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

Therapy Dog Training

Dog Training Elite Park City

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Our Therapy Dog Training Could Help:

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

Therapy Dog Trainer in Park City, UT

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 Park City, UT, 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 Park City's expert handlers.

How Does a Dog Become a Therapy Dog?


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While the companionship your dog brings you may inspire you to share that with others, not every dog is suited to be a therapy animal. Beyond a friendly, loving personality, several important qualifications must be met for a dog to be considered for therapy work:

  • Age: Puppies are typically too energetic and lack the focus to be therapy dogs.
  • Obedience: A therapy dog must follow commands reliably. Dogs that have completed obedience training with Dog Training Elite have the solid foundation needed to begin therapy dog training.
  • Social Skills: Therapy dogs need to naturally enjoy meeting new people and must handle being petted and approached by strangers without anxiety. Their ability to remain calm and friendly, even in unfamiliar situations, ensures they can provide emotional support to those they interact with.

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You and your canine companion really can have it all. See how easy it can be to become a member of the elite pup society by requesting a free consultation today!

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FAQs

One of our trainers will visit your home to meet you and your dog and discuss any issues you're facing. We will then demonstrate one of our model dogs so you can see what you can expect after hiring our trainers. From there, we will discuss the various packages we offer and which we feel best suit your (and your dog's) needs.
We provide full obedience training that covers all basic commands, both on and off-leash. Our in-home visits target specific issues like counter-surfing, digging, and more. Unlike some trainers, we work with all breeds, including those often considered challenging.
Yes. You (and anyone in your family who wants to be involved) are integral to your dog getting trained. We need you to practice 5-6 days a week, about 15-20 minutes a day for optimal results.
Once a week. We come to you (with the silver, gold and platinum packages) once a week to start your dog off, then you come to park sessions which are held once a week in Park City.
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

  • PAOLA ECHEVERRI
    Aug. 28, 2024
    Words cannot express the deepest sense of gratitude I have for Dog Training Elite Northern Utah. Our puppy Sage was completely unmanageable. We had basically lost hope and were at our wits end, unsure of what our next step was with her. Thankfully, we found DTENU. They trained us in the art of handling our puppy. They listened to our concerns and we re always available for feedback or any questions we had. We could not have done this without Trevor, who took us under his wing and shared his passion for training and handling dogs. Thank you to Colleen, Matt, Lexie, Fona and Griffin. I absolutely recommend this company for any of your dog training needs.
  • Kevin Deneen
    Jul. 8, 2024
    Highly recommend! We adopted a new dog - a very sweet, fun but high-energy and drive Jack Russell Terrier - who turned out to be a bit more than we had bargained for. We found Dog Training Elite Park City and were super impressed with them. Both Fona and the owners were great to communicate with, both in terms of availability but also their knowledge and genuine desire to help us and our dog. We did an in-person consultation with Trevor and were very impressed by him. Ultimately, after a lot of reflection and consultation with many people, we made the very challenging decision to rehome the new dog. This meant that we didn't end up needing Dog Training Elite's services, but we would certainly be working with them if we had been able to keep the dog. They earned our trust!
  • Mary Silverzweig
    Jul. 2, 2024
    Absolutely professional experience from start to finish. I wanted to certify Sophie as a Therapy dog, and Coleen and her staff helped me do it. Positivity is the key, teaching owners, me, how to train my dog to be the kind of dog we all want our dogs to be. Trevor, lead trainer, is a dog whisperer, with an amazing ability to teach dog-owner pair to work together. I knew a lot about dogs. Like to think I could have gotten where we are without help. But I know that isn’t true. It would have taken me years, if ever, to get the level of responsiveness from Sophie. Elite is there for you whenever you need them for advice. Plenty of individual sessions and endless group classes. Fantastic people, providing insight and support. Best doggie decision I ever made. Thank you Trevor. Thank you Elite! And now Sophie is a certified therapy dog, looking forward to her new career!
  • David Spinowitz
    Jun. 11, 2024
    I was blown away by Trevor's knowledge, technique, and ability to read and communicate with our dog. To say Trevor is a dog whisperer would be an understatement. Worth every penny!
  • Evan LaValley
    Mar. 25, 2024
    Had a super experience with Elite! They are very knowledgeable, flexible with our schedule and continue to be there for support if we have questions.
  • Breck Dittman
    Feb. 24, 2024
    This is my first time professionally training a puppy. DTE has made this experience so enjoyable and rewarding for me and my pup. The whole team are wonderful. Cohen, Lexi, Trevor, & Fona have all worked wonderfully with me and my sometimes challenging schedule. Thank you all! From Summit & I, we are so thankful to have chosen you to enrich our lives.
  • CC Vidmar
    Apr. 29, 2023
    have had a remarkable experience with Dog Training Elite Northern Utah. Like any canine, whether young or adult, there were instances where I experienced triumphs and setbacks. However, the trainers were present throughout the entire journey, extending their assistance in every situation that I encountered. Presently, I work with my dog on a daily basis, and it is a delightful experience to witness the extent of her obedience and training. She is steadily progressing towards becoming an exceptional Service Animal. CC Vidmar
  • Joanie Engram-Bibb
    Apr. 26, 2023
    I could not be happier with my dog’s trainer, Trevor. He was professional, fun, extremely knowledgeable on all aspects of training and overall care of my puppy. His enthusiasm was infectious for me and my dog. No questions I had were too big or small for him to answer. Great interaction with both pet and owner.
  • Brenda Alexander
    Mar. 22, 2023
    Dog Training Elite Northern Utah has transformed Malo, our German Shepherd mix, from being aggressive and out of control to being the loving, relaxed dog he was as a puppy. Malo had grown to hate strangers, and it was impossible for us to calm him down if anyone he didn’t know came to our house. We had tried other training programs that hadn’t worked for us and made us feel frustrated and desperate. Within the first few minutes of our first session, Trevor had Malo happily walking next to him. The training occurred in our home, which was exactly what we needed to deal with daily issues like answering the door and having company over. Trevor even incorporated our other dogs into the training so Malo learned not to join in when the other two get riled up or bark at various things outside. The weekly group classes have provided a safe space for Malo to get more comfortable around other people and other dogs. We still have work to do with Malo, but we have the tools necessary to handle new situations while keeping Malo and everyone involved safe. Trevor and team have been lifesavers for our family!
  • Senja Maholland
    Feb. 26, 2023
    Wow - totally appreciate the team at Dog Training Elite - Northern Utah. The system is simple to learn for me and my dog and highly effective. My headstrong rambunctious dog is walking nicely on a leash, coming when called, sitting on command and learning to ignore distractions and focus on me. The training tips are specific to my dog and me. And the team has even helped lessen his anxiety about riding in cars. I was referred to DTE and it is one of the best suggestions to come my way. Thank you DTE team!
  • Desiree Carpenter
    Jan. 17, 2023
    Finding Dog Training Elite was the best thing to happen to me in 2022. Being new to the area and after working with a few trainers in the recent past, I was unsure of where else to turn when my mini Aussie Kona continued showing signs of aggression towards kids and specific people. Kona is NOT a fan of my landlord at all, and when he’d come to the house, she would react like she wanted to actually eat him. After working with Trevor (who is an incredible trainer) we got Kona to the point where my landlord was able to walk her on a leash inside AND outside my house right next to him! I was amazed and so was my landlord. This company is BY FAR the best to hire for any type of reactive behaviors and simple commands. I don’t know where Kona and I would be if I wasn’t able to get her reactive behaviors under control. My little Fluffy baby is more loving than ever and has done a full 360 . She absolutely loves Trevor when we have classes, and finally has an understanding that this is OUR world and she’s living in it. Not the other way around haha Thank you to all the trainers we have worked with! Your all wonderful!
  • Jennifer Shuler Deramo
    Nov. 23, 2022
    The trainers have taught us how to help our new puppy understand the rules of his home and become a beloved member of our family. We have two kids under 5 that he already interacts with gently and kindly despite being a large and energetic breed. We are incredibly grateful to have gotten to skip the usual puppy terrors thanks to their help. Cannot recommend them highly enough!
  • Megan Pryor
    Nov. 5, 2022
    I own a 2 year old Golden Shepherd(German Shepherd/Golden Retriever) mix. We started training when he was around 1, I was nervous he was too shy of a dog to be service but DTE worked wonders with him. The trainers are so kind and caring they helped Zeus fly through his training. He is now my psychiatric and medical alert service dog. If you’re looking to train your dog whether it be just basic obedience, aggression, service, etc. I highly recommend going through them, they really care about what you want but also the well-being of your pup. And special thanks to Melanie, she became Zeus’s best friend!!
  • Dr. Kate Burton
    Oct. 3, 2022
    So happy with my decision to use Elite for Root's therapy dog training! :) Very pleased with everything all of the trainers have helped us through so far. Update to come when we pass the tests!
  • Helen Feltovich
    Jun. 14, 2022
    These guys are the best, a 6 out of 5! We found them when we got a new cavapoo puppy to keep our 10yo Goldendoodle “young”, a plan which completely backfired. We’d had other trainings with Daisy over the years, including puppy classes, private trainers who worked with e-collars, etc and determined that she was a lost cause (she’s a rescue and pretty meek), though were okay with that because she usually comes when we call. Mostly she was terrified of the r-collar because of past experiences. Colleen came to evaluate, and suggested Daisy might benefit by training, and it’d be hard to teach Charlie (the new guy) good habits if Daisy was modeling otherwise. I was extremely skeptical of course, and tried to tell the other trainer we work with (Trevor) that I wanted to leave Daisy alone (he very cheerfully just said “let’s have some fun!”) Long story short, this meek dog now runs with her tail wagging every morning to get on her collar. It’s like she knows her day of fun and work is starting. Charlie is doing great too, but I expected that. I didn’t expect my aging dog to love her life so much even though now she listens to me instead of running after every duck or potgut that crosses her path. She looks at me, trembling with desire to chase but doesn’t budge. Maybe someday when she’s had months more practice (it’s only been a few weeks) I’ll “break” her and let her chase. Not sure about that, but I do know I am amazed by our miracle dog(s). Trevor and Colleen are worth their weight in gold. Our lives are literally better because of them. (Pics of Daisy “place”ing on a picnic table, them running together in the park, and Charlie rolling in mud (we haven’t had the no-mud lesson yet haha). I simply could not give them a higher recommendation.
  • Katie Perhai
    May. 31, 2022
    Dog Training Elite has been an absolute game-changer for our English Bulldog, Larry. When he started showing signs of aggression toward other dogs, we didn't know where to turn. I am so grateful I found Colleen and, specifically, Trevor, who have given us the tools to manage his aggression and expose him to other dogs in a safe way. Even more, Trevor has instilled the confidence in me to handle Larry in multiple scenarios. Larry absolutely loves Trevor (and the other trainers!) and wags his little tail non-stop during his lessons.
  • Laurie Tippet
    Mar. 26, 2022
    After extensive research on dog trainers and type of training, we went with Dog Training Elite and so happy with our decision! Colleen and the entire staff were excellent! Their communication, appointment reminder texts, patience and understanding of our concerns regarding e -collars and knowledge and expertise and communication skills explaining their methods, along with a quality e-collar (not all are the same), were phenomenal. Moreover, Colleen was incredible bonding with and teaching our 1yr old bernedoodle Oakley as well as with Oakley’s handlers (myself and daughter) - which is a huge part of the training. The five private, in home sessions, were invaluable. Colleen also helped us with our 10 yr old golden doodle Barley as Oakley would react to his “big brother” and not always in a good way. I cannot say enough accolades about Colleen - she exceeded our expectations. The park sessions are also a big perk in cementing the training in a social environment. Pics of Oakley who instantly picked up “place” and now goes on his own:)
  • tara Freifeld
    Dec. 7, 2021
    Finding Colleen and her team at the PC farmers market was the best thing to every happen for me and Odin! We went from a crazy puppy to an amazing dog, in a very short period of time. Colleen’s patience and ability to work with the whole family was a complete game changer. She took the time to understand all of the issues Odin was having and addressed every one of them. He is now a very well adjusted 16 month old, and we look forward to seeing the team again when we return to Park City. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite Park City, with no hesitation! Thank you to Colleen and her team
  • Isabel Grover
    Oct. 26, 2021
    I'm so thrilled to have hired Colleen and the entire Dog Training Elite team to work with my puppy. They really helped with essentials such as listening, recall, and leash walking with several distractions. I definitely recommend using this company for dog training.
  • Cindy Dupper
    Jul. 28, 2021
    We were so happy we hired Elite dog training. We saw immediate results that made our puppy behave! It was really life changing for us, now we can take her everywhere with us. They helped train her to hike, bike off leash… I highly recommend them!
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 Park City.

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 Park City’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 Park City.

Park City Emotional Support Dog Training

Why Choose DTE for Therapy Dog Training?

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At Dog Training Elite Park City, 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 Park City.
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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.