A therapy dog walking in a park with their owner - contact Dog Training Elite to talk to a professional therapy dog trainer in Atlanta, GA!

Therapy Dog Training

Dog Training Elite in Atlanta

Request Free Assessment


Request Free Assessment


Our Therapy Dog Training Could Help:

Those managing chronic pain
People looking to increase social interaction
Anyone seeking enhanced motivation and purpose
Individuals in need of emotional comfort
Those experiencing stress, anxiety, or depression
People wanting to boost overall optimism
Anyone feeling lonely or isolated

Therapy Dog Trainer in Atlanta, GA

What is a Therapy Dog?

A therapy dog is trained to provide emotional support and comfort to people in need, often visiting hospitals, nursing homes, and schools. These dogs must be friendly with strangers, able to handle high levels of distraction, and understand personal boundaries like not jumping, licking, or mouthing. With proper training, therapy dogs can bring joy and emotional relief to those they interact with, offering companionship in stressful environments.

At Dog Training Elite, we offer programs to help your dog become a certified therapy dog. As a leading therapy dog trainer in Atlanta, GA, we focus on developing the right temperament and skills so your dog can confidently provide comfort and support in various settings. With our professional guidance, your dog can become a valuable source of emotional care and connection for individuals in need.

See Training Packages
A therapy dog in training with Dog Training Elite in Atlanta's expert handlers.

How Does a Dog Become a Therapy Dog?


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While the companionship your dog brings you may inspire you to share that with others, not every dog is suited to be a therapy animal. Beyond a friendly, loving personality, several important qualifications must be met for a dog to be considered for therapy work:

  • Age: Puppies are typically too energetic and lack the focus to be therapy dogs.
  • Obedience: A therapy dog must follow commands reliably. Dogs that have completed obedience training with Dog Training Elite have the solid foundation needed to begin therapy dog training.
  • Social Skills: Therapy dogs need to naturally enjoy meeting new people and must handle being petted and approached by strangers without anxiety. Their ability to remain calm and friendly, even in unfamiliar situations, ensures they can provide emotional support to those they interact with.

Get Your Free Assessment

You and your canine companion really can have it all. See how easy it can be to become a member of the elite pup society by requesting a free consultation today!

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Rocky Brown
    Apr. 23, 2025
    Great people who do an amazing job helping my puppy turn into a well trained dog!
  • Floyd Dickens III
    Apr. 22, 2025
    Highly recommended - sought out a trainer for our 6 month old pup, and after extensive research, we decided to go with Dog Training Elite. They did not disappoint! Michael (our lead trainer) was knowledgeable, detailed, informative, flexible and most of all PATIENT! If you are looking for in-home training, this is it!
  • Lenice Dower
    Apr. 11, 2025
    Dog Training Elite was amazing!!! They helped us so much with our French Bulldog Poppy. I would 10/10 recommend them for dog training and would use them in the future again.
  • Joy Derrer
    Apr. 8, 2025
    Gosia has been a delightful person to help us adjust to and know how to train our sweet golden retriever pup Sandy. We have a large family with many kids of various ages and wanted to insure that we were all on the same page and consistent in setting up puppy training right. Gosia’s patience and kindness and expertise have given us tools to help us be in control and love our sweet girl even more as she learns to obey and please. We look forward to continuing obedience training as she grows.
  • Nancy Warden
    Apr. 6, 2025
    We highly recommend Dog Training Elite Northeast Atlanta! We loved having the one on one experience combined with group dog training. Our dog, Louie, is much better behaved and happier and so are we😀
  • Bryan Cantrell
    Mar. 24, 2025
    The training is perfect for a puppy. They taught my puppy to sit, place, come and walk on a leash. They actually taught me how to train so I can keep it going. Perfect dog training and great people!
  • Jonathan Cross
    Mar. 21, 2025
    Michael is amazing. He’s encouraging and patient. He was great with my dog Hondo.
  • Ann Gorman
    Mar. 12, 2025
    Mike and Goisa were enthusiastic, well prepared, caring trainers. They knew exactly how to get my wild bernedoodle to do as they asked. Always had good tips and eager to answer any questions I had about puppy behaviors. Very nice people, as well!
  • Nick Argoe
    Mar. 1, 2025
    My wife and I sought out training services with DTE NE Atl for our 6 year old labradoodle, Della, after recently adopting her. We were seeking support for Della as she was a VERY anxious dog, especially with people (new people.) She is a very sweet dog, never aggressive, just nervous and anxious and overall lacking confidence. My wife and I were skeptical if anyone could help Della, as we had her for 6 months at this point, she’s an older dog, and it seemed to be more of a personality trait and maybe the effects of what she had been through in the past before we adopted her. Then came Michael with Dog training Elite. Della has completed their platinum training program and is truly a different dog. She still has a shy disposition, but has gained so much confidence from training with Michael in our home and out in public. Her anxiety has decreased and as we continue to work on it, she now knows so many commands and looks to us as her owners to see if a situation is safe before running away. She has confidence in us AND herself. We now attend group classes regularly with Michael and Gosia which have propelled Della even further. They run an amazing program!! We are truly grateful for their help, flexibility, and support in equipping us and Della for success.
  • Adriana Vasquez
    Mar. 1, 2025
    “I can’t recommend Dog Training Elite owned by Michael and Gosia enough! Their expertise, patience, and dedication turned my Doberman Pinscher Arya, into a fully Certified Service Dog. From day one, they provided clear guidance and personalized training that truly made a difference. Arya is now confident, well-mannered, and ready to assist me in everyday life. If you’re looking for a trainer who genuinely cares and delivers results, look no further!”
  • Erika Kaivani
    Jan. 12, 2025
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ We have had an amazing experience working with Michael and Gosia during our Platinum program for our puppy, Lyra. Their training methods are highly effective—we’ve seen noticeable improvement in Lyra’s reactivity, and she’s become much more obedient. Michael and Gosia are incredibly personable, always on time, and very communicative throughout the process. They genuinely care about the success of both the dog and the owners. While training can be an ongoing process & we know we still have work to do in the group classes ahead (which are included with platinum pkg), we are so grateful for the strong foundation they’ve helped us build and cannot wait to continue improvement. We highly recommend them to anyone looking for knowledgeable and reliable trainers!
  • Rick Busch
    Dec. 20, 2024
    Many, many thanks to Dog Training Elite and especially to our Trainer/Owner, Michael Billedo. My wife and I checked out several dog training programs in the area for our Cavapoo, Cali, prior to contacting DTE. We were both very pleased and impressed with Michael and with the information he provided on that first phone call and felt very comfortable setting up an in-home introductory appointment. That first appointment went very well and Michael was very friendly and informative and there was absolutely no sales pressure. He made an immediate connection with Cali and with us and we comfortably selected the program we all felt would best meet our needs. Michael far exceeded our expectations as both a friendly and personable instructor and an expert dog trainer (and passionate dog lover!). We enjoyed working with Michael immensely both personally and professionally and highly recommend DTE and Michael for a great dog training experience. Our training goals were met and we now possess the tools and techniques we learned for a lifetime!
  • Valerie Wheeler
    Dec. 19, 2024
    Whit is clear in his instruction and eager to help dog and owner work together for the best outcome. He has always been willing to schedule appointments that work with our home calendar.
  • Kristy Hicks.
    Dec. 19, 2024
    Mr. Gray came to my house and help me train my dog Slim. He taught me what I needed to know to help me become a better pet parent. He works with your schedule and they have group training. He is a trainer that I would recommend.
  • Tai Harris
    Dec. 18, 2024
    The exceptional team at Dog Training Elite of West Atlanta showcased remarkable knowledge, patiently guiding us through private dog training sessions with kindness, clarity, and honesty, effectively fostering a deeper understanding of obedience training and puppy training classes. Their service dog training expertise was truly impressive, providing a wealth of insight into the world of dogs and leaving us feeling confident in our newfound abilities.
  • Tailor Harris
    Dec. 17, 2024
    The exceptional team at Dog Training Elite of West Atlanta showcased remarkable knowledge, patiently guiding us through private dog training sessions with kindness, clarity, and honesty, effectively fostering a deeper understanding of obedience training and puppy training classes. Their service dog training expertise was truly impressive, providing a wealth of insight into the world of dogs and leaving us feeling confident in our newfound abilities.
  • Derrick Gonzalez
    Dec. 16, 2024
    Whit and his family have done an incredible job with my Bella, as well as with us as dog parents. We enrolled Bella for service dog training since she was a little crazy puppy, and she has grown into a wonderful well behaved adult dog that we are very proud of. Consistency is key, and we appreciate Dog Training Elite West Atlanta for always being consistent with us.
  • Alaina Hornsby
    Nov. 7, 2024
    Mikie & Dixie have made SO much progress from training! Gosia & Mike were so patient with our newly rescued, very skiddish, dogs. The pups went from scattering like cockroaches with any amount of freedom or any noise to following us off leash in a Home Depot in the loud lumber department & following us down the path to our dock or wherever we lead them.p Thank you!!!
  • Kaitlyn Taylor
    Nov. 23, 2024
    The terms "professional," "personable," and "efficient" scarcely encapsulate the outstanding training and demeanor that Whit Gray provides! My dog had been labeled as "fear aggressive," as Whit accurately described. He would nip at strangers and exhibited discomfort with being touched, although he was comfortable around my family members. Additionally, he appeared intimidated by toddlers and unfamiliar faces in our home. After just four one-on-one training sessions, I observed a remarkable transformation in my dog! What I appreciated most about Whit was his patience and professionalism in his training techniques, complemented by his thorough explanations of his methods and their underlying rationale. He offered me reassurance and guidance on how to teach my dog right from wrong. Whit not only excels as a trainer but also maintains an approachable and responsive demeanor when I had inquiries about my dog's behavior or needed to reschedule sessions. His communication was consistently professional and efficient. I wholeheartedly recommend Whit as a trainer for anyone seeking a patient and skilled professional. Thank you, Whit!
  • Madelyn Spain
    Nov. 8, 2024
    Absolutely thrilled with the transformation our pup has undergone thanks to Mike and Gosia! Initially, I was hesitant about their training methods, but the results have been nothing short of life-changing. We had tried treat-based training, but it just wasn’t enough—she wasn’t really grasping the commands, and we constantly had to keep an eye on her. Fast forward to today, and she’s a trained service dog that I can confidently take anywhere. Her behavior garners so many compliments, and I finally feel the peace of knowing she’s well-trained and trustworthy, even around other dogs, thanks to the group training sessions. The group training has been invaluable, as she’s learned to follow commands amidst distractions, which has made a huge difference in real-world situations. Mike and Gosia go above and beyond—they genuinely care about the dogs and their clients. When our dog had surgery, they reached out to check on her, showing just how dedicated they are to the well-being of their “students.” Their passion for what they do is evident, and it’s clear they love their work. I can’t recommend them enough—if you’re on the fence, trust me, this is the best decision we ever made for our dog and our family!
  • Rocky Brown
    Apr. 23, 2025
    Great people who do an amazing job helping my puppy turn into a well trained dog!
  • Floyd Dickens III
    Apr. 22, 2025
    Highly recommended - sought out a trainer for our 6 month old pup, and after extensive research, we decided to go with Dog Training Elite. They did not disappoint! Michael (our lead trainer) was knowledgeable, detailed, informative, flexible and most of all PATIENT! If you are looking for in-home training, this is it!
  • Lenice Dower
    Apr. 11, 2025
    Dog Training Elite was amazing!!! They helped us so much with our French Bulldog Poppy. I would 10/10 recommend them for dog training and would use them in the future again.
  • Joy Derrer
    Apr. 8, 2025
    Gosia has been a delightful person to help us adjust to and know how to train our sweet golden retriever pup Sandy. We have a large family with many kids of various ages and wanted to insure that we were all on the same page and consistent in setting up puppy training right. Gosia’s patience and kindness and expertise have given us tools to help us be in control and love our sweet girl even more as she learns to obey and please. We look forward to continuing obedience training as she grows.
  • Nancy Warden
    Apr. 6, 2025
    We highly recommend Dog Training Elite Northeast Atlanta! We loved having the one on one experience combined with group dog training. Our dog, Louie, is much better behaved and happier and so are we😀
  • Bryan Cantrell
    Mar. 24, 2025
    The training is perfect for a puppy. They taught my puppy to sit, place, come and walk on a leash. They actually taught me how to train so I can keep it going. Perfect dog training and great people!
  • Jonathan Cross
    Mar. 21, 2025
    Michael is amazing. He’s encouraging and patient. He was great with my dog Hondo.
  • Ann Gorman
    Mar. 12, 2025
    Mike and Goisa were enthusiastic, well prepared, caring trainers. They knew exactly how to get my wild bernedoodle to do as they asked. Always had good tips and eager to answer any questions I had about puppy behaviors. Very nice people, as well!
  • Nick Argoe
    Mar. 1, 2025
    My wife and I sought out training services with DTE NE Atl for our 6 year old labradoodle, Della, after recently adopting her. We were seeking support for Della as she was a VERY anxious dog, especially with people (new people.) She is a very sweet dog, never aggressive, just nervous and anxious and overall lacking confidence. My wife and I were skeptical if anyone could help Della, as we had her for 6 months at this point, she’s an older dog, and it seemed to be more of a personality trait and maybe the effects of what she had been through in the past before we adopted her. Then came Michael with Dog training Elite. Della has completed their platinum training program and is truly a different dog. She still has a shy disposition, but has gained so much confidence from training with Michael in our home and out in public. Her anxiety has decreased and as we continue to work on it, she now knows so many commands and looks to us as her owners to see if a situation is safe before running away. She has confidence in us AND herself. We now attend group classes regularly with Michael and Gosia which have propelled Della even further. They run an amazing program!! We are truly grateful for their help, flexibility, and support in equipping us and Della for success.
  • Adriana Vasquez
    Mar. 1, 2025
    “I can’t recommend Dog Training Elite owned by Michael and Gosia enough! Their expertise, patience, and dedication turned my Doberman Pinscher Arya, into a fully Certified Service Dog. From day one, they provided clear guidance and personalized training that truly made a difference. Arya is now confident, well-mannered, and ready to assist me in everyday life. If you’re looking for a trainer who genuinely cares and delivers results, look no further!”
  • Erika Kaivani
    Jan. 12, 2025
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ We have had an amazing experience working with Michael and Gosia during our Platinum program for our puppy, Lyra. Their training methods are highly effective—we’ve seen noticeable improvement in Lyra’s reactivity, and she’s become much more obedient. Michael and Gosia are incredibly personable, always on time, and very communicative throughout the process. They genuinely care about the success of both the dog and the owners. While training can be an ongoing process & we know we still have work to do in the group classes ahead (which are included with platinum pkg), we are so grateful for the strong foundation they’ve helped us build and cannot wait to continue improvement. We highly recommend them to anyone looking for knowledgeable and reliable trainers!
  • Rick Busch
    Dec. 20, 2024
    Many, many thanks to Dog Training Elite and especially to our Trainer/Owner, Michael Billedo. My wife and I checked out several dog training programs in the area for our Cavapoo, Cali, prior to contacting DTE. We were both very pleased and impressed with Michael and with the information he provided on that first phone call and felt very comfortable setting up an in-home introductory appointment. That first appointment went very well and Michael was very friendly and informative and there was absolutely no sales pressure. He made an immediate connection with Cali and with us and we comfortably selected the program we all felt would best meet our needs. Michael far exceeded our expectations as both a friendly and personable instructor and an expert dog trainer (and passionate dog lover!). We enjoyed working with Michael immensely both personally and professionally and highly recommend DTE and Michael for a great dog training experience. Our training goals were met and we now possess the tools and techniques we learned for a lifetime!
  • Valerie Wheeler
    Dec. 19, 2024
    Whit is clear in his instruction and eager to help dog and owner work together for the best outcome. He has always been willing to schedule appointments that work with our home calendar.
  • Kristy Hicks.
    Dec. 19, 2024
    Mr. Gray came to my house and help me train my dog Slim. He taught me what I needed to know to help me become a better pet parent. He works with your schedule and they have group training. He is a trainer that I would recommend.
  • Tai Harris
    Dec. 18, 2024
    The exceptional team at Dog Training Elite of West Atlanta showcased remarkable knowledge, patiently guiding us through private dog training sessions with kindness, clarity, and honesty, effectively fostering a deeper understanding of obedience training and puppy training classes. Their service dog training expertise was truly impressive, providing a wealth of insight into the world of dogs and leaving us feeling confident in our newfound abilities.
  • Tailor Harris
    Dec. 17, 2024
    The exceptional team at Dog Training Elite of West Atlanta showcased remarkable knowledge, patiently guiding us through private dog training sessions with kindness, clarity, and honesty, effectively fostering a deeper understanding of obedience training and puppy training classes. Their service dog training expertise was truly impressive, providing a wealth of insight into the world of dogs and leaving us feeling confident in our newfound abilities.
  • Derrick Gonzalez
    Dec. 16, 2024
    Whit and his family have done an incredible job with my Bella, as well as with us as dog parents. We enrolled Bella for service dog training since she was a little crazy puppy, and she has grown into a wonderful well behaved adult dog that we are very proud of. Consistency is key, and we appreciate Dog Training Elite West Atlanta for always being consistent with us.
  • Alaina Hornsby
    Nov. 7, 2024
    Mikie & Dixie have made SO much progress from training! Gosia & Mike were so patient with our newly rescued, very skiddish, dogs. The pups went from scattering like cockroaches with any amount of freedom or any noise to following us off leash in a Home Depot in the loud lumber department & following us down the path to our dock or wherever we lead them.p Thank you!!!
  • Kaitlyn Taylor
    Nov. 23, 2024
    The terms "professional," "personable," and "efficient" scarcely encapsulate the outstanding training and demeanor that Whit Gray provides! My dog had been labeled as "fear aggressive," as Whit accurately described. He would nip at strangers and exhibited discomfort with being touched, although he was comfortable around my family members. Additionally, he appeared intimidated by toddlers and unfamiliar faces in our home. After just four one-on-one training sessions, I observed a remarkable transformation in my dog! What I appreciated most about Whit was his patience and professionalism in his training techniques, complemented by his thorough explanations of his methods and their underlying rationale. He offered me reassurance and guidance on how to teach my dog right from wrong. Whit not only excels as a trainer but also maintains an approachable and responsive demeanor when I had inquiries about my dog's behavior or needed to reschedule sessions. His communication was consistently professional and efficient. I wholeheartedly recommend Whit as a trainer for anyone seeking a patient and skilled professional. Thank you, Whit!
  • Madelyn Spain
    Nov. 8, 2024
    Absolutely thrilled with the transformation our pup has undergone thanks to Mike and Gosia! Initially, I was hesitant about their training methods, but the results have been nothing short of life-changing. We had tried treat-based training, but it just wasn’t enough—she wasn’t really grasping the commands, and we constantly had to keep an eye on her. Fast forward to today, and she’s a trained service dog that I can confidently take anywhere. Her behavior garners so many compliments, and I finally feel the peace of knowing she’s well-trained and trustworthy, even around other dogs, thanks to the group training sessions. The group training has been invaluable, as she’s learned to follow commands amidst distractions, which has made a huge difference in real-world situations. Mike and Gosia go above and beyond—they genuinely care about the dogs and their clients. When our dog had surgery, they reached out to check on her, showing just how dedicated they are to the well-being of their “students.” Their passion for what they do is evident, and it’s clear they love their work. I can’t recommend them enough—if you’re on the fence, trust me, this is the best decision we ever made for our dog and our family!
An obedient dog in a fran_territory_name} emotional support dog training program.

Benefits of Therapy Dogs

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Therapy dogs have a profound impact on individuals’ emotional and physical well-being. Research demonstrates that therapy dogs can improve a patient's mood, reduce stress, and even lower pain levels during hospital stays or medical treatments. Their calming presence provides comfort and relief in challenging moments.

Children, in particular, often respond well to therapy dogs. The companionship and playful interaction of a therapy dog can motivate children to engage more fully in treatments, helping them overcome fear or reluctance. With a therapy dog by their side, children tend to feel more optimistic and less anxious.

Beyond medical settings, therapy dogs also foster social interaction, especially in autism and mental health communities. These dogs offer non-judgmental companionship and serve as a bridge for individuals who may struggle with social connections. By reducing feelings of loneliness and anxiety, therapy dogs offer their owners comfort and companionship that enhances the overall quality of life.

A therapy dog handler with their dog trained by Dog Training Elite in Atlanta.

Therapy Dog Handlers

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If you’ve ever wanted to make a meaningful impact in your community, becoming a therapy dog handler offers a unique opportunity to do so alongside your dog. You can choose where to volunteer based on your interests, such as schools, hospitals, or senior living centers.

Once you’ve decided, therapy dog training is the next step. Dog Training Elite in Atlanta’s expert trainers will help your dog master essential behaviors like loose-leash walking, “leave it,” and not jumping on people. After completing training, you can apply for therapy dog certification, but it’s essential to keep up with ongoing training to ensure your dog remains well-behaved and ready to assist.

Additional Training Programs

Dog Training Elite in Atlanta - Dog Obedience Training in Atlanta, GA. Dog Training Elite
Obedience Training
Dog Training Elite in Atlanta - Puppy Training in Atlanta, GA. Dog Training Elite
Puppy Training
Dog Training Elite in Atlanta - Service Dog Training in Atlanta, GA. Dog Training Elite
Service Dog Training
Dog Training Elite in Atlanta - Anxiety & Aggression Dog Trainer in Atlanta, GA
Anxiety & Aggression
Dog Training Elite in Atlanta - Group Class Dog Training in Atlanta, GA. DTE
Group Training
A fully trained service dog from Dog Training Elite in Atlanta.

Atlanta Emotional Support Dog Training

Why Choose DTE for Therapy Dog Training?

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At Dog Training Elite in Atlanta, our training programs prepare your dog for real-world situations where their presence can provide emotional support and comfort. Beyond just obedience, our training teaches your dog how to handle stressful or highly stimulating environments like hospitals, schools, or nursing homes.

We also place a strong emphasis on socialization and adaptability, making sure your dog can confidently engage with people of all ages and backgrounds. Therapy dog work requires attentiveness and empathy, and our training helps your dog develop these traits. With a foundation of trust, consistency, and patience, your dog will be fully equipped to offer comfort and companionship wherever it’s needed.

A group of dogs being trained by the expert team at Dog Training Elite in Atlanta.
Dog Training Elite in Atlanta light star icon.

Educate, Empower, Elevate, Elite

Victory Begins With Elite Education

ESA vs. Therapy vs. Service Animals

What's the Difference?

Animals that provide assistance and companionship can be classified into three main groups: service animals, emotional support animals (ESAs), and therapy animals. Each has different responsibilities, training requirements, and legal protections. Knowing the differences can help you choose the right type of support for a disability, emotional needs, or therapy purposes.

Here are the defining features of each type:

Service animals are trained to help individuals by performing tasks that meet their specific needs, such as:

  • Redirecting attention when an individual is beginning to feel overstimulated
  • Reminding owners to take medication
  • Waking someone who is having a nightmare

Service dogs are highly valued in the mental health and disability community and are protected under ADA laws, allowing them to accompany their owners anywhere. At DTE, we provide specialized training for service dogs that assist individuals with autism, diabetes, and PTSD.

The key difference between ESAs, therapy dogs, and service dogs is that service animals are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act. This means they are allowed to go anywhere their owner goes. ESAs and therapy dogs do not have the same protections as service dogs, and public places can set their own rules about allowing them.

ESAs are prescribed by licensed mental health professionals to help individuals with mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression. These animals provide emotional support simply by being a comforting presence. Unlike service dogs, ESAs are not trained to perform specific tasks related to their owner's condition.

ESAs can be of any breed or age, and while they do not require the same level of training as service dogs, many owners choose to seek additional training. This can help strengthen the bond between the owner and the animal and improve the ESA's ability to provide consistent emotional support in different situations.

Therapy animals provide comfort and emotional support to individuals in need. They are not trained to assist a single person but are instead taught to be well-behaved and sociable around various groups of people. These animals help reduce stress, anxiety, and loneliness for those they visit.

Unlike service animals, therapy animals are not required to perform specific tasks. Their calming presence is what makes them valuable in therapeutic programs.

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