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Therapy Dog Training in San Antonio


Dog Training Elite San Antonio Near You

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A therapy dog is a dog who visits places like schools, hospitals and nursing homes. Therapy dog training in San Antonio 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.

Dog Training Elite San Antonio provides therapy dog training in San Antonio to give people emotional support in all stages of life.

Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite San Antonio location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.


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Children can especially benefit from therapy animals - Dog Training Elite San Antonio is happy to help your family with these certifications.

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 sent my 2-year-old female Golden Retriever, who has separation anxiety, to be trained by Dog Training Elite to become my service dog. Day 1 of obedience training I noticed a huge difference in her anxiety levels as well as her basic obedience! Could not recommend enough!!
— Caitlin Fulk
Posted March 18th 2024
google
The trainers at Dog Training Elite are absolutely fabulous! They are training my dog, a Serbian Rottweiler, currently, eight months, old, to be my Service Dog. They have done a fantastic job up to this point! In addition to training at their facility, they have training at my home and in public areas. They explain the training thoroughly as they are not just training the dog, they are training me. I couldn’t be more pleased, and I strongly recommend them as trainers for. Service dogs, and general training for pets. They are worth every penny.
— C’estmoimoi
Posted February 28th 2024
google
We have been working with the training team for 10 months. They have been training our service dog Ruger since he was 9 weeks old. He attended puppy camp with Geneva and he learned so fast. He went back for advanced obedience and his Service Dog training. We are so happy. There are a million positive things I could say but the thing I value most is they are always there for you. If you find things you need help with they always have a plan to support
— Renee Marble
Posted December 31st 2023
google
"Reign" is my 3rd pure bred AKC German Shepherd and I "knew" how to train puppies....or at least I thought I knew. This time it didn't work. Whitley and Dog Training Elite have helped my husband and I to train our dog so we now have a well-mannered, happy, pet that I can count on to listen and behave. When you have an 80-pound German Shepherd people tend to be nervous when you approach them- with training, Reign is my guardian AND a good dog! There are a lot of programs out there....all promising to bring about remarkable changes in your pet...but Whitley has proven their methods work and kept the company's promise to us- something you don't always find in today's marketplace. Words to describe Whitley and her training: Compassion/Kindness. Quality. Attention to detail. Responsive. Effective! I have, and will continue to recommend Whitley and Dog Training Elite to my friends and colleagues, as I recognize the quality of training we paid for and will not settle for less. Dr. Laurie Singel
— Laurie Singel
Posted February 9th 2018
google
Our baby Doberman is already improving so much in temperament thanks to the direction and guidance of the trainer and staff. Would definitely suggest anyone looking to help train their dominant breed baby to go there for sure.
— Marie Hall
Posted December 12th 2023
google
Great people, great training, great culture
— Gabriela Barba
Posted November 9th 2023
google
I inquired about training my dogs specific issues, (potty training) and I received a thorough and insightful response on what is to be expected, the prices, and personal advice. I appreciate the prompt response and professionalism, I will hire them for any future dog training.
— Clariza Rizalado
Posted October 26th 2023
google
Such a phenomenal experience that I’ve now had 3 of my pups trained with DTE. There’s truly something special about a well trained dog bonded with its owner and DTE makes this a main point in their work. Highly recommend for any basic obedience, service dog work, therapy dog, etc!
— Lea Hajjar
Posted October 24th 2023
google
The trainers are always friendly and professional. My daughter's "Service Dog in Training" couldn't ask for a better Trainer. Terrance answers all my questions but also takes the time to show my daughter how to implement at home what the dog has learned.
— Christine Drain
Posted August 25th 2023
google
The best place for dog training! The trainers are excellent as well as friendly and communicative to pet parents. They are available for parents ant time you need them So glad we entered our dog in their training program. Try them. You won’t be disappointed.
— Kathe Dobson
Posted August 24th 2023
google
I brought My baby blue a (Belgian malinois” here for puppy training and soon to be service dog training. What can I say? The service and the Team are amazing. They love their job and they love dogs and care for your babies. I enjoy seeing my baby grow up and The training and guidance They provide is Amazing. I would recommend them to anyone looking for a dog training program
— Israel Deluna
Posted August 13th 2023
google
The instructors at Dog Training Elite are not only knowledgeable and experienced but also kind, patient and fun. Our dog was driving our family crazy and we feel fortunate to have found DTE. Louie went from being a rebel to becoming a service dog in just 3 weeks. What an amazing transformation! He is a totally different dog, although mischievous at times, he now listens and follows commands. We continue training and working with DTE so that Louie can continue to improve. Thanks to all the instructors who have worked and helped train Louie :)
— Gabriela Barba
Posted August 13th 2023
google
I have a dog that had some major anxiety issues. After training for a few weeks there was a big change in how my dog and all for the better.
— Lacey Kornicki
Posted August 12th 2023
google
Love his first day photo
— Laura Brown
Posted August 8th 2023
google
Great trainers, our puppy, a Rottweiler, been so obedient after theb1st day there. Geneva and Andrea they know what they doing , the facilities are wonderful too. We get videos and reports end of each day our puppy is there. Thank you all .
— Laura Howard
Posted July 30th 2023
google
Just started and results are fantastic.
— J Chabon
Posted July 27th 2023
google
Dog Training Elite San Antonio helped us go from a situation where we were looking at rehoming our newly adopted dog because of resource guarding. They trained the people and the dog well and now we are a happy dog family. The bonus is that we can go out in public and we always have the best behaved pooch around! Big thank you to our trainer Atakias.
— Amy
Posted June 20th 2023
google
I highly recommend Dog Training Elite in San Antonio. We hired them for help socializing our rescue pooch and it was a fantastic experience for Bean and my son and me. We learned how to be better owners and handlers and Bean learned to be such a gentleman! We’ve taken him to zoos, beaches, restaurant patios, etc. and he follows commands. Our outings are so much more fun for all of us involved. This is us at the Sea Turtle rescue in South Padre Island. It was packed with people and other dogs.
— Amy Zink
Posted July 18th 2023
facebook
Excellent dog training company. They’ve helped us work to improve Belle’s behavior and all of her issues. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and very accommodating. We have been working with Geneva for the most part, she is a wealth of information and has lots of experience. There is no issue thus far that she couldn’t help us resolve. Nonetheless, their entire staff is very professional and friendly. We are very happy with their service.
— Wendy Ramos
Posted June 28th 2023
google
We have been so happy with our experience with Dog Training Elite San Antonio. We showed up with a 4 month old German Shepherd puppy and with in the course of six months we had a well behaved diabetic alert dog. They helped us survive the puppy phase and help set the foundations for our dog to succeed. They provide support with home visits, group classes and service dog outings. They also helped our existing dog transition into having a new puppy in the home. Which we didn’t think was possible! We are also grateful for the community DTE provides.
— Nicole Kreis Kendall
Posted June 11th 2023
google

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This cute pup is excited to learn and help provide support with his therapy training with Dog Training Elite San AntonioSan Antonio.

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 San Antonio 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 San Antonio 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 San Antonio’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 San Antonio. 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.

By working with Dog Training Elite San AntonioSan Antonio, you will also be trained to be a therapy dog handler with your pup.

Proud Sponsor of The Malinois Foundation

At Dog Training Elite San Antonio, 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 San Antonio work's with the Malinois Foundation to heal and empower these individuals with a specialized service animal, a partner in life, and a new best friend.

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Dog Training Elite San Antonio Partners


Dog Training Elite San Antonio - IACP Member

Why do Therapy Dog Training with Dog Training Elite San Antonio?


The Dog Training Elite San Antonio 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 San Antonio 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 San Antonio. Request your free training demo and in-home assessment today.

Contact Dog Training Elite San AntonioSan Antonio if you feel this certification is right for you and your pup.

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