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

Therapy Dog Training in Boston, MA

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 Training in Boston, MA

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 specialize in therapy dog training in Boston, MA, helping dogs develop the temperament and skills needed to provide emotional support and comfort in a variety of settings. Our customized programs are designed to guide you and your dog through the certification process with compassion and professionalism. Whether your goal is to visit hospitals, schools, or community centers, we ensure your dog is well-prepared to offer calm, dependable companionship to those in need. With our expert training methods, your dog can become a confident and trusted therapy companion in the Boston community.

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

How Does a Dog Become a Therapy Dog?


Read More
Read Less

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

  • Franklin Smith
    Oct. 4, 2025
    Trainers I worked with like Patrick and Matt are the best!!
  • Alex
    Sep. 18, 2025
    Trainer Laydon came to my home, was amazing with my cane corso, training was informative and very steady I never felt rushed. You can tell she loves her job and I look forward to more sessions. Thank you Laydon!
  • Selasie Djokotoe
    Sep. 15, 2025
    Tiffany did an amazing job taking her time to know boss and explain all the obedience training that will help him. We tried instant crate training to access where boss is at and what we need to do to continue to make him a better dog. He jumped a lot when Tiffany came and she started redirecting that energy.
  • Christina Helbert
    Jul. 18, 2025
    Tiffany was incredible during our initial meeting- she was very expreienced, patient, kind, and listened well. We felt very heard, validated, and hopeful for our four-legged friend to become her most happy and calm self! Laydon has been an incredible dog trainer! Her knowledge, patience, advice, care and help has helped Tilly so much, and us "humans" now have the tools to better understand and train our dog. An absolutely astounding company!
  • Donna Ricci
    Aug. 14, 2025
    Tiffany is an outstanding trainer, she listened to our concerns, addressed them. Tiffany asked many questions about our dog Tyson before she even started the training session. Tiffany worked with Tyson and us to resolve concerns in a positive, friendly manner. I look forward to working with Tiffany again!
  • Tina Chaput
    Sep. 9, 2025
    Tiffany is helping us now with our second puppy (almost 8 months)! She has an incredible understanding of different dog personalities and their needs. She is so patient and supportive of my training as the dog parent, I’m so grateful!! My dog babies are growing into great dogs!
  • Srikanta Jois
    Sep. 3, 2025
    Had an awesome experience. Thank you for training our stubborn golden retriever puppy. She is doing great and not leash pulling, jumping and follows all commands.
  • Josh Hammers
    Aug. 29, 2025
    Extremely pleased with Dog Training Elite and their trainers! Highly recommend if you’re looking for a great training team.
  • Liz Sher
    Aug. 29, 2025
    It was great meeting Tiffany. We talked about and girl and how we are going to move forward. We even taught my girl the paw command.
  • Sue Connaughton
    Aug. 21, 2025
    We appreciate the experience with Elite Dog Training. We worked extensively with Matt who always gave constructive feedback and provided guidance for me and my dog throughout each session. At the end of each session, Matt provided us with tips and “homework” to practice prior to our next session. This was helpful and held us accountable to try everything we could to ensure our dog was successful. I highly recommend Elite Dog Training for anyone who needs a confidence boost when setting appropriate boundaries with their dog!
  • Jane flink
    Aug. 13, 2025
    Tiffany made my dog’s first visit to Home Depot, more comfortable, and easier than I could’ve imagined. So very happy with my dogs progress in mine too!
  • Timothy Hall
    Aug. 12, 2025
    We had a great training session. Belle Amie is doing very well in training. Great team of trainers.
  • Jacob Kirschner
    Jul. 31, 2025
    Our dog Atlas has been reactive ever since he hit 8 months old. We couldn’t take him to group classes anymore because of his dog reactivity and we gave up on training in any sort of group environment. We were drawn to dog training elite because of the one on one sessions it offered. We signed up in the hopes that we could get Atlas a little more under control as we also had a newborn in the house. They did not disappoint, the variety of trainers we saw were all very knowledgeable and helpful in different ways. After our first few one on one sessions, we were encouraged to join a group class. I was extremely hesitant to take atlas because I was afraid of him reacting. But, Our first group class went so well and I was shocked. He had an initial reaction but our trainer Marcus took over for us and corrected him. After that, not a single reaction the rest of the hour. The second group class went even better. No reactions whatsoever, the trainer didn’t even need to step in. Atlas is so much more well behaved now that he is well trained. I know new dogs, people, and situations still make him anxious. But now he is able to take these things in stride and choose to react in a better way. If you’re on the fence about this training I would recommend it to anyone struggling with a reactive dog. The picture is of atlas at a group class In Home Depot. Before training he never would have been able to sit still while other dogs were around.
  • Kelsey Wolf
    Jul. 29, 2025
    Tiffany was excellent and answered all of our questions! We're feeling a lot better about taking on the training of our new puppy!
  • Luann Smith
    Jul. 25, 2025
    Tiffany once again did a great job. She went through the training documentation, explained everything and answered my questions. We got the e-collar on and worked on some commands with that. She followed up thru email with suggestions of things that could help. My dog Pumpkin likes and trusts her. As do I. LuAnn Smith
  • IRENE Butler
    Jul. 23, 2025
    I’ve had several trainers work with us and what’s nice is the different ideas and methods each has.Tiffany’s approach was refreshing and had me thinking differently. We are going to try some new things this week and maybe my dog will respond more positively with this different approach.
  • Wrong Side of Heavan
    Jul. 16, 2025
    Tiffany was very professional and knowledgeable. Was very happy for her direction today.
  • Jena Pantano
    Jul. 15, 2025
    Truly Exceptional Training Experience We have been working with Dog Training Elite since Tully (Tallulah) was a puppy, starting with their puppy sessions and continuing through adult sessions to prepare for the Public Access Test. We just completed our final adult lesson before the test, and I truly believe this is the best training program available. We trained in different locations, which was perfect for exposing Tully to new environments. Every trainer we worked with had different tricks up their sleeve for all kinds of behaviors. No matter what challenge came up, someone on the team had a helpful strategy ready to go. We worked mostly with Matt K and Tiffany for individual lessons, and they have been incredible. Their guidance, patience, and ability to clearly explain things made each session effective and enjoyable. The group classes at Boston Common are also one of our favorite parts. Tully has made so much progress in that setting, and we always walk away with something new and valuable. A huge thank you to Marcus as well. Anytime I felt overwhelmed or unsure about Tully’s behavior, I sent an email to the team, and Marcus always responded with thoughtful, detailed advice. His ongoing support between sessions has been incredibly reassuring and helpful. Thanks to Dog Training Elite, people constantly compliment how well-behaved Tully is. We’ve learned so much and built a solid foundation that we’re now carrying into task training for service work. If you’re looking for a training program that truly works and a team that genuinely cares about your dog’s success, this is it. I’ve looked into other programs, and I would recommend Dog Training Elite over any of them. They are hands down the best for all kinds of training needs.
  • Yuliya Sukennik
    Jul. 15, 2025
    We’ve been training our American Bully, Blue “Bun”, with Richard and Matt and we couldn’t be happier with the experience! From the very first session, it was clear that they truly understand dogs and love what they do. Blue is always excited to work with them, and it’s amazing to see how much she enjoys the learning process. The course has been absolutely awesome, not only is Blue progressing with each session, but we’re also learning so much as owners. Richard and Matt explain everything clearly, are incredibly patient, and tailor their approach to meet our dog’s unique personality and needs. We feel more confident, connected, and in sync with our pup thanks to their guidance. Highly recommend their training — it’s a game-changer for both dogs and their humans! 🐾
  • kai gannon
    Jul. 10, 2025
    Haven't even started training yet but she was very helpful, she answered every question we had, she explained the ecollar usage and how it's not used to be harmful, and she took us through the whole process, and even helped me figure out a different payment plan. She was very respectful in our home and our doggy loved her! he could not stop sniffing the other dogs on her 🤣 can't wait to start classes 😁
  • Franklin Smith
    Oct. 4, 2025
    Trainers I worked with like Patrick and Matt are the best!!
  • Alex
    Sep. 18, 2025
    Trainer Laydon came to my home, was amazing with my cane corso, training was informative and very steady I never felt rushed. You can tell she loves her job and I look forward to more sessions. Thank you Laydon!
  • Selasie Djokotoe
    Sep. 15, 2025
    Tiffany did an amazing job taking her time to know boss and explain all the obedience training that will help him. We tried instant crate training to access where boss is at and what we need to do to continue to make him a better dog. He jumped a lot when Tiffany came and she started redirecting that energy.
  • Christina Helbert
    Jul. 18, 2025
    Tiffany was incredible during our initial meeting- she was very expreienced, patient, kind, and listened well. We felt very heard, validated, and hopeful for our four-legged friend to become her most happy and calm self! Laydon has been an incredible dog trainer! Her knowledge, patience, advice, care and help has helped Tilly so much, and us "humans" now have the tools to better understand and train our dog. An absolutely astounding company!
  • Donna Ricci
    Aug. 14, 2025
    Tiffany is an outstanding trainer, she listened to our concerns, addressed them. Tiffany asked many questions about our dog Tyson before she even started the training session. Tiffany worked with Tyson and us to resolve concerns in a positive, friendly manner. I look forward to working with Tiffany again!
  • Tina Chaput
    Sep. 9, 2025
    Tiffany is helping us now with our second puppy (almost 8 months)! She has an incredible understanding of different dog personalities and their needs. She is so patient and supportive of my training as the dog parent, I’m so grateful!! My dog babies are growing into great dogs!
  • Srikanta Jois
    Sep. 3, 2025
    Had an awesome experience. Thank you for training our stubborn golden retriever puppy. She is doing great and not leash pulling, jumping and follows all commands.
  • Josh Hammers
    Aug. 29, 2025
    Extremely pleased with Dog Training Elite and their trainers! Highly recommend if you’re looking for a great training team.
  • Liz Sher
    Aug. 29, 2025
    It was great meeting Tiffany. We talked about and girl and how we are going to move forward. We even taught my girl the paw command.
  • Sue Connaughton
    Aug. 21, 2025
    We appreciate the experience with Elite Dog Training. We worked extensively with Matt who always gave constructive feedback and provided guidance for me and my dog throughout each session. At the end of each session, Matt provided us with tips and “homework” to practice prior to our next session. This was helpful and held us accountable to try everything we could to ensure our dog was successful. I highly recommend Elite Dog Training for anyone who needs a confidence boost when setting appropriate boundaries with their dog!
  • Jane flink
    Aug. 13, 2025
    Tiffany made my dog’s first visit to Home Depot, more comfortable, and easier than I could’ve imagined. So very happy with my dogs progress in mine too!
  • Timothy Hall
    Aug. 12, 2025
    We had a great training session. Belle Amie is doing very well in training. Great team of trainers.
  • Jacob Kirschner
    Jul. 31, 2025
    Our dog Atlas has been reactive ever since he hit 8 months old. We couldn’t take him to group classes anymore because of his dog reactivity and we gave up on training in any sort of group environment. We were drawn to dog training elite because of the one on one sessions it offered. We signed up in the hopes that we could get Atlas a little more under control as we also had a newborn in the house. They did not disappoint, the variety of trainers we saw were all very knowledgeable and helpful in different ways. After our first few one on one sessions, we were encouraged to join a group class. I was extremely hesitant to take atlas because I was afraid of him reacting. But, Our first group class went so well and I was shocked. He had an initial reaction but our trainer Marcus took over for us and corrected him. After that, not a single reaction the rest of the hour. The second group class went even better. No reactions whatsoever, the trainer didn’t even need to step in. Atlas is so much more well behaved now that he is well trained. I know new dogs, people, and situations still make him anxious. But now he is able to take these things in stride and choose to react in a better way. If you’re on the fence about this training I would recommend it to anyone struggling with a reactive dog. The picture is of atlas at a group class In Home Depot. Before training he never would have been able to sit still while other dogs were around.
  • Kelsey Wolf
    Jul. 29, 2025
    Tiffany was excellent and answered all of our questions! We're feeling a lot better about taking on the training of our new puppy!
  • Luann Smith
    Jul. 25, 2025
    Tiffany once again did a great job. She went through the training documentation, explained everything and answered my questions. We got the e-collar on and worked on some commands with that. She followed up thru email with suggestions of things that could help. My dog Pumpkin likes and trusts her. As do I. LuAnn Smith
  • IRENE Butler
    Jul. 23, 2025
    I’ve had several trainers work with us and what’s nice is the different ideas and methods each has.Tiffany’s approach was refreshing and had me thinking differently. We are going to try some new things this week and maybe my dog will respond more positively with this different approach.
  • Wrong Side of Heavan
    Jul. 16, 2025
    Tiffany was very professional and knowledgeable. Was very happy for her direction today.
  • Jena Pantano
    Jul. 15, 2025
    Truly Exceptional Training Experience We have been working with Dog Training Elite since Tully (Tallulah) was a puppy, starting with their puppy sessions and continuing through adult sessions to prepare for the Public Access Test. We just completed our final adult lesson before the test, and I truly believe this is the best training program available. We trained in different locations, which was perfect for exposing Tully to new environments. Every trainer we worked with had different tricks up their sleeve for all kinds of behaviors. No matter what challenge came up, someone on the team had a helpful strategy ready to go. We worked mostly with Matt K and Tiffany for individual lessons, and they have been incredible. Their guidance, patience, and ability to clearly explain things made each session effective and enjoyable. The group classes at Boston Common are also one of our favorite parts. Tully has made so much progress in that setting, and we always walk away with something new and valuable. A huge thank you to Marcus as well. Anytime I felt overwhelmed or unsure about Tully’s behavior, I sent an email to the team, and Marcus always responded with thoughtful, detailed advice. His ongoing support between sessions has been incredibly reassuring and helpful. Thanks to Dog Training Elite, people constantly compliment how well-behaved Tully is. We’ve learned so much and built a solid foundation that we’re now carrying into task training for service work. If you’re looking for a training program that truly works and a team that genuinely cares about your dog’s success, this is it. I’ve looked into other programs, and I would recommend Dog Training Elite over any of them. They are hands down the best for all kinds of training needs.
  • Yuliya Sukennik
    Jul. 15, 2025
    We’ve been training our American Bully, Blue “Bun”, with Richard and Matt and we couldn’t be happier with the experience! From the very first session, it was clear that they truly understand dogs and love what they do. Blue is always excited to work with them, and it’s amazing to see how much she enjoys the learning process. The course has been absolutely awesome, not only is Blue progressing with each session, but we’re also learning so much as owners. Richard and Matt explain everything clearly, are incredibly patient, and tailor their approach to meet our dog’s unique personality and needs. We feel more confident, connected, and in sync with our pup thanks to their guidance. Highly recommend their training — it’s a game-changer for both dogs and their humans! 🐾
  • kai gannon
    Jul. 10, 2025
    Haven't even started training yet but she was very helpful, she answered every question we had, she explained the ecollar usage and how it's not used to be harmful, and she took us through the whole process, and even helped me figure out a different payment plan. She was very respectful in our home and our doggy loved her! he could not stop sniffing the other dogs on her 🤣 can't wait to start classes 😁
An obedient dog in a fran_territory_name} emotional support dog training program.

Benefits of Therapy Dogs

Read More
Read Less

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 Boston Metro.

Therapy Dog Handlers

Read More
Read Less

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 Boston Metro’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 Boston Metro - Dog Obedience Training in Boston, MA. DTE

Obedience Training

Dog Training Elite in Boston Metro - Puppy Training in Boston, MA. Dog Training Elite

Puppy Training

Dog Training Elite in Boston Metro - Service Dog Training in Boston, MA. Dog Training Elite

Service Dog Training

Dog Training Elite in Boston Metro - Anxiety & Aggressive Dog Training in Boston, MA

Anxiety & Aggression

Dog Training Elite in Boston Metro - Group Class Dog Training in Boston, MA. DTE

Group Training

A fully trained service dog from Dog Training Elite in Boston Metro.

Boston Emotional Support Dog Training

Why Choose DTE for Therapy Dog Training?

Read More
Read Less

At Dog Training Elite in Boston Metro, 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 Boston Metro.
Dog Training Elite in Boston Metro 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.

    {loop:item}
  • {item}
  • {/loop:item}
  • {item}