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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 Northeast Ohio location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
Therapy Dog
Therapy dog training is based on your dog's abilities.
$3,195
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).
Training Equipment Included: E-Collar
- Puppy Selection advice
- Private, one-on-one training sessions in your home and the community 9 Sessions
- Group Training Classes 16 sessions
- AKC Training & Testing
- Therapy bandana, ID Card, and Certificate of Training
- An exclusive directory of therapy events and locations for you to donate your time
- Come
- Sit, Down
- Place
- Heel
- Quiet
- Off, Wait
- Leash Manners
- People Manners
- Load up in the car / kennel
- Make a friend
- Choose one personalized greeting (high five, shake, hug, etc.)
- Top-notch off leash obedience
- Distraction Training
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.
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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).
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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.
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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.
clas·si·cal con·di·tion·ing
PSYCHOLOGY
noun
A learning process that occurs when two stimuli are repeatedly paired; a response that is at first elicited by the second stimulus and is eventually elicited by the first stimulus alone.
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!
I came across Dog Training Elite from a Google search when an unexpected health problem and upcoming surgery meant we needed to sharpen our puppy’s skills, and fast. From the moment I first contacted them and talked with Andrea, I knew we were in good hands. Toni and Andrea did our free home consultation and reviewed in detail their philosophies and different programs available. We started our six week in home training program the next week and after the first training session we could already see a positive difference in our pup. They provided instructions with the skills to work on each week and took their time to make sure we were comfortable. We had the opportunity to meet a few different trainers over the weeks (Kevin and Bernadette) and everyone was so kind and professional. We haven’t yet done the group classes but I appreciate them ensuring that your dogs skills are consistent, not only at home but also outside of the home and with distraction. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite Northeast Ohio to anyone looking for help with training their dog.— Katie Fioritto
Posted June 28th 2024
Could not recommend more! Had my pug thing trained to be a service dog. They offer boot camps, at home visits, public outings, group classes, and a free consultation! They are super patient and friendly, and never made me feel rushed or stupid.— Reannin Bailey
Posted June 4th 2024
We gave our rescue Grey a great home with lots of patience and love! "DOG TRAINING ELITE" gave us the tools, training and skillset to build on that foundation! With their help, we have been able to build Grey's confidence so he can be a GREAT DOG!!! The owners Kevin, and Andrea and their team are great pack leaders!!! Their leadership builds confidence in the handlers and canines to trust and have confidence in each other. We strongly recommend DOG TRAINIG ELITE for all dog training. Lynn & Yvonne— Yvonne Thompson
Posted May 25th 2024
Andrea has helped us train our golden retriever to be a service dog for my child. She and her team are incredibly phenomenal and I would highly recommend them. Kiddo was admitted to hospital and Andrea even met us there to work with him on some hospital specific skills. They’ve become part of our family!— Tonya Knowles
Posted February 13th 2024
They are so positive and patient with our anxious dog and always willing to help with anything and answer any questions we have. We have seen major improvements!— Kim Pintar
Posted May 13th 2023
Kevin and Andrea, are extremely passionate and take the time to ensure your dog is trained the proper way. Andreas attention to detail is unmatched. You can't go wrong entrusting Kevin and Andrea with your dog training needs.— Joshua Lopez
Posted March 12th 2023
Kevin and Andrea are so wonderful! You are in excellent hands!— Brad Okeson
Posted December 26th 2022