Elite

Therapy Dog Training


Top Therapy Dog Trainers in Carmel / Fishers, IN

Call to Schedule FREE In-Home Assessment

317-827-8717


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Contact Dog Training Elite Indianapolis

Or Call to Schedule FREE In-Home Assessment

317-827-8717


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What is a Therapy Dog?

A therapy dog is a dog that performs a service for other people. Typical therapy dog tasks are going to nursing homes or hospitals to cheer people up. For your dog to qualify, he/she must be friendly with strangers, and with training, be able to work around a high level of distraction and to understand personal boundaries, such as not jumping up, licking, mouthing, etc.

Research shows that therapy dogs can have a positive effect on a patient’s mood, stress, and pain levels during facility stays. Children, in particular, respond positively to 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.

Therapy dogs can promote social interaction between individuals within communities that may not otherwise experience socialization typically. Therapy dogs offer unconditional love, non-judgmental interaction, reduce stress, anxiety, and loneliness and provide an overall positive distraction to ailments.

Goals for Your Therapy Companion


  • Socialization
  • Lower Pain Levels
  • Motivation
  • Provide Comfort
  • Decrease in Stress, Anxiety, and Depression
  • Promote Healing
  • Increase Overall Optimism
  • Ease Loneliness


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


Therapy Dog

Therapy dog training is based on your dog's abilities.

$2,695

A therapy dog volunteers alongside you, where permitted, and provides comfort to others. Examples include cheering people up at nursing homes or hospitals.

A good therapy dog is naturally friendly with strangers, able to work around a high level of distraction (with training), and able to understand personal boundaries, such as not jumping up, licking, mouthing, etc (with training).

  • Private, one-on-one training sessions 12 Sessions
  • Group dog training in the community Unlimited Sessions (for the life of your dog)
  • Therapy bandanna, certification and ID Cards
  • AKC Canine Good Citizen certification
  • An exclusive directory of therapy events and locations for you to donate your time
  • Certification/AKC Testing
  • Come
  • Heel
  • Sit (next to you)
  • Sit (off leash, at a distance)
  • Off
  • Down (next to you)
  • Down (off leash, at a distance)
  • Quiet (stop barking and whining)
  • Place
  • Make a friend
  • One personalized greeting (high five, shake, hug, etc.)

Our Balanced Theory

We base our training around the "Classical Conditioning" model (a.k.a. "Pavlovian" or "respondent conditioning"). This includes developing conditioned or automatic reflexes to commands. In its simplest form (after proper conditioning), when the owner says "sit," the dog automatically sits without thinking about it. Our unique techniques ensure our program is a success no matter what behavior we encounter.


  • Empowering Owners
    We empower Owners to train so their dog knows who to obey at all times.
  • Personalized
    We deal with problem behaviors on a personal basis.
  • Environment Specific
    We train wherever issues tend to arise (i.e. jogging, park, home).
  • Supportive
    We support Owners in the off-hours (when training is "not in session").
  • Involved
    We work with all members of the household.
  • Simplified & Customized
    We plan training around the owner's schedule and require only 20 min/day follow-up practice.
  • Continued Training
    Additional programs / group sessions offered after in-home training.
  • Lifetime Investment
    We follow up & are invested in the owner's success long-term.
  • Satisfaction Ratings
    Our high client satisfaction rating sets us apart from competitors.

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!

Love the trainers and their dedication. They work so well with my girl. Thank you all for everything and a big shout to Elijah! He is a great teacher and passionate about what he does. Love to see it!
— Kenzie Rickly
Posted December 27th 2023
google
We LOVED DTE Indy! All the trainers are tremendous with the dogs and really pay attention to each one they are training. They truly care about your pet and want them to succeed and get better every day like they are their own dogs! Could not recommend DTE Indy enough!!
— Megan Finerty
Posted March 18th 2024
google
Before DTE, I was ready to rehome my rescue that had been rehomed to me. I've had dogs before, but I could not get Hartley's behavior was causing a great deal of stress. The trainers are amazing and they really worked with her (and me) on her issues and behavior. Now, I have a dog that is amazing. I recently took her to my father's nursing home. People kept remarking at how well behaved she was. I cannot thank this place enough for what they have done.
— Karen McClure
Posted March 4th 2024
google
We had a wonderful experience at Dog Training Elite with our pup Gracie. We adopted 12 mo old Gracie as a rescue, and we knew immediate training was needed to help her transition to a family pet. Doug and his experienced team did a great job with her, and we’ve easily learned how to follow the training program at home. I would highly recommend this program.
— marsha servaas
Posted February 15th 2024
google
You guys are amazing Olaf learned everything from you Thank you for being there during the rough times 🤗❤️
— Saro Kh
Posted February 13th 2024
google
Highly recommend Dog Training Elite, the trainers are fantastic and they did a great job with my German Shepherd puppy.
— Margaret Breneman
Posted February 12th 2024
google
In just four weeks with Dog Elite Trainers, my golden doodle Harper and I have experienced a transformative journey that goes beyond obedience training. The trainers' expertise, coupled with genuine passion and love for their work, has created an environment where Harper thrives. The personalized approach to her unique personality has not only equipped her with essential commands but has also instilled newfound confidence. What sets Dog Elite Trainers apart is their commitment to fostering a strong bond between dog and owner. The support extends beyond the training sessions, providing me with the knowledge and skills to reinforce positive behavior at home. The dedication, patience, and genuine care exhibited by the trainers make every session enjoyable and effective. Dog Elite Trainers have not only met but exceeded our expectations, and we eagerly look forward to the continued growth and learning in the upcoming weeks. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a meaningful connection with their furry companion!
— Jacinda Devance
Posted February 10th 2024
google
Our puppy, Annie, just finished obedience training at Dog Training Elite and we are absolutely thrilled with our experience! Not only did Annie learn a lot of new skills while attending their day camp, they gave us tons of videos and constant support to help us maintain her progress at home. I was a little nervous to drop off our sweet girl that first day, but the entire staff loved her and cheered her on like she was one of their own. Annie was SO EXCITED to go back in the next day, and she kept her enthusiasm for the entire two-week course. We'll definitely be returning for their advanced training courses and can't wait to take advantage of the weekend group classes!
— Kelly Davisson
Posted January 21st 2024
google
Highly recommend!
— Lindsay F
Posted January 15th 2024
google
i am currently taking my dog winnie to be trained here and they’ve done an amazing job with her! she’s a super high energy dog and they’ve helped her become more focused and concentrated! we’ve also met some amazing dog parents along the way:)
— Fatime K
Posted December 27th 2023
google
Josh & Elijah came to the rescue to help build confidence and trust with my 2 y/o fearful, reactive labradoodle and it's been a game changer! I can take her on walks and have company now without feeling like she might try to eat anyone that inhabits the earth with us! They were great about explaining subtle indicators and behaviors I hadn't experienced with a dog until now, which has been so helpful for me to proactively respond to her reactions and often avoid them altogether. I did my homework on best options for helping with her struggles and while I wasn't expecting a miracle, I couldn't me more pleased with the outcome so far and am excited to start group classes this weekend! I knew I made a great decision for her by how quickly she trusted them and responded to their training style. I have really appreciated the level of professionalism from everyone I've interacted with at DTE, that they haven't been pushy in any way, are very flexible with scheduling and have provided everything we've needed to help us succeed! It also feels great knowing they're available for ongoing support and communication if/when we need it. If you ever doubted making this investment in your doggo, hopefully a few compelling reviews help get you over the same hump I sat on too long!
— Elizabeth Kleeman
Posted December 12th 2023
google
We have worked with the trainers at DTE since late April and I am so pleased with the progress my pup, Fitzgerald, has and continues to make and with the attentiveness of the trainers. Doug, Elijah, and Josh always make sure to answer any questions or concerns I am having and when I am out (in the community) with Fitzgerald, we are constantly complimented on how "well trained Fitzgerald is at 18 months old". While Fitzgerald has his witching hour when he is being the very definition of a puppy, he can easily be redirected with a simple, one word prompt, "Off" and he's back on track. It has been so rewarding to watch Fitzgerald bond with his friends, a second grade class in one of the local schools has adopted him as their classroom pet and he visits the school and classroom each week. I am blessed in that I am able to take Fitzgerald with me to work each day, as I work as a behaviorist with individuals diagnosed with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities, a category of individuals who tend to have intense behavioral deficits. Fitzgerald is such a calming presence and loves each of the individuals on my caseload. The training Fitzgerald continues to receive is on display with every interaction he has with anyone he encounters and I am always offering strangers the contact information for DTE. Prior to finding Doug and his team, we'd communicated with other trainers, but none of them felt like a good fit for my family's needs and I didn't want to "Board and Train", especially a puppy who was only months old, as that required us to send Fitzgerald away for at least 2 weeks at a time. Doug never even suggested such a plan which immediately placed me at ease. I will continue to sing the praises of Doug and the DTE team because they are excellent and after searching and speaking with quite a few trainers before finding Doug and his team, I am convinced that they are the best team of trainers in the Indianapolis/Metro area.
— Natasha G.
Posted December 7th 2023
google
Training with DTE has been and continues to be worth every penny paid and likely more. We have worked with the trainers at DTE since late April and I am so pleased with the progress my pup, Fitzgerald, has and continues to make and with the attentiveness of the trainers. Doug, Elijah, and Josh always make sure to answer any questions or concerns I am having and when I am out (in the community) with Fitzgerald, we are constantly complimented on how "well trained Fitzgerald is at 18 months old". While Fitzgerald has his witching hour when he is being the very definition of a puppy, he can easily be redirected with a simple, one word prompt, "Off" and he's back on track. It has been so rewarding to watch Fitzgerald bond with his friends, a second grade class in one of the local schools has adopted him as their classroom pet and he visits the school and classroom each week. I am blessed in that I am able to take Fitzgerald with me to work each day, as I work as a behaviorist with individuals diagnosed with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities, a category of individuals who tend to have intense behavioral deficits. Fitzgerald is such a calming presence and loves each of the individuals on my caseload. The training Fitzgerald continues to receive is on display with every interaction he has with anyone he encounters and I am always offering strangers the contact information for DTE. Prior to finding Doug and his team, we'd communicated with other trainers, but none of them felt like a good fit for my family's needs and I didn't want to "Board and Train", especially a puppy who was only months old, as that required us to send Fitzgerald away for at least 2 weeks at a time. Doug never even suggested such a plan which immediately placed me at ease. I will continue to sing the praises of Doug and the DTE team because they are excellent and after searching and speaking with quite a few trainers before finding Doug and his team, I am convinced that they are the best team of trainers in the Indianapolis/Metro area.
— Natasha Gray
Posted December 7th 2023
facebook
We purchased a puppy to train as a serviced dog for our son who has special needs. Dog training Elite does in home training and then the group classes to assist you in helping you pooch hone their skills. They are professional courteous and just amazing! They even help make it possible for us to attend a special group class for service dogs when I ran into a work conflict. 100% recommend this company!
— Abby Wallace
Posted June 16th 2023
google
Amazing!!! 10/10. Trainers are kind and super supportive. Their techniques, are easy to learn for my dog and family.
— Lindsey Matthias
Posted June 19th 2023
google
The training we have received has been great! The money spent has been worth every bit of training. Elijah and Josh have been helpful when we get stuck! They are reliable at answering any question and efficient when answering questions! So glad we chose them!!!
— Kelly Brown
Posted June 19th 2023
google
Dog Training Elite is the best!!! Doug, Josh and Elijah have been absolutely awesome to work with.These guys care and it shows in the work they do. My Samoyed is very well trained thanks to them. I would 100% recommend them to anyone who is looking for dog training.
— Chris Griffin
Posted October 31st 2023
google
They have a fabulous program!
— Mary Clark
Posted October 25th 2023
google
Absolutely AMAZING. The entire staff is very well versed in all aspects of training your furry family member. Currently, Liberty and I are working towards certifying as a service dog. The techniques taught, when used, WORK!!! Having a well disciplined furry family member reduces stress, gives companionship and brings extreme joy to each day of your life.
— Jake Johnson
Posted October 25th 2023
google
Highly recommend taking your pooch to DTE. Doug, Elijah and Josh are amazing!
— Anthony Calcari
Posted October 21st 2023
google

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Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation

At Dog Training Elite Indianapolis, 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 Indianapolis 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.

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