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A therapy dog is a dog who visits places like schools, hospitals and nursing homes. Therapy dog training in Manchester 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 Greater New Hampshire 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!
I adopted a rescue from Texas. (Henry) His Bio said how great he was with people, children, other dogs, etc. They neglected to let us know that he was a raving maniac who had no idea how to behave. I would never return a rescue, but if I did, this one would be the one. I called Rene who came over and did the evaluation. He had no doubt that Henry was 100 percent trainable. I doubted him, but was at wit's end, so gave it a try. Beth came over and did the home training for 5 weeks and 3 weeks outside at Home Depot, etc. Let me just say Rene and Beth are both amazing. And Rene was right. After the initial 8 weeks, (actually after the 3rd class) we had a completely different Henry. He is extremely well trained (not military style either, although I"m sure if that is what you want, they could do that) and now a pleasurable part of our family. Complete 360 with their training. Easy to follow and Beth explains everything perfectly. If you have any behavioral problems with your dog, this is the place to go. I can't recommend them enough. I would give them more than the 5 stars allowed.— Donna Hickey
Posted September 25th 2024
I discovered DET online when we knew we needed outside help to train our lab. We couldn’t take her for a walk without intense struggle. Now with Beth’s help she is able to accompany us on walks and in our truck. We work her every day, using the tools we were given to continue her ability to obey and cooperate in a loving way. We couldn’t have done this without Beth. The DET is still part of our lives with group training and public exposure. They are all about what’s best for our dog and we are very thankful.😊— Susan Grover
Posted September 25th 2024
I am just updating my review as our puppy has turned 1. We have love working with Rene and Beth. Our son and his dog work beautifully together and are getting ready to start going to school together! The group classes are a bonus as it provides additional touch points and time for us and our pup to see other handlers, pups, and learn to work with distractions. We hope to keep doing those regularly as time goes on to keep us sharp. From last winter: We are working with DTE-GNH to train our Autism service dog (puppy). We just completed the 4-week puppy training (we started at 9 weeks of age). This is NOT your average puppy kindergarten. I can say without hesitation that this is the best preparation and training we have ever had (and we have had dogs for decades). Everyone remarks how calm and well behaved our pup is. Last night we took him to a nice restaurant and he laid down quietly under the table the whole time (after investigating the under the table environment for a few minutes). And the training is gentle and educative (for both pup and even experienced dog owners) and focuses on building a strong relationship with the puppy and building trust to enable a calm demeanor and calm handling... and it's all positivity. Our pup wows everyone and I feel so secure going into new environments with him, and we feel so ready for the next stage.— Eden Badertscher
Posted December 28th 2023
I can’t say enough positive things about Beth and Dog Training Elite! Beth is helping my pup and me go down the path of becoming therapy dog certified and I could not ask for a more knowledgeable and supportive training partner. She told me when we started this journey people don’t comment on misbehaving dogs but you will get tons of comments and compliments on a well trained dog. She could not have been more accurate!! I am now very comfortable and confident taking my naturally shy pup into public places, meeting new people and animals without concern because I know he and I both have the training and knowledge to handle any situation that comes up. As a life long dog owner I am incredibly impressed with our weekly training and group classes where we get to practice our skills in all kinds of settings. I HIGHLY recommend Dog Training Elite for anyone looking to provide their pup with the highest level of confidence and ability to be the best companion possible!! Love love love this training program!— Laurie MacInnis
Posted September 25th 2024
Beth was absolutely amazing to work with from start to finish. From the moment I contacted the company about training for my dog that I had not even yet picked up from the breeder to now, I could not have asked for a better experience. Beth truly cares about the success of both you and your dog long term. She wants you to be successful and she gives you all the tools and skills you need to make that happen. I started this journey with my 8 week old puppy in the puppy course, he then progressed into platinum obedience. Through everything we have both gained so much knowledge that I will take with me forever. Zuma will hopefully be entering the service dog program soon. Something that is only offered by select few companies in the area. I cannot wait to continue to work, continue to grow, and continue to learn in the group classes that are offered for the life of the dog. I am so happy I found Dog Training Elite New Hampshire and Beth. I just wish our time could just keep going furever.— Arianna Bitetto
Posted August 6th 2024
Beth is awesome. She worked with my puppy Rubble who was a little nervous. He gained confidence with each new training and his goofy personality came out. The training I receive has made a huge difference with my handling of all my dogs. I to have more confidence in my ability to read, train, direct, and guide my dog through new experiences. I am looking forward to group trainings to continue build our skills together.— Holly Hancock
Posted August 6th 2024
Beth was absolutely amazing to work with from start to finish. From the moment I contacted the company about training for my dog that I had not even yet picked up from the breeder to now, I could not have asked for a better experience. Beth truly cares about the success of both you and your dog long term. She wants you to be successful and she gives you all the tools and skills you need to make that happen. I started this journey with my 8 week old puppy in the puppy course, he then progressed into platinum obedience. Through everything we have both gained so much knowledge that I will take with me forever. Zuma will hopefully be entering the service dog program soon. Something that is only offered by select few companies in the area. I cannot wait to continue to work, continue to grow, and continue to learn in the group classes that are offered for the life of the dog. I am so happy I found Dog Training Elite New Hampshire and Beth. I just wish our time could just keep going furever.— Arianna Hancock
Posted August 6th 2024
Really enjoy training with Beth and Rene! Aiming to train my 2yo bernedoodle Ernie to be a therapy dog, and they were among the few who offer therapy specific training. We just completed the obedience training pre-req and Ernie is behaving better than ever! You can tell Beth and Rene truly love dogs, and it’s clear they are really experienced with all different types of dogs/behaviors etc. Ernie loves people, but can be a bit timid, especially around men. We did a number of sessions in the community and with their guidance Ernie has gained so much confidence. Just this morning I took him out to greet the landscapers, all but one of whom was male and he just nuzzled right up to them to say hello. His anxiety is virtually gone and he now regularly contains his excitement without jumping etc. We’re now enjoying the complementary group classes, which have been great for getting exposure to other dogs/distractions, and are gearing up to start the therapy program! I’ve done a lot of training with Ernie in the Manchester/Londonderry area (Ecollar, obedience classes, in home, etc.), many of which were good and got results, but this DTE team is top of our list in terms of value, personalized attention, and their general joy of dogs! Would recommend to anyone who wants a positive experience for their dog alongside the results!— Kristel Garneau
Posted July 10th 2024
Really enjoy training with Beth and Rene! Aiming to train my 2yo bernedoodle Ernie to be a therapy dog, and they were among the few who offer therapy specific training. We just completed the obedience training pre-req and Ernie is behaving better than ever! You can tell Beth and Rene truly love dogs, and it’s clear they are really experienced with all different types of dogs/behaviors etc. Ernie loves people, but can be a bit timid, especially around men. We did a number of sessions in the community and with their guidance Ernie has gained so much confidence. Just this morning I took him out to greet the landscapers, all but one of whom was male and he just nuzzled right up to them to say hello. His anxiety is virtually gone and he now regularly contains his excitement without jumping etc. We’re now enjoying the complementary group classes, which have been great for getting exposure to other dogs/distractions, and are gearing up to start the therapy program! I’ve done a lot of training with Ernie in the Manchester/Londonderry area (Ecollar, obedience classes, in home, etc.), many of which were good and got results, but this DTE team is top of our list in terms of value, personalized attention, and their general joy of dogs! Would recommend to anyone who wants a positive experience for their dog alongside the results!— Kristel
Posted July 10th 2024
Beth and Rene were wonderful with our Abby. Not only did they patiently worked with her and helped me to have more confidence to take her in the public. I can now take Abby for walks and anywhere I go see can go. I love the training in the park that is offered even after graduation. I only wish I could have kept her graduation cap and got a graduation certificate to frame. Thank you so much for everything you have done and everything you keep on doing. Love Abby and Brenda— Brenda Wilson
Posted July 8th 2024
I can't express how thankful and grateful I am for Rene. Jasper was already a good dog, but now he is amazing. His obedience is next level. I love how I can always message Rene with questions and it is answered in a timely manner. 100000% would recommend.— Megan Gaudette
Posted July 3rd 2024
Have worked with many trainers over the past 3 yrs and have appreciated this group the most. Had fun doing the platinum obedience course. They even humored me and we went to Rye beach in Nh for last class as dreamed of having my dog off leash here. Had great time and will b using them for future training needs. Reliable training with results can’t recommend enough!— Wendy Dyment
Posted April 9th 2024
We have a very "talkative" older dog. When I first met Beth I was so happy that someone was able to comunicate to as well to me as my dog. Beth has taught both of us many new ways to improve. I am so grateful that Beth has the patience to keep us on the right path. After just a few months my 8 year old dog is listening better to me and behaving much better in public places. The group training that we are given are the game changer for us. Missy is better each time I take her. Even when things don't go as planned and I or my dog is stressed the whole team with DTE spoke kindly to us and made me feel so much more confident in myself and my dog. Thanks so much for all your help and I am looking forward to the group lessons. Laura— James Howell
Posted February 15th 2024
I had the most cathartic experience with Beth and Renee and staff! I am a therapist by trade and I recently adopted a “therapy dog” named Oliver. “Olly” doesn’t know he is being trained to be a therapy dog by everyone at Dog Training Elite and myself! He just has so much fun learning the commands and practicing tricks for treats at first and eventually without them! Something I thought was impossible. He is such an amazing emotional support animal for now thanks to Dog Training Elite and will be an amazing therapy dog once our training is done. I loved the 1:1 classes but really found a benefit from group classes once Oliver was ready to socialize with the other dogs. He impressed me with his skill at our most recent group class! I am looking forward to going into the community and creating one of the most beautiful gifts: a service animal for patients to love.— Victoria Sterk
Posted January 31st 2024
Amazing experience Beth. From start to finish she gave us great tools, tips, and lessons to help us train our lab. We got him during covid and as a result he had little exposure to other people and public places. Over the course of two months training with Beth he’s gone from being a skittish, unsure dog with little confidence to a confident boy who takes commands, and who is much more confident around people and out in public places. The difference is like night and day. I’d highly recommend making the investment in the team at Dog Training Elite. They are highly skilled at what they do and provide a great experience. Thank you guys!— Peter Palmer
Posted November 16th 2023
My experience with Haley from Dog Elite was awesome! She was very knowledgeable and professional. She took the time to get to know our dog and me! Our training sessions were tailored to Moon's needs and the incorporation of new ideas for keeping him engaged was so valuable! Haley is a gem and loves the animals! Thank you to all of you for the work you are doing to make all the dogs and humans be better and more balanced!— Lauri Sowers
Posted November 11th 2023
The training was highly individualized to meet the specific needs of the my dog The patience demonstrated to us was deeply appreciated— Kirsten Knaebel
Posted October 25th 2023
We cannot recommend Dog Training Elite enough!!! Beth and her team are incredible. Our dog was a rescue who came to us as a puppy with a bit of PTSD - super timid around strangers and terrified of men. After a few weeks of training with Beth we saw an immediate improvement. Not only is the in-home training perfect for us, but we appreciate the real world training and continued socialization and sessions offered. Thank you team for helping Pongo build his confidence and live his best life!— Briana Palmer
Posted October 25th 2023
Our large breed Great Dane was territorial, dragging me around and within weeks, he sit, stay, and come on command. He went from dragging me around by his leash to being leachless in a few sessions. So happy that me and my pet got training and now work very well together. Money well spent.— Linda Battalagine
Posted October 24th 2023
After years of searching finally we found the right training institute for our 3 years old GSD. Few months ago I saw a very well behaved GSD at homedepot. The owners told me that they had been to Elite Dog training at Manchester. I was so impressed by their dog’s behavior that immediately decided to go for Elite Manchester. We have been experiencing issues with our dog in social situations such as he is antagonistic towards other dogs and far from being friendly with boys under the age 12. We didn’t want to use a shock collar to correct his behavior nor we wanted to use the prong collar. Fortunately Elite provided us the correct tools and methods. The e-collar is a savior. Knowing that we can use it without hurting our pup 🐶 is a big relief. Their unlimited group training sessions with other dog is a huge advantage. I’m not aware of other training institutes that offers unlimited group lessons. The people at Manchester Elite are very cooperative, friendly and seem like they understand the training needs of each individual dog. We had Healy as our “In home” trainer. When I first saw her I was a bit skeptical about her ability as a trainer because she looks very young . But I would say she proved me wrong. She is so efficient at the same time warm and friendly. On her first day at our residence our GSD recognized her as his buddy and obliged to her commands. Healy proved it that to be an efficient GSD trainer age and appearance don’t matter. It is a huge relief to be able to invite guests to our home again without keeping the pup in the crate though we are still working on him to be friendly towards little boys. We are very grateful to the Elite team at Manchester, NH comprised of Rene, Beth and Healy— Bornali Saikia
Posted October 15th 2023
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 Greater New Hampshire 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 Greater New Hampshire 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 Greater New Hampshire’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 Manchester. 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 Greater New Hampshire?
The Dog Training Elite Greater New Hampshire 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 Greater New Hampshire 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 Greater New Hampshire. Request your free training demo and in-home assessment today.
