Elite

Therapy Dog Training


Top Therapy Dog Trainers in Davis / Weber County, UT

Call to Schedule FREE In-Home Demo

435-640-6555


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Contact Dog Training Elite Northern Utah

Or Call to Schedule FREE In-Home Evaluation & Demo

435-640-6555


Se habla español!

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 Northern Utah location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.


Therapy Dog

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

$2,995

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).

Our therapy package offers you training sessions throughout your dog's lifetime! Follow-up sessions to be scheduled once per month as needed, after initial program is completed.

Training Equipment Included: E-Collar, Biothane Flat Leash & Place Cot

  • 9 Private one-on-one sessions
  • Group Park Training Sessions Unlimited
  • AKC Canine Good Citizen Certification
  • Therapy bandana, certification and ID Cards
  • An exclusive directory of therapy events and locations for you to donate your time
  • Practice testing for our proprietary Dog Training Elite Therapy Test
  • Come
  • Walk with you (no more pulling)
  • Sit (next to you)
  • Sit (off leash, at a distance)
  • Down (next to you)
  • Down (off leash, at a distance)
  • Wait
  • Quiet (stop barking and whining)
  • Load up in the car
  • Kennel
  • Place
  • Heel
  • No Jumping up (on people)
  • Make a friend
  • Choose one personalized greeting (high five, shake, hug, etc.)

*For those looking to pass the Intermountain Health Care Therapy Test, our IHC Therapy Package is available for an additional cost.

Emotional Support Dog Training

Emotional Support Animal training is based on your dog's abilities.

$2,995

An Emotional support dog provides comfort and companionship to its handler at home. ESA's have housing rights with medical endorsement (but not public access rights).

A good emotional support dog promotes improved mood through positive interactions, touch therapy, and maintaining a routine.

Our ESA package offers you training sessions throughout your dog's lifetime! Follow-up sessions to be scheduled once per month as needed, after initial program is completed.

Training Equipment Included: E-Collar, Biothane Flat Leash & Place Cot

  • Home and Community One on One Training 9 Sessions
  • Group Park Training Sessions Unlimited
  • Puppy Selection Advice
  • One Personalized Skill
  • Come
  • Heel
  • Sit
  • Place
  • Off
  • Quiet (stop barking and whining)
  • Lay Down
  • Leash Manners
  • People Manners
  • Load-up (in Car or Kennel)
  • No Jumping up (on people)
  • 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!

Thank you Dog Training Élite Northern Utah for the work with my puppy Charlie. Charlie has already brought joy to this human near to end of life. Dan, Colleen and your staff have been amazing. Thank you for the patience you show teaching Charlie’s human (me) to be a better handler. You are amazing and I would recommend you to anyone.
— Rosie Holmes
Posted May 13th 2023
google
The trainers at Dog Training Elite are amazing! We are first time dog owners, and really appreciate their expertise and willingness to answer our many questions. They really individualized the training based on our puppy’s personality and abilities and helped us know how to continue and reinforce his training at home. We are so glad we found such fantastic trainers for our cute puppy Scout!
— Sara Margetts
Posted May 6th 2023
google
I can not say enough about DTE. They are AMAZING. Trevor, Opal, Colleen, Dan and Melaine are super human dog lovers. Not only have they set our dogs up on the road to success they put my family there too.!!! I recommend them completely. They are just amazing.
— Cynthia Volk
Posted April 9th 2023
google
I love Dog Training Elite! Finding them was one of the best things I could have done for me and my dog. We started with basic obedience and he did so so well. They were patient with him and us and taught us what to do and how to do it well to succeed. We are now 9 months into our service training and it's going so well too! This has taken more patience and time to learn but we're asking hard things of my dog and myself 😅 but they are very supportive and patient. I love all of their trainers and recommend them to anyone who needs help training their dog whether it's basic obedience issues or reactivity, every penny is worth having Dog Training Elite in your corner. They know their stuff.
— Catherine Belnap
Posted March 1st 2023
google
I cannot express how strongly I am recommending Dog Training Elete. They have helped me deal with some serious dog issues. Not to mention the solid foundations they have established in the fundamentals of dog training. Be assured they will be with you for the whole process of training a well behaved and well adjusted dog.
— Dana Fessler
Posted February 28th 2023
google
We have loved working with Dog Training Elite! We started with a new pup and now have a 2 year old trained psychiatric service dog. Trevor, Colleen and their team have been so helpful and have been there to answer any questions. We would highly recommend them to anyone who needs help with a pup!
— Madi
Posted February 28th 2023
google
We have been working with them to train a diabetes alert dog for the last 9 months as first time dog owners and it has been amazing! They are been there every step of the way and quick to answer questions. The staff is very knowledgeable and communicates well with us about what we need to do to have a well trained service dog and family pet. They have been there from choosing the right puppy to coming to our home for training sessions to group park classes to quickly responding to questions and concerns. They have given us the tools to train the humans and the dogs, since it takes a lot of time and consistent efforts to reach the goal of a well trained handler and dog. Would highly recommend them to anyone, whether you're wanting a well-behaved pet or a highly trained service dog.

Posted February 25th 2023
facebook
We have been working with them to train a diabetes alert dog for the last 9 months as first time dog owners and it has been amazing! They are been there every step of the way and quick to answer questions. The staff is very knowledgeable and communicates well with us about what we need to do to have a well trained service dog and family pet. They have been there from choosing the right puppy to coming to our home for training sessions to group park classes to quickly responding to questions and concerns. They have given us the tools to train the humans and the dogs, since it takes a lot of time and consistent efforts to reach the goal of a well trained handler and dog. Would highly recommend them to anyone, whether you're wanting a well -behaved pet or a highly trained service dog.
— Diana Thomas
Posted February 25th 2023
google
They have been so supportive through my whole process. At first, I wasn’t sure if a service dog could help me and at the consultation they taught me all of the ways a dog could help me and recommended some breeds that would be a good fit. Then Colleen drove 3 hours to the breeder to do the temperament test on 2 potential puppies to make sure whichever we chose would be able to handle the training and expectations of his job. Then the hard part of picking between 2 adorable puppies … that was on us 😜. Training started 3 days after bringing the puppy home. Starting with the absolute basics! Through the puppy training, basic obedience and now public access we have worked with multiple trainers who are all aware of my needs and our pup’s personality. They have all been knowledgeable, kind, and patient with our pup and with me and all of my questions. Before this, I’ve never had a dog that would walk with a loose leash, now I have a 5 month old pup that everyone asks how he became so well behaved and stays by my side!!! I tell everyone about Dog Training Elite of Northern Utah! I can’t recommend them enough for all types of training, but especially for potential service dog needs.
— Mary Derrick
Posted January 27th 2023
google
Dog training elite has trained all 3 of my pups and they are amazing! Best Trainers around! Highly recommended them for any dog needing training!
— Emily Baggot
Posted December 20th 2022
google
I love working with Dog Training Elite. Every time I needed advice on how to work with my pup or just for anything in particular they were always there to help. Could just text him and they would just get back to me with great advice. Also they always work with me on making payments if I needed help. They're great dog trainers to learn from. Love those guys!
— Marissa Gonzalez
Posted November 15th 2022
google
Very professional. They met and exceeded all my expectations. They have also helped with issues beyond basic training. They treated me and my dogs with importance and not just another client or number. I absolutely and highly recommended them above all other dog training options.

Posted November 8th 2022
facebook
They are all so professional and have a way to make training seem like a fun game for the dogs. Zero loves all his trainers and always gets excited to see them whether it’s one on one training or at group class.

Posted September 15th 2022
facebook
Everyone is so friendly and they have so much patience for all the dogs they work with. The way they make training seem like a fun game sometimes. Zero loves all his trainers and is always excited for group class or anytime we have a training session and he sees the trainers.
— spookywollip
Posted September 15th 2022
google
We have husky pups and I knew they were going to be a challenge. We have had 2 lessons so far and the pups have done a great job! They learn so much on each lesson. They work hard and are more mellow which helps them to sleep well after the lessons. Ryan has been very helpful. He is knowledgeable and knows how to address the dog's problems! The class is fun for the dogs because it helps with their behavior as well as all of us meeting new people. Great training class!
— Marney Wright
Posted August 24th 2022
google
They’ve been with us every step of the way before we even got our puppy! In fact they were the ones that recommended the breeder we got Mula from. And she’s been the most wonderful dog from the day we met her from 6 weeks old. At around 8 weeks we had Mula home and dog training elite was there 1 week later to start training. Colleen, Melonie, Selena, Hailey, Bri & Fona. All of them are lovely and so pleasant to work with. Anytime I text them I get a super fast response back. In fact I think I reached out one night and was surprised to get a reply back even though it was like 10pm. They have so much passion for what they do, and some even have their own service animals. And they don’t just do service animal training they do behavioral training too for house dogs. I love their park classes, they make it really engaging for the dogs and so fun for the people too. Last time we played tik tac toe with our dogs lol and musical chairs. Was cool. My dog Mula is now 8 months old and just this last Thursday passed her public access training test!!!! Next up is task training. I always look forward to training sessions! I literally tell everyone about them, they are so great ✨ -Opal
— Hannah Fawson
Posted August 20th 2022
google
They were great! My dog loved working with all of them. They eased my anxiety about the e-collar and everything. They definitely are the best trainers I’ve seen in a while!
— neida garcia
Posted August 4th 2022
google
I was really nervous about finding a good company to train my sons service dog & spent months researching. Dog Training Elite was the only one I found that would do at home training. I'm a hands on/observe learner. It was so great to have Melanie & Salena come to my home, show me exactly what to do, & practiced with me until I felt comfortable. They explained the process & answered my questions with kindness. They were always right on time & eager to work with us. They also worked really well with Drake. I feel he did so much better being at his home with me for his basic training. They also answered emails/texts within the same day. They worked well with me to figure out a plan that would work best based on my sons special needs/disability. Drake has now graduated from his basic training & we're excited to start group trainings. Highly recommend Dog Training Elite if you want convenient & professional dog training no matter what services you are looking for.
— Rose Carter
Posted July 20th 2022
google
My dog is still a 5 month old pup and is in training to be my service dog. Every single person that meets her thinks she is just a small dog because they can’t grasp how well behaved she is!!! She is a completely transformed dog from when we first got her. She is still herself 100% but she is so well behaved and listens immaculately thanks to her trainers!!!! The fact that they come to MY HOME to train her has been huge for me especially with these gas prices! They adjust her training to HER too. It’s not just a set training without modifications. They understand that every dog and every owner is different and have such a wide knowledge on owners and dog health and more. They work with you in every aspect, LITERALLY. You think of something, they will work it out with you and they respond so quickly, professionally, and kindly. I truly am blown away with this company, her trainers, and of course my dog! As are everyone that crosses her path. Could not recommend Elite enough. I do want it to be known that we are NOT wealthy! Quite the opposite. But again, they work with you and every single penny is undeniably worth it. If you are considering giving your dog up, DONT. Get them through this training, even just the basics, your frustrations will disappear. I’m certain of that.
— Jaclynn Hamer
Posted June 21st 2022
google
The trainers with DTE are amazing. I started training my puppy when she was very small and I have never had such an obedient dog. They build a solid foundation for training and ensure you have all the support you need. They are flexible and work with your schedule.

Posted June 21st 2022
facebook

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Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation

At Dog Training Elite Northern Utah, 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 Northern Utah work's 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

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Dog Training Elite Northern Utah - Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
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Dog Training Elite Northern Utah - PRTA Pro
Dog Training Elite Northern Utah - AKC Member