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

Therapy Dog Training

Dog Training Elite Milwaukee

Request Free Assessment

Request Free Assessment

Our Therapy Dog Training Could Help:

Those managing chronic pain
People looking to increase social interaction
Anyone seeking enhanced motivation and purpose
Individuals in need of emotional comfort
Those experiencing stress, anxiety, or depression
People wanting to boost overall optimism
Anyone feeling lonely or isolated

Therapy Dog Trainer in Milwaukee, WI

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 Milwaukee, WI, 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 Milwaukee'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!

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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 Milwaukee.
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

  • Martayla Scott
    Dec. 7, 2024
    I couldn’t be happier with my dog training experience with Paul. From start to finish, he was incredibly nice, friendly, and professional, creating a welcoming environment for both me and my dog. Paul was tailored to our specific goals, and we reached them successfully. The methods used were effective, and I could see clear improvements in my dog’s behavior after each session. Most importantly, It’s such a relief to have a well-behaved dog and the tools to continue reinforcing the skills we learned. I highly recommend Paul to anyone looking for real results and a positive experience!
  • Tracy Mayfield
    Dec. 4, 2024
    I could not have been happier with my experience with Anina from the start to the finish. She is such a professional and has a real gift with handling dogs. Both Charlie and I are going to miss her! Highly recommend Dog Training Elite Milwaukee.
  • Nycole Torres
    Nov. 27, 2024
    I cannot say enough great things about Anina! From day one, she has been incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and understanding in working with my shepherd mix to train her as a service dog. The progress we've seen in her been amazing – Belle has gone from being a rambunctious and stubborn puppy to a calm, more obedient companion. Our training sessions has helped my bond with Belle grow significantly. At first, her energy was overwhelming and frustrating. Anina tailors each session to my needs and has provided me with the tools and skills to continue reinforcing the training at home. It's clear she truly cares about our success since Belle is training to be a service dog. I’m so grateful for all the support and guidance, and I’m confident that with Anina's help, my dog will be ready to serve and assist me in every way I need. I highly recommend her and this company!
  • Lily Rivera
    Nov. 16, 2024
    Very impressed with the results we have seen!! This is the Second dog that has been trained by Dog Training Elite and I recommend it to everyone who asks where we took our dogs for training! Anina was amazing with our stubborn little guy! We learned so much and our dog is in a place that we never thought was possible!!
  • michelle lodge
    Nov. 14, 2024
    Dog Training Elite has been helping train our sheepadoodle Billie and me. Anina has been great! She has been very knowledgeable and patient with me and Billie. I am a paraplegic and training Billie to be a service dog. We are seeing improvements with Billie and know the more we put into her and her training the better service dog Billie will be. Looking forward to group classes. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite
  • Casey O'Donnell
    Nov. 1, 2024
    Working with Anina has been fantastic! She is an excellent dog trainer, who is very knowledgeable and patient. Lemmy was always SO excited for his training sessions!
  • Karen Stardy
    Oct. 1, 2024
    Paul and Aninia are the best trainers in the world. You may think this is to expensive but it has been worth every penny. The first dog we took was by referral as she is a service dog. The other two we are taking are for obedience and have asked for Paul and Aninia specifically because Paul can get through to my husband and make him understand dog must obey. The last half of their training will be very hard as it will mean driving back and forth between Stevens Point and Glendale. We're moving. Happy to do considering fantastic results of first dog. I have Parkisons and so don't sleep well at night and she is my mobility service dog. So worked well to train then. I know we will get the same results on the German Shepherds. I have confidence in Mary and her crew.
  • Nicole Wolf
    Sep. 25, 2024
    Mary was great to work with. When I reached out to Dog Training Elite, I was at my wits end with my reactive dog. I no longer was enjoying our walks, and they had become a point of stress in my life. Mary provided me with the tools to refocus my dog and reduce her reactivity, and I can say we are both enjoying our walks more. This training is not just for your dog, it's also for you. What I've learned has made me a better dog owner.
  • MELISSA PALACIOS
    Sep. 1, 2024
    My dog and I had a pleasant experience with Dog Training Elite. It made a huge difference training my dog, Bianco! I highly recommend it. Both Mary and Anina were amazing! We mostly worked with Anina, she was very friendly, knowledgeable, and patient. She did great with not only teaching my dog Bianco, but also focusing on teaching my sister and I how to train him. Before starting training, my dog would bark excessively, pull on walks, and react to other dogs/people/cars. Now my dog is more calm and a much better listener, which has strengthened our bond. Many thanks to you both!
  • Janet Gauger
    Aug. 30, 2024
    Anina was just great! Even stopped over on her own time when we had difficulty adjusting the prong collar. Maggie just loved her! Would highly recommend Anina.
  • Tamarra
    Aug. 19, 2024
    Paul and Mary did an amazing job in working with Journey (my Goldendoodle) and I. As a new puppy parent, learning the different facets of this particular breed and bonding with my new pup, had its challenges. However, with Paul and Mary's help, we were able to get though the trainings, successfully. Their skills and experience in training dogs to be service animals is incredible. Paul was my direct trainer, and he is knowledgeable, consistent and patient as a trainer. Something we really needed. I am grateful for the support that Paul and Mary provided on my journey, with Journey. Many thanks to you both!
  • Cindy Sancinati
    Jul. 26, 2024
    The? People that sent me paul yang. Was a very good gentleman.Help me a lot with training. I would recommend if you guys need help with training Your dog for support. They are very good people and they work very well.
  • Marina Steger
    Jul. 12, 2024
    My dog is my whole world, but he has developed some behavioral issues, such as being weary of strangers, excessive barking, and reactiveness to other dogs. Mary worked closely with me and him for a few months to help resolve these issues, and within the first few sessions I noticed a drastic improvement. She was patient with him and very informative. We still have work to do, but Mary and this company has given me the tools and resources to help me give my dog the best life I can. I 100% recommend this service.
  • Andrew Dunlap
    Jul. 11, 2024
    We have been working with Mary and she is amazing Our puppy Penny has greatly improved under her supervision Looking forward to beginning group classes Andy & Liz
  • Beth Bautz
    Jul. 3, 2024
    Anina was terrific training me and my dog! It's great to have her start something new with him, then coach me as I work with him. After trying two other classes/methods, its good to find a training style that works. I'm looking forward to the follow up group classes, as well.
  • Eva
    Jun. 23, 2024
    We had a very good experience with Anina, she was very knowledgeable and kind with our Akita. We saw immediate results and would definitely use this service again in the future!
  • Leah Linn
    Jun. 11, 2024
    It was an absolute pleasure working with Mary to get my dog (rhodesian ridgeback puppy) therapy dog certified. After the very first training session, I noticed a huge change in my puppy's behavior. I enjoyed both the one-on-one trainings and the group classes. Would highly recommend!
  • Adam Lang
    Apr. 30, 2024
    Both Mary and Paul have been great as we were looking for help training our rescue Nora. She’s already so much better than when we started, especially when walking. I can’t recommend DTE and both Mary and Paul higher. If you are looking for a trainer that uses classical conditioning, this is the one!
  • stephanie w
    Mar. 15, 2024
    Mary and Katie are both very sweet people and so easy to work with. Mary helped my dog and I both gain the confidence we need. My dog has come so far and I'm so thankful for Mary. #TeamDTE
  • Karen Stardy
    Mar. 3, 2024
    Trainers are great and it's nice I can work with my own dog under their supervision
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 Milwaukee.

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 Milwaukee’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 Milwaukee.

Milwaukee Emotional Support Dog Training

Why Choose DTE for Therapy Dog Training?

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At Dog Training Elite Milwaukee, 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 Milwaukee.
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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.