dog can motivate children to engage more fully in treatments, helping them overcome fear or reluctance. With a therapy dog by their side, children tend to feel more optimistic and less anxious.

Beyond medical settings, therapy dogs also foster social interaction, especially in autism and mental health communities. These dogs offer non-judgmental companionship and serve as a bridge for individuals who may struggle with social connections. By reducing feelings of loneliness and anxiety, therapy dogs offer their owners comfort and companionship that enhances the overall quality of life.

A therapy dog handler with their dog trained by Dog Training Elite in Atlanta.

Therapy Dog Handlers

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If you’ve ever wanted to make a meaningful impact in your community, becoming a therapy dog handler offers a unique opportunity to do so alongside your dog. You can choose where to volunteer based on your interests, such as schools, hospitals, or senior living centers.

Once you’ve decided, therapy dog training is the next step. Dog Training Elite in Atlanta’s expert trainers will help your dog master essential behaviors like loose-leash walking, “leave it,” and not jumping on people. After completing training, you can apply for therapy dog certification, but it’s essential to keep up with ongoing training to ensure your dog remains well-behaved and ready to assist.

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A fully trained service dog from Dog Training Elite in Atlanta.

Atlanta Emotional Support Dog Training

Why Choose DTE for Therapy Dog Training?

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At Dog Training Elite in Atlanta, our training programs prepare your dog for real-world situations where their presence can provide emotional support and comfort. Beyond just obedience, our training teaches your dog how to handle stressful or highly stimulating environments like hospitals, schools, or nursing homes.

We also place a strong emphasis on socialization and adaptability, making sure your dog can confidently engage with people of all ages and backgrounds. Therapy dog work requires attentiveness and empathy, and our training helps your dog develop these traits. With a foundation of trust, consistency, and patience, your dog will be fully equipped to offer comfort and companionship wherever it’s needed.

A group of dogs being trained by the expert team at Dog Training Elite in Atlanta.
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Victory Begins With Elite Education

ESA vs. Therapy vs. Service Animals

What's the Difference?

Animals that provide assistance and companionship can be classified into three main groups: service animals, emotional support animals (ESAs), and therapy animals. Each has different responsibilities, training requirements, and legal protections. Knowing the differences can help you choose the right type of support for a disability, emotional needs, or therapy purposes.

Here are the defining features of each type:

Service animals are trained to help individuals by performing tasks that meet their specific needs, such as:

  • 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 highly valued in the mental health and disability community and are protected under ADA laws, allowing them to accompany their owners anywhere. At DTE, we provide specialized training for service dogs that assist individuals with autism, diabetes, and PTSD.

The key difference between ESAs, therapy dogs, and service dogs is that service animals are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act. This means they are allowed to go anywhere their owner goes. ESAs and therapy dogs do not have the same protections as service dogs, and public places can set their own rules about allowing them.

ESAs are prescribed by licensed mental health professionals to help individuals with mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression. These animals provide emotional support simply by being a comforting presence. Unlike service dogs, ESAs are not trained to perform specific tasks related to their owner's condition.

ESAs can be of any breed or age, and while they do not require the same level of training as service dogs, many owners choose to seek additional training. This can help strengthen the bond between the owner and the animal and improve the ESA's ability to provide consistent emotional support in different situations.

Therapy animals provide comfort and emotional support to individuals in need. They are not trained to assist a single person but are instead taught to be well-behaved and sociable around various groups of people. These animals help reduce stress, anxiety, and loneliness for those they visit.

Unlike service animals, therapy animals are not required to perform specific tasks. Their calming presence is what makes them valuable in therapeutic programs.