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

Therapy Dog Training in Los Angeles, CA

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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 Training in Los Angeles, CA

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 specialize in therapy dog training in Los Angeles, CA, helping dogs develop the temperament and skills needed to provide emotional support and comfort in a variety of settings. Our customized programs are designed to guide you and your dog through the certification process with compassion and professionalism. Whether your goal is to visit hospitals, schools, or community centers, we ensure your dog is well-prepared to offer calm, dependable companionship to those in need. With our expert training methods, your dog can become a confident and trusted therapy companion in the Los Angeles community.

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A therapy dog in training with Dog Training Elite Los Angeles'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

  • Janet Duncan
    Aug. 22, 2025
    Great training experience with Clayton! Taught me skills to manage my golden retriever puppy. She is now a pleasure to take in public and has learned to respect me. The scheduling process was quite easy too. Would highly recommend for dog training!
  • Eugenie Bostrom
    Aug. 17, 2025
    Kyla was so so good with both of our very different dogs! They loved her, and she taught us compassionately but sternly how to bring the right energy to our time with our pups so that we can all thrive together. Truly Enzo and Archie will miss their time with her! So much gratitude 🙏
  • Lisa Swanson
    Aug. 17, 2025
    Kyla has been an amazing trainer to work with! She helped me establish all the ground rules with my puppy and most importantly, helped me gain confidence in enforcing them and in taking the leadership role with my puppy! I know feel like I have a closer bond with my new puppy. I feel confident and in control. And I can tell my dog appreciates and needs that from me. She heels on the leash so well, has good recall and then all the basic commands like sit, stay, down, come, off, no, leave it, drop it… and most importantly- YES! Kyla taught me the importance of a meaningful NO and a praiseful YES. Kyla can read dogs ( and owners!) so well and is a wonderful trainer! Thank you Kyla and Dog Training Elite!
  • Carol Bloch
    Aug. 16, 2025
    Kyla did an amazing job training my rescue Chihuahua mix. I am very satisfied with results. We did not use an e-collar. I would recommend her and Dog Training Elite.
  • Emily Hernandez
    Aug. 16, 2025
    Kyla is a miracle worker!!! I adopted my GSD, Delta, two years ago from my local animal shelter. She went from being a sweet overly friendly dog to being an extremely reactive dog to people and dogs. She pulled, lunged, barked, growled, and walking her was an absolute nightmare! I’ve had both people and trainers tell me to rehome her or surrender her because it was impossible to train her due to the amount of dogs around my neighborhood. While I was tempted to rehome her, I decided to give Dog Training Elite a chance and to be honest, I wasn’t expecting for them to be able to help me with Delta. Booking an appointment was quick and easy, no waitlist. On the first class, Kyla was able to take Delta out and get her to actually focus on training rather than her looking around, anxiously panting, and barking at thin air. By the second class, Kyla addressed the reactivity towards other dogs and Delta has not been the same dog of one year ago ever since. Kyla has helped me grow my confidence, understand my dogs (not just Delta), she’s great at explaining, patient, supportive, and very encouraging. Not once in the classes did I feel discouraged or shamed by Kyla because I couldn’t control Delta, she is an amazing dog trainer and I highly recommend Kyla and Dog training Elite. Worth every penny!! Money well spent!
  • Emily Froehlich
    Aug. 7, 2025
    Our trainer, Clayton, has been both amazing and professional in our time working together. He has a wealth of knowledge and as the training has progressed, is tailoring our sessions more and more to our dog’s specific areas of weakness. We hardly recognize the dog that Clayton has helped our pup become because he has learned so much! We are learning, too, and Clayton takes the time to fully explain the reasons behind the actions while maintaining impeccable patience. The staff at Dog Training Elite has also been great. Our experience overall has been stellar. Highly, highly recommend Dog Training Elite, and especially Clayton!
  • Say Concepcion
    Aug. 5, 2025
    I cannot recommend "Clayton" highly enough. From the very beginning, it was clear that he is not only extremely knowledgeable about dog behavior but also genuinely passionate about what he does. He consistently arrives on time for every session, which speaks volumes about his professionalism and respect for our time. What really stands out is how patient and attentive he is—not just with the dogs, but with the owners as well. He takes the time to explain each step of the training process and makes sure both the dog and the handler are comfortable and confident before moving forward. His calm and confident demeanor puts dogs at ease, and you can immediately see the positive response they have to him. It's clear he understands the unique needs of service dog training and approaches it with both expertise and care. The progress we've made under his guidance has been incredible, and I feel truly supported every step of the way. If you're looking for someone who is reliable, skilled, and genuinely dedicated to helping you and your dog succeed, this is the trainer you want.
  • Daisy Bee
    Aug. 5, 2025
    I had the best experience with this company, and I honestly didn’t think my fur kid would learn so much. I am so grateful to The trainers here, especially Clayton. He is a true dog whisperer. I’m going through a very difficult time with my child who has relapsed from cancer and just getting our fur kid trained to be able to notify us when it’s time for my child to take his chemotherapy medicine is amazing and very helpful.
  • Julianne Bock
    Aug. 4, 2025
    I've been working with Clayton at Dog Training Elite for 5 sessions now with my rescue dog Daisy. Clayton is very Conscientious and is knows what he's doing. Daisy has come very far in just five sessions, she has learned to sit ,stay ,down, place, and we are working on heel also. She has been learning to stop her reactive behavior toward other dogs near her or walking by her. I feel very confident when I take her on walks now that I can control her and it's much more enjoyable. I look forward to each week with Clayton, we have learned so much from him as how to handle and teach Daisy good social skills and teach me how to work with her when he's not here to help. I highly recommend Clayton at LA Dog Training Elite .
  • Amanda Taylor
    Jul. 3, 2025
    I got Ozzie from North Central shelter 2 years ago. He was a volunteer favorite and after 2 years there was scheduled for euthanization. I brought him home and while he came to trust my older pit mix over time, walking him was awful as he lunged and growled at people and dogs, pulling me onto the ground. I did ecollar training with another trainer, and made some improvements but after a few months our progress stalled out. And i knew i needed more help. A friend recommeded Elite and i just completed 5 private sessions, and will be attending their group classes next. The biggest lesson i have learned is that its not so much about what Ozzie is or isnt doing. Its about what am I doing - how do i respond? From corrections to praise, being patient and not loosing my temper. And through this we are both improving. Now i have the tools to respond appropriately when he gets triggered. I still need practice but my confidence is increasing. The training offered was kind, patient and supportive - just what i needed whwn i was feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. Highly recommend.
  • Celeste Gil
    Jun. 28, 2025
    I did the 5-session training with my French Bulldog and rescue Beagle, and it was the best hands-on experience. Clayton, our trainer, was incredible—very specific and attentive to each dog's unique needs. My Frenchie needed structure, while my Beagle required a gentler approach, and Clayton handled both perfectly. The training was effective, affordable, and personalized. Couldn’t be happier with the results!
  • Eliza Nguyen
    Jun. 19, 2025
    Kyla is a very practical, firm and at the same time warm trainer with an understanding of a dog’s drive type and proper training pacing for effective results in obedience and service training. Really love training with her and my dog has made incredible strides.
  • Elizabeth Lascheid
    Jun. 19, 2025
    I have been a foster of dogs, mostly pit bulls for years and have trained more pit bulls than I can count (it is not hard with pitties), but I never had a St. Bernard before and thought I was over my head. Heidi is my personal dog. We tried one trainer for a few days and she was so bad I fired her. I then bit the bullet and hired Dog Training Elite in Los Angeles. They were a little more expensive than other trainers, but Heidi was impossible for me to train, despite all my efforts. Jon, the owner came to the house for a free consult. At that time he was the only trainer at Elite as they had just opened in LA. He later got another trainer, Clayton. Both worked with Heidi and pretty much failed, but they helped her with a few things. Now, you would think I would write a bad review, but no. No one, I don't think will ever be able to get the most stubborn, spoiled 120 pound monster to do a thing, but I love her. Jon and Clayton were never late, not once and that is important to me. Both could see my frustration, but they kept trying and trying and they did mange to get her to do a couple of things. They kept their appointments as they should. I could see all the effort they were putting into getting Heidi to cooperate. They would teach stay and the next day she would refuse. They taught heel which she has never done for me. Nothing lasted more than a day or two and I did all my assigned home work--yes, they give homework to help your dog succeed. They even went so far as to give me a couple extra sessions at no cost because she was such a pain. They did everything they could. But Heidi was just not having it. But, she loved Jon and Clayton so much. She would get so excited when they came to the door. She especially loved Clayton, sorry Jon, but a girl gets a crush and what can you do. She loved them both though and they were so good to her. They kept their promises (the inability to get Heidi to do much is not their fault). There are only a few dogs that just won't or can't be trained and I have one under my feet as I write. They never broke her spirit-so important. She is loving, never would bite and is so very sweet. She is great with other dogs. That said, I have had to hire a dog walker because I am older and Heidi will just knock me over and no one should ever walk a dog they can't control at all times. I know she misses her time with Jon and her crush Clayton and if for a second I thought they could train my big beast I would hire them again. But she is fully grown now and I don't see what anyone else could have done. They tried it all. I work with her everyday and she just looks at with a "No, not doing that" face. She is wonderful, just the most stubborn dog I have ever seen in my many years. They did show her such love, that I do think they helped her be the happiest dog. What I love about Jon and his company is how professional they are. They keep up with the latest training tactics. They are kind. They clearly love dogs. So, I do recommend them. They know what they are doing, but they are not going to hurt a dog and make her depressed just to get the result they want, I won't either. They just love dogs and I bet never fail. Heidi is just, well, a rare exception. And I also think she has a tad bit of brain damage for what reason we don't know. Had nothing to with Jon or Clayton. So hire them. Unless your dog's name is Heidi, then just give up. Jon and Clayton, Heidi says hi.
  • Sharon Harris
    Jun. 18, 2025
    I signed up with Elite Dog Training to help with my dog. Kayla has been working with myself and my dog and she has been amazing. Kayla has given me lots of great advice and training skills for my dog from me walking my dog correctly on a leash, (not my dog walking me or pulling) to come, sit, place and down commands. Kayla has lots of patience and very skilled as a trainer. I highly recommend her.
  • Savannah King
    Jun. 6, 2025
    Kyla at Dog Training Elite helped my Pomsky and I through obedience and service animal training! I highly recommend her. We had a long way to go, with little previous training but we really transformed over these weeks.
  • Prue K
    Jun. 3, 2025
    Our 11 month old pit bull rescue OTIS had some basic training but we needed to address a few outstanding issues as he came to his new forever home. Kyla has a very firm command and our boy fell into line pretty quickly. Sad that our sessions are up as we will all miss her: her lovely nature and her excellent training skills. * By chance we realized Otis had never seen an escalator and he was very unsure, but in no time Kyla had given him the confidence to ride away with no issues!!!
  • Chris McPheeters
    May. 23, 2025
    Since beginning the training with Dog Training Elite Los Angeles, our lives have become so much easier and better. From our first session to now, our dog has shown major signs of improvement and has been exposed to a lot of new things/environments where he had trouble with at first but now he has improved significantly. The training by Clayton is awesome, he is great with our dog and has so much knowledge about dog behavior/tendencies. Clayton is very respectful and has a true passion for dogs. Clayton is a true professional and we would not be where we are today without his expertise.
  • monica lipkin nachshin
    May. 15, 2025
    I have found the trainers especially Clayton to be very calm, knowledgeable and reassuring. In addition they understand how dogs think and help me to better understand my dog
  • Nicole A
    May. 14, 2025
    Clayton is such a patient trainer & Dog Training Elite overall has been a very comprehensive program and everyone is always accessible to help us out with our pet. I would absolutely recommend this training program to friends. It’s been a night & day difference with our dog, thanks Clayton!
  • Drew Dominick
    May. 5, 2025
    Kyla is outstanding, it was a pleasure to work with her. She taught me and my dog so much in such a short period of time. She literally was able to, after two minutes, train my dog to walk by a group of squirrels 12 inches away without any distraction. That is one of many valuable lessons Kyla taught us. She is extremely professional, prompt, and a natural at what she does. I highly recommend Kyla and Elite Dog Training.
  • Janet Duncan
    Aug. 22, 2025
    Great training experience with Clayton! Taught me skills to manage my golden retriever puppy. She is now a pleasure to take in public and has learned to respect me. The scheduling process was quite easy too. Would highly recommend for dog training!
  • Eugenie Bostrom
    Aug. 17, 2025
    Kyla was so so good with both of our very different dogs! They loved her, and she taught us compassionately but sternly how to bring the right energy to our time with our pups so that we can all thrive together. Truly Enzo and Archie will miss their time with her! So much gratitude 🙏
  • Lisa Swanson
    Aug. 17, 2025
    Kyla has been an amazing trainer to work with! She helped me establish all the ground rules with my puppy and most importantly, helped me gain confidence in enforcing them and in taking the leadership role with my puppy! I know feel like I have a closer bond with my new puppy. I feel confident and in control. And I can tell my dog appreciates and needs that from me. She heels on the leash so well, has good recall and then all the basic commands like sit, stay, down, come, off, no, leave it, drop it… and most importantly- YES! Kyla taught me the importance of a meaningful NO and a praiseful YES. Kyla can read dogs ( and owners!) so well and is a wonderful trainer! Thank you Kyla and Dog Training Elite!
  • Carol Bloch
    Aug. 16, 2025
    Kyla did an amazing job training my rescue Chihuahua mix. I am very satisfied with results. We did not use an e-collar. I would recommend her and Dog Training Elite.
  • Emily Hernandez
    Aug. 16, 2025
    Kyla is a miracle worker!!! I adopted my GSD, Delta, two years ago from my local animal shelter. She went from being a sweet overly friendly dog to being an extremely reactive dog to people and dogs. She pulled, lunged, barked, growled, and walking her was an absolute nightmare! I’ve had both people and trainers tell me to rehome her or surrender her because it was impossible to train her due to the amount of dogs around my neighborhood. While I was tempted to rehome her, I decided to give Dog Training Elite a chance and to be honest, I wasn’t expecting for them to be able to help me with Delta. Booking an appointment was quick and easy, no waitlist. On the first class, Kyla was able to take Delta out and get her to actually focus on training rather than her looking around, anxiously panting, and barking at thin air. By the second class, Kyla addressed the reactivity towards other dogs and Delta has not been the same dog of one year ago ever since. Kyla has helped me grow my confidence, understand my dogs (not just Delta), she’s great at explaining, patient, supportive, and very encouraging. Not once in the classes did I feel discouraged or shamed by Kyla because I couldn’t control Delta, she is an amazing dog trainer and I highly recommend Kyla and Dog training Elite. Worth every penny!! Money well spent!
  • Emily Froehlich
    Aug. 7, 2025
    Our trainer, Clayton, has been both amazing and professional in our time working together. He has a wealth of knowledge and as the training has progressed, is tailoring our sessions more and more to our dog’s specific areas of weakness. We hardly recognize the dog that Clayton has helped our pup become because he has learned so much! We are learning, too, and Clayton takes the time to fully explain the reasons behind the actions while maintaining impeccable patience. The staff at Dog Training Elite has also been great. Our experience overall has been stellar. Highly, highly recommend Dog Training Elite, and especially Clayton!
  • Say Concepcion
    Aug. 5, 2025
    I cannot recommend "Clayton" highly enough. From the very beginning, it was clear that he is not only extremely knowledgeable about dog behavior but also genuinely passionate about what he does. He consistently arrives on time for every session, which speaks volumes about his professionalism and respect for our time. What really stands out is how patient and attentive he is—not just with the dogs, but with the owners as well. He takes the time to explain each step of the training process and makes sure both the dog and the handler are comfortable and confident before moving forward. His calm and confident demeanor puts dogs at ease, and you can immediately see the positive response they have to him. It's clear he understands the unique needs of service dog training and approaches it with both expertise and care. The progress we've made under his guidance has been incredible, and I feel truly supported every step of the way. If you're looking for someone who is reliable, skilled, and genuinely dedicated to helping you and your dog succeed, this is the trainer you want.
  • Daisy Bee
    Aug. 5, 2025
    I had the best experience with this company, and I honestly didn’t think my fur kid would learn so much. I am so grateful to The trainers here, especially Clayton. He is a true dog whisperer. I’m going through a very difficult time with my child who has relapsed from cancer and just getting our fur kid trained to be able to notify us when it’s time for my child to take his chemotherapy medicine is amazing and very helpful.
  • Julianne Bock
    Aug. 4, 2025
    I've been working with Clayton at Dog Training Elite for 5 sessions now with my rescue dog Daisy. Clayton is very Conscientious and is knows what he's doing. Daisy has come very far in just five sessions, she has learned to sit ,stay ,down, place, and we are working on heel also. She has been learning to stop her reactive behavior toward other dogs near her or walking by her. I feel very confident when I take her on walks now that I can control her and it's much more enjoyable. I look forward to each week with Clayton, we have learned so much from him as how to handle and teach Daisy good social skills and teach me how to work with her when he's not here to help. I highly recommend Clayton at LA Dog Training Elite .
  • Amanda Taylor
    Jul. 3, 2025
    I got Ozzie from North Central shelter 2 years ago. He was a volunteer favorite and after 2 years there was scheduled for euthanization. I brought him home and while he came to trust my older pit mix over time, walking him was awful as he lunged and growled at people and dogs, pulling me onto the ground. I did ecollar training with another trainer, and made some improvements but after a few months our progress stalled out. And i knew i needed more help. A friend recommeded Elite and i just completed 5 private sessions, and will be attending their group classes next. The biggest lesson i have learned is that its not so much about what Ozzie is or isnt doing. Its about what am I doing - how do i respond? From corrections to praise, being patient and not loosing my temper. And through this we are both improving. Now i have the tools to respond appropriately when he gets triggered. I still need practice but my confidence is increasing. The training offered was kind, patient and supportive - just what i needed whwn i was feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. Highly recommend.
  • Celeste Gil
    Jun. 28, 2025
    I did the 5-session training with my French Bulldog and rescue Beagle, and it was the best hands-on experience. Clayton, our trainer, was incredible—very specific and attentive to each dog's unique needs. My Frenchie needed structure, while my Beagle required a gentler approach, and Clayton handled both perfectly. The training was effective, affordable, and personalized. Couldn’t be happier with the results!
  • Eliza Nguyen
    Jun. 19, 2025
    Kyla is a very practical, firm and at the same time warm trainer with an understanding of a dog’s drive type and proper training pacing for effective results in obedience and service training. Really love training with her and my dog has made incredible strides.
  • Elizabeth Lascheid
    Jun. 19, 2025
    I have been a foster of dogs, mostly pit bulls for years and have trained more pit bulls than I can count (it is not hard with pitties), but I never had a St. Bernard before and thought I was over my head. Heidi is my personal dog. We tried one trainer for a few days and she was so bad I fired her. I then bit the bullet and hired Dog Training Elite in Los Angeles. They were a little more expensive than other trainers, but Heidi was impossible for me to train, despite all my efforts. Jon, the owner came to the house for a free consult. At that time he was the only trainer at Elite as they had just opened in LA. He later got another trainer, Clayton. Both worked with Heidi and pretty much failed, but they helped her with a few things. Now, you would think I would write a bad review, but no. No one, I don't think will ever be able to get the most stubborn, spoiled 120 pound monster to do a thing, but I love her. Jon and Clayton were never late, not once and that is important to me. Both could see my frustration, but they kept trying and trying and they did mange to get her to do a couple of things. They kept their appointments as they should. I could see all the effort they were putting into getting Heidi to cooperate. They would teach stay and the next day she would refuse. They taught heel which she has never done for me. Nothing lasted more than a day or two and I did all my assigned home work--yes, they give homework to help your dog succeed. They even went so far as to give me a couple extra sessions at no cost because she was such a pain. They did everything they could. But Heidi was just not having it. But, she loved Jon and Clayton so much. She would get so excited when they came to the door. She especially loved Clayton, sorry Jon, but a girl gets a crush and what can you do. She loved them both though and they were so good to her. They kept their promises (the inability to get Heidi to do much is not their fault). There are only a few dogs that just won't or can't be trained and I have one under my feet as I write. They never broke her spirit-so important. She is loving, never would bite and is so very sweet. She is great with other dogs. That said, I have had to hire a dog walker because I am older and Heidi will just knock me over and no one should ever walk a dog they can't control at all times. I know she misses her time with Jon and her crush Clayton and if for a second I thought they could train my big beast I would hire them again. But she is fully grown now and I don't see what anyone else could have done. They tried it all. I work with her everyday and she just looks at with a "No, not doing that" face. She is wonderful, just the most stubborn dog I have ever seen in my many years. They did show her such love, that I do think they helped her be the happiest dog. What I love about Jon and his company is how professional they are. They keep up with the latest training tactics. They are kind. They clearly love dogs. So, I do recommend them. They know what they are doing, but they are not going to hurt a dog and make her depressed just to get the result they want, I won't either. They just love dogs and I bet never fail. Heidi is just, well, a rare exception. And I also think she has a tad bit of brain damage for what reason we don't know. Had nothing to with Jon or Clayton. So hire them. Unless your dog's name is Heidi, then just give up. Jon and Clayton, Heidi says hi.
  • Sharon Harris
    Jun. 18, 2025
    I signed up with Elite Dog Training to help with my dog. Kayla has been working with myself and my dog and she has been amazing. Kayla has given me lots of great advice and training skills for my dog from me walking my dog correctly on a leash, (not my dog walking me or pulling) to come, sit, place and down commands. Kayla has lots of patience and very skilled as a trainer. I highly recommend her.
  • Savannah King
    Jun. 6, 2025
    Kyla at Dog Training Elite helped my Pomsky and I through obedience and service animal training! I highly recommend her. We had a long way to go, with little previous training but we really transformed over these weeks.
  • Prue K
    Jun. 3, 2025
    Our 11 month old pit bull rescue OTIS had some basic training but we needed to address a few outstanding issues as he came to his new forever home. Kyla has a very firm command and our boy fell into line pretty quickly. Sad that our sessions are up as we will all miss her: her lovely nature and her excellent training skills. * By chance we realized Otis had never seen an escalator and he was very unsure, but in no time Kyla had given him the confidence to ride away with no issues!!!
  • Chris McPheeters
    May. 23, 2025
    Since beginning the training with Dog Training Elite Los Angeles, our lives have become so much easier and better. From our first session to now, our dog has shown major signs of improvement and has been exposed to a lot of new things/environments where he had trouble with at first but now he has improved significantly. The training by Clayton is awesome, he is great with our dog and has so much knowledge about dog behavior/tendencies. Clayton is very respectful and has a true passion for dogs. Clayton is a true professional and we would not be where we are today without his expertise.
  • monica lipkin nachshin
    May. 15, 2025
    I have found the trainers especially Clayton to be very calm, knowledgeable and reassuring. In addition they understand how dogs think and help me to better understand my dog
  • Nicole A
    May. 14, 2025
    Clayton is such a patient trainer & Dog Training Elite overall has been a very comprehensive program and everyone is always accessible to help us out with our pet. I would absolutely recommend this training program to friends. It’s been a night & day difference with our dog, thanks Clayton!
  • Drew Dominick
    May. 5, 2025
    Kyla is outstanding, it was a pleasure to work with her. She taught me and my dog so much in such a short period of time. She literally was able to, after two minutes, train my dog to walk by a group of squirrels 12 inches away without any distraction. That is one of many valuable lessons Kyla taught us. She is extremely professional, prompt, and a natural at what she does. I highly recommend Kyla and Elite Dog Training.
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 Los Angeles.

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 Los Angeles’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

Dog Training Elite Los Angeles - Dog Obedience Training in Los Angeles, CA. DTE

Obedience Training

Dog Training Elite Los Angeles - Puppy Training in Los Angeles, CA. Dog Training Elite

Puppy Training

Dog Training Elite Los Angeles - Service Dog Training in Los Angeles, CA. Dog Training Elite

Service Dog Training

Dog Training Elite Los Angeles - Anxiety & Aggressive Dog Training in Los Angeles, CA

Anxiety & Aggression

Dog Training Elite Los Angeles - Group Class Dog Training in Los Angeles, CA. DTE

Group Training

A fully trained service dog from Dog Training Elite Los Angeles.

Los Angeles Emotional Support Dog Training

Why Choose DTE for Therapy Dog Training?

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At Dog Training Elite Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles.
Dog Training Elite Los Angeles 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.

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