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A therapy dog is a dog who visits places like schools, hospitals and nursing homes. Therapy dog training in Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City 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!
Dallin was professional in explaining the available programs -- without any pressure to "buy-up." I recently brought a 4y and 4m old Berner into my home. They exhibited their full range to him -- vocalization, jumpy, calm, puppy biting, and their need for attention. My animals quickly showed they were comfortable with him -- and he with them. We are looking forward to engaging in the 2w camp program!! Our vet is also delighted we have decided on this company/this program as a great fit!— Rachel Parent
Posted September 27th 2024
We love our home sessions with Dallin. We learn so much each visit.— Rosanne Gerrard
Posted September 25th 2024
Great direction for me and a fun and structured atmosphere during training for my dog Phoenix!— tracy brickner
Posted September 24th 2024
The trainer was great. He was able to train me... and Juno (my Bernese) as well. We have gone from a dog with little obedience to a dog that walks without a leash. Something I didn't expect, the bonds between Juno and me are stronger.— Tim Rose
Posted September 14th 2024
I have loved DTE and will happily recommend them to my friends and neighbors. They are professional, but also friendly and down to earth. We have loved the trainers we’ve worked with equally. Jeff is awesome! Our pup has loved him, and so do we. He is very knowledgeable and has helped us tremendously. Dallin is the best too! He is so gentle and friendly with our sweet dog, and we love his style. Our lives are so much better thanks to DTE and we are so happy with their service.— Caroline Morris
Posted August 29th 2024
Truly couldn’t recommend Dog Training Elite enough. I had a very reactive “aggressive” puppy that I was very close to dropping off at the pound and running as far as I could. I did the puppy den program and I have a completely different dog. He is sweet, loves other dogs and people, is confident and so well behaved. Jeff, Dalin, and Jake are Amazing and so so knowledgeable. They gave me all the tools that I could practice at home to be successful in training Billy. The in home training was so helpful. They were always right on time and attentive to what we needed help with. They continue to give me support with any questions or anything I’ve needed. Scheduling and communication has been awesome as well. Definitely worth the investment! There’s nothing better than a well behaved puppy/dog! So grateful for every single one of them!— Lara Draper
Posted July 16th 2024
Banjo and I have been part of the DTE family for over a year. We love everyone there! Every single person there is so knowledgeable and truly knows what is best for Banjo and myself. I can’t say enough nice things about DTE and will always reccomend them for any of your training needs. I’m truly grateful for everything they’ve done for me and Banjo!— Amanda Downes
Posted July 15th 2024
Dallin, dog training elite, frankly all the employees we’ve worked with or that have worked with our puppy coco have been fantastic. We’re new to the puppy/dog ownership process and dog training elite came highly recommend from dear friends of ours. We had an assessment and then opted for the whole den puppy package. Whether it’s been the flexibility and willingness to accommodate when I’ve needed to change appointment times, or making sure my questions and concerns are answered and addressed and proper techniques taught with each visit, our experience has been amazing. The trainers and facility staff have always been very professional and it’s been a delight anytime Dallin or Jeff have come to our home. They have given me the confidence to know how to train a dog and frankly that we can be a dog family and that everyone, including little coco, can thrive and be successful. We would highly recommend dog training elite to anyone looking for stellar dog training.— Joseph Wixom
Posted July 7th 2024
I have loved working with Dog Training Elite! The dog trainers truly care for the dogs and cater to their needs. The therapy dog program is amazing and has been very rewarding. Investing in my dog and sending him to dog training elite has been the best!— Andrea Jensen
Posted July 3rd 2024
Dog training elite is an amazing operation. The staff is very friendly and really cares about their clients and pets. My dog Kona has done amazing, from their training. She can go into public places, sit, down, place, and heel. She has become very obedient. They have also helped her become very social with other dogs. I have complete confidence in her safety and health while she is in their care.— zac barber
Posted July 3rd 2024
Amazing! Professional trainers who take all the time and effort their clients need to make sure each dog is trained and performing beautifully! DTE is worth every penny! Each trainer is top-notch and cares for each dog with love and respect. I give DTE a 100 out of 100 and recommend that every dog owner should show their love for their pups by ensuring the very best training for every stage of life. My heart felt thanks to the trainers at Dog Training Elite! I don't have the words to express my gratitude for the results. In 7 months, my pup transformed from a scared rescue to my loyal service dog who obeys and loves her family completely. 🥰👍 my life is forever changed! THANK YOU ALL!— Matt Prentice
Posted May 27th 2024
We have two small dogs with lots of energy, fear of larger dogs and people, and barkiness! The trainers at Dog Training Elite were so knowledgeable about how to approach their individual issues. After two weeks of training, we were amazed at the transformation. Our pups are much more confident, obedient, and willing to learn new skills. They are still young and have more to learn, so we are grateful for the continuing group classes and in home sessions. Thank you to Jake, McCall, Jeff and Dallin for all their help and patience with us and our pups!— Jonathan and Marisa Schwartz
Posted May 2nd 2024
I had an extremely positive experience with Dog Training Elite and Jeff. My dog is able to comfortably go on hikes off leash and is happier than ever.— Zachary Kriesberg
Posted May 1st 2024
I love Dobermans my 10 year old passed away so I just got a rescue, she was mistreated and very reactive ,my standard training practices were not working.Jeff the trainer has rescued us. Don’t fear the e collar this has been the easiest fastest safest way I have ever trained a dog Thank u so much Jeff— Lori Barker
Posted April 11th 2024
DTE has been absolutely fantastic over the past couple years. Their staff is responsive, friendly, and professional. They are prompt to address any questions or concerns and always put in their full effort to help in any way they can. I've trained three dogs with them, and every time it's a wonderful experience!— Bryce Magera
Posted March 25th 2024
Great instructors who are knowledgeable and friendly. A much better value for your money, as they include group classes in the total price. Highly recommend!— Bethany Foster
Posted February 23rd 2024
Jake and McCall were amazing, Intuitive, patient and knowledgeable. We always thought our boy was not the brightest bulb, but Jake saw right through his deception and let us know he was lazy and stubborn and how we could work with him. We came home with a new dog and the tools to keep training him at home. Elite is worth every penny.— Scott Hester-Johnson
Posted February 21st 2024
Dog Training Elite has changed my puppy from an obnoxious pain to the dream dog I hoped he could be. Evans work showed me not only the capability of my dog but the potential and love my puppy has. I cound not be happier with the training and the trainers. They are over the top amazing.— Bob Widrick
Posted January 29th 2024
DTE totally changed my dogs behavior and there staff are amazing. Highly recommended them— Justin Newsome
Posted January 26th 2024
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 Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City’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 Salt Lake City. 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 Salt Lake City?
The Dog Training Elite Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City. Request your free training demo and in-home assessment today.
