One of the most significant features of our pet training franchise is our dog therapy training program, new and improved for 2020! We like to focus on all aspects of canine obedience here at Dog Training Elite. But, as we move into the new decade, we must stay up with current trends. The number of therapy dogs in the United States is growing at a rapid rate, and it is our job to make sure that they are properly trained! Check out what’s new in our therapy training program and learn how you can become a part of it!

In 2011, the National Service Animal Registry had 2,400 therapy animals in its records. Today this number has grown to nearly 200,000! The demand for therapy dogs is undoubtedly there, but one may wonder, what exactly is a therapy dog? To put it simply, 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. They can also be used as alternatives to medication for those with mental health or other medical conditions. While most dogs are friendly and caring, not all qualify to be certified therapy dogs. For your dog to qualify, he/she must be friendly with strangers, and with training. Additionally, he/she must be able to work around a high level of distraction and to understand personal boundaries, such as not jumping up, licking, mouthing, etc.

Once it is determined that your dog qualifies, it's time to sign up for class! Our dog therapy training program teaches your dog skills that will last a lifetime. Our package includes seven one-on-one training sessions and eight months of group dog training in the community. These are extremely valuable for the dogs, as they get to venture out and gain experience interacting with other people and dogs. Additionally, the package includes AKC testing (Canine Good Citizen test) and practice testing for the Intermountain Therapy Test, upon completion or in the future. Both these tests are benchmarks for getting your dog officially certified as a therapy animal. Upon completion of our program, your dog will receive a therapy bandana, an official certification, and dog therapy ID cards. Also, you will be given an exclusive directory of therapy events and locations for you to donate your time! The inclusive nature of our therapy training program is something that few trainers can compete with, and the results will be apparent in your dog. Therapy dogs and their handlers graduating our program will have the skill sets to volunteer in nursing homes, schools, as reading dogs, with trauma survivors and in counseling groups, among other things.

During the program, our trainers will teach and re-enforce the following advanced obedience commands to your dog:

• Come - Quiet (stop barking and whining)
• Walk with you (no more pulling) - Load up in the car
• Sit (next to you) - Place
• Sit (off-leash, at a distance) - Kennel
• Down (next to you) - Heel
• Down (off-leash, at a distance) - No Jumping
• Wait

Additionally, they will learn the make a friend and personalized greeting (high five, shake, hug, etc.) specialty commands.

While our dog therapy training program is an excellent resource for pet owners, it is also esteemed by our Franchise Owners. It is one of a variety of training programs that represent multiple revenue streams for those who choose to franchise with us. These, along with minimal overhead costs and the absence of real estate fees, give our Franchise Owners the potential for exceptional profits. At the same time, they get to set their own schedules, leading to an ideal work/life balance. When it comes to support, the Dog Training Elite team has our owners covered through every step of the franchising process. This includes pushing marketing efforts, training new employees, or expanding their franchise. It’s safe to say that when you franchise with Dog Training Elite, you get to have your cake and eat it too!

Owning a pet training franchise with Dog Training Elite is much different from an average career. Our owners feel fulfillment every day, knowing that they are helping improve the relationship between human and canine. Multiple revenue streams, like from our therapy dog training program, help them to have the potential for high profits. Coherently, our Franchise Owners are their own bosses and get to be on their own schedules. Few jobs can balance these aspects, and as a result, our Franchise Owners are some of the happiest people out there! We are incredibly thankful for them as we move into 2020, and we cannot wait to see the future brings!

Become one of the happiest people out there by owning a pet training franchise with Dog Training Elite. Visit our franchising site for more information.