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

Therapy Dog Training

Dog Training Elite Salt Lake City

Booking Request


Dog Training Elite Salt Lake City online booking

Request Free Assessment

Booking Request


Dog Training Elite Salt Lake City online booking

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 Salt Lake 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 Salt Lake 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 Salt Lake 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.

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 Salt Lake 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

  • Bob
    Nov. 6, 2024
    He explained the different programs available. What I could expect to happen. Loved his and Baba’s connection.
  • Suzanne Bray
    Nov. 5, 2024
    Jeff has been wonderful to work with! Always on time. Explains what each session will include and trains us so we can properly train the dog! Haha! We are excited to start group classes and keep going on our training! We have noticed a big difference in our dogs behavior and she’s even become more cuddly if that was possible.
  • Laura Uhle
    Oct. 1, 2024
    These guys are wonderful and I am so grateful to have them training my sweet girl right now. I've had a lot of extra requests and they've taken care of my needs above and beyond thus far. I expect to continue to work with them on an ongoing basis and other our other dog soon!! Thumbs up for Jake, McCall, Meggie, and Oakley as well as Jeff, who did some home training with us earlier this year and is now diligently working on training me to be a better and more consistent handler High five ✋ to these guys!! I'm going to enroll my other pup very soon in the advanced training:) Thanks again, Laura Uhle
  • Lauren Carpenter DeVoe
    Nov. 2, 2024
    Jeff is amazing! I can tell he loves my dog and he is so great at teaching not only our pup but us, too!
  • Kari Bide
    Nov. 1, 2024
    We and our pup have had a great experience with McCall and Maggie and Dog Training Elite. We have an anxious and sometimes a stubborn little man and they took their time to work with him where he was at and help him grow. I am so grateful for McCall and Maggie they are both amazing trainers and really helped us at pick up to make sure we were all on the same page and his training continued at home. By the end of his first week out pup was excited for drop off to see his trainers and his fur friends. We excited to continue working with dog training elite with their in-home and group trainings in the future.
  • Josh B
    Oct. 30, 2024
    Had a great experience with Dog Training Elite. McCall was the main trainer for Daisy and the transformation we saw in just a couple weeks was incredible. She made sure to address all the concerns I had with Daisy. All the trainers that we worked with were great and super friendly. I would absolutely recommend people here.
  • Rachel Parent
    Sep. 27, 2024
    We have 2 Berners - one pup, one 4 yr old - both brought into our home in September. After consulting with Dallin, we enrolled in the 2 week program at the training location in Sandy. McCall was their trainer for the duration of the 2 week program -- and trained us as well! Minnie and Moochie began to RUN to load into our vehicle for their 20 minute ride to the training! They happily demonstrated all their learned that day. We are using all the tools and techniques at home, to reinforce their training. We have SO many naughty LITTLE dogs (owners) in our neighborhood and want our dogs to make people happy, not angry. We already know that this was worth the investment. Additionally, the training space is very clean. The one disadvantage is there isn't a grassy spot very close to the training center (there is a small patch around the corner adjacent to the shopping center - but has some litter) - and our pups wanted one last 'break' before we loaded them into the car. Even so, that disadvantage is survivable and should not be a deterrent engaging with DTE. We are looking forward to their Saturday sessions, to continue our learning as well as their socialization!
  • Anna Sosnina
    Oct. 29, 2024
    Dallin came for an in home assessment, he was professional and courteous, discussed the program and payment options and let me know the next steps in a clear and a concise way.
  • CYNDE ROW
    Oct. 1, 2024
    Dallin is always so informative and an excellent dog trainer!
  • Anelise Gardner
    Oct. 24, 2024
    Jeff is absolutely amazing! He helped me and max feel more comfortable in the airport. And he made me more confident in my abilities! He was super patient with me throughout the whole session and understood when i needed breaks. I can tell that jeff is very passionate about his job and enjoys every minute of it.
  • Shondene Ammon
    Oct. 23, 2024
    McCall and the whole team here are incredible. My dog is thrilled to go to school and is a happy & well behaved pup thanks to them. Highly recommend.
  • Andres Dominguez III
    Oct. 23, 2024
    I would strong recommend DTE to any dog owner! All the trainers and staff are excellent and they have provided excellent training instruction to both Alpha (doberman puppy) and myself. This should be a requirement before anyone buys or adopts a new dog!
  • Megan McManus
    Oct. 23, 2024
    I cannot recommend Dog Training Elite enough! I recently adopted a dog and was unsure how to go about training, especially as more unwanted behaviors (barking, jumping when greeting people) started to pop up. Everyone I have met from DTE was incredibly kind and knowledgable, and happy to listen to me about what I was struggling with and help work on these issues with both me and my dog. McCall truly cared for my dog, and I feel like we now have the foundation for good manners in a range of different social situations. I could also tell that my pup had a great time and was so excited to learn more each day. I am already so much more comfortable bringing my dog around and confident that we will only be able to improve with both our one-on-one sessions, as well as the group classes to come. It is really hard for me as a first time dog owner to know what the best choice for my dog is, but I am so glad I went with Dog Training Elite. Thank you!!
  • Heather Martinez
    Oct. 20, 2024
    Worth every penny, and I should have signed up for dog training sooner. The whole crew at DTE are knowledgable, kind, and took the time to customize a training program for my unique situation and even individualized between my two dogs. I am so pleased! Thanks Jeff, Dallin, McCall & Oakley! You have been a game changer in my releationship with my dogs.
  • Rebecca Williams
    Oct. 18, 2024
    Always great to work with Dallin! He gives great advice and is good at demonstrating how to train your pup. Dallin’s the best!
  • Ally Cirenza
    Oct. 15, 2024
    We did the platinum package that included 2 weeks of day camp, along with private lessons and group classes. We’ve been impressed with all of the individualized advice and direction we’ve gotten from DTE. And all the trainers are extremely enthusiastic and knowledgeable. I was pretty blown away by the change we saw after just the first week. Our girl Stevie still has some growing to do, but I feel that we have the tools to meet our goals. Stevie was a reactive shelter dog that is quickly growing into a confident, playful, well-adjusted girl.
  • Ronald Taylor
    Oct. 1, 2024
    Dallin is amazing! Giveg my family and I many different ways of handling our dog. It is amazing 👏
  • Marial Clark
    Oct. 14, 2024
    All of the staff are amazing! I have been working mostly with Jeff and Oakley, but everyone there knows about my dog and his progress, and are always ready and willing to answer my questions and help us on our training journey. They offer a wide variety of in home and studio classes, and personalize your training to fit your dog’s needs. I highly recommend them.
  • Rosanne Gerrard
    Sep. 25, 2024
    We love our home sessions with Dallin.
  • Sondra Fern
    Oct. 6, 2024
    Dallin was great! He was on time and has awesome energy. My puppy loves him! He gave me some very useful tips on correcting jumping and button training my puppy. He is also very knowledgeable and explains behaviors in a very easy to understand way.
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 Salt Lake 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 Salt Lake 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.

Additional Training Programs

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Dog Training Elite Salt Lake City - Elite Puppy Training in Salt Lake City, UT. DTE
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Dog Training Elite Salt Lake City - Aggressive Dog Training in Salt Lake City, UT. DTE
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Dog Training Elite Salt Lake City - Top Group Dog Training in Salt Lake City, UT. DTE
Group Training
A fully trained service dog from Dog Training Elite Salt Lake City.

Salt Lake City Emotional Support Dog Training

Why Choose DTE for Therapy Dog Training?

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At Dog Training Elite Salt Lake 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 Salt Lake 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.