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A therapy dog is a dog who visits places like schools, hospitals and nursing homes. Therapy dog training in Baton Rouge teaches dogs to provide comfort, support, and affection to the people they meet, particularly vulnerable people like children, seniors, patients in hospitals, and so on.
Therapy dogs are not service dogs. Service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks to help a person who has a disability. This distinction is important because therapy dogs do not have the same access to public places like service dogs do. For example, service dogs can go into restaurants, but therapy dogs cannot. Therapy dogs still provide a valuable service and should receive therapy dog certification.
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Southeast Louisiana location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
Who Do Therapy Dogs Help?
Therapy dogs may be regular visitors to a variety of people and places, with hospitals and rehabilitation centers being among the most common. Children, in particular, respond positively to therapy dogs.
Seniors in assisted living or people with mental disabilities who live in facilities and experience feelings of isolation also see a lot of benefits from visiting with a therapy dog.
Besides providing valuable social opportunities and relieving anxiety, therapy dogs may even help lower blood pressure and heart rate in patients and the other people they visit.
Why Are Therapy Dogs Important?
Therapy dogs offer unconditional love, non-judgmental interaction, reduce stress, anxiety and loneliness, and provide an overall positive distraction to ailments. Research shows therapy dogs can have a positive effect on a patient’s mood, stress and pain levels during facility stays.
Young patients — children — seem to benefit most from working with therapy dogs. They are more motivated to participate in treatments, feel optimistic about the future, and experience an overall sense of calm when a certified therapy dog is present.
For people who may have a hard time socializing due to mental disabilities or their living situation, therapy dogs can promote social interaction within their community and help them to connect.
We help your dog become a valued companion and beloved member of the family. Read what our customers have to say and then give us a call!
Claire and Hannah are the best! Daisy Rose is learning so much ! They are training her to be a wonderful service dog!— Anne Guilbeau
Posted October 5th 2023
Dog Training Elite has been fantastic! Caring & knowledgeable staff and the difference in Rusty has been amazing. Our in-home sessions were very helpful & informative. They spend as much time as needed an answer all questions. We are now attending the “come if you’d like” Saturday group sessions to fine tune our training. The vibration collar + plus excellent training has made such a difference. I very highly recommend 🐕🧡— Deb Daniel
Posted September 18th 2023
DTE was fantastic. Our trainer, Claire, was flexible with the schedule and made the whole process painless and fun. Our pup, Casey, looked forward to working with Claire and us! She now performs exemplary - And on command. We highly recommend DTE and would use them again if we increase the size of our pack.— donna bossier
Posted June 28th 2023
DTE has helped me be a way more confident dog mom for Comet. Not only have they gone above and beyond to make sure he is comfortable and content, they really care about how you feel too. I’ve dealt with anxiety and worry over Comet’s reactivity and leash pulling seeing as he is a larger boy, but with their help we can take longer walks and handle distractions much more easily now. It’s definitely a progress but worth every minute of it.— Jenna Henning
Posted June 13th 2023
If you are looking for a trainer, look no further. Our dog Apollo was struggling with aggression and only listened when he wanted to, he had attacked our other dog, would get out of the house and run for miles, completely uncontrollable. I honestly didn't believe he would ever be able to do off leash walking, but went ahead with the training anyway because I was hoping to help with his aggression. THIS CHANGED OUR LIFE! A few weeks later our puppy takes complete off leash walks, goes to his place when told and stays, he can walk in a heal, go into stores with us (off and on leash) He basically has a whole new lease on life because we now can let him play off leash and with other dogs. He is happier as are we. Training is expensive but it is the best thing we have ever done for our entire family— Tzippy
Posted May 25th 2023
Ed and his staff understand dog behavior and are great at training both the dog and the owner.— Paul Granada
Posted April 2nd 2023
They are absolutely amazing. They help me with my unmanageable dog. He has never been happier in his life after going through training! The group classes have really helped my dog become less reactive! Their staff is so nice!— P Forstall
Posted March 31st 2023
I have a rescue dog who is reactive to other dogs. Ed has given me the tools to help her and we have now progressed to group training. Ed and his team and professional, patient and amazing. I cannot recommend them enough,.— Amy Pinero
Posted February 25th 2023
I am so glad I found DTE! Working with the trainers and my service dog in public is exactly what we needed to grow as a team! We now have a stronger connection and I cannot wait to see all of the adventures we go on in the future!!— Gracie Boudreaux
Posted February 23rd 2023
Mr Ed was so great with my pit bull Kaira! I chose Dog Training Elite after one trainer told me I had a very vicious dog and needed one on one training that I’d have to leave my baby there! But when Mr Ed came do the home evaluation he said that she didn’t have a vicious bone in her! And she and I have been living a happy life ever since!! Thank you so much!!— Kandie Breaux
Posted January 19th 2023
We have been stunned by the turn around in our already "great" dog. He is operating as a Super Service Dog for Catherine thanks to you! My daughter struggles with mobility and our big 200lb Great Dane does a great job of leading and holding her up but wasn't so good at "following her lead." You have helped her as well with a confident commanding process that was possible for her to master. From our family to yours, thank you Dog Training Elite!— Monica Francis
Posted November 11th 2022
It has been an amazing experience working with Dog Training Elite! Claire and Ed were both so helpful in training my dog and me. :) Any question I had they were able to answer for me. Helpful hints for car rides, recommendations for groomers, understanding behavior changes during teething, getting our puppy to stop jumping on guests and the list goes on. When we started training, our 11 year old daughter was afraid of our puppy when he started jumping, barking and biting. Now she feels completely comfortable with our puppy. Our golden doodle puppy went from out of control jumping and biting to such a fun and obedient puppy to be around. Thank you so much Dog Training Elite!— Jennifer Depew Taylor
Posted November 9th 2022
It has been an amazing experience working with Dog Training Elite! Claire and Ed were both so helpful in training my dog and me. :) Any question I had they were able to answer for me. Helpful hints for car rides, recommendations for groomers, understanding behavior changes during teething, getting our puppy to stop jumping on guests and the list goes on. When we started training, our 11 year old daughter was afraid of our puppy when he started jumping, barking and biting. Now she feels completely comfortable with our puppy. Our golden doodle puppy went from out of control jumping and biting to such a fun and obedient puppy to be around. Thank you so much Dog Training Elite!— Jennifer Taylor
Posted November 9th 2022
Between the E-collar and the trainers coming out to us, I couldn't recommend them more. The difference between my dog's behavior before and after the training sessions is like night and day. He's like a whole new dog and I couldn't be happier.— Matthew Cancienne
Posted November 4th 2022
I have been working with Dog Training Elite with my 2 year old mini Australian Shepherd for about 2 months now. We love all the trainers we have met Ed, Claire and Jacob! I have really seen great changes in my dog Ellie! Each trainer takes their time to explain and all work really well with my dog to make sure she’s as comfortable during our training sessions! Group classes are fun to meet other people and their dogs!! Would 10/10 recommend them! Looking forward to more training!— Olivia Cornu
Posted November 1st 2022
I have been working with Ed and Claire for a few weeks now, and I'm impressed! I've worked with several trainers recently, and Dog Training Elite has been the most helpful in my current situations with my Doberman. I appreciate the fact that they don't train "by the book" and believe that training is based on each individual dog. I have been dealing with a few issues with my Doberman puppy and they have been able to observe and find the best working solutions to assist with those issues. I also enjoy the group classes each Saturday to work on distractions. It's really been great for my boy! One recent victory that Claire helped me with was getting my pup to allow me to put a vest on him! She made that happen in 1 hour during our session at home!— Karen sardi
Posted October 31st 2022
All the trainers at Dog Training Elite are amazing!! Our Labradoodle received some training from another group, but we still struggled with particular behaviors/situations. After making the switch to Dog Training Elite and the e-collar, our dog has soared! We are so thankful for Ed and his team!— Natalee Menge
Posted October 28th 2022
I have nothing but good things to say about Dog Training Elite (Southeast Louisiana). I have an 80 pound, 2 year old Boxer Pit bull mix who was extremely hard to walk. He used to get triggered by everything when I would walk him and the triggers often lead to him pulling me down as he would suddenly dart towards the trigger. I dreaded walking him. I was very afraid that he would get us seriously hurt or, God forbid, hurt someone else or another dog. But the training we have received has been a literal life saver. I can now walk him peacefully and can give him commands like “Sit” and “Come” and he not only responds, but holds the command until I release him to continue. I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND these trainers to any dog owner!!! They are professional, kind, knowledgeable, and their love for dogs is evident in everything they do. I truly can’t say enough good things!!— Kelly Lee
Posted October 6th 2022
Started about 4 weeks ago with Dog Training Elite SE LA! I can already see so many positive changes in my dog Ellie! She is learning to love her trainers!— Olivia Cornu
Posted September 27th 2022
How Does a Dog Become a Therapy Dog?
If you have felt the benefits of owning a dog, you may feel inspired to help more people feel the unconditional love, joy and support your dog provides. However, having a friendly, loving personality isn’t enough for a dog to qualify as a therapy dog. Some other qualifications to consider are:
- The age of your dog. Puppies do not make good therapy animals.
- How obedient your dog is. It’s important your dog listens to you and obeys basic commands. Dogs that go through obedience training with Dog Training Elite Southeast Louisiana have the perfect foundation to go onto therapy dog training, as long as they are old enough.
- How social your dog is. Your dog may be affectionate with you — but are they affectionate with strangers? Do they like to receive attention from strangers, particularly petting?
Therapy Dog Handlers
As a dog owner, it’s important to reflect on whether you would like to become a therapy dog handler as well. If you enjoy connecting with people, becoming a therapy dog handler may be a great fit. You can also choose where to volunteer to better suit your interests — if you like kids, volunteer to visit schools or children’s hospitals. If you prefer to work with older people, then sign up to visit senior living centers.
Once you’ve determined that becoming a therapy dog handler and helping your dog become a therapy dog is the right move for the two of you, you’re ready to start therapy dog training. The trainers of Dog Training Elite Southeast Louisiana are experts in the behaviors needed in a therapy dog and will help you and your dog either brush up on or master behaviors such as “leave it,” “watch me,” loose-leash walking and not jumping on other people.
To help your dog become well socialized, you may consider also signing up for one of Dog Training Elite Southeast Louisiana’s group obedience classes. A group class environment is also beneficial because it helps your dog learn to be obedient when there are a lot of distractions around, a crucial skill for a therapy dog.
Once you’ve completed initial training, you’re ready to apply for therapy dog certification in Baton Rouge. However, it is important to note that this certification is not the end. It’s important to stay on top of your dog’s training and continue to help them be the best therapy dog they can be.
Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation
At Dog Training Elite Southeast Louisiana, we believe that Service Dogs save lives. It is our mission to make these life-saving companions available to our Veterans, First Responders, Women Survivors, and Children with Medical Needs. Whether it be for PTSD, Mobility Support, or Special Needs, Dog Training Elite Southeast Louisiana 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.
Why do Therapy Dog Training with Dog Training Elite Southeast Louisiana?
The Dog Training Elite Southeast Louisiana training method stands out because of its emphasis on positive reinforcement. Dogs are never punished for bad behavior, instead they are rewarded for good behavior. This kind of training makes a huge difference in your relationship with your dog, and will make a difference in how your dog interacts with other people.
The balanced training method of Dog Training Elite Southeast Louisiana fosters a dog’s naturally loving and obedient nature. Focusing on positive reinforcement and rewarding good behavior helps build a strong bond between dog and owner built on love and trust. This foundation in turn becomes a great foundation for dog and owner to become a fabulous therapy team providing an invaluable service to the community.
If you feel therapy dog certification is right for you and your dog, get started by contacting Dog Training Elite Southeast Louisiana. Request your free training demo and in-home assessment today.
