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

Therapy Dog Training

Dog Training Elite Fitchburg

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 Fitchburg / Leominster, 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 offer programs to help your dog become a certified therapy dog. As a leading therapy dog trainer in Fitchburg / Leominster, MA, 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 Fitchburg'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

  • Shelly Killian
    Apr. 28, 2025
    Totally happy with fabulous trainer. He was patient and explained things well and did a great job working with my German Shepherd, who has been going through a lot of adjustments since our recent move to the area.
  • denise ramsey
    Feb. 19, 2025
    Great information in regards to our puppy training. Patrick also helped set up the e-collar for the next step in our puppy training.
  • N Weathers
    Apr. 10, 2025
    Very professional and on time. Made me feel alot better with my choices.
  • Billy Carroll
    Apr. 3, 2025
    Patrick is fabulous! We are first time dog owners, he is very kind, so informative and helpful and teaching all of us what we need to know to train our puppy Callie. We look forward to our training journey😊
  • Michael Levitz
    Apr. 2, 2025
    Marcus is exceptionally professional, kind, and immediately intuitive with my very loving, but often difficult, big dog.
  • Lifestyle Of Mochadelicious
    Mar. 3, 2025
    I am so happy that I got to meet with Marcus. He’s an awesome person has patience has a lot of knowledge and what’s awesome is they do a free meet and greet He was very accommodating and I can’t wait to work with him and my fur baby
  • Elyse Bartkus
    Mar. 31, 2025
    We started working with Dog Training Elite Central Mass in July 2024, and we couldn’t be happier with the progress our 14-month-old Lab, Rusty, has made! From the very beginning, their team has been incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and supportive. The combination of private sessions and group classes has been a game-changer for Rusty’s training. The private sessions have allowed us to focus on specific challenges, while the group classes provide a great opportunity for socialization and practicing commands in a more distracting environment. Every trainer we’ve worked with has been fantastic, bringing their expertise and encouragement to every session. Rusty has gained so much confidence and obedience through their program, and we’ve learned invaluable skills as owners. We highly recommend Dog Training Elite Central Mass to anyone looking for professional, effective, and positive dog training!
  • Franny Osman
    Jan. 25, 2025
    First visit with Patrick from Elite and we and Poppy learned a lot. It was very successful! Second visit --with Matt --also quite helpful. Continues to be helpful. Place. Heel. Visitors.
  • Beth Morin
    Mar. 28, 2025
    We had a great lesson today. Very productive and we learned a lot.
  • Mia Cameron
    Mar. 27, 2025
    Marcus was great. He explained everything in detail and made me feel a lot better about getting my dogs behavior and getting my German Shepherd some help. We’re on our way to a good dog life!
  • Sol Correa
    Mar. 26, 2025
    Today was the first visit with Taina he was really good with her. Thanks
  • Olivia Meegoda
    Mar. 20, 2025
    Elite Dog Training is spectacular. They are very patient and clear trainers. Dog training is more about training the handlers. They are very experienced, patient with dogs and humans, answer all of the questions (in sessions, via email and through group classes). They have a great system to text reminders and they are quick to respond if there are any issues with the location. Each trainer has also been extremely experienced and consistent.
  • Wendy Chartrand
    Feb. 12, 2025
    Awesome class tonight! Thanks Matt
  • Steven G Cronis, Esq.
    Mar. 19, 2025
    Patrick is amazing with our puppy! His wealth of knowledge and advice makes having our puppy enjoyable and safe. Highly recommend to any serious pet owner who wants training. Thank you Patrick!
  • Elizabeth Smith MacKenzie
    Mar. 18, 2025
    A very pleasant and productive lesson. Marcus does a great job.
  • Ronna Northrup
    Jan. 23, 2025
    Patrick was amazing! He answered all our questions explained everything in depth, a lot of info, but very informative. Awesome training
  • Suzanne Faken
    Mar. 14, 2025
    We really have learned a lot training our 7 month old husky puppy through Dog Training Elite. Marcus and his staff are very professional and knowledgeable when it comes to dog training. In just three months, our dog has learned so much and we have gained confidence in knowing how to interact with him. Marcus and his staff take time to personalize training to our dog's needs and answer our questions. Our puppy is almost one year old and is getting ready for his public access test. we chose Dog Elite Training because of their expert ability in being able to train service dogs and we could not be happier!
  • Jess Zorge
    Mar. 7, 2025
    Making great progress in the short amount of time we have been able to meet. Quill is deaf and getting one on one assistance is just what we need!
  • Ashley Hartenstein
    Mar. 5, 2025
    Marcus was very helpful explaining everything that the program provides. He is very knowledgeable when it comes to dogs and I couldn't have asked for a better person to come out and talk to us.
  • Wendy Fenty
    Feb. 28, 2025
    Matt was very informative and knowledgeable about dog training , he gave wonderful advice, I’m excited to begin the training, I feel hopeful that my pups will be in a great place once the training is done.
  • Shelly Killian
    Apr. 28, 2025
    Totally happy with fabulous trainer. He was patient and explained things well and did a great job working with my German Shepherd, who has been going through a lot of adjustments since our recent move to the area.
  • denise ramsey
    Feb. 19, 2025
    Great information in regards to our puppy training. Patrick also helped set up the e-collar for the next step in our puppy training.
  • N Weathers
    Apr. 10, 2025
    Very professional and on time. Made me feel alot better with my choices.
  • Billy Carroll
    Apr. 3, 2025
    Patrick is fabulous! We are first time dog owners, he is very kind, so informative and helpful and teaching all of us what we need to know to train our puppy Callie. We look forward to our training journey😊
  • Michael Levitz
    Apr. 2, 2025
    Marcus is exceptionally professional, kind, and immediately intuitive with my very loving, but often difficult, big dog.
  • Lifestyle Of Mochadelicious
    Mar. 3, 2025
    I am so happy that I got to meet with Marcus. He’s an awesome person has patience has a lot of knowledge and what’s awesome is they do a free meet and greet He was very accommodating and I can’t wait to work with him and my fur baby
  • Elyse Bartkus
    Mar. 31, 2025
    We started working with Dog Training Elite Central Mass in July 2024, and we couldn’t be happier with the progress our 14-month-old Lab, Rusty, has made! From the very beginning, their team has been incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and supportive. The combination of private sessions and group classes has been a game-changer for Rusty’s training. The private sessions have allowed us to focus on specific challenges, while the group classes provide a great opportunity for socialization and practicing commands in a more distracting environment. Every trainer we’ve worked with has been fantastic, bringing their expertise and encouragement to every session. Rusty has gained so much confidence and obedience through their program, and we’ve learned invaluable skills as owners. We highly recommend Dog Training Elite Central Mass to anyone looking for professional, effective, and positive dog training!
  • Franny Osman
    Jan. 25, 2025
    First visit with Patrick from Elite and we and Poppy learned a lot. It was very successful! Second visit --with Matt --also quite helpful. Continues to be helpful. Place. Heel. Visitors.
  • Beth Morin
    Mar. 28, 2025
    We had a great lesson today. Very productive and we learned a lot.
  • Mia Cameron
    Mar. 27, 2025
    Marcus was great. He explained everything in detail and made me feel a lot better about getting my dogs behavior and getting my German Shepherd some help. We’re on our way to a good dog life!
  • Sol Correa
    Mar. 26, 2025
    Today was the first visit with Taina he was really good with her. Thanks
  • Olivia Meegoda
    Mar. 20, 2025
    Elite Dog Training is spectacular. They are very patient and clear trainers. Dog training is more about training the handlers. They are very experienced, patient with dogs and humans, answer all of the questions (in sessions, via email and through group classes). They have a great system to text reminders and they are quick to respond if there are any issues with the location. Each trainer has also been extremely experienced and consistent.
  • Wendy Chartrand
    Feb. 12, 2025
    Awesome class tonight! Thanks Matt
  • Steven G Cronis, Esq.
    Mar. 19, 2025
    Patrick is amazing with our puppy! His wealth of knowledge and advice makes having our puppy enjoyable and safe. Highly recommend to any serious pet owner who wants training. Thank you Patrick!
  • Elizabeth Smith MacKenzie
    Mar. 18, 2025
    A very pleasant and productive lesson. Marcus does a great job.
  • Ronna Northrup
    Jan. 23, 2025
    Patrick was amazing! He answered all our questions explained everything in depth, a lot of info, but very informative. Awesome training
  • Suzanne Faken
    Mar. 14, 2025
    We really have learned a lot training our 7 month old husky puppy through Dog Training Elite. Marcus and his staff are very professional and knowledgeable when it comes to dog training. In just three months, our dog has learned so much and we have gained confidence in knowing how to interact with him. Marcus and his staff take time to personalize training to our dog's needs and answer our questions. Our puppy is almost one year old and is getting ready for his public access test. we chose Dog Elite Training because of their expert ability in being able to train service dogs and we could not be happier!
  • Jess Zorge
    Mar. 7, 2025
    Making great progress in the short amount of time we have been able to meet. Quill is deaf and getting one on one assistance is just what we need!
  • Ashley Hartenstein
    Mar. 5, 2025
    Marcus was very helpful explaining everything that the program provides. He is very knowledgeable when it comes to dogs and I couldn't have asked for a better person to come out and talk to us.
  • Wendy Fenty
    Feb. 28, 2025
    Matt was very informative and knowledgeable about dog training , he gave wonderful advice, I’m excited to begin the training, I feel hopeful that my pups will be in a great place once the training is done.
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 Fitchburg.

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 Fitchburg’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 Fitchburg.

Fitchburg / Leominster Emotional Support Dog Training

Why Choose DTE for Therapy Dog Training?

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At Dog Training Elite Fitchburg, 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 Fitchburg.
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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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