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A therapy dog is a dog who visits places like schools, hospitals and nursing homes. Therapy dog training in Treasure Coast / Port St. Lucie 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 Treasure Coast 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!
I am forever grateful to the staff. Their expertise combined with their compassion and understanding of animals is superior. They have given me the tools I need to continue with the training of my dog— Dolores Pilla
Posted April 25th 2024
Wow, there’s no words to describe the dramatic change in a very reactive, scared dog, transformed into a confident, well behaved and loved family pet! DTE and the entire staff are dedicated, caring, knowledgeable, professional trainers even with our challenging guy and we can’t thank them enough for making Rocket an enjoyable member of our family. Thanks DTE and I’m glad to be a part of your family and highly recommend anyone who is looking for a well mannered dog training group to consider DTE as their first and only choice. Special thanks to Graham who saw Rockets potential, Sam who finally got the Rocket mans kisses she was looking for, Kristin who put up with the ever so unpredictable attitudes of Rocket in the mornings, Tina and Shelley. You guys ROCK! Ronnie, Chris and Rocket— Chris Levy
Posted April 17th 2024
Elite Dog Training is all that you would hope for in a training Center. I brought in my 1.6 year old German Shepherd. The trainers are very friendly and my dog enjoyed all of his visits. He picked up his lessons and seemed happy to learn more each visit. I am very happy with our choice in using Elite Dog Training.— Tropicalwallart Hurricane Rita
Posted April 14th 2024
We (my husband and myself) came across this group during a veteran event and was really impressed with the dogs they brought to demonstrate what they could do. At the time we didn't have a dog with any training needs, but they definitely left an impression. Later that year we adopted a GROWING puppy (now 70lbs) and thought we could handle training him on our own. Unfortunately, we learned through an embarrassing situation that our dog was very "rude" and not very confident in his surroundings. After that, I picked up the phone and got scheduled right away to see if he was a good fit for the program. He was a great fit and we've been going strong 4 months now (1 month of one-on-one training and 3 months of weekly follow-ups). We are no longer afraid to take our dogs in public and our pup that was trained through this program has actually become the most well-behaved dog I've ever had. I am so thankful for the team at DTE for giving me and especially my dog piece of mind and a closer relationship.— Julissa Escobar
Posted February 22nd 2024
I've been very pleased with the one-on-one instruction. Sam is flexible and understanding, patient and professional. Buddy graduated and we have been attending group classes. At the center and in the park here in PSL, the trainers are committed and centered. We are most definitely glad we made the investment in Buddy's training. I would recommend DTETC to anyone!— Susan Barrett Finazzo
Posted March 2nd 2024
I started with Elite Training of the Treasure Coast with my 5 month old of Golden Retriever, Maggie. Over the 6 weeks training classes; my dog knows sit, down, place, come, and heel. The head trainer has taught me how to begin & strength my bond with Maggie. This has allowed training to go smoother and to see the results of our hard work together. I highly recommend Elite Dog training of the Treasure Coast with your dog. It has allowed Maggie to come out in public with a puppy with good manners and calm. The picture below is a group of graduates on an outing at the Vero Car show in (Feb 2024).— Mary Massie
Posted February 28th 2024
Dog Training Elite has been amazing! My dog started training with them about 7 months ago and his behavior has improved dramatically. I don’t have to worry about him tormenting our cats anymore! All of the instructors are calm, professional and enthusiastic. I highly recommend this company for all dog training needs!— Karla Antonio
Posted February 24th 2024
A very special place to take your 4 legged sweetie to learn good behavior. The trainers give each dog individual time and attention. My 7 month old mini Golden Doodle has learned so much. At the end of the day I was shown what she learned that day to practice with her. After our week of day camp, . group classes are offered. I need them as much as she does! Great experience. The learning continues for us both with the support of the staff. Glad we found them! 🐕— Christine Maglicic
Posted February 22nd 2024
First rate experience. Office help great always calls back. Trainer Shelly knows her stuff. Helped us with Rosie to give her confidence to stay home alone. Trained and explained every step, we went through. We would recommend Dog Training Elite!— Nancy Briganti
Posted February 21st 2024
I would like to rate my experience as amazing Dog Training Elite has taking every step and helping me become a better dog handler and also my dog just passed the canine good citizen and public access test a big thanks to Shelly and Sam for your service and support— Deb
Posted January 9th 2024
Wonderful people who care so much about their clients and their dogs. They are top tier trainers!— Dog Training Elite Northeast Ohio
Posted January 8th 2024
Exceptional training. I worked with Shelly with a dual service dog and her insight is very valuable. It was easy to schedule appointments even with my crazy schedule changing. Could not recommend a better trainer to work with.— frenchbulldogs100
Posted October 26th 2023
I was at a point where I wasn’t enjoying my dog, Krueger. He had zero respect for my husband and I and he became unmanageable; I would dread when my husband would have to leave the state for work because being around Krueger on my own for an extended period of time was so unbelievably overwhelming for me. Don’t get me wrong, we love our dog!! He is so funny and goofy! …but he is a Great Dane and at that time, he was already an 80 pound puppy 😳 I contacted Dog Training Elite and was automatically put at ease after speaking with Kristin. Shelley came over to evaluate Krueger the following week and I instantly felt that she was an angel sent from heaven. She was with us for only half an hour and I quickly already saw a change in my dog. Fast forward to today: KRUEGER IS NOW A WELL-MANNERED, RESPECTFUL BOY!!! We are still in the early stretch of his training with DTE, but I am so so grateful for this company. Krueger has learned about boundaries and restraint and he is such a pleasure to be with. My husband and I have bonded with him through training and we have truly been given the tools to communicate what we need from Krueger. It really is such an amazing feeling ☺️ We look forward to working with Shelley and we thank Dog Training Elite for giving us our sanity back lol.— Kristen Stokes
Posted October 11th 2023
I have had an incredible experience with this amazing company. I was referred from my veterinarians front desk receptionist. Their willingness to offer payment plans sets them apart from the rest. When it comes to training big dogs like my Great Dane, they excel. Their expertise and dedication truly shine. Highly recommended! 🐾 Dog Training Elite is simply fantastic! #DogTrainingElite— Renee Serrichio
Posted September 7th 2023
Dog training Elite has been great. I brought a new pup into my family.. My fear was not being able to find anyone who was capable of training a Cane Corso as they are very smart but stubborn suckers.. Dog training elite were more than ready for the challenge. My pup "Ares" picked up everything taught. On top of that, I had to reschedule more times than I could count, each and every time Ashley and the team were overly accomodating. Prior to working with Dog Training Elite, I spoke to a couple of other trainers, none of which were worth a second conversation... This teams ability to work with my schedule was beyond fantastic. On top of their flexibility, the cost was very affordable and worth every penny. Thank you, Ash, Kristin, and everyone else involved... Great team and fantastic results— john sefchick
Posted August 31st 2023
My boyfriend and I purchased our very first Belgian Malinois puppy at 8 weeks old. If you are familiar with this breed then you know how high energy they are and how much mental stimulation they require. As Coral got older we thought maybe we had gotten in over our heads with getting this breed because of how loud, mouthy and bossy she was becoming. She would jump on us when arriving home, bite our arms to the point of bleeding, and bark uncontrollably at us. We started researching dog trainers around us and the search led us to Dog Training Elite with Shelley and Graham. I had two requirements when I was interviewing trainers: experience with the Belgian Malinios breed and a trainer who involved the owner with the training and didn’t just take the dogs to their facility for 8 weeks. Dog training Elite met those requirements and blew our expectations out of the water! She helped us work with Coral but also taught us to be the dog trainer so our bound with our little puppy would continue to develop. Coral has excelled way quicker than we could have ever expected and she has became the dog of our dreams because of Shelley! AND, The best part is we get to stay involved with these trainers after our 8 sessions are over because of their platinum package, which includes group training for life and a ‘refresher’ session with our trainer once a month! We not only have a great dog trainer but also feel like we made some friends with these great people too!— Megan Knox
Posted August 19th 2023
My boyfriend and I purchased our very first Belgian Malinois puppy at 8 weeks old. If you are familiar with this breed then you know how high energy they are and how much mental stimulation they require. As Coral got older we thought maybe we had gotten in over our heads with getting this breed because of how loud, mouthy and bossy she was becoming. She would jump on us when arriving home, bite our arms to the point of bleeding, and bark uncontrollably at us. We started researching dog trainers around us and the search led us to Dog Training Elite with Shelley and Graham. I had two requirements when I was interviewing trainers: experience with the Belgian Malinios breed and a trainer who involved the owner with the training and didn’t just take the dogs to their facility for 8 weeks. Dog training Elite met those requirements and blew our expectations out of the water! She helped us work with Coral but also taught us to be the dog trainer so our bound with our little puppy would continue to develop. Coral has excelled way quicker than we could have ever expected and she has became the dog of our dreams because of Shelley! AND, The best part is we get to stay involved with these trainers after our 8 sessions are over because of their platinum package, which includes group training for life and a ‘refresher’ session with our trainer once a month! We not only have a great dog trainer but also feel like we made some friends with these great people too!— Megan Knox
Posted August 19th 2023
Ashley was amazing and worked with our dog who was deaf. The difference in him from before we started training and after is amazing. It’s a very well run efficient company and everyone is very nice— Laura Irwin
Posted August 19th 2023
Elite has been an awesome experience! We are only halfway through our training and we have already gotten our moneys worth. Bingo was a 6 mos old rescue puppy with no training and now she is well on her way to become a service dog for our son. Elite gives you all the tips and tools to succeed, as long as you commit the time to your pup you cannot fail!— Rebecca Booth
Posted August 14th 2023
Of course this place is amazing! And this is why I chose to work with this company, the people at the treasure coast unit and training center are just so kind, smart and have such a feeling for home and family. Truly one big family, I've not seen many companies that have such a huge support system and really bring people and their dogs together. ALWAYS MY NUMBER ONE PICK FOR DOG TRAINING!— Ashley Hollgarth
Posted July 28th 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 Treasure Coast 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 Treasure Coast 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 Treasure Coast’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 Treasure Coast / Port St. Lucie. 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 Treasure Coast, 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 Treasure Coast 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 Treasure Coast?
The Dog Training Elite Treasure Coast 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 Treasure Coast 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 Treasure Coast. Request your free training demo and in-home assessment today.
