A therapy dog walking in a park with their owner - contact Dog Training Elite to talk to a professional therapy dog trainer in Charleston / Summerville, SC!

Therapy Dog Training

Dog Training Elite Lowcountry

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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 Charleston / Summerville, SC

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 Charleston / Summerville, SC, 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.

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A therapy dog in training with Dog Training Elite Lowcountry'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.

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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!

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FAQs

One of our trainers will visit your home to meet you and your dog and discuss any issues you're facing. We will then demonstrate one of our model dogs so you can see what you can expect after hiring our trainers. From there, we will discuss the various packages we offer and which we feel best suit your (and your dog's) needs.
We provide full obedience training that covers all basic commands, both on and off-leash. Our in-home visits target specific issues like counter-surfing, digging, and more. Unlike some trainers, we work with all breeds, including those often considered challenging.
Yes. You (and anyone in your family who wants to be involved) are integral to your dog getting trained. We need you to practice 5-6 days a week, about 15-20 minutes a day for optimal results.
Once a week. We come to you (with the silver, gold and platinum packages) once a week to start your dog off, then you come to park sessions which are held once a week in Charleston / Summerville.
We train dogs of all breeds, sizes, and temperaments. Whether your dog is a tiny Chihuahua or a large Mastiff, we have the experience and expertise to work with them.

Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • Ciara Wood
    Oct. 29, 2024
    Baeleigh is the best! She is so knowledgeable about animal behavior and explains everything so it makes sense. She helped me be more confident when I’m training my dog.I noticed major progress within the first month of working with her. Ranger used to pull me down the side walk and try to wiggle out of his collar if he didn’t want to comply, but now he will walk by my side, I can take him in Public without him being crazy, and so much more. The group classes are also great for exposure around other dogs. I would recommend Baeleigh and dog training elite over and over again!
  • Nicole
    Oct. 26, 2024
    COLBY is the GOAT. We choose Dog Training Elite because of Colby. From our first sign up meeting through our sessions, Colby has been professional and so incredibly supportive and instructive. Her patience with us and ability to not only train our dog, Diesel, but our family so we are all on the same page has been outstanding. I highly recommend DTE and Colby.
  • Shanel Pierce
    Oct. 23, 2024
    Our bernedoodle learned very quickly in the service dog program. The trainers are very knowledgeable and professional. We are very pleased with his progress and behavior.
  • Emily Gibbons
    Oct. 11, 2024
    Colby and Baeleigh have done an excellent job Training both my dog and me! I’m very pleased!!
  • tyler sciarrino
    Oct. 11, 2024
    I got a puppy earlier this year and immediately searched for a trainer. I made an appointment and a week later met Colby for a consultation. She was knowledgeable, kind, and professional. Almost 6 months later my puppy is exceptionally well trained and on her way to being a service dog. I’m so thankful for this company and their support. Highly recommend!
  • Delirious Davies
    Oct. 5, 2024
    This company has helped us turn our Airdale around from a terrified, aggressive canine to a well-behaved pooch. Colby and Bayleigh have been fantastic to us! Bayleigh often leads the group sessions and our individual sessions are mostly with Colby. They spend most of their time teaching us how to build our dog's confidence and obedience so she can live a happier life.
  • P HAHN
    Sep. 11, 2024
    We appreciate the instructors from Dog Training Elite Lowcountry.. Both trainers Baeliegh and Colby were very knowledgeable and helpful to us. Each lesson built on previous ones & helped our puppy improve. Even more than thst they provided helpful information on care & ideas to improve our pet’s daily life. Thanks! 🐶
  • Megan Sanders
    Sep. 9, 2024
    We’ve had the best experience with training for our puppy. Bayleigh is amazing & we love working with her & this company!
  • Erika Richardson
    Sep. 4, 2024
    We have had an amazing experience from the trainers to the staff, our goldendoodle has taken to the training and their methodology so well. We love they come to our home and meet out in the community to gove that variety. I cant recommend them enough if you are looking for dog training!!!
  • Cecilia Houge
    Aug. 30, 2024
    We joined the program several months ago with Baliegh and Colby. They have done wonders with our 4 young and wild Staffy/Pitt mixes. We were at our wits end and debating splitting up our 4 litter mates when we made the choice to seek help. Now we have 4 girls that are happy, confident, and on the way to being well behaved pups that I knew they could be. The girls have helped shape and mold our babies lives for the better and we are so grateful.
  • Tony Houge
    Aug. 30, 2024
    There are so many things that need to be said. First off, our family has 4 littermayes who are all being trained together by Bayleigh and Colby. These trainer have hands down made this process significantly less stressful than expected. Top notch communication, and simple to follow instructions make this journey unbelievable. If you need assistance with your pets, and are at a point where you need a helping hand, I recommend you give this company a call. You won't be disappointed, we weren't. They also offer working dog training, for both emotional and service dogs. If you have the need, they'll step right in an create a successful path for you and your animals.
  • Kato Junior
    Aug. 22, 2024
    Give Colby a raise…the way she handles each lesson and how detailed she is with teaching a new command is amazing. I 100% RECOMMEND her.
  • Teja
    Aug. 22, 2024
    Colby is literally the best Highly would recommend her as your trainer.
  • Melissa Moyer
    Aug. 3, 2024
    I’ve been working with Colby and have seen amazing results with my dog. She’s gained so much confidence and over come hurdles of anxiety. She’s taught me how to properly control the dog and manage reactivity. Overall just an awesome experience and a great investment for our fur baby!
  • Bailey Davidson
    Jul. 26, 2024
    The DTE team worked with my reactive german shepherd and I. They were extremely patient, helpful, and willing to adapt to our needs. They helped both my dog and myself gain the confidence we needed to continue our training, and they gave us the tools and knowledge I needed to redefine my dog and I's relationship. They also were very accommodating with scheduling. Would definitely recommend!
  • Carolyn Viall
    Jul. 17, 2024
    We have worked with Dog Training Elite for six lessons so far and one group lesson with our new rescue dog who is now about 11 months old. Their training and recommendations have made a huge difference in his behavior. He is far less reactive ( in fact, little to no reaction now to most triggers) with other dogs, deer, geese, squirrels, etc. Bayleigh has been our primary trainer but we also have worked with Colby for our initial lesson. Both of them are knowledgeable and patient, not only with our dog but also with us. We highly recommend Dog Training Elite!
  • Scott Weinmann
    Jul. 16, 2024
    Colby is an absolute amazing trainer to work with. I learn so much about what I’m doing wrong and how to improve handling Taco! Great person and company.
  • Brendan Duball
    Jun. 29, 2024
    Dog Training Elite made a massive difference for our golden retriever Chance. When we first rescued Chance we were terrified that his poor behavior would last forever. Bailey and the team at Dog Training Elite were extremely helpful and gave us lot of practical feedback. The individual sessions coupled with the group classes gave us things to practice while exposing Chance to real world situations. We can’t recommend Bailey and Dog Training Elite enough, we are extremely pleased with Chance’s progress!
  • Heather C
    Mar. 22, 2024
    Training with the owner Steve has been great! Second session and we are working on heel. He was able to stay in a Place for the entirety of a surgery so I've been very impressed. Our puppy is being trained as a service dog, and he loves going everywhere. He's always on his best behavior. The trainers are doing an excellent job of training us how to help him be successful long-term. All of us enjoy the training sessions and learning new skills Since adding Colby to his training team, he has been able to practice place and other skills with another dog in public places which has been awesome. Before he would get distracted with others bc we don't have friends or family with dogs for him to interact with. Her caring, loving approach and knowledge makes Colby one of his favorite people in the world.
  • Cameron Bongiorno
    Jun. 18, 2024
    We have been very impressed with Dog Training Elite! Colby has worked wonders with our Springer Spaniel puppy!
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 Lowcountry.

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 Lowcountry’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.

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A fully trained service dog from Dog Training Elite Lowcountry.

Charleston / Summerville Emotional Support Dog Training

Why Choose DTE for Therapy Dog Training?

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At Dog Training Elite Lowcountry, 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 Lowcountry.
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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.