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A therapy dog is a dog who visits places like schools, hospitals and nursing homes. Therapy dog training with Dog Training Elite 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 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 can not say enough good things about Dog Training Elite San Antonio! The entire team is fabulous! I had no idea how I would go about getting a service dog for myself. They helped me with everything! They evaluated the dog we adopted and the training sessions have been amazing! They are very responsive when I call and super supportive! Love, love them! We have now enrolled another one of our dogs in some basic training. Thank goodness for y’all! 💕🥰💕—
Posted March 21st 2023
Originally came to DTE to help with leash aggression on my GSD puppy. After working with her a couple sessions, they identified that she was leash reactive, not aggressive, and her behavior is now under control between the 1:1 sessions with Hunter and Matt and the group sessions with all of the trainers (can't leave out Dom!). She has been enrolled in the personal protective training and is progressing nicely. The combination of 1:1 sessions and the group sessions at the training facility help the handlers learn proper training techniques and safety. Obedience and control of your K9 is always stressed in the protection classes and combines perfectly with the obedience training offered by DTE. I'm very happy with the knowledge, professionalism and service of the staff and look forward to working with them more in the future.— Timothy Holdener
Posted March 19th 2023
We started service dog training with DTE in January 2023. We are now in group classes with Roselle. We cannot say enough great things about DTE STL. We drive an hour and twenty minutes each direction to go to training, and it is worth every minute and mile.— Natasha Bassett
Posted March 18th 2023
We LOVE Elite! Matt was incredibly helpful at our initial meeting. He was open and transparent by what we could expect from the dog trainer's, our dog and from ourselves. Freyja, our German Shepherd, has thrived under their training. Our trainer Hunter has been amazing! She went from being terrified of being in a new space to confidently doing all the commands she has learned. Can't wait to see how much she grows and learns.— Keri Ann Hunt
Posted March 18th 2023
Dog training Elite is one of the most professional training companies I’ve seen. They trained my German Shepherd Sofia as a service dog. As a disabled combat vet, my service dog was much needed to help me with ptsd and mobility issues out in public and I could not imagine my daily life without her. Dog training elite is definitely your go to for service dogs, they will not only meet your needs and expectations but they will also exceed them!!— Kyler Witt
Posted March 15th 2023
Where to begin?!? We had taken our puppy to another training facility, but it was unfruitful. Our puppy had been attacked twice and was extremely reactive to many situations. Since starting classes with Dog Training Elite San Antonio, our puppy has done a complete turn around. She's able to walk along with other dogs she's unfamiliar with, stopped barking and reacting to strangers, is able to play with her 8 week old fur cousin, no longer jumps and bites because of her excitement/anxiety. We have no words to express our gratitude in helping us help our puppy! The entire team has been excellent, especially Adakias!!!!!— Jessica Draney
Posted March 14th 2023
Dog training elite did an amazing job with our Doberman puppy! McCall did a great job with creating a safe environment for our pup to learn and be independent. Additionally, we trained our pup with her litter mate, which was fun and challenging. We had a really great experience and would recommend this for anyone who wants to build a better relationship with their dog and become more confident with obedience.— Alicia May
Posted March 13th 2023
I have worked with Dog Training Elite with two of my dogs. My first dog Branch who was 6 months when we started the program. Branch was very aggressive towards other dogs. Thanks to the owner Neil and his helper Chris my dog Branch is a well rounded dog who became my Service Dog. Unfortunately, Branch who is 6 yrs old now, has hurt his leg and needed to be retired so I began Training my new dog Felicia who is now enrolled with Dog Training Elite. She is only 11 months old and has past her Service Dog Test. Neil came to our home to evaluate Felicia and assisted in getting the process started. Taylor was the trainer who came to my home to continue training with me and Felicia. Taylor also met me and Felicia for our public training and made sure she was completing the task she will be providing. If there was something I needed to work on or if I had any questions Taylor was always able to provide me feedback. Taylor is very passionate and very knowledgeable with the process for continued training. Aspen was the trainer who completed the Service Dog Test and I appreciate how thorough she was at making sure Felicia was able to complete the task she will provide for me ongoing. I would recommend Dog Training Elite and have given out their information as we have traveled in our RV across country because they are wonderful at what they do. I greatly appreciate how much patience Neil and his Team have with dogs and their families. Especially, when helping us train Branch through his aggressive behaviors. As you can see in the photo Branch is able to lay down beside Felicia. Prior to Dog Training Elite working with him this would have never been possible.— Tonya Emery
Posted March 11th 2023
Worth every penny!!! The trainers here are very knowledgeable, patient, and understanding. Especially Savanna and Taylor, they have gone above and beyond to help out with our dog. In a few short weeks he has made big changes in his obedience and aggression. I am super impressed and glad to have them as our dogs trainers— Danielle Geist
Posted March 9th 2023
I actually found them by google and boy was I so happy I did. This team is just perfect and full of knowledge on dogs. We went through the Service dog program they have and I can’t begin to explain how grateful I am to now have my own service dog. Each training session was fun and my dog and I learned so much in each class. Group classes with Savanah Taylor and Aspen were insightful and inspirational because we were around others like us. Also so much fun! Service dog group training with Mark, Savanah and Taylor was perfectly designed to help accustom our dogs to so many distractions. I appreciated it. But Taylor was outstanding, knowledgeable, full of energy, kind, patient, if you get to work with her your dog will gain a friend and work with a respectful trainer! Thanks DTE!— Rachel Fameree
Posted March 9th 2023
I can’t say enough about the amazing team at Dog training elite! We signed up our two dogs for their programs and it has been worth every penny! Taylor has been amazing and incredibly helpful with our puppy Sunny In our home. Reno took on our Portuguese water dog for the 10 day training at their facility and was amazing as well! Worth it! You won’t regret it!!— Jill Clark
Posted March 9th 2023
I love Dog Training Elite! Finding them was one of the best things I could have done for me and my dog. We started with basic obedience and he did so so well. They were patient with him and us and taught us what to do and how to do it well to succeed. We are now 9 months into our service training and it's going so well too! This has taken more patience and time to learn but we're asking hard things of my dog and myself 😅 but they are very supportive and patient. I love all of their trainers and recommend them to anyone who needs help training their dog whether it's basic obedience issues or reactivity, every penny is worth having Dog Training Elite in your corner. They know their stuff.— Catherine Belnap
Posted March 1st 2023
The Ballards and their staff are amazing people! They truly have become part of our family. They have helped change two of my sons lives raising, training and loving their service dogs. I will 100% use their services for all current and future training needs and recommend anyone who wants top notch training to use them as well.—
Posted March 1st 2023
I cannot express how strongly I am recommending Dog Training Elete. They have helped me deal with some serious dog issues. Not to mention the solid foundations they have established in the fundamentals of dog training. Be assured they will be with you for the whole process of training a well behaved and well adjusted dog.— Dana Fessler
Posted February 28th 2023
We have loved working with Dog Training Elite! We started with a new pup and now have a 2 year old trained psychiatric service dog. Trevor, Colleen and their team have been so helpful and have been there to answer any questions. We would highly recommend them to anyone who needs help with a pup!— Madi
Posted February 28th 2023
So thankful for Hunter and DTE! I was worried that Tater would have been deemed as an actual “aggressive” dog but a few minutes with the owner, Matt, and he knew that she did not deserve that label and she was able to be helped. Within 1 session she was already on her way to becoming more comfortable in herself as a dog and relax. Thank you Hunter and DTE!— Bree White
Posted February 25th 2023
We have been working with them to train a diabetes alert dog for the last 9 months as first time dog owners and it has been amazing! They are been there every step of the way and quick to answer questions. The staff is very knowledgeable and communicates well with us about what we need to do to have a well trained service dog and family pet. They have been there from choosing the right puppy to coming to our home for training sessions to group park classes to quickly responding to questions and concerns. They have given us the tools to train the humans and the dogs, since it takes a lot of time and consistent efforts to reach the goal of a well trained handler and dog. Would highly recommend them to anyone, whether you're wanting a well-behaved pet or a highly trained service dog.—
Posted February 25th 2023
We have been working with them to train a diabetes alert dog for the last 9 months as first time dog owners and it has been amazing! They are been there every step of the way and quick to answer questions. The staff is very knowledgeable and communicates well with us about what we need to do to have a well trained service dog and family pet. They have been there from choosing the right puppy to coming to our home for training sessions to group park classes to quickly responding to questions and concerns. They have given us the tools to train the humans and the dogs, since it takes a lot of time and consistent efforts to reach the goal of a well trained handler and dog. Would highly recommend them to anyone, whether you're wanting a well -behaved pet or a highly trained service dog.— Diana Thomas
Posted February 25th 2023
Best decision I ever made…huge changes within a few days…and continued improvement even months after starting— Salim Rezaie
Posted February 21st 2023
We worked with Ryan for our in home sessions with our two Malamutes! One malamute is 4 years old and the other is 10 months old. Ryan was awesome to work with! We’ve had a great experience and seen major changes in the behavior of both our dogs. We highly recommend Dog Training Elite. They were always on time, professional, and eager to answer any questions! We work at least 15 minutes a day with our dogs on their training. Some weeks are better than others, but it’s surprising how fast they picked everything up! The only issue that we’ve run into is that the dog collars are very inconsistent when it comes to having a thick coat like our malamutes have. We switched to longer prongs and have ordered some winged tipped prongs to see if it can make better contact with their skin. A lot of the frustration we had with our dogs behavior has completely disappeared. We can’t wait to continue working with them at group classes!— Cody Ward
Posted February 19th 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 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 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’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. 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, 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 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.
Why do Therapy Dog Training with Dog Training Elite?
The Dog Training Elite 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 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. Request your free training demo and in-home evaluation today.
