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

Therapy Dog Training

Dog Training Elite in Philadelphia

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 Philadelphia, PA

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 Philadelphia, PA, 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 in Philadelphia'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

  • Der Moua
    Apr. 29, 2025
    Working with Jaime was truly a game changer for us and our puppy, Buster. From the very beginning, Jaime went above and beyond in every single session. Before we started training, we felt a bit overwhelmed and honestly pretty hopeless. Buster is a smart pup, but we knew we had a long road ahead. That all changed after our very first consultation. Jaime immediately put us at ease with his confidence, knowledge, and clear love for what he does. He took the time to explain exactly how the training would work, step by step, and tailored the sessions to our goals. As the sessions went on, we were blown away by the progress we were making. It wasn’t just about teaching Buster commands — Jaime helped us build a foundation of trust, communication, and understanding with our dog. The transformation was incredible. By the end of our one on one sessions, we had a totally different dog, not only better behaved, but genuinely happier and more connected with us. And as dog owners, we feel so much more confident and empowered, too. What stood out most is Jaime’s passion for his work. It’s not just a job for him, it’s a calling. He’s deeply committed, patient, and genuinely cares about every dog and family he works with. That kind of dedication is rare and so appreciated. Thank you, Jaime, for helping us bring out the best version of Buster and ourselves as dog owners. We truly can’t recommend you enough!!!
  • Jaime Lake
    Mar. 31, 2025
    Taylor was the best. He was patient and immediately able to evaluate and customize a training protocol for my reactive dog, Finn. Our in-home sessions went very smoothly and Finn showed improvement each week. I chose the package with in-home and 12 group sessions after and we started with our first group session on Saturday. Finn is already less reactive and I can’t wait to see how good he is by the last group session. Highly recommend Taylor and Dog Training Elite!
  • Carolyn McKnight
    Mar. 25, 2025
    Great trainers for service dogs, beautiful boarding facility in rural setting with 15 fenced acres for dogs to explore.
  • Lori Palmer
    Mar. 11, 2025
    Taylor was amazing with our new puppy, Max. He learned so much in the lessons we had and we are looking forward to the group classes! Taylor was very flexible with our busy schedule. We can’t say enough good things about our whole experience!
  • G C
    Aug. 19, 2024
    I can’t say enough good things about Jamie and DTE! Our dog gets reactive when seeing other dogs she doesn’t know, making walks stressful. Thanks to Jamie’s help and guidance, she is much more manageable. He is patient, knowledgeable, and truly cares about our progress. Walks are more enjoyable and I feel more confident handling her in different situations. Highly recommend to anyone needing professional and effective dog training!
  • Viviana Aponte Cruz
    Feb. 28, 2025
    Jaime was very patient and a great trainer. My dog loved him and we have been able to travel by airplane without problems after training him for service dog. Definitely recommend :)
  • AW
    Jan. 30, 2025
    Taylor is the best! He was always very accommodating with scheduling and super informative during the in-home sessions. Excited to implement what we have already learned at group class and continuing to build on that knowledge!
  • Nitha Robin
    Jan. 29, 2025
    Dog Training Elite provides convenient and effective training in the comfort of our own home, I highly recommend! Our trainer was Taylor, he did an amazing job with our dog Johny, explaining the training concepts and providing helpful feedback as well as encouragement during training. He was very flexible, I couldn't ask for a better trainer and mentor to work with!
  • Kimberly Hooven
    Jan. 29, 2025
    We’ve had an amazing experience with Taylor! He came out for an initial free consultation, and right from the start, we were impressed by his knowledge and passion. After meeting him and seeing him interact with our dog we were very impressed at how knowledgeable and passionate he was. After just five home sessions, our pup has learned so much and picked up all the commands quickly. We're excited to start group classes now. We highly recommend Taylor to anyone!
  • Dustin Keen
    Jan. 29, 2025
    Cannot say enough great things about Taylor and the training he provides. He’s been flexible, professional and makes the training fun. Would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a better trained pup or dog. Chessie has been making great progress from everything we’ve learned from Taylor and we’re looking forward to the group sessions. 5 stars all around.
  • lisa Gallagher
    Dec. 10, 2024
    I cannot say enough good things about Taylor! We were blown away after the first session. His knowledge and love of dogs is apparent in his work. Not only did he spend time with myself and my husband, he spent a whole training session with our children to ensure that they were a part of the team as well! He really has changed our lives!
  • Brendan Smith
    Nov. 14, 2024
    We are super pleased with Taylor and his services. Taylor is professional, friendly and most importantly, very knowledgeable. We contacted Taylor when we realized our 125lb, 1 year old, Rottweiler named Wayne needed some professional training. He is a very friendly dog but is large and very active. After working with Taylor, Wayne has learned numerous commands, no longer pulls when he is walked, and is a lot easier to handle. I highly recommend Taylor to anyone in need of dog training.
  • Tom Spitko Jr.
    Nov. 7, 2024
    Excellent experience with Taylor and Dog Training Elite. After 5 in-home sessions we've noticed a significant difference in our dogs listening and response times. Looking forward to group training. Taylor was very patient and explained how to deliver the commands in great detail and would also go over the dogs psyche and what they may be thinking. Very helpful and highly recommend.
  • Pete Mignogna
    Oct. 11, 2024
    We had a great experience with Taylor and Dog Training Elite. Hermione is a 6 month GSD who was showing some guarding/reactive behaviors. Taylor was able to show us tips on this right away, and we saw improvements within the first week. After 5 sessions, she has become very obedient and has responded quickly to all training techniques. Very glad we went forward with the training and I highly recommend!
  • Calli Popolo
    Sep. 21, 2024
    We have just completed our one-on-one training sessions with Taylor and we have nothing but great things to say. We noticed Cooper had a fear of children and large dogs that did not always come across in the nicest of ways. Taylor assured us that this training would help Cooper gain confidence to face situations he was once fearful of. Taylor has been so patient with Cooper as he can be a little stubborn at times! Coop was always happy to see him and in a short amount of time, he has already grown so much. We highly recommend Taylor and Dog Training Elite!
  • Donna Barlow
    Sep. 5, 2024
    Taylor was very professional and Cinnamon learned quickly as long as you keep up with the training your pup will be a well mannered dog I highly recommend dog training elite
  • Michael Henley
    Sep. 5, 2024
    Taylor is a true professional, best-in-class at getting my crazy puppies Dixie & Dolly well behaved and consistently responding to commands. He also gives broader advice on raising the pups and is always cordial, polite, understanding and I would recommend him to anyone looking for a dog trainer in Chester County!
  • Daniel Flowers
    Sep. 2, 2024
    It has been a joy watching our dog transform after traning from Dog Training Elite. Trainer Vincent was professional, on time, and personable.
  • Ashley Gray
    Aug. 20, 2024
    We had a fantastic experience with Taylor and Dog Training Elite! Our dog, Tony Soprano, is a beautiful 1.5 year old Boxer. Beauty aside, Tony was stubborn, didn’t listen to anyone, and even had anxiety like the true Tony Soprano himself. We tried traditional training, and even another company with only some improvements. Tony seemed to always decide himself when he wanted to behave. After the in-home sessions with Taylor, Tony developed into a confident and obedient dog. Taylor was very patient with Tony (and us) throughout the whole process. We highly recommend Taylor and his services!
  • Whitney Hughes
    Aug. 19, 2024
    Working with Vincent and Dog Training Elite has been the greatest investment we've made for our 11 month old bernedoodle, Percy. In a matter of weeks, Percy has transformed from wild, unruly, and stubborn to well mannered and eager to learn. Training is just as much for the dog as it is for the human, and Vincent has been excellent at training us both! He is calm and confident in his instruction, and we have all greatly enjoyed working with him. I would highly recommend DTE and Vincent for all your training needs.
  • Der Moua
    Apr. 29, 2025
    Working with Jaime was truly a game changer for us and our puppy, Buster. From the very beginning, Jaime went above and beyond in every single session. Before we started training, we felt a bit overwhelmed and honestly pretty hopeless. Buster is a smart pup, but we knew we had a long road ahead. That all changed after our very first consultation. Jaime immediately put us at ease with his confidence, knowledge, and clear love for what he does. He took the time to explain exactly how the training would work, step by step, and tailored the sessions to our goals. As the sessions went on, we were blown away by the progress we were making. It wasn’t just about teaching Buster commands — Jaime helped us build a foundation of trust, communication, and understanding with our dog. The transformation was incredible. By the end of our one on one sessions, we had a totally different dog, not only better behaved, but genuinely happier and more connected with us. And as dog owners, we feel so much more confident and empowered, too. What stood out most is Jaime’s passion for his work. It’s not just a job for him, it’s a calling. He’s deeply committed, patient, and genuinely cares about every dog and family he works with. That kind of dedication is rare and so appreciated. Thank you, Jaime, for helping us bring out the best version of Buster and ourselves as dog owners. We truly can’t recommend you enough!!!
  • Jaime Lake
    Mar. 31, 2025
    Taylor was the best. He was patient and immediately able to evaluate and customize a training protocol for my reactive dog, Finn. Our in-home sessions went very smoothly and Finn showed improvement each week. I chose the package with in-home and 12 group sessions after and we started with our first group session on Saturday. Finn is already less reactive and I can’t wait to see how good he is by the last group session. Highly recommend Taylor and Dog Training Elite!
  • Carolyn McKnight
    Mar. 25, 2025
    Great trainers for service dogs, beautiful boarding facility in rural setting with 15 fenced acres for dogs to explore.
  • Lori Palmer
    Mar. 11, 2025
    Taylor was amazing with our new puppy, Max. He learned so much in the lessons we had and we are looking forward to the group classes! Taylor was very flexible with our busy schedule. We can’t say enough good things about our whole experience!
  • G C
    Aug. 19, 2024
    I can’t say enough good things about Jamie and DTE! Our dog gets reactive when seeing other dogs she doesn’t know, making walks stressful. Thanks to Jamie’s help and guidance, she is much more manageable. He is patient, knowledgeable, and truly cares about our progress. Walks are more enjoyable and I feel more confident handling her in different situations. Highly recommend to anyone needing professional and effective dog training!
  • Viviana Aponte Cruz
    Feb. 28, 2025
    Jaime was very patient and a great trainer. My dog loved him and we have been able to travel by airplane without problems after training him for service dog. Definitely recommend :)
  • AW
    Jan. 30, 2025
    Taylor is the best! He was always very accommodating with scheduling and super informative during the in-home sessions. Excited to implement what we have already learned at group class and continuing to build on that knowledge!
  • Nitha Robin
    Jan. 29, 2025
    Dog Training Elite provides convenient and effective training in the comfort of our own home, I highly recommend! Our trainer was Taylor, he did an amazing job with our dog Johny, explaining the training concepts and providing helpful feedback as well as encouragement during training. He was very flexible, I couldn't ask for a better trainer and mentor to work with!
  • Kimberly Hooven
    Jan. 29, 2025
    We’ve had an amazing experience with Taylor! He came out for an initial free consultation, and right from the start, we were impressed by his knowledge and passion. After meeting him and seeing him interact with our dog we were very impressed at how knowledgeable and passionate he was. After just five home sessions, our pup has learned so much and picked up all the commands quickly. We're excited to start group classes now. We highly recommend Taylor to anyone!
  • Dustin Keen
    Jan. 29, 2025
    Cannot say enough great things about Taylor and the training he provides. He’s been flexible, professional and makes the training fun. Would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a better trained pup or dog. Chessie has been making great progress from everything we’ve learned from Taylor and we’re looking forward to the group sessions. 5 stars all around.
  • lisa Gallagher
    Dec. 10, 2024
    I cannot say enough good things about Taylor! We were blown away after the first session. His knowledge and love of dogs is apparent in his work. Not only did he spend time with myself and my husband, he spent a whole training session with our children to ensure that they were a part of the team as well! He really has changed our lives!
  • Brendan Smith
    Nov. 14, 2024
    We are super pleased with Taylor and his services. Taylor is professional, friendly and most importantly, very knowledgeable. We contacted Taylor when we realized our 125lb, 1 year old, Rottweiler named Wayne needed some professional training. He is a very friendly dog but is large and very active. After working with Taylor, Wayne has learned numerous commands, no longer pulls when he is walked, and is a lot easier to handle. I highly recommend Taylor to anyone in need of dog training.
  • Tom Spitko Jr.
    Nov. 7, 2024
    Excellent experience with Taylor and Dog Training Elite. After 5 in-home sessions we've noticed a significant difference in our dogs listening and response times. Looking forward to group training. Taylor was very patient and explained how to deliver the commands in great detail and would also go over the dogs psyche and what they may be thinking. Very helpful and highly recommend.
  • Pete Mignogna
    Oct. 11, 2024
    We had a great experience with Taylor and Dog Training Elite. Hermione is a 6 month GSD who was showing some guarding/reactive behaviors. Taylor was able to show us tips on this right away, and we saw improvements within the first week. After 5 sessions, she has become very obedient and has responded quickly to all training techniques. Very glad we went forward with the training and I highly recommend!
  • Calli Popolo
    Sep. 21, 2024
    We have just completed our one-on-one training sessions with Taylor and we have nothing but great things to say. We noticed Cooper had a fear of children and large dogs that did not always come across in the nicest of ways. Taylor assured us that this training would help Cooper gain confidence to face situations he was once fearful of. Taylor has been so patient with Cooper as he can be a little stubborn at times! Coop was always happy to see him and in a short amount of time, he has already grown so much. We highly recommend Taylor and Dog Training Elite!
  • Donna Barlow
    Sep. 5, 2024
    Taylor was very professional and Cinnamon learned quickly as long as you keep up with the training your pup will be a well mannered dog I highly recommend dog training elite
  • Michael Henley
    Sep. 5, 2024
    Taylor is a true professional, best-in-class at getting my crazy puppies Dixie & Dolly well behaved and consistently responding to commands. He also gives broader advice on raising the pups and is always cordial, polite, understanding and I would recommend him to anyone looking for a dog trainer in Chester County!
  • Daniel Flowers
    Sep. 2, 2024
    It has been a joy watching our dog transform after traning from Dog Training Elite. Trainer Vincent was professional, on time, and personable.
  • Ashley Gray
    Aug. 20, 2024
    We had a fantastic experience with Taylor and Dog Training Elite! Our dog, Tony Soprano, is a beautiful 1.5 year old Boxer. Beauty aside, Tony was stubborn, didn’t listen to anyone, and even had anxiety like the true Tony Soprano himself. We tried traditional training, and even another company with only some improvements. Tony seemed to always decide himself when he wanted to behave. After the in-home sessions with Taylor, Tony developed into a confident and obedient dog. Taylor was very patient with Tony (and us) throughout the whole process. We highly recommend Taylor and his services!
  • Whitney Hughes
    Aug. 19, 2024
    Working with Vincent and Dog Training Elite has been the greatest investment we've made for our 11 month old bernedoodle, Percy. In a matter of weeks, Percy has transformed from wild, unruly, and stubborn to well mannered and eager to learn. Training is just as much for the dog as it is for the human, and Vincent has been excellent at training us both! He is calm and confident in his instruction, and we have all greatly enjoyed working with him. I would highly recommend DTE and Vincent for all your training needs.
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 in Philadelphia.

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 in Philadelphia’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

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Dog Training Elite in Philadelphia - Service Dog Training in Philadelphia, PA. Dog Training Elite
Service Dog Training
Dog Training Elite in Philadelphia - Anxiety & Aggression Dog Trainer in Philadelphia, PA
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A fully trained service dog from Dog Training Elite in Philadelphia.

Philadelphia Emotional Support Dog Training

Why Choose DTE for Therapy Dog Training?

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At Dog Training Elite in Philadelphia, 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 in Philadelphia.
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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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