Request a Free Assessment
A therapy dog is a dog who visits places like schools, hospitals and nursing homes. Therapy dog training in Las Vegas teaches dogs to provide comfort, support, and affection to the people they meet, particularly vulnerable people like children, seniors, patients in hospitals, and so on.
Therapy dogs are not service dogs. Service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks to help a person who has a disability. This distinction is important because therapy dogs do not have the same access to public places like service dogs do. For example, service dogs can go into restaurants, but therapy dogs cannot. Therapy dogs still provide a valuable service and should receive therapy dog certification.
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite in Las Vegas location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
Who Do Therapy Dogs Help?
Therapy dogs may be regular visitors to a variety of people and places, with hospitals and rehabilitation centers being among the most common. Children, in particular, respond positively to therapy dogs.
Seniors in assisted living or people with mental disabilities who live in facilities and experience feelings of isolation also see a lot of benefits from visiting with a therapy dog.
Besides providing valuable social opportunities and relieving anxiety, therapy dogs may even help lower blood pressure and heart rate in patients and the other people they visit.
Why Are Therapy Dogs Important?
Therapy dogs offer unconditional love, non-judgmental interaction, reduce stress, anxiety and loneliness, and provide an overall positive distraction to ailments. Research shows therapy dogs can have a positive effect on a patient’s mood, stress and pain levels during facility stays.
Young patients — children — seem to benefit most from working with 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.
For people who may have a hard time socializing due to mental disabilities or their living situation, therapy dogs can promote social interaction within their community and help them to connect.
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!
My mini Labradoodle started service dog training at 12 weeks old. Colin has always been very patient and made accommodations of the training specifically to my dog’s personality. Eight months later, NOLA is now officially a certified service dog for my military PTSD. I am so happy with the results of her hard work and comfortable going into crowds without fear and anxiety. 100% recommended!— Danni Brooks
Posted April 13th 2024
I have worked with several trainers in the valley, but Nick at Dog Training Elite has been the best. I chose DTE for my service dog training after researching several other options within Las Vegas. I am so happy with the results. Wherever I take my dog, I am always getting compliments on how well behaved she is, and I'm asked if I had her trained at a facility. I am constantly recommending Dog Training Elite and cannot say enough praises about the program. Nick is extremely patient with both you as the owner and your dog. Keep in mind, you get what you put into the program. Nick will make sure you and your dog know the basics and how the task should look before he leaves but it's on the owner to keep working with the dog between sessions. Nick is very responsive if you have questions outside of your training sessions as well. I highly recommend Nick with Dog Training Elite. I will not trust any other trainer in the valley in the future. Customer for life.— Shawn Izzo
Posted February 13th 2024
I met Nick through the Malinois Foundation . It’s a non-profit organization that connects veterans like myself with service dogs and dog trainers. I’ve known Nick about a year now and he helped me train and certified my service dog Roxy. She is a one year old golden retriever. Nick is nothing short of outstanding. He is courteous , kind, personable and punctual at all our training sessions. We had approximately 14 one on one sessions as well as weekly group sessions. It’s always a professional atmosphere and always a safe & healthy training environment for our animals. I couldn’t recommend Nick and DTE more. 6 stars.— JT
Posted February 7th 2024
Nick is the best. He makes sure he gives the dog his utmost attention and makes sure you understand what he is trying to accomplish and makes sure your dog understands it as well. Highly recommend this person to fulfill all your training needs for your dog— Mark Gordon
Posted November 6th 2023
Nick is very professional yet friendly and really taught us more about our dog's behavior. He works with our schedule and really cares about our progress. Fair prices as well.— Daniela
Posted February 7th 2024
Nick was patient, kind and professional working with our dogs to improve thier behavior. We have multiple dogs and it is important that they are well behaved for us and our houseguests/family/friends. We worked on the introduction of our newest pup to our pack. He helped us to develop and maintain good potty training habits. Our puppy is high energy and would jump up in excitement, we have seen a remarkable improvement working with them and implementing the recommended techniques. We are greatful we connected with Nick and Dog Training Elite SWLV. Highly recommend!— Alison Selzler
Posted January 15th 2024
Nick is the absolute best there is! He taught me how to be the best trainer and owner that will last a lifetime. I feel very confident in my commands after working with him. We worked on leash training, come/stay commands, barking and jumping up. Highly recommend!!— Sydney Jones
Posted January 15th 2024
Can't say enough good things about Nick and his natural skill with dogs. My wife and I got a wirehaired pointing griffon bird dog to join our family. We soon found out that bird dog puppies are wound like 8 day clocks! After some work with Nick, our pup Stu is such a little gentleman. He is so much better on the leash, is no longer jumping on strangers, and we are making great progress on his barking. Thank you Nick for your help with Stu.— Mike Trzeciak
Posted January 15th 2024
Nick is an extremely professional trainer that helped me assess and train a service dog for a special needs child. He is a wonderful asset to our family and helped ease our minds and ensured results through the process.— Mark Trzeciak
Posted January 15th 2024
If you are looking for someone able to understand and help your dog change and learn good behavior, Nick is the person.— Hadhy BC
Posted January 15th 2024
If you are looking for someone to effectively address leash training, as well as staying and coming commands, look no further! They skillfully tackled chewing, digging, and food aggression issues as well. I’m super happy with our results and I highly recommended!— L Hamilton
Posted January 15th 2024
I thought my dog would never get along with other dogs or stop barking! What can I say about Dog Training Elite SW Las Vegas .....Nick is the freaking bomb! My pitbull, Damian, was a nightmare on the leash, aggressive towards other dogs and barked at a fart in the wind. It got to the point that our neighbors would see us coming and turn and go the other way. We couldn't take him anywhere. Now it's totally different. After training with Nick, we frequently take Damian out to eat, on walks downtown main street, and to Home Depot. When I stop walking, he sits next to me. We get compliments from people on his good behavior every time. Our friends and neighbors are amazed at the progress our dog has made. Even though we are leaving where Nick left off, he has set a much needed foundation. I definitely would recommend Nick at Dog Training Elite SW Las Vegas over and over.— Kelli Schack
Posted October 17th 2022
I am incredibly grateful for Nick that helped train my son’s service dog. He went above and beyond, first understanding my son’s anxiety and triggers. The tailored approach he came up with not only produced a well-trained service dog but also provided immense comfort and support to my child. This service has made a significant positive impact on our lives. Highly recommended for their compassion and expertise.— Lisa
Posted January 15th 2024
Dog Training Elite SW Las Vegas exceeded my expectations. Nick, the trainer, employed effective techniques that significantly reduced my dog's excessive barking. I appreciate his expertise in tackling this specific behavioral concern, making the overall experience worthwhile. My neighbors say thank you as well!— Olare Jones
Posted January 15th 2024
When we brought our 8 week old English lab pups home I knew I wanted professional help with training. Nick has gone above and beyond our expectations. We worked hard and practiced his lessons in between sessions. The girls learned quickly and are eager to please. The additional group classes have been hugely advantageous to socialize them and reinforce skills. Nick is a gold star trainer. Patient, calm, persistent. But you have to do the work if you want results! We are now considering service training. With Nick's expertise I have no doubt our dogs will make exceptional service animals. Thank you Nick!— Nikki Goodden
Posted June 25th 2023
Nick was amazing with my dog. She was shy at first and took some warming up. Wasn’t long before she was excited to see him and get to work weekly. She is well behaved and knows when it’s time to work (certified service dog) and when she can be herself. She is amazing and so loving. I had no idea she could be so focused. I get so many compliments on how well behaved she is. You guys are awesome.— Laura Booth
Posted November 6th 2023
Nick has been amazing! He has been working hard with our 5 month old German Shepherd Gunner. He is absolutely amazing. Gunner has really done well working with him.— Sarah Shah
Posted November 6th 2023
My puppy husky/pit mix Milo loved his training sessions. Both with Nick and Bryanna. They treated him as if he was their own and made him and myself feel very comfortable to be around. We were lucky enough to have some training time with their beautiful puppy Kaden as well. Milo was a big jumper and commands weren’t his strong suit. After a couple of training weeks with them I now feel safe having him at dog parks and even having him off leash when we go for his regular walks. I couldn’t thank them enough for the patients they had with Milo.— Allie Stark
Posted October 27th 2023
We are so happy with the training we are getting with Dog Training Elite Southwest LV! Our puppy has become calmer and more disciplined as we go through the process, and he really loves to practice the commands we learn. Nick is patient with our pup and committed to making sure he learns the commands accurately. I would absolutely recommend them for anyone with a new puppy or even an older dog who needs to learn. Thanks so much!— Mariah Dyer
Posted July 25th 2023
We worked with Nick Smith and his wife Bry, both of whom were easy and friendly to work with. Our pup Damian is a high energy pit bull who had trouble jumping up. After just a few sessions with Elite he understands boundaries better and we understand how to communicate effectively with him. Thank you for all of your efforts Nick and Bry, we will be recommending you in the future.— Chris Schack
Posted July 24th 2023
How Does a Dog Become a Therapy Dog?
If you have felt the benefits of owning a dog, you may feel inspired to help more people feel the unconditional love, joy and support your dog provides. However, having a friendly, loving personality isn’t enough for a dog to qualify as a therapy dog. Some other qualifications to consider are:
- The age of your dog. Puppies do not make good therapy animals.
- How obedient your dog is. It’s important your dog listens to you and obeys basic commands. Dogs that go through obedience training with Dog Training Elite in Las Vegas have the perfect foundation to go onto therapy dog training, as long as they are old enough.
- How social your dog is. Your dog may be affectionate with you — but are they affectionate with strangers? Do they like to receive attention from strangers, particularly petting?
Therapy Dog Handlers
As a dog owner, it’s important to reflect on whether you would like to become a therapy dog handler as well. If you enjoy connecting with people, becoming a therapy dog handler may be a great fit. You can also choose where to volunteer to better suit your interests — if you like kids, volunteer to visit schools or children’s hospitals. If you prefer to work with older people, then sign up to visit senior living centers.
Once you’ve determined that becoming a therapy dog handler and helping your dog become a therapy dog is the right move for the two of you, you’re ready to start therapy dog training. The trainers of Dog Training Elite in Las Vegas are experts in the behaviors needed in a therapy dog and will help you and your dog either brush up on or master behaviors such as “leave it,” “watch me,” loose-leash walking and not jumping on other people.
To help your dog become well socialized, you may consider also signing up for one of Dog Training Elite in Las Vegas’s group obedience classes. A group class environment is also beneficial because it helps your dog learn to be obedient when there are a lot of distractions around, a crucial skill for a therapy dog.
Once you’ve completed initial training, you’re ready to apply for therapy dog certification in Las Vegas. However, it is important to note that this certification is not the end. It’s important to stay on top of your dog’s training and continue to help them be the best therapy dog they can be.
Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation
At Dog Training Elite in Las Vegas, 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 in Las Vegas 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.
Why do Therapy Dog Training with Dog Training Elite in Las Vegas?
The Dog Training Elite in Las Vegas training method stands out because of its emphasis on positive reinforcement. Dogs are never punished for bad behavior, instead they are rewarded for good behavior. This kind of training makes a huge difference in your relationship with your dog, and will make a difference in how your dog interacts with other people.
The balanced training method of Dog Training Elite in Las Vegas fosters a dog’s naturally loving and obedient nature. Focusing on positive reinforcement and rewarding good behavior helps build a strong bond between dog and owner built on love and trust. This foundation in turn becomes a great foundation for dog and owner to become a fabulous therapy team providing an invaluable service to the community.
If you feel therapy dog certification is right for you and your dog, get started by contacting Dog Training Elite in Las Vegas. Request your free training demo and in-home assessment today.
