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

Therapy Dog Training

Dog Training Elite Charlotte

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 Charlotte, NC

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 Charlotte, NC, 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 Charlotte'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

  • Beth McRimmon
    May. 2, 2025
    The team at Dog Training Elite are wonderful. From the first interaction, they are focused on me and my pet. So friendly, made me feel comfortable and provided so so so much information. I would recommend them to anyone looking for training, at any level.
  • Mike Kennerly
    May. 2, 2025
    Dog Training Elite worked with Lily-Lea at my home and it’s unbelievable the difference it has made in her! Very professional, great communications, training methods and great results. So much easier to walk, have visitors to my home and I am truly thankful for their help.
  • Laura Cole Salas
    Apr. 12, 2025
    I’m so grateful that we pursued training with Dog Training Elite, it was a great experience for us dog parents and for our 4 year old Pomeranian. Since completing the program we have so much more confidence and trust with our dog, who previously had issues with wanting to run out the door and bolting away (and not listening to come back), not listening in general to come inside from our yard, and overall anxiety/excitement. She is visibly more relaxed and understands that she doesn’t have to be on high alert all the time. It was the best investment we could have made for her and us, I would 100% recommend it to anyone that loves their dog and wants to see them thrive- it would be even better to start this process with a new puppy.
  • Ashley Samuelson
    Apr. 6, 2025
    Training with Shawn and Angela has been a true life changer for us and our new family member Finnegan. We rescued Finn from North Mecklenburg Animal Rescue and wanted to give him the best life possible after being in a really horrible situation. Little did we know that golden doodles can be difficult to train. The training is a lot of work for everyone involved but let me tell you it is worth it!! The training is top notch and you will not be disappointed! They are so nice, professional and always available if needed between training sessions. We are now in the group phase of training and Finnegan is doing great! We now can take him places with us and he is loving it.
  • Rachel Reed
    Mar. 24, 2025
    Shawn, Sharon, & Angela are the type of people and trainers that immediately put you at ease because you know they have your dogs best interests at heart. When we first met them in February of 2022, the Charlotte team hadn’t trained a mobility support service dog yet, but worked to put together a training package that fit my needs. Before DTE, Landon would barely sit and lay down on command, but now because of them, I have an incredibly well trained and solid mobility support service dog! The only thing Landon struggles with is being in the crate, however this has nothing to do with DTE’s training abilities, and everything to do with me not listening to the importance of crate training. They genuinely have you and your pups best interests and know what they are doing, so use their knowledge and skills -and don’t skip the crate training ;) DTE is like our family and has been since the start. I am forever grateful to and for them! It’s an honor to be a part of the DTE pack!! You won’t regret using them as your trainers!!
  • Olivia Wolff
    Mar. 16, 2025
    We used DTE for our dog Bowie and we can't say enough good things about our experience. Bowie is like a different dog (in a good way.) By implementing the DTE method as taught by Shawn, we have seen a dramatic improvement in Bowie's behavior and habits. Not only are we more at ease, but Bowie is visibly less anxious and has been responding well to the leadership, direction and structure we are now providing for him. Thanks so much, DTE CLT!
  • Erin Souza
    Mar. 14, 2025
    Dog Elite Training was wonderful! Maisey and we learned so much! Would definitely recommend.
  • Kay Swennes
    Mar. 9, 2025
    Shawn was great helping me work with my rescue puppy Franny. She struggled with a lot of anxiety and we couldn't even walk around the block without her losing it. Franny was scared of just about everything and I didn't know how to help her. Shawn was very patient with Franny (and me) and we now enjoy nice long walks together. Franny gained a ton of confidence and now I have the tools to help her as she experiences new things. The group classes are always something we look forward to and if you have questions at other times DTE is just a text away. I highly recommend them.
  • Ros Williams
    Mar. 8, 2025
    All the staff at Elite have been more than fabulous. They worked with my other dogs prior to bringing in our golden doodle puppy to get the house in order. So far the training with our puppy is going great they have taught him so much in a short amount of time while still loving on him. We recently had some problems in house with him and the day I called both Sharon and Shawn came to the house and fixed so many little issues in just one house which made a huge difference. So glad to have them at the other end of the phone.
  • Krista Sigmon
    Mar. 6, 2025
    Maggie and I had an awesome training experience with DTE! Shawn is very passionate and excellent at what he does. The support that Shawn and Sharon provide outside of sessions is so helpful. Maggie learned so much and is doing great! She is now a joy to take on a walk and I feel confident taking her to public places. If you are thinking about hiring a trainer, just do it! Everyone in your family will be happier!
  • Lauren Parr
    Feb. 22, 2025
    The BEST dog training place ever, hands down. Do not let the price scare you because trust this 23 year old who is telling you it is worth every penny. My sweet boy is the most well behaved, calm, confident pup ever. He is not afraid to climb up onto challenging surfaces, go down slides at the local playground, stay in “place” when other dogs are playing and distracting him, and does not dart when a door opens. I first connected with DTE a week prior to picking my 7 week old pup up. They have been there with me through it all every step of the way. From advising me on toys and treats, to helpful videos, I was beyond prepared to pick up my boy! Throughout our journey so far, they’ve been beyond helpful and patient to answer every question and concern of mine no matter the day/hour etc. Through Puppy foundations & obedience school, my pup Bruno is so ready to conquer the world and continue on with DTE in group classes to move forward soon with Public access and task training to officially become a certified Service dog!!
  • Mary Chambers
    Jan. 27, 2025
    Shawn and Sharon are a dynamic duo...I can't recommend them highly enough. Extremely professional and so knowledgeable. Shawn is certainly a dog whisperer. Dog Training Elite was literally life changing starting from the very first session. On day 1, during the first session, Nova stopped ALL her destructive and annoying behaviors. Done. Gone. Ended. From the first session, she stopped jumping on my elderly mom (and us), stopped her aggression at every person/vehicle/dog passing by the front of our house…stopped being fiercely triggered by other dogs during our walks…no longer pulling on her leash…she literally was a different dog. Still the same beautiful personality, but with much better manners. We called DTE after Nova had an incident with our neighbor’s dog…and during the very first session, after one hour of working with Nova (and literally just ONE minute with the other dog), Shawn had both dogs calmly sitting next to each other, without any sign of aggression FROM EITHER DOG. My neighbor’s jaw dropped when she saw how quickly his methods worked (mine did too, quite frankly!). We’re now able to take Nova out with us and share her beautiful personality and energy, because in listening to us and trusting our leadership, she now understands that the world need not be such a scary place. More important, we’ve learned how to be her humans…and put her in the proper place in our family totem. We look forward to continuing her next phase of training through the group sessions and helping her continue to grow and bloom and socialize. Shawn, Sharon, THANK YOU so much for giving us the tools and knowledge to help Nova relax and enable us to enjoy our pup! Mary Beth, Matt, Erinn & Erika Chambers
  • Rachel Webster
    Dec. 31, 2024
    I have had an absolutely amazing experience with Dog Training Elite Charlotte. My dog is very stubborn and they were easily able to guide me through training her. They always respond quickly to questions. They also helped me determine the right crate for my dog so we can both be safe and happy when im out of the house. Zuri absolutely loves Shawn and has done great in the group classes.
  • samantha russo
    Dec. 30, 2024
    Dog training elite is hands down the best thing we’ve done for ourselves and our dog. Our 60 lb Dutch shepherd mix was reacting whenever strangers came into the house. Now, we have the tools and understanding to manage this with no anxiety. We believe both the dog and the owners need to be trained to understand and work with one another which is exactly what we have accomplished with DTE. It is personalized , convenient, and you get to see exactly how your dog is being trained and how you can incorporate it into your everyday life. Sharon is so responsive with any questions and made scheduling seamless. Shawn formed his own relationship with our dog, it is clear he is passionate about providing the best guidance to help your dog and you. Even after the first session, our families noticed an improvement! Would highly recommend this to anyone considering making the commitment to better your dogs life.
  • Rebecca Stanionis
    Dec. 21, 2024
    Shawn was absolutely amazing with Jack ! Jackson is extremely leash reactive ~Had our first group session this morning and he was a different dog. Couldn’t recommend him enough!
  • K Nimbus
    Dec. 20, 2024
    Working with Shawn and Sharon has been an amazing experience. It taught me how to communicate with my dog and provide leadership for him. I’ve gone through a few dog training programs before, but none have compared. Shawn takes his time with every lesson, and I never felt rushed. The support through texting that I’ve gotten has been outstanding. I can text with questions or updates anytime and I always get a very quick response. If you’re willing to do the work, you’ll 100% get the results. Without hesitation I would recommend Elite Dog Training - Charlotte to anyone looking for dog training or to build better communication with their dog.
  • Taylor Tannebaum
    Dec. 10, 2024
    Can’t thank Shawn and Sharon enough for how wonderful this process has been for me and my pup Mitch. It was an awesome experience and not only did my dog grow, but so did I as a dog owner! I feel so much better equipped and truly Mitch had a great time with Mr. Shawn! Their compassion, care and knowledge is elite. Thank you so much!
  • siddarth Prabhakar
    Nov. 16, 2024
    Around August this year I had a incident where my 7 year old husky bit my roommate and nearly bit my mom over food.I knew something had to change as I didn’t want my dog to get re homed or put down.So my girlfriend and I decided we needed help. DTE was extremely helpful in understanding and was willing to help and give their honest opinions after a free evaluation.Once we decided to go with them Shawn and patient and helped us every step of the way.We learned how to essentially demote our dog and make understand he’s not in charge,we did this by only giving him affection/love when he worked for it by sitting ,staying ,etc.We also were told to not allow him on furniture like bed or sofa, all very small things that made a difference.Shawn also taught us how to use the e collar properly as well as a prong collar.Thanks to this I feel so much more comfortable with walking my dog and calling back if I need him to.Shawn also taught us signs of how a dog is feeling in order to prevent a fight from happening which I think is extremely important. We started around September and by November I’m able to grab food out of my dogs mouth with no trouble even my roomate who my dog would ignore and not listen to was able to give my dog commands and have him listen.Its important to note Shawn taught us the tools and techniques but ultimately it’s the dog owners that will have to put in the work so be prepared for that.Additionally there were times when my dog threw temper tantrums towards Shawn , although it was hard to watch Shawn remained calm and was able to still work with my dog. I highly recommend DTE if your having trouble with your dog it helped my dog a lot and I’m so proud of my dog now.Important thing Shawn will tell you that I think most people should know is that they are there to help your dog become the best version of himself not make into a golden retriever that super sweet all the time and meeting with Shawn is only 50% of the battle it’s on the owner to train and make sure the dog learns the things Shawn teaches.Overall highly recommended here is my dog Zeus with his official certificate!!!
  • Allison Miller
    Oct. 7, 2024
    Absolutely amazing dog trainers who gave our havanese puppy, Tucker, and our family a wonderful training experience! I can truly say it has been life changing for us!
  • ABsolute Pilates
    Oct. 3, 2024
    I had my studio dog Louie, a 6 month old puppy at the tine, trained by DTE. Great experience all around, especially since I needed the training just as much as my golden retriever!:) At one year old now, he is a well behaved young dog at the studio and enjoys being around people. I could not have done this alone. The in house and hands on dog training made all the difference in our success. Thank you DTE.
  • Beth McRimmon
    May. 2, 2025
    The team at Dog Training Elite are wonderful. From the first interaction, they are focused on me and my pet. So friendly, made me feel comfortable and provided so so so much information. I would recommend them to anyone looking for training, at any level.
  • Mike Kennerly
    May. 2, 2025
    Dog Training Elite worked with Lily-Lea at my home and it’s unbelievable the difference it has made in her! Very professional, great communications, training methods and great results. So much easier to walk, have visitors to my home and I am truly thankful for their help.
  • Laura Cole Salas
    Apr. 12, 2025
    I’m so grateful that we pursued training with Dog Training Elite, it was a great experience for us dog parents and for our 4 year old Pomeranian. Since completing the program we have so much more confidence and trust with our dog, who previously had issues with wanting to run out the door and bolting away (and not listening to come back), not listening in general to come inside from our yard, and overall anxiety/excitement. She is visibly more relaxed and understands that she doesn’t have to be on high alert all the time. It was the best investment we could have made for her and us, I would 100% recommend it to anyone that loves their dog and wants to see them thrive- it would be even better to start this process with a new puppy.
  • Ashley Samuelson
    Apr. 6, 2025
    Training with Shawn and Angela has been a true life changer for us and our new family member Finnegan. We rescued Finn from North Mecklenburg Animal Rescue and wanted to give him the best life possible after being in a really horrible situation. Little did we know that golden doodles can be difficult to train. The training is a lot of work for everyone involved but let me tell you it is worth it!! The training is top notch and you will not be disappointed! They are so nice, professional and always available if needed between training sessions. We are now in the group phase of training and Finnegan is doing great! We now can take him places with us and he is loving it.
  • Rachel Reed
    Mar. 24, 2025
    Shawn, Sharon, & Angela are the type of people and trainers that immediately put you at ease because you know they have your dogs best interests at heart. When we first met them in February of 2022, the Charlotte team hadn’t trained a mobility support service dog yet, but worked to put together a training package that fit my needs. Before DTE, Landon would barely sit and lay down on command, but now because of them, I have an incredibly well trained and solid mobility support service dog! The only thing Landon struggles with is being in the crate, however this has nothing to do with DTE’s training abilities, and everything to do with me not listening to the importance of crate training. They genuinely have you and your pups best interests and know what they are doing, so use their knowledge and skills -and don’t skip the crate training ;) DTE is like our family and has been since the start. I am forever grateful to and for them! It’s an honor to be a part of the DTE pack!! You won’t regret using them as your trainers!!
  • Olivia Wolff
    Mar. 16, 2025
    We used DTE for our dog Bowie and we can't say enough good things about our experience. Bowie is like a different dog (in a good way.) By implementing the DTE method as taught by Shawn, we have seen a dramatic improvement in Bowie's behavior and habits. Not only are we more at ease, but Bowie is visibly less anxious and has been responding well to the leadership, direction and structure we are now providing for him. Thanks so much, DTE CLT!
  • Erin Souza
    Mar. 14, 2025
    Dog Elite Training was wonderful! Maisey and we learned so much! Would definitely recommend.
  • Kay Swennes
    Mar. 9, 2025
    Shawn was great helping me work with my rescue puppy Franny. She struggled with a lot of anxiety and we couldn't even walk around the block without her losing it. Franny was scared of just about everything and I didn't know how to help her. Shawn was very patient with Franny (and me) and we now enjoy nice long walks together. Franny gained a ton of confidence and now I have the tools to help her as she experiences new things. The group classes are always something we look forward to and if you have questions at other times DTE is just a text away. I highly recommend them.
  • Ros Williams
    Mar. 8, 2025
    All the staff at Elite have been more than fabulous. They worked with my other dogs prior to bringing in our golden doodle puppy to get the house in order. So far the training with our puppy is going great they have taught him so much in a short amount of time while still loving on him. We recently had some problems in house with him and the day I called both Sharon and Shawn came to the house and fixed so many little issues in just one house which made a huge difference. So glad to have them at the other end of the phone.
  • Krista Sigmon
    Mar. 6, 2025
    Maggie and I had an awesome training experience with DTE! Shawn is very passionate and excellent at what he does. The support that Shawn and Sharon provide outside of sessions is so helpful. Maggie learned so much and is doing great! She is now a joy to take on a walk and I feel confident taking her to public places. If you are thinking about hiring a trainer, just do it! Everyone in your family will be happier!
  • Lauren Parr
    Feb. 22, 2025
    The BEST dog training place ever, hands down. Do not let the price scare you because trust this 23 year old who is telling you it is worth every penny. My sweet boy is the most well behaved, calm, confident pup ever. He is not afraid to climb up onto challenging surfaces, go down slides at the local playground, stay in “place” when other dogs are playing and distracting him, and does not dart when a door opens. I first connected with DTE a week prior to picking my 7 week old pup up. They have been there with me through it all every step of the way. From advising me on toys and treats, to helpful videos, I was beyond prepared to pick up my boy! Throughout our journey so far, they’ve been beyond helpful and patient to answer every question and concern of mine no matter the day/hour etc. Through Puppy foundations & obedience school, my pup Bruno is so ready to conquer the world and continue on with DTE in group classes to move forward soon with Public access and task training to officially become a certified Service dog!!
  • Mary Chambers
    Jan. 27, 2025
    Shawn and Sharon are a dynamic duo...I can't recommend them highly enough. Extremely professional and so knowledgeable. Shawn is certainly a dog whisperer. Dog Training Elite was literally life changing starting from the very first session. On day 1, during the first session, Nova stopped ALL her destructive and annoying behaviors. Done. Gone. Ended. From the first session, she stopped jumping on my elderly mom (and us), stopped her aggression at every person/vehicle/dog passing by the front of our house…stopped being fiercely triggered by other dogs during our walks…no longer pulling on her leash…she literally was a different dog. Still the same beautiful personality, but with much better manners. We called DTE after Nova had an incident with our neighbor’s dog…and during the very first session, after one hour of working with Nova (and literally just ONE minute with the other dog), Shawn had both dogs calmly sitting next to each other, without any sign of aggression FROM EITHER DOG. My neighbor’s jaw dropped when she saw how quickly his methods worked (mine did too, quite frankly!). We’re now able to take Nova out with us and share her beautiful personality and energy, because in listening to us and trusting our leadership, she now understands that the world need not be such a scary place. More important, we’ve learned how to be her humans…and put her in the proper place in our family totem. We look forward to continuing her next phase of training through the group sessions and helping her continue to grow and bloom and socialize. Shawn, Sharon, THANK YOU so much for giving us the tools and knowledge to help Nova relax and enable us to enjoy our pup! Mary Beth, Matt, Erinn & Erika Chambers
  • Rachel Webster
    Dec. 31, 2024
    I have had an absolutely amazing experience with Dog Training Elite Charlotte. My dog is very stubborn and they were easily able to guide me through training her. They always respond quickly to questions. They also helped me determine the right crate for my dog so we can both be safe and happy when im out of the house. Zuri absolutely loves Shawn and has done great in the group classes.
  • samantha russo
    Dec. 30, 2024
    Dog training elite is hands down the best thing we’ve done for ourselves and our dog. Our 60 lb Dutch shepherd mix was reacting whenever strangers came into the house. Now, we have the tools and understanding to manage this with no anxiety. We believe both the dog and the owners need to be trained to understand and work with one another which is exactly what we have accomplished with DTE. It is personalized , convenient, and you get to see exactly how your dog is being trained and how you can incorporate it into your everyday life. Sharon is so responsive with any questions and made scheduling seamless. Shawn formed his own relationship with our dog, it is clear he is passionate about providing the best guidance to help your dog and you. Even after the first session, our families noticed an improvement! Would highly recommend this to anyone considering making the commitment to better your dogs life.
  • Rebecca Stanionis
    Dec. 21, 2024
    Shawn was absolutely amazing with Jack ! Jackson is extremely leash reactive ~Had our first group session this morning and he was a different dog. Couldn’t recommend him enough!
  • K Nimbus
    Dec. 20, 2024
    Working with Shawn and Sharon has been an amazing experience. It taught me how to communicate with my dog and provide leadership for him. I’ve gone through a few dog training programs before, but none have compared. Shawn takes his time with every lesson, and I never felt rushed. The support through texting that I’ve gotten has been outstanding. I can text with questions or updates anytime and I always get a very quick response. If you’re willing to do the work, you’ll 100% get the results. Without hesitation I would recommend Elite Dog Training - Charlotte to anyone looking for dog training or to build better communication with their dog.
  • Taylor Tannebaum
    Dec. 10, 2024
    Can’t thank Shawn and Sharon enough for how wonderful this process has been for me and my pup Mitch. It was an awesome experience and not only did my dog grow, but so did I as a dog owner! I feel so much better equipped and truly Mitch had a great time with Mr. Shawn! Their compassion, care and knowledge is elite. Thank you so much!
  • siddarth Prabhakar
    Nov. 16, 2024
    Around August this year I had a incident where my 7 year old husky bit my roommate and nearly bit my mom over food.I knew something had to change as I didn’t want my dog to get re homed or put down.So my girlfriend and I decided we needed help. DTE was extremely helpful in understanding and was willing to help and give their honest opinions after a free evaluation.Once we decided to go with them Shawn and patient and helped us every step of the way.We learned how to essentially demote our dog and make understand he’s not in charge,we did this by only giving him affection/love when he worked for it by sitting ,staying ,etc.We also were told to not allow him on furniture like bed or sofa, all very small things that made a difference.Shawn also taught us how to use the e collar properly as well as a prong collar.Thanks to this I feel so much more comfortable with walking my dog and calling back if I need him to.Shawn also taught us signs of how a dog is feeling in order to prevent a fight from happening which I think is extremely important. We started around September and by November I’m able to grab food out of my dogs mouth with no trouble even my roomate who my dog would ignore and not listen to was able to give my dog commands and have him listen.Its important to note Shawn taught us the tools and techniques but ultimately it’s the dog owners that will have to put in the work so be prepared for that.Additionally there were times when my dog threw temper tantrums towards Shawn , although it was hard to watch Shawn remained calm and was able to still work with my dog. I highly recommend DTE if your having trouble with your dog it helped my dog a lot and I’m so proud of my dog now.Important thing Shawn will tell you that I think most people should know is that they are there to help your dog become the best version of himself not make into a golden retriever that super sweet all the time and meeting with Shawn is only 50% of the battle it’s on the owner to train and make sure the dog learns the things Shawn teaches.Overall highly recommended here is my dog Zeus with his official certificate!!!
  • Allison Miller
    Oct. 7, 2024
    Absolutely amazing dog trainers who gave our havanese puppy, Tucker, and our family a wonderful training experience! I can truly say it has been life changing for us!
  • ABsolute Pilates
    Oct. 3, 2024
    I had my studio dog Louie, a 6 month old puppy at the tine, trained by DTE. Great experience all around, especially since I needed the training just as much as my golden retriever!:) At one year old now, he is a well behaved young dog at the studio and enjoys being around people. I could not have done this alone. The in house and hands on dog training made all the difference in our success. Thank you DTE.
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 Charlotte.

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 Charlotte’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

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

Charlotte Emotional Support Dog Training

Why Choose DTE for Therapy Dog Training?

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At Dog Training Elite Charlotte, 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 Charlotte.
Dog Training Elite Charlotte 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.