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Dog Training Elite

Therapy Dog Training in Greenville, SC

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Our Therapy Dog Training Could Help:
Those managing chronic pain
People looking to increase social interaction
Anyone seeking enhanced motivation and purpose
Individuals in need of emotional comfort
Those experiencing stress, anxiety, or depression
People wanting to boost overall optimism
Anyone feeling lonely or isolated

Therapy Dog Training in Greenville, SC

What is a Therapy Dog?

A therapy dog is trained to provide emotional support and comfort to people in need, often visiting hospitals, nursing homes, and schools. These dogs must be friendly with strangers, able to handle high levels of distraction, and understand personal boundaries like not jumping, licking, or mouthing. With proper training, therapy dogs can bring joy and emotional relief to those they interact with, offering companionship in stressful environments.

At Dog Training Elite, we specialize in therapy dog training in Greenville, SC, helping dogs develop the temperament and skills needed to provide emotional support and comfort in a variety of settings. Our customized programs are designed to guide you and your dog through the certification process with compassion and professionalism. Whether your goal is to visit hospitals, schools, or community centers, we ensure your dog is well-prepared to offer calm, dependable companionship to those in need. With our expert training methods, your dog can become a confident and trusted therapy companion in the Greenville community.

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A therapy dog in training with Dog Training Elite Upstate SC's expert handlers.

How Does a Dog Become a Therapy Dog?


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While the companionship your dog brings you may inspire you to share that with others, not every dog is suited to be a therapy animal. Beyond a friendly, loving personality, several important qualifications must be met for a dog to be considered for therapy work:

  • Age: Puppies are typically too energetic and lack the focus to be therapy dogs.
  • Obedience: A therapy dog must follow commands reliably. Dogs that have completed obedience training with Dog Training Elite have the solid foundation needed to begin therapy dog training.
  • Social Skills: Therapy dogs need to naturally enjoy meeting new people and must handle being petted and approached by strangers without anxiety. Their ability to remain calm and friendly, even in unfamiliar situations, ensures they can provide emotional support to those they interact with.

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You and your canine companion really can have it all. See how easy it can be to become a member of the elite pup society by requesting a free consultation today!

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Austin Dillon
    Jan. 18, 2026
    Highly recommend. Brought my pup to them who was overreactive to other dogs and they did excellent job helping her get over the hurdle. We have been able to get her back out in public and around other dogs with no problem!
  • Ellie Lohnes
    Jan. 14, 2026
    Walter (my dachshund) had a lot of anxiety and listening issues. He would be all over my husband and I and very often would take things he was not supposed to have and not allow us to get them from him. He would pull on his leash and chase us out the door when we left. Since dog training elite he has gained so much confidence. He has anxiety still, but that’s part of his breed as well. He listens to both my husband and I with ease. He’s no longer chasing us out the door and immediately drops things he’s not supposed to have when we ask. He pulls far less than he used to (though he just finished training so he’s still working on that one), but far far better. He’s happier every day and so are we. We cannot recommend DTE enough and are so grateful for the tools and ch ages they have made in our lives.
  • Kinsley Deck
    Jan. 13, 2026
    I am so happy with DTE and the training they provided for my GSD Sully. They were flexible with scheduling training sessions, and catered each session to my dog and her needs. I specifically am thankful for Casey and her training skills, as she is very familiar with GSDs and was able to relate to Sully’s reactivity issues. She provided great training tips to help better Sully’s behavior and was very receptive to all questions I asked her. They provide longterm support for the owner and dog alike!
  • Carissa Snyder
    Dec. 23, 2025
    DTE has been awesome to work with! All of the trainers are very knowledgeable about training, and passionate about helping dogs and their families. I have a 4 (almost 5) year old male Dalmatian, Chipper, who is completely deaf and has been since birth. At his age, I really didn’t think training would have much of an impact but I have learned that training doesn’t only have to be for puppies. DTE has been very accommodating in incorporating hand signals for Chipper since he cannot hear verbal commands. Chipper is my best friend and never liked the idea of having to send him off to training for a few months, so DTE was a great option for training Chipper but not having to drop him off for weeks at a time. Not only have they helped Chipper, but they have helped me understand the difference between dogs being able to do “tricks” and follow “commands.” A big thanks to DTE on helping us reach our full potential!
  • Rachael Greathouse
    Dec. 22, 2025
    I took a barky, crazy Cavalier King Charles in and brought home a true gentleman. Now, you don’t finish the week and you’re done. This is a process that you need to be prepared to work for continually. But think about this, you are investing in years that you will have a good dog.
  • Maria Lagares
    Dec. 14, 2025
    I am so happy we chose to go with Dog Training Elite! We have a Doberman and wanted a training that made sense for us. Phoenix is still a puppy and we want to set her up for success as she grows. She has done very well with her training! We get compliments on how well behaved she is when we take her places. One of my favorite parts of what they offer, is the group classes. The ongoing support and reinforcement in a non judgemental environment is something that you don't find often. You can tell that all of their employees genuinely care about the pups and enjoy working with them. I would definitely recommend Dog Training Elite if you are wanting to set you and your dog up for success!
  • Kevin Brennan
    Dec. 13, 2025
    This was a great experience. All trainers are very knowledgable and very easy to follow along with. They were able to work around our schedule. Our dog Jennifer learned quickly. Looking forward to some group sessions
  • Cody and Elena Stout
    Dec. 10, 2025
    I've had a great experience with Dog Training Elite Upstate SC. My dog, Riggins, has always been an anxious guy but since we've been working with this team his confidence has grown. Investing in this program has been one of the best decisions we've made for Riggins.
  • Charlene
    Dec. 5, 2025
    Dog Training Elite Upstate has been life-changing for our family. Our dog Arthur used to be reactive and terrible to our other dog, but their training completely turned things around. He listens now, he’s calmer, and our whole home is so much happier. We’re incredibly grateful and highly recommend them!
  • sarahs goldsmith
    Dec. 5, 2025
    Let me tell you, Dog Training Elite honestly feels like a gift. When I brought Annie home from Paws last year, the poor girl—somewhere around ten years old—was hacking away with kennel cough and had no clue what a leash was. At first I figured, how hard could it be to teach her myself? I tried. We struggled. The cough lingered, my patience thinned, and Annie still had that wild, confused look in her eyes. This year, I swallowed my pride and called DTE. Best move I could’ve made! Seriously, they’re lifesavers! Because of their help, Annie and I finally act like a real pack. The training isn’t complicated; it just asks for time and a little dedication. You can either drop your pup off at their place or have a trainer meet you at home. We chose the one-on-one visits, and I’m glad we did. Being right there, hands on, made the lessons stick for both of us. Any time a new question popped into my head after a session, I fired off a text and—no joke—I had an answer that same day. No waiting around till the next class, not feeling lost in between sessions. Now Annie strolls beside me like she was born for it, cough-free and confident. I can’t thank Dog Training Elite enough for turning things around for us.
  • Carrie McClenaghan
    Nov. 30, 2025
    We started researching training after our 6-month-old golden retriever bolted into the road without a second thought. She wasn’t reliable with boundaries or commands, and we knew we needed real help. We signed up for Dog Training Elite’s at-home program, and we truly can’t recommend them enough. They’re professional, personable, caring, and—most importantly—their training works and it lasts. It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. They tailor the program to your dog’s specific needs and adjust as you go. After training, Poppy is trustworthy, listens consistently, and can even be walked off-leash. She’s happier than ever. We take her to Unity Park with total confidence, and having guests over is easy. She’ll place on command and handles company beautifully. Every trainer we worked with was wonderful. A special shout-out to Sydney, who quickly became Poppy’s favorite. If you’re looking for dog training, DTE is the answer.
  • Forrest Rogers
    Nov. 23, 2025
    I used to think dog training was only for “misbehaved” or aggressive dogs, but our family’s goldendoodles aren’t this way. They are super sweet, but anxious and emotionally fragile. Their acting out wasn’t aggression…it was pure anxiety, and we didn’t know how to help them. Enter: Jared & the team at Dog Training Elite. They helped us see that clear structure, leadership, and consistent commands actually give anxious dogs the peace and confidence they need. Dogs want to do the right thing, but they just need us to show them how. Through a few weeks of hands-on training, they didn’t just teach us or our dogs simple commands; they transformed how we understand and communicate with them. The end result was three calmer, happier, less anxious goldendoodles. They now listen to us even in stressful situations like crowds or outdoors, and, in a way, they seem relieved to know exactly what’s expected of them. This isn’t a quick fix; it’s a total mindset shift for you as an owner. You’ll still put in daily work, but the foundation that Dog Training Elite builds in those sessions carries you and your dogs for a lifetime. Our family is so much happier because of their help. If you have an anxious, sensitive, or “fragile” dog, don’t hesitate to give dog training a shot. They gave our dogs (and us) their confidence back! Worth every single penny. I highly recommend Jared & his team!
  • Todd Wooten
    Nov. 10, 2025
    We reached out to DTE because our dog had some concerning behavioral issues and we didn't know how to communicate with him to correct them. Not only did DTE provide training for the pup to become a trusted and loyal member of our family, they also ensured WE now have the tools to continue to foster our relationship with him. Can't thank DTE enough.
  • Heidi Odom
    Nov. 4, 2025
    We came to dog training elite after our 5 year old rescue pup started nipping due to anxiety. Sydney with dog training elite gave us tools to ensure every member of our family and guests felt safe and welcome in our home. We reviewed commands that our pup knew but weren’t always able to be enforced to emphasize structure and boundaries. Now we are able to easily welcome our home to guests of all ages without worry of jumping or nipping and each member of our family feels safe and valued. Thank you dog training elite for equipping us with these tools!
  • Maisa Gonzalez
    Oct. 30, 2025
    Our Chessy, Banks, loved working with Jared! He has improved in his behavior at home and we look forward to doing the group classes with other pups in the area.
  • Ross Rushing
    Oct. 27, 2025
    I recently adopted a 7 month old male Catahoula who was a nervous wreck with all kinds of anxiety riddled behavior like nervous pacing. I signed up for classes at Elite Upstate and within 4 in-home sessions my dog has since shifted into a loving, personable, attentive boy who enjoys going out to see people on walks or in town as well as staying indoors and having a calm day in. I can't speak highly enough of the instructors and their temperament and patience with me and my dog despite the sessions being only an hour. I learned things about my dog through their program that I might not have ever learned had I not taken this course. I now have the tools to set my dog and any future animal I have up with direction, praise, and happiness that give both of us fulfilment. I feel as if I can properly communicate with my dog now that i've completed this training.
  • Pamela Gravlee
    Oct. 23, 2025
    What an impressive transformation, After speaking with Jared, and him ensuring me that my dog was trainable in no more than 20 minutes a day. I had my doubts. What was I thinking in get a new LARGE puppy full of engery, at my advanced age😊 After Thor completed his week long class, along with our daily routine. He is becoming more than I ever expected. I now look forward to weekly training, and can’t wait to see how far he can go. You must give Dog Training Elite a try. You won’t be disappointed Thank you SO much!
  • Megan Waldron
    Oct. 10, 2025
    We adopted a dog from a rescue, he was already one years old and is a Shepard/Mal mix. Very sweet dog but very nervous around new situations and people. Shawn did a wonderful job of not just helping show us how to help our new fur baby but the “why” behind certain behaviors. We will be working with Shawn again soon on some manners and help leaning into what specifically what his breed needs to thrive.
  • Lauren Vance
    Oct. 7, 2025
    Our dog Raven is a wild child. She has SOOOO much energy and we were at a loss on how to harness it. We knew she could be such a wonderful pet if we could just figure out what she needed. Dog Training Elite Upstate showed us exactly what she needed. She needs a job. She wants to please and giving her a task frees her from trying to figure out what she should be doing. The trainers were unbelievably good. They tamed our wild child and gave us the confidence to know we can handle her. And the best part is, she’s still the same sweet silly girl. No zombies here! She just listens now and we know what we’re supposed to be doing as her leaders. I can’t thank yall enough!
  • Brian Crenshaw
    Oct. 1, 2025
    My dog Gus was a mess and destructive now we go outside without a leash and dog friendly restaurants. My wife has severe medical issues and she walks with him. If he starts to wonder off she says come and he runs to her they are inseparable now! I never thought Gus would be this well behaved.
An obedient dog in a fran_territory_name} emotional support dog training program.

Benefits of Therapy Dogs

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Therapy dogs have a profound impact on individuals’ emotional and physical well-being. Research demonstrates that therapy dogs can improve a patient's mood, reduce stress, and even lower pain levels during hospital stays or medical treatments. Their calming presence provides comfort and relief in challenging moments.

Children, in particular, often respond well to therapy dogs. The companionship and playful interaction of a therapy dog can motivate children to engage more fully in treatments, helping them overcome fear or reluctance. With a therapy dog by their side, children tend to feel more optimistic and less anxious.

Beyond medical settings, therapy dogs also foster social interaction, especially in autism and mental health communities. These dogs offer non-judgmental companionship and serve as a bridge for individuals who may struggle with social connections. By reducing feelings of loneliness and anxiety, therapy dogs offer their owners comfort and companionship that enhances the overall quality of life.

A therapy dog handler with their dog trained by Dog Training Elite Upstate SC.

Therapy Dog Handlers

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If you’ve ever wanted to make a meaningful impact in your community, becoming a therapy dog handler offers a unique opportunity to do so alongside your dog. You can choose where to volunteer based on your interests, such as schools, hospitals, or senior living centers.

Once you’ve decided, therapy dog training is the next step. Dog Training Elite Upstate SC’s expert trainers will help your dog master essential behaviors like loose-leash walking, “leave it,” and not jumping on people. After completing training, you can apply for therapy dog certification, but it’s essential to keep up with ongoing training to ensure your dog remains well-behaved and ready to assist.

Additional Training Programs

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Dog Training Elite Upstate SC - Anxiety & Aggressive Dog Training in Greenville, SC

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Dog Training Elite Upstate SC - Group Class Dog Training in Greenville, SC. DTE

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A fully trained service dog from Dog Training Elite Upstate SC.

Greenville Emotional Support Dog Training

Why Choose DTE for Therapy Dog Training?

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At Dog Training Elite Upstate SC, our training programs prepare your dog for real-world situations where their presence can provide emotional support and comfort. Beyond just obedience, our training teaches your dog how to handle stressful or highly stimulating environments like hospitals, schools, or nursing homes.

We also place a strong emphasis on socialization and adaptability, making sure your dog can confidently engage with people of all ages and backgrounds. Therapy dog work requires attentiveness and empathy, and our training helps your dog develop these traits. With a foundation of trust, consistency, and patience, your dog will be fully equipped to offer comfort and companionship wherever it’s needed.

A group of dogs being trained by the expert team at Dog Training Elite Upstate SC.
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ESA vs. Therapy vs. Service Animals

What's the Difference?

Animals that provide assistance and companionship can be classified into three main groups: service animals, emotional support animals (ESAs), and therapy animals. Each has different responsibilities, training requirements, and legal protections. Knowing the differences can help you choose the right type of support for a disability, emotional needs, or therapy purposes.

Here are the defining features of each type:

Service animals are trained to help individuals by performing tasks that meet their specific needs, such as:

  • Redirecting attention when an individual is beginning to feel overstimulated
  • Reminding owners to take medication
  • Waking someone who is having a nightmare

Service dogs are highly valued in the mental health and disability community and are protected under ADA laws, allowing them to accompany their owners anywhere. At DTE, we provide specialized training for service dogs that assist individuals with autism, diabetes, and PTSD.

The key difference between ESAs, therapy dogs, and service dogs is that service animals are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act. This means they are allowed to go anywhere their owner goes. ESAs and therapy dogs do not have the same protections as service dogs, and public places can set their own rules about allowing them.

ESAs are prescribed by licensed mental health professionals to help individuals with mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression. These animals provide emotional support simply by being a comforting presence. Unlike service dogs, ESAs are not trained to perform specific tasks related to their owner's condition.

ESAs can be of any breed or age, and while they do not require the same level of training as service dogs, many owners choose to seek additional training. This can help strengthen the bond between the owner and the animal and improve the ESA's ability to provide consistent emotional support in different situations.

Therapy animals provide comfort and emotional support to individuals in need. They are not trained to assist a single person but are instead taught to be well-behaved and sociable around various groups of people. These animals help reduce stress, anxiety, and loneliness for those they visit.

Unlike service animals, therapy animals are not required to perform specific tasks. Their calming presence is what makes them valuable in therapeutic programs.

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