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

Therapy Dog Training

Dog Training Elite

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

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, 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.

See Training Packages
A therapy dog in training with Dog Training Elite'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

  • Michael Hook
    Mar. 14, 2025
    Working out well😎
  • Christina Bernard
    Dec. 17, 2024
    Badgers first training session was a game changer looking forward to working with Beth! Thank you! Week 8 and I am over the moon! When Badger and me started with Beth and Rene I was skeptical as my pup had spent 15 months 24/7 with me with very little contact with other humans and that being family only . He jumped, barked pulled had no direction! Ahh 8 weeks later I ask myself who is this gentle 80 pound pup who listens to all commands, come, sit, down , heal and place! I can walk with him and take him in the public! Thank you Beth and Rene! I am a senior citizen and a 80 pound pulling jumping dog is not fun. Thanks to you I enjoy Badger and others can to! I recommend you and your business to anyone with a dog! Thank you from Badger and Christina.
  • cbarbrun3
    Jun. 10, 2025
    I can't say enough good things about DGE, the trainers Renee and Beth and the incredible work they are doing with my dog, Rosti. From the very first session of behavior training up to her work on Therapy Service training it is clear that they have a genuine passion for helping dogs and their owners succeed.
  • Breanna Holtman
    Jun. 10, 2025
    They helped a lot with getting my dog oreo under control and listening to ky commands!
  • Lizbeth Fernandez
    Jan. 3, 2025
    We have a great time with Mia’s training! Dog Training Elite was the best decision for me and my dog, we have learned so much and it just keeps getting better!! Maria has been doing an amazing job with Mia. I know Malinois can be very high driven but you guys have give me the confidence to train my dog and I’m very proud of her!!
  • Todd Greene
    Jun. 10, 2025
    Love. 6 stars. Every single trainer has been on it. Jeff, McCall, & Dallin, A+.
  • Cameron Simmons
    Jun. 9, 2025
    Montana, Liam and the whole Elite team have been amazing!! Praline and I love working with them!
  • Theresa Matson
    Jun. 9, 2025
    Dog Training Elite was amazing with our 5-year-old Springer Spaniel, Finn! From the very beginning, he connected instantly with Marcy, which made the entire training experience even more effective and enjoyable. Honestly, Finn caught on quickly—it was us humans who needed the most guidance! Marcy was incredibly patient, kind, and full of knowledge. She not only helped Finn improve his behavior but also gave us the tools and confidence to continue reinforcing the training at home. We’re so grateful for her expertise and would highly recommend Dog Training Elite to anyone looking for a professional, compassionate trainer.
  • Desirae Wagnon
    Jun. 9, 2025
    Graci came and helped us with our needs!! She made sure we understood everything about the training. I can’t wait to work with the team on training!
  • Claudia Rubio
    Jun. 9, 2025
    We’ve had a fantastic experience with Dog Training Elite West Houston. The team is professional, knowledgeable, and consistently reliable—always organized, punctual, and responsive to any questions we have. Our dog has shown major improvement in the behaviors we wanted to work on, and we’ve learned a lot about how to support her confidence and obedience. The training has helped both our dog and us grow together. We highly recommend this company and plan to keep working with them as we continue building our skills and helping our dog overcome her fears!
  • Molly Ellis
    Jun. 9, 2025
    Carrie was terrific— good w us and great w our dogs We learned a lot and so did the dogs— we highly recommend her
  • Nikki Wyman
    Apr. 28, 2025
    I have a smart, sneaky dog who has responded so well to training with DTE and private sessions with Dallin. My dog and I have better boundaries, behavior, and understanding now. It gives me priceless peace of mind.
  • Leida D
    Jun. 9, 2025
    They have the perfect program for my dog who is a pitti/german/mutt mix. They train you and your dog. My dog responded quickly and we saw changes in his behavior within 2 weeks.
  • AL C
    Jun. 8, 2025
    I was looking for training for my puppies! My girls were so energetic and jumpy. Very quickly DTE got my pups down and listening! Their pricing is worth every minute they spent training with them. The results are long lasting and guaranteed! Thanks Parker -
  • Ashlynne Kirkland
    Jun. 8, 2025
    Absolutely amazing!! The best dog trainers out there. Definitely money well spent. Parker was a pleasure to work with and he makes sure to pay special attention to detail and will leave you feeling confident in your ability to carry on what they teach. My Blaze went from temperamental to obedient and we have been closer than ever! He no longer gets snippy at people and listens well. I would 1000% recommend.
  • Darin Barber
    Jun. 8, 2025
    Dog Training Elite and Parker helped me take my dog from an anxious wreck to an obedient rockstar. I watched him grow in confidence every time he came to our house for a session. I would definitely recommend their dog training services!
  • Jennifer Moylan
    Jun. 8, 2025
    A positive experience from the first point of contact - responsive, courteous, professional. I rescued a NYC dog who had a lot of baggage, none of which is her fault, but I needed a very experienced trainer and my research found Jason and Dog Training Elite. Thankfully, they could come to me across the state. Pearl's training has been specific to her needs and our needs as owners. Jason teaches you how to set your dog up for success while adapting to your home and your lifestyle. It is not a one size fits all solution. In my case, Jason has taught me how to train Pearl, it is not just him working with Pearl - so I have become a more confident handler and a better leader for Pearl. We are BOTH happier thanks to our sessions. For Pearl, it is a marathon, not a sprint, and I'm grateful that I have Dog Training Elite on our side - I feel comfortable reaching out for guidance and advice outside of our sessions. I recommend them to anyone who wants to help their dog be the best they can be. Thank you, Jason & Team! Jennifer, Granby CT
  • Victoria McCullough
    Jun. 8, 2025
    Liam is an excellent trainer! He really helped tailor the lessons to help us better understand and respond to our reactive and sometimes aggressive dog. If you are stressed or frustrated around dog training, highly recommend Dog Training Elite!
  • Kaylene Graber
    Jun. 7, 2025
    Elijah did a wonderful job explaining all the steps in the process of training. He was thorough with what those steps look like he provided great examples of videos of the scent test and then he provided a real life example of the obedience training with his own dog Ash thank you for working with us and our family. We can’t wait to start training!
  • Dana Curtis
    Jun. 7, 2025
    I can’t say enough wonderful things about Dog Training Elite—and especially about Mia. From the very first session, Mia has brought so much heart, skill, and intentionality into training my dog, Ruthie, as a psychiatric service dog for my private practice. As a therapist and small business owner, this journey has been deeply meaningful to me, and Mia has been an incredible partner in the process. She approaches every session with patience, professionalism, and a deep understanding of the unique bond between handler and dog. Mia has helped me grow in confidence as a handler, and she’s supported Ruthie with such care and attunement—always meeting her where she’s at, while gently challenging her to grow. Thanks to Mia and the Dog Training Elite team, Ruthie and I are well on our way to becoming a working service dog team. I feel so supported, not just in the technical training, but in the emotional and relational side of this journey too. If you’re considering psychiatric service dog training—or any advanced training—Mia is someone you want by your side.
  • Michael Hook
    Mar. 14, 2025
    Working out well😎
  • Christina Bernard
    Dec. 17, 2024
    Badgers first training session was a game changer looking forward to working with Beth! Thank you! Week 8 and I am over the moon! When Badger and me started with Beth and Rene I was skeptical as my pup had spent 15 months 24/7 with me with very little contact with other humans and that being family only . He jumped, barked pulled had no direction! Ahh 8 weeks later I ask myself who is this gentle 80 pound pup who listens to all commands, come, sit, down , heal and place! I can walk with him and take him in the public! Thank you Beth and Rene! I am a senior citizen and a 80 pound pulling jumping dog is not fun. Thanks to you I enjoy Badger and others can to! I recommend you and your business to anyone with a dog! Thank you from Badger and Christina.
  • cbarbrun3
    Jun. 10, 2025
    I can't say enough good things about DGE, the trainers Renee and Beth and the incredible work they are doing with my dog, Rosti. From the very first session of behavior training up to her work on Therapy Service training it is clear that they have a genuine passion for helping dogs and their owners succeed.
  • Breanna Holtman
    Jun. 10, 2025
    They helped a lot with getting my dog oreo under control and listening to ky commands!
  • Lizbeth Fernandez
    Jan. 3, 2025
    We have a great time with Mia’s training! Dog Training Elite was the best decision for me and my dog, we have learned so much and it just keeps getting better!! Maria has been doing an amazing job with Mia. I know Malinois can be very high driven but you guys have give me the confidence to train my dog and I’m very proud of her!!
  • Todd Greene
    Jun. 10, 2025
    Love. 6 stars. Every single trainer has been on it. Jeff, McCall, & Dallin, A+.
  • Cameron Simmons
    Jun. 9, 2025
    Montana, Liam and the whole Elite team have been amazing!! Praline and I love working with them!
  • Theresa Matson
    Jun. 9, 2025
    Dog Training Elite was amazing with our 5-year-old Springer Spaniel, Finn! From the very beginning, he connected instantly with Marcy, which made the entire training experience even more effective and enjoyable. Honestly, Finn caught on quickly—it was us humans who needed the most guidance! Marcy was incredibly patient, kind, and full of knowledge. She not only helped Finn improve his behavior but also gave us the tools and confidence to continue reinforcing the training at home. We’re so grateful for her expertise and would highly recommend Dog Training Elite to anyone looking for a professional, compassionate trainer.
  • Desirae Wagnon
    Jun. 9, 2025
    Graci came and helped us with our needs!! She made sure we understood everything about the training. I can’t wait to work with the team on training!
  • Claudia Rubio
    Jun. 9, 2025
    We’ve had a fantastic experience with Dog Training Elite West Houston. The team is professional, knowledgeable, and consistently reliable—always organized, punctual, and responsive to any questions we have. Our dog has shown major improvement in the behaviors we wanted to work on, and we’ve learned a lot about how to support her confidence and obedience. The training has helped both our dog and us grow together. We highly recommend this company and plan to keep working with them as we continue building our skills and helping our dog overcome her fears!
  • Molly Ellis
    Jun. 9, 2025
    Carrie was terrific— good w us and great w our dogs We learned a lot and so did the dogs— we highly recommend her
  • Nikki Wyman
    Apr. 28, 2025
    I have a smart, sneaky dog who has responded so well to training with DTE and private sessions with Dallin. My dog and I have better boundaries, behavior, and understanding now. It gives me priceless peace of mind.
  • Leida D
    Jun. 9, 2025
    They have the perfect program for my dog who is a pitti/german/mutt mix. They train you and your dog. My dog responded quickly and we saw changes in his behavior within 2 weeks.
  • AL C
    Jun. 8, 2025
    I was looking for training for my puppies! My girls were so energetic and jumpy. Very quickly DTE got my pups down and listening! Their pricing is worth every minute they spent training with them. The results are long lasting and guaranteed! Thanks Parker -
  • Ashlynne Kirkland
    Jun. 8, 2025
    Absolutely amazing!! The best dog trainers out there. Definitely money well spent. Parker was a pleasure to work with and he makes sure to pay special attention to detail and will leave you feeling confident in your ability to carry on what they teach. My Blaze went from temperamental to obedient and we have been closer than ever! He no longer gets snippy at people and listens well. I would 1000% recommend.
  • Darin Barber
    Jun. 8, 2025
    Dog Training Elite and Parker helped me take my dog from an anxious wreck to an obedient rockstar. I watched him grow in confidence every time he came to our house for a session. I would definitely recommend their dog training services!
  • Jennifer Moylan
    Jun. 8, 2025
    A positive experience from the first point of contact - responsive, courteous, professional. I rescued a NYC dog who had a lot of baggage, none of which is her fault, but I needed a very experienced trainer and my research found Jason and Dog Training Elite. Thankfully, they could come to me across the state. Pearl's training has been specific to her needs and our needs as owners. Jason teaches you how to set your dog up for success while adapting to your home and your lifestyle. It is not a one size fits all solution. In my case, Jason has taught me how to train Pearl, it is not just him working with Pearl - so I have become a more confident handler and a better leader for Pearl. We are BOTH happier thanks to our sessions. For Pearl, it is a marathon, not a sprint, and I'm grateful that I have Dog Training Elite on our side - I feel comfortable reaching out for guidance and advice outside of our sessions. I recommend them to anyone who wants to help their dog be the best they can be. Thank you, Jason & Team! Jennifer, Granby CT
  • Victoria McCullough
    Jun. 8, 2025
    Liam is an excellent trainer! He really helped tailor the lessons to help us better understand and respond to our reactive and sometimes aggressive dog. If you are stressed or frustrated around dog training, highly recommend Dog Training Elite!
  • Kaylene Graber
    Jun. 7, 2025
    Elijah did a wonderful job explaining all the steps in the process of training. He was thorough with what those steps look like he provided great examples of videos of the scent test and then he provided a real life example of the obedience training with his own dog Ash thank you for working with us and our family. We can’t wait to start training!
  • Dana Curtis
    Jun. 7, 2025
    I can’t say enough wonderful things about Dog Training Elite—and especially about Mia. From the very first session, Mia has brought so much heart, skill, and intentionality into training my dog, Ruthie, as a psychiatric service dog for my private practice. As a therapist and small business owner, this journey has been deeply meaningful to me, and Mia has been an incredible partner in the process. She approaches every session with patience, professionalism, and a deep understanding of the unique bond between handler and dog. Mia has helped me grow in confidence as a handler, and she’s supported Ruthie with such care and attunement—always meeting her where she’s at, while gently challenging her to grow. Thanks to Mia and the Dog Training Elite team, Ruthie and I are well on our way to becoming a working service dog team. I feel so supported, not just in the technical training, but in the emotional and relational side of this journey too. If you’re considering psychiatric service dog training—or any advanced training—Mia is someone you want by your side.
An obedient dog in a 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.

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’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

Dog Training Elite - Dog Obedience Training. DTE

Obedience Training

Dog Training Elite - Puppy Training. Dog Training Elite

Puppy Training

Dog Training Elite - Service Dog Training. Dog Training Elite

Service Dog Training

Dog Training Elite - Anxiety & Aggression Dog Trainer. DTE

Anxiety & Aggression

Dog Training Elite - Top Protection Dog Training. Dog Training Elite

Personal Protection

Dog Training Elite - Group Class Dog Training. DTE

Group Training

A fully trained service dog from Dog Training Elite.

Emotional Support Dog Training

Why Choose DTE for Therapy Dog Training?

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At Dog Training Elite, 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.
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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.