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Therapy Dog Training in Boston


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A therapy dog is a dog who visits places like schools, hospitals and nursing homes. Therapy dog training in Boston 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.

Dog Training Elite in Boston provides therapy dog training in Boston to give people emotional support in all stages of life.

Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite in Boston location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.


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Children can especially benefit from therapy animals - Dog Training Elite in Boston is happy to help your family with these certifications.

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!

Awesome team! Very kind and assertive. Always on time and very effective training. Very knowledgeable.
— shannon guimaraes
Posted March 23rd 2024
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The team at Dog Training Elite has been nothing short of amazing with my 6 month old lab puppy. We are training him to be a service dog and the week to week improvements based on Dog Training Elite’s curriculum have been immense. The team of Marcus, Jamie, and Barbara have given me and my puppy the time, guidance, and confidence to progress each step on the way to our goal. I would highly recommend Dog Training Elite for any level of training for your dog.
— Matt Parr
Posted January 15th 2024
google
Great people to work with.
— zac taylor
Posted January 24th 2024
google
I have been very pleased with the training from Elite. The trainer has been effective and it’s making a difference for our very spirited Boston Terrier.
— Thomas McIsaac
Posted January 23rd 2024
google
We had a wonderful experience with Dog Training Elite! Marcus is so knowledgeable and caring about the dogs he works with. He helped us train our German Shepherd rescue and the results were almost immediate. Using his techniques, our pup has become less reactive and a better listener. He also teaches some pretty cool tricks! Overall, this company is outstanding and we have enjoyed every moment!
— Maya Dube
Posted January 20th 2024
google
Professional dog trainers who know what they are doing. So glad we chose Elite. Our rescue dog was extremely fearful and difficult to train. Marcus and Matt are dog whisperers!
— Andrea Adams
Posted January 11th 2024
google
The training provided was exactly what we needed. Everyone we dealt with was amazing! Highly recommend Dog training Elite Boston!
— Rita-Marie Auble
Posted January 4th 2024
google
Great results with our dog as a result of the professional training we received.
— John Casey
Posted January 10th 2024
google
The trainers were not only professional but also patient with my dog who has a long way to go. We have seen major improvements and intend to continue with the training! Would highly recommend their services to anyone who is looking for dog training!
— Jael Osei - Kofi
Posted December 31st 2023
google
I highly recommend Dog training elite. Matt was an absolute pleasure to work with and koop loves him. They truly care about the dogs and owners. With their guidance our dog koop is a whole different dog.
— Matthew Tie
Posted December 20th 2023
google
Our rescue dog Maggie came to us as a puppy and in spite of all the best intentions and love, she (and many of her littler mates in other homes) has been reactive in multiple ways. We used to host gatherings with friends and family, but since having Maggie, our house has had to be closed due to her unpredictable and antisocial behavior. However, we loved her completely and knew she could be the best dog if we had some help. Elite training was just the program for us. It is intensive and thorough and expects effort from both the dog and the owners, but the outcome is amazing! The trainers, specifically Matt, equipped us with the tools and skills to successfully take Maggie for walks, into public settings and we can even have friends come over again! We have learned so many ways to help Maggie succeed. She has worked hard to overcome her anxieties to meet our expectations with the help of this training. Thank you to Dog Training Elite for giving us the dog we knew she could be.
— Letitia Bartow
Posted November 21st 2023
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My boyfriend and I just moved to the area and were looking for a trainer for my 4 year old Dutch Shepard. I am so happy we found Dog Training Elite. From the first time we met Matt at our free consultation, it was clear he understood our goals with our dog. My dog can be difficult and reactive so I am always hesitant when bring her into new situations. Matt helped us get out of our comfort zone and taught us new techniques that have been extremely beneficial. He was able to cater to our goals and adjust the trainings as needed. We have seen so much improvement with our dog throughout our sessions and I could not recommend this training program enough!
— Olivia Nortrup
Posted November 17th 2023
google
Marcus and Barbara delivered an amazing program and showed incredible skills in training my dog Didi. They were not only patient with my dog, but also with me as an owner to learn best practices and techniques to get better results. Regarding the program itself, one of the things I was concerned with was the E-collar, but I was surprised that majority of the training is about positive reinforcement and love (lots of pets for Didi) and the training collar is not at all what one might think. Both Marcus and Barbara showed commitment and care for dogs, and it made me feel extremely comfortable and happy with the choice. The improvement on both Didi and I started since day 1, so I cannot say enough good things about Dog Training Elite and their trainers Marcus and Barbara.
— Massimo Nardi
Posted November 1st 2023
google
Our dog has come a long way with the 6 private sessions. She is much easier to handle. Is much calmer and seems happier. My only con is one of the trainers seemed new and not quite as knowledgeable. I asked about a specific problem about our dog chewing and she had no answer. However the next visit Jamie had a brilliant suggestion.
— Laurie Weck
Posted October 28th 2023
google
The best decision we ever made for our sweet Augusta, was to work with Dog Training Elite. We had the most incredible training provided by Matt. Matt's dedication, passion, support and expertise are second to none. The training is as much for the humans as it is for the dog. Maybe more. I learned a ton, and I've bonded with my best friend Augusta like I never could have imagined. Thank you!!!
— Red Curry
Posted September 28th 2023
google
From our first lesson, when Marcus was able to pat my dog, Gracie, I knew I made the right choice for a dog trainer. Only 2-4 people have been able to touch her since I’ve had her (6 years). Needless to say, I was amazed. We also worked with Jaime. She was great to work with as well with home sessions and a couple sessions at Home Depot, where Gracie handled the noise and people really well. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite!
— Robin Mael
Posted September 27th 2023
google
Wonderful trainers. Each trainer that came to house really understood our pups and us as well. Highly recommend Dog Training Elite Boston for your training needs
— Stephen Arnold
Posted September 19th 2023
google
Dog Training Elite has been amazing to work with!! The trainers are fantastic and their customer service is top notch!! I would highly recommend them to anyone with a dog!!! The difference I have seen in my shepherd mix’s behavior has been amazing!
— Tiffany my3sweetgirls0403
Posted September 12th 2023
google
Marcus and his team are exemplary. they all have such a perfect touch with our puppy. we are incredibly happy with each of them and the technique they use. 100% recommend
— Linda Courtiss Rheingold
Posted September 11th 2023
google
Dog Training Elite has been nothing but AMAZING for me and my service dog, Stella! It has always been amazing meeting with the trainers and they're always willing to answer my questions and provide a easy to understand and friendly approach. They have helped me through every step of the way to getting Stella to be the best she can be for me! I truly love DTE and I literally reccomnend it to everyone who needs dog training. Thank you so much DTE for being such an amazing and awesome part of my journey!!
— kaeya!
Posted September 8th 2023
google

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This cute pup is excited to learn and help provide support with his therapy training with Dog Training Elite in BostonBoston.

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 in Boston 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 in Boston 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 in Boston’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 Boston. 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.

By working with Dog Training Elite in BostonBoston, you will also be trained to be a therapy dog handler with your pup.

Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation

At Dog Training Elite in Boston, 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 in Boston 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.

Learn More

Why do Therapy Dog Training with Dog Training Elite in Boston?


The Dog Training Elite in Boston 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 in Boston 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 in Boston. Request your free training demo and in-home assessment today.

Contact Dog Training Elite in BostonBoston if you feel this certification is right for you and your pup.

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