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

Therapy Dog Training

Dog Training Elite Fort Worth

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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 Fort Worth, TX

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 Fort Worth, TX, 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 Fort Worth'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 Fort Worth.
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

  • Issue P on the Move
    Oct. 31, 2024
    Very informative and helpful when we wanted to introduce training to our new pup. Punctual and professional, our trainer Felicity was very knowledgeable and excited, to help ensure that we established a good foundation for our newest family member. Tips were very helpful and appreciated and would recommend them.
  • caren wilson
    Oct. 30, 2024
    Our 16 month old German Shepherd, Cowboy, is a very energetic, crazy dog. He is our 3rd GSD, and completely different. We had tried two different dog training companies with little change in behavior. We found DTE and Tra came out for an evaluation and gave us hope. We liked that 3 different trainers came to work with us and Cowboy. Tori, Felcity, and Megan were all very knowledgeable, professional, loving, and so very good with Cowboy. Our last private lesson was a field trip to Lowe’s. We never thought we would be able to take our boy out in public. He was a perfect boy. We are so proud of him. Thank you to all the people at DTE for giving us the tools to have the dog we hoped for.
  • Loren Mauerhan
    Oct. 29, 2024
    Very much recommend Dog training elite we worked with Felicity. She did a great job with our new puppy June and just as important did a great job with us June's humans Highly recommend them and Felicity
  • Caitlin Goodman
    Sep. 20, 2024
    Felicity and Kyler were great! Our fiesty Doberman Bonnie has a whole lot of attitude and is too smart for her own good. We got the platinum training and started when she was about 4 months old. She is almost 1 and still doing wonderful! We had Felicity for most sessions, which was nice to have that consistency! Bonnie learned so much, and does so well in public. Teaching Bonnie all of her tricks at home alongside a trainer allowed us to be involved and learn how to reestablish behaviors/tricks as needed. Our golden retriever has also been able to pick up many of the skills and that has been a lifesaver. I love being able to walk them both around Scheels and other busy places while they’re in a focused heel. Everyone around us is always so impressed! We are excited to try the group training sessions with Bonnie soon!
  • Massage Green SPA Mckinney
    Jul. 23, 2024
    Felicity did a great job with Bella!
  • Elinor Albin
    Jul. 23, 2024
    The trainers here are so knowledgeable and can read a dogs body language so fast. They taught my dog commands in 5 minutes or less and showed me how to instill those. Highly recommend this place worth every penny. Felicity really knew my dog and went the extra mile with information to help Winnie the Pooh.
  • Jeff Domen
    Jul. 19, 2024
    We love our dog, but he has always been a constant source of stress in our family because of his aggression, his inability to go on walks without creating havoc, and his propensity to run out of the house whenever the door opened up. We finally decided we had to get rid of the dog or get him trained. So we decided to give Dog Training Elite a call. Looking back, it was such a wonderful choice. After six individual training sessions, our dog is extremely well-behaved. He sits on command, he will “place” wherever we tell him to, he’s enjoyable to walk on a leash, he doesn’t attack other dogs or people, and he doesn’t run out of the house. We couldn’t be more pleased with the training staff of Tra, Felicity, and Yuni. The highlight of our experience was when we decided to take our dog with us to a hotel, and then out to dinner. Our son - who was back home from college and wasn’t a part of the training experience -thought we were crazy to even try to take our dog to a hotel and restaurant. But our dog did wonderfully and our son was very impressed with how well behaved the dog was. If you are at your ropes end and want to get your dog under control, give Elite a try… you will start to see immediate and dramatic results!
  • phoebe james
    Jul. 18, 2024
    The company is great with communication and customer service! Felicity has been an incredible teacher and has helped me and my dog learn so much!
  • grant wiseman
    Jul. 15, 2024
    Incredible trainers! Felicity did a great job helping my dogs
  • Carol L
    Jul. 15, 2024
    They have been very understanding and patien I love the system they do the process They really are doing the best job they can Felicity is one of the trainers that we have met she is so amazing she has taught my dog the basics and she did with such patience and I could understand everything she said I'm very excited to see what more they are going to teach my puppy and us They have been clear on everything which I like Overall I give them an amazing review for these reasons
  • Diana Enty
    Jul. 15, 2024
    We were Very satisfied with Dog Training Elite! Our Labrador puppy had the very best training and is now a trained service animal by Dog Training Elite. Most favorite trainer, Felicity, is a True Puppy Whisperer! A rare and greatly appreciated find for our boy! He worships her too! She is always smart, kind and gentle. And extremely effective!
  • AliDrea Arismendez-Garza
    Jul. 15, 2024
    Felicity, is an amazing trainer. She was able to train me so I could better train my boys.She was able to work with both of my boys personalities to bring them to their highest level of training. Thank you Dog Training Elite Dallas, for having the best dog trainers! Mr. Tre, I appreciate your work and service to us VETs and our Service Dogs. I will be forever grateful.
  • kb B
    Jul. 15, 2024
    The team at Dog Training Elite have absolutely changed our lives. Felicity, Tre, and Kyler are incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and kind. On days when I thought my little rescue, Olive, couldn’t possibly learn a new command, they assured me she absolutely would… and she always did. Olive is a completely different dog from when we first started training. Her confidence has grown exponentially and we’re living a really happy life together. I cant recommend or thank Felicity, Tre, and Kyler enough.
  • brandi Ciufi
    Jul. 1, 2024
    Just completed our in-home sessions with DTE and have been so impressed with the individualized attention and customized approach that helped us meet our goals. All the trainers have been top notch and really helpful in assuring our newest family member (and us) are polished up on our manners so we can enjoy each other and life adventures. I must specifically mention Megan as a trainer whose passion and dedication did not go unnoticed and is deeply appreciated. Mufasa and I are looking forward to our group lessons!
  • Forrest Hart
    May. 15, 2024
    We've been working with Dog Training Elite Frisco for almost a year. Kyler and the team have been fantastic to work with in helping train my mom's service dog. Esper is a GSD, and started training as a puppy. She learned her basic obedience quickly with positive reinforcement and the techniques and tools DTE recommended. Quickly moving into her Service and Task training. Now a year later (actually less time) She passed her task training and public access test and goes with us everywhere. She is welcomed at restaurants, grocery stores, department stores, due to her great behavior and provides an invaluable service to my Mom. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite Frisco, Kyler and the team there. Next up is our new 15 week old puppy who will be evaluated soon and start his puppy training.
  • Darwin araujo
    May. 14, 2024
    Just wanted to say thank you so much for the very kind lady called Kelly. She was really good and patient at teach me and my dog. awesome lady
  • Jalissa Martinez
    May. 14, 2024
    loved it. she was so sweet with my dog. this was really good training i definitely recommend!! kelly was such a good trainer my dog is so much better!!
  • Juanita Ace-Bo
    Jul. 3, 2023
    Jordan is patient and calm while training our dog and teaching us what to do. He is great to work with. Lulu learned respect quickly. I would highly recommend him. His dog Atlas was such a sweet dog and very well trained.
  • Laura Riggs
    May. 6, 2024
    We worked with Jordan yesterday and my puppy responded Really well to him and we got lots of great help! Really looking forward to how Clark progresses and to see how the next sessions go.
  • Tracey McAdam
    Apr. 27, 2024
    We contacted Dog Training Elite to help us with Bean, our not so mini mini dachshund who wasn’t great with new people coming into our home especially men. As we are relocating overseas & only had enough time for 4 sessions, the best we hoped for was great advice that we could take with us & put into practice. 4 sessions later we are delighted not just with the advice but the incredible change in Bean’s behaviour! All we can say is a huge thank you to the team at Dog Training Elite not only for accommodating us with so little time but for setting us up to succeed with Bean. A special thanks to our trainers Kyler & Tra. You guys are amazing! Thank you!!!
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 Fort Worth.

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 Fort Worth’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 Fort Worth.

Fort Worth Emotional Support Dog Training

Why Choose DTE for Therapy Dog Training?

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At Dog Training Elite Fort Worth, 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 Fort Worth.
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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.