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A therapy dog is a dog who visits places like schools, hospitals and nursing homes. Therapy dog training in Greenville / Spartanburg teaches dogs to provide comfort, support, and affection to the people they meet, particularly vulnerable people like children, seniors, patients in hospitals, and so on.
Therapy dogs are not service dogs. Service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks to help a person who has a disability. This distinction is important because therapy dogs do not have the same access to public places like service dogs do. For example, service dogs can go into restaurants, but therapy dogs cannot. Therapy dogs still provide a valuable service and should receive therapy dog certification.
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Upstate SC location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
Who Do Therapy Dogs Help?
Therapy dogs may be regular visitors to a variety of people and places, with hospitals and rehabilitation centers being among the most common. Children, in particular, respond positively to therapy dogs.
Seniors in assisted living or people with mental disabilities who live in facilities and experience feelings of isolation also see a lot of benefits from visiting with a therapy dog.
Besides providing valuable social opportunities and relieving anxiety, therapy dogs may even help lower blood pressure and heart rate in patients and the other people they visit.
Why Are Therapy Dogs Important?
Therapy dogs offer unconditional love, non-judgmental interaction, reduce stress, anxiety and loneliness, and provide an overall positive distraction to ailments. Research shows therapy dogs can have a positive effect on a patient’s mood, stress and pain levels during facility stays.
Young patients — children — seem to benefit most from working with therapy dogs. They are more motivated to participate in treatments, feel optimistic about the future, and experience an overall sense of calm when a certified therapy dog is present.
For people who may have a hard time socializing due to mental disabilities or their living situation, therapy dogs can promote social interaction within their community and help them to connect.
We help your dog become a valued companion and beloved member of the family. Read what our customers have to say and then give us a call!
We have a 3 year old miniature poodle that was discarded by a breeder. She was a bundle of nerves until we got the training from Elite. The transformation has been amazing.— Victoria Delaney
Posted September 26th 2024
I can’t say enough about the amazing job DTE did with my Springer Spaniel.All of the trainers were extremely professional and explained everything in detail from beginning to end.I highly recommend.— Tim Duggan
Posted September 25th 2024
The transformation of our dog was absolutely amazing. Our dog came into our lives a couple of weeks before we started training. He was an emaciated stray who was running wild in the mountains. As a hound, we knew he’d be a little stubborn, so we needed help. The first session was shocking for us as we hadn’t seen an “e” collar used correctly before nor had our dog experienced one. Honestly, it was a little tough to watch and we saw our dog was a class A actor in his response to commands using the new collar and also when it wasn’t being used. We talked about it and decided we’d give it a try. I was a little skeptical on how he could learn so much in one week, but it was incredible. We are so glad he was able to go to the day camp (boot camp?) and from day 1, his behavior and attitude was changed. He started following commands well, after we were trained on the technique. By the end of the five days, his transformation was phenomenal. Working with him daily he continues to surprise us. Just this morning, he was on a walk and he spotted a rabbit. We put him in a sit position and he stayed while staring down the rabbit, sitting until the rabbit hopped away. There was no lunging or barking, he was the most well behaved pup. We enjoy taking him out and about to include friends’ houses, Lowe’s and a brewery, and Buddy is always such a well behaved boy. We would highly recommend DTE. It is an investment in your dog which is well worth it. I must also mention that the trainers are all top notch and have a real love for what they do. PS. We encouraged our daughter to use DTE in Virginia and her puppy is now in training and doing well.— Elisabeth Allen
Posted September 23rd 2024
We cannot say enough positive things about our experience with DTE. Our puppy, Lady, recently went through puppy training as well as e-collar training camp. There are countless benefits that we've experienced since having her professionally trained and it's so much easier working with her at home with the strong foundation that's been built. Jared, Danny, Sydney and McKenzie made the experience so fun and were always informative and great to be around. The staff is punctual, professional and you can tell they genuinely love what they do. Your dog needs this! Thanks for all you've done for our Lady!— Erin Bakeman Parker
Posted September 17th 2024
DTE did a terrific job with my German Shepherd. They were patient and extremely helpful with training me how to help my best friend. I highly recommend them to help you with training— Charles Carriger
Posted September 8th 2024
We could not be more thankful for Dog Training Elite! We started with their puppy classes, and we absolutely loved them! They helped socialize our puppy through the classes, and also started working on a few commands with us at our house. This made puppyhood such an amazing experience, and we would have been lost without the trainers’ help. We loved puppy class so much that we decided to enroll our puppy in their advanced obedience camp, and this was a game changer! Most of our one-on-ones were with Sydney and our puppy is obsessed with her! She is always so excited to see her. All of the trainers are so knowledgeable and you can tell how much they love dogs. Everyone we meet compliments how well behaved our puppy is, and she really listens so well thanks to the trainers’ hard work. I cannot recommend Dog Training Elite enough!— Maya Nagelberg
Posted August 31st 2024
When looking for a trainer for my pup, we were very wary of signing up with the wrong crew. After doing a little research and calling around in our area, DTE was one of the few that actually seemed to care about the training, the dogs, and the handlers - not just getting paid. My pup loved going to sessions and even after long days of training was excited to go back for more! The things my pup and I both have learned were well worth the money. The DTE crew knows what they're doing, and most importantly CARES! Thank you DTE. 11 out of 10, would recommend!— createdthis justtoleaveareview
Posted August 30th 2024
We can not recommend Dog Training Elite highly enough! This summer, we had the pleasure of working with them to help teach our dog some manners and how to behave in public, and the results have been amazing. The trainers were incredibly patient, compassionate, and dedicated. It was clear they genuinely cared about our dog’s well being. Our dog has made incredible strides, learning so much and becoming a happier and well behaved member of our family. We are thrilled with the progress she has made! The team works hard, always reply’s to questions promptly and were flexible with scheduling. We highly recommend Dog Training Elite.— Megan Witrick
Posted August 28th 2024
Callie spent a week with Dog Training Elite and we've ALL learned so much!— Craig Leduc
Posted August 26th 2024
Words cannot express the feelings of gratitude we have for DTE. We are 6 weeks into our training and today was the ultimate pay off. While conducting some off leash training, our Shiba decided to go her own way. She trotted around a bend in the trail and was gone! I called for her and searched the area for 20 minutes, all the while using the commands and estem controller provided by DTE. As I continued calling and walking back the way we came, I walked over a small hill and here comes Nemo, running towards me, tail in the air just as fast as she could! Without the training provided by DTE, she would have been list! No words can describe the feeling of hopelessness and despair, and have them replaced with joy when I saw her coming back to the commands and following her training! If you are thinking about this type of training...do it! The price is worth it!— Jonathan suthard
Posted August 26th 2024
I haven’t had a dog since I was a little kid and I decided to get the same breed that I had when I was younger. I have a miniature schnauzer and she is so sweet but I didn’t realize how vocal she was. I reached out to DTE and they were so sweet! They came in and did an inhome assessment and then she started camp with them two weeks later. From day 1 I could tell a difference. My puppy is stubborn but DTE did not give up on her! Of course it will be an ongoing training process. But DTE trainers are AMAZING! I can reach out to them if I have any questions or concerns and they are always willing to help. And they truly love and care for each dog they come in contact with. So glad that I chose them! THANK YOU SOOO MUCH!— Tori Franklin
Posted August 18th 2024
Jared, Elizabeth and their crew have given me the tools to have the dog I have always wanted! He is incredibly well behaved and desires to work. When Maverick (my golden doodle) is timid Dog Training Elite were able to show me how to work with him. I can’t recommend this group enough. They are the dog whisperers!!— Michele Holder
Posted August 17th 2024
Dog training elite is absolutely amazing. Each of the trainers were always so excited to work with Nala. They were very supportive and wanted Nala and myself to be successful. Always had quick and helpful responses to texts. 100% would recommend to anyone who wants to train their dog. Worth every penny. Nala was so happy when she graduated obedience training. I am adding to my previous review from obedience training since we have now graduated from therapy training. Five stars is not enough to express what Dog Training Elite has done for Nala and I. The only thing I have hated about having a dog is leaving her at home alone while I go to work. Dog Training Elite has helped make it so that does not have to happen anymore. Nala is going to be my schools therapy dog. I am so grateful for everything they have done from answering my texts with any questions or concerns to showing immense love for my dog. I will forever recommend Dog Training Elite with anyone who has a dream for their dog because they made mine come true.— Michael Adams
Posted February 29th 2024
Words can NOT do these amazing people justice, but I’m going to try. Our first visit, the owner and another trainer couldn’t come close to Sully. He was extremely protective of me and had recently even put his mouth around the vet tech reaching towards me at an appointment. The first visit with the trainers took all of my strength, a muzzle, a strong leash and serious awareness to keep him from attacking them. I couldn’t have guests over in my own home. I was terrified they’d turn him away. Instead, they embraced him. They explained how he had self assigned this duty to protect me (I’m disabled) and just needed to learn to trust my lead. Throughout the next couple of months, I met various trainers and we kept introducing new commands. I saw my big baby blossom. He’s always been a lovebug with me, but he started to have what he truly needed. He now had a job. From sitting, to learning how to stay to learning how to be on a leash - these wonderful trainers kept us both inspired to grow and do more. Today was exhilarating. We took Sully into PetSmart and my once reactive dog to people coming near me, especially men, stayed at my side while I was in my wheelchair. From loud people to barking and excited dogs, we went through the store with ease. He walked slowly at my side and watched as every distraction went by us. It was surrral. I could NEVER have done this before. WE couldn’t have done this without the encouragement, love and guidance of every single person at Dog Training Elite. They not only love your pet as their own, but they teach you BOTH how to be different. Do different. And your bond with your dog gets even stronger as a result. I didn’t think I could be any closer to Sully, but I am. We have learned how to trust EACH OTHER. I finally have my companion do to everything with me. I can take him to get pup cups. He can go to PetSmart to pick out his toys. I can have people over in our home. I can’t thank everyone here enough. From the bottom of my heart I feel EVERY SINGLE PERSON here has a passion for helping dogs AND humans. They come to you with genuine love. Their excitement as your baby learns makes their hearts just as full as your own. They’ve become family and I’ll never use another trainer for Sully’s continued growth and for any future fur babies. Thank you guys for making Sully and me whole. ❤️❤️❤️— Danielle Sundby
Posted August 9th 2024
They have helped my good girl become even better and supporting me on our journey to having her be a therapy dog for our school!— Sheri Price
Posted August 6th 2024
I started training with Dog Training Elite when my golden retriever puppy was around 9 weeks. I chose the Alpha Den Puppy Package and it was the best decision I made to lay a foundation for his training and obedience. Not only did the wonderful trainers teach my pup different commands but they also taught me valuable training skills and gave me advice on any issue we were having. Sadly we moved before I could get him in for full training camp through them. I still get so many compliments on his behavior in public - I HIGHLY recommend DTE to anyone getting a dog.— Kaylee Coleman
Posted August 5th 2024
My 1 yr old 50 pound adopted stray was totally unruly when we started and is gentle as a lamb, and totally controllable now. Well worth the investment.— Rev. Jenny Pratt
Posted August 2nd 2024
The trainers are amazing! Every single one truly cares and is passionate about what they do. The best part are the results are real, never would have thought my dog would be able to behave so well anywhere we go. This place is LEGIT! Book them now you won’t regret.— angiel loza
Posted July 30th 2024
Jared and Elizabeth are great people and solid business owners. I highly recommend them to anyone wanting to change the behavior of their dog! Update: 7/17/24 Our two mini schnauzers have thrived because of the training they received from DTE Upstate! We no longer feel like we can’t control our dogs and they are happier when they are obedient! I can’t say enough amazing things about this team and their care for our dogs. We are so thankful and grateful to know such great people at DTE! We have referred so many friends because of our tremendous results. Still highly recommend! Thank you Jared and Elizabeth for all you do!— Shelly M
Posted February 1st 2022
How Does a Dog Become a Therapy Dog?
If you have felt the benefits of owning a dog, you may feel inspired to help more people feel the unconditional love, joy and support your dog provides. However, having a friendly, loving personality isn’t enough for a dog to qualify as a therapy dog. Some other qualifications to consider are:
- The age of your dog. Puppies do not make good therapy animals.
- How obedient your dog is. It’s important your dog listens to you and obeys basic commands. Dogs that go through obedience training with Dog Training Elite Upstate SC have the perfect foundation to go onto therapy dog training, as long as they are old enough.
- How social your dog is. Your dog may be affectionate with you — but are they affectionate with strangers? Do they like to receive attention from strangers, particularly petting?
Therapy Dog Handlers
As a dog owner, it’s important to reflect on whether you would like to become a therapy dog handler as well. If you enjoy connecting with people, becoming a therapy dog handler may be a great fit. You can also choose where to volunteer to better suit your interests — if you like kids, volunteer to visit schools or children’s hospitals. If you prefer to work with older people, then sign up to visit senior living centers.
Once you’ve determined that becoming a therapy dog handler and helping your dog become a therapy dog is the right move for the two of you, you’re ready to start therapy dog training. The trainers of Dog Training Elite Upstate SC are experts in the behaviors needed in a therapy dog and will help you and your dog either brush up on or master behaviors such as “leave it,” “watch me,” loose-leash walking and not jumping on other people.
To help your dog become well socialized, you may consider also signing up for one of Dog Training Elite Upstate SC’s group obedience classes. A group class environment is also beneficial because it helps your dog learn to be obedient when there are a lot of distractions around, a crucial skill for a therapy dog.
Once you’ve completed initial training, you’re ready to apply for therapy dog certification in Greenville / Spartanburg. However, it is important to note that this certification is not the end. It’s important to stay on top of your dog’s training and continue to help them be the best therapy dog they can be.
Why do Therapy Dog Training with Dog Training Elite Upstate SC?
The Dog Training Elite Upstate SC training method stands out because of its emphasis on positive reinforcement. Dogs are never punished for bad behavior, instead they are rewarded for good behavior. This kind of training makes a huge difference in your relationship with your dog, and will make a difference in how your dog interacts with other people.
The balanced training method of Dog Training Elite Upstate SC fosters a dog’s naturally loving and obedient nature. Focusing on positive reinforcement and rewarding good behavior helps build a strong bond between dog and owner built on love and trust. This foundation in turn becomes a great foundation for dog and owner to become a fabulous therapy team providing an invaluable service to the community.
If you feel therapy dog certification is right for you and your dog, get started by contacting Dog Training Elite Upstate SC. Request your free training demo and in-home assessment today.
