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

Therapy Dog Training

Dog Training Elite Utah County

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 Utah County, 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 Utah County, 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.

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

  • Tiff P
    Feb. 10, 2025
    We met Deira for our first visit. I couldn't be more excited to have her help us!
  • Dustin Taylor
    Jan. 7, 2025
    I highly recommend this company. They are awesome. Deidre is amazing. Looking forward to the future.
  • Joe
    Feb. 4, 2025
    They are always wonderful and understanding. We have a rescue that has some behavior issues, we have used trainers from big box stores and professional trainers. We have had the most success with Dog Training Elite! Some of what we learned at the big box store classes enforced bad behavior masking it as part of the learning. Should have started at Dog Training Elite!
  • Kimberly Ruesch
    Jan. 25, 2025
    We have worked with Meagan and Deidre so far. We are only a few weeks into our training but it is clear that Dog Training Elite Utah County know their stuff. It has been such a positive experience. I looked forward to our future training sessions and can’t wait to learn more from this amazing group of trainers.
  • brittny hart
    Oct. 14, 2022
    Evan, Ryan and Deidre have been amazing! We had so much chaos and lack of structure for our dogs, and they have given us relief and resources. They have done all of the hard work in teaching new behavior to our dog, and then taught us how to continue the training. It has made all the difference in our lifestyle. I would ABSOLUTELY recommend them to everyone.
  • Amy Ritchie
    Jan. 14, 2025
    Deidre took the time to go over all of our questions during our consultation. She worked well with our Great Dane and we already learned things even during our consultation. Thanks Deidre!
  • Scott Peterson
    Jan. 9, 2025
    Very knowledgeable and friendly. She knew what we asked and was very professional. I highly recommend her and am glad we will see her again.
  • William Provence
    Jan. 9, 2025
    She was awesome.
  • Celeste Lopez
    Jan. 6, 2025
    Meagan knows her stuff ! She taught me so much while she visited. Would recommend !
  • Nicole Needles
    Apr. 27, 2024
    Dog Training Elite has been absolutely phenomenal. I first started working with them to help my dog Nico become a service dog. Throughout the process, he and I have both grown more confident in what we do. The trainers have given me and showed me the tools to help Nico and I need to succeed. They are extremely knowledgeable and patient. One thing I value most is, they aren't just training the dog, they are training me as well.
  • Teresa Weber
    Dec. 12, 2024
    Great experience. I gained useful knowledge about training my dog.
  • Karen Delgado
    Oct. 11, 2024
    My experience so far has been amazing. I’m beyond happy with Deidre Wilson! She has been amazing with my Doberman and has such a natural connection with my entire pack. Deidre is not only talented but also takes the time to explain everything, educating me and giving me the confidence to succeed with my Doberman. I couldn’t ask for a better dog trainer! Kaycee is also fantastic, always patient and flexible with our schedule, making the entire experience seamless. I highly recommend them both and their staff.
  • Cassie Baldonado
    Nov. 7, 2024
    Deidre is a great trainer. She knows what she’s doing an explains things very well, so you can understand. Definitely recommend 10 out of 10
  • Les Baxley
    Nov. 5, 2024
    Very happy with this special session. Now I'll work on the things she showed me.
  • Sabastien Robbins
    Sep. 27, 2024
    Deidre is one of the coolest people I’ve ever met! She is incredibly knowledgeable and friendly. She’s great with my dog, she’s honest and helpful. I’ve really enjoyed our time with her and the success both my dog and I have had thanks to her!
  • Samantha Rasmussen
    Sep. 18, 2024
    We love Deidre! The work she and Megan have done with our little doggie has been absolutely amazing.
  • Lacie Valgardson
    Oct. 23, 2024
    She was great deidre worked really well with my puppy and made him listen awesome.
  • Karissa Illu
    Apr. 1, 2024
    Follow up 6 months later-Reggie had some continued training to learn to fetch things for his girl, and is absolutely incredible at it thanks to Evan and his team!..We also took a trip to Florida with Reggie. First flight with him, Disney World, and Universal Studios for ten days straight. He did absolutely remarkable, and most people didn’t even realize we had a dog with us until they noticed his Minnie ears. He was able to ride several rides with his girl, and did incredible! Elite dog training is the absolute best of the best!!! We have a service dog for my 9 year old, and between Evan, and Kaycee I couldn’t ask for better people to work with! They have gone absolutely above and beyond to help our pup do any, and everything possible to help our daughter live the most independent life despite her chronic health problems. The amount of time, and work they have put into Reggie these last two years is astounding. Because of them Reggie is able to spend countless weeks in the hospital with my 9 year old, he goes to school with her everyday, and goes everywhere she goes. He is by far the best dog ever because of the incredible people at Elite. You can absolutely tell the people at Elite love what they do! 5 stars is not enough to describe what an incredible company this is!! We LOVE Utah County Elite dog trainers!!
  • Wyatt
    Oct. 20, 2024
    Bey smart and knowledgeable with dogs.
  • Gabe N
    Oct. 9, 2024
    Deidre showed up for our initial consultation and immediately made me feel confident in her, and DTE’s, training and knowledge! She is kind, calm, educated, and very patient! We cannot wait to have her start training our puppy!
  • Tiff P
    Feb. 10, 2025
    We met Deira for our first visit. I couldn't be more excited to have her help us!
  • Dustin Taylor
    Jan. 7, 2025
    I highly recommend this company. They are awesome. Deidre is amazing. Looking forward to the future.
  • Joe
    Feb. 4, 2025
    They are always wonderful and understanding. We have a rescue that has some behavior issues, we have used trainers from big box stores and professional trainers. We have had the most success with Dog Training Elite! Some of what we learned at the big box store classes enforced bad behavior masking it as part of the learning. Should have started at Dog Training Elite!
  • Kimberly Ruesch
    Jan. 25, 2025
    We have worked with Meagan and Deidre so far. We are only a few weeks into our training but it is clear that Dog Training Elite Utah County know their stuff. It has been such a positive experience. I looked forward to our future training sessions and can’t wait to learn more from this amazing group of trainers.
  • brittny hart
    Oct. 14, 2022
    Evan, Ryan and Deidre have been amazing! We had so much chaos and lack of structure for our dogs, and they have given us relief and resources. They have done all of the hard work in teaching new behavior to our dog, and then taught us how to continue the training. It has made all the difference in our lifestyle. I would ABSOLUTELY recommend them to everyone.
  • Amy Ritchie
    Jan. 14, 2025
    Deidre took the time to go over all of our questions during our consultation. She worked well with our Great Dane and we already learned things even during our consultation. Thanks Deidre!
  • Scott Peterson
    Jan. 9, 2025
    Very knowledgeable and friendly. She knew what we asked and was very professional. I highly recommend her and am glad we will see her again.
  • William Provence
    Jan. 9, 2025
    She was awesome.
  • Celeste Lopez
    Jan. 6, 2025
    Meagan knows her stuff ! She taught me so much while she visited. Would recommend !
  • Nicole Needles
    Apr. 27, 2024
    Dog Training Elite has been absolutely phenomenal. I first started working with them to help my dog Nico become a service dog. Throughout the process, he and I have both grown more confident in what we do. The trainers have given me and showed me the tools to help Nico and I need to succeed. They are extremely knowledgeable and patient. One thing I value most is, they aren't just training the dog, they are training me as well.
  • Teresa Weber
    Dec. 12, 2024
    Great experience. I gained useful knowledge about training my dog.
  • Karen Delgado
    Oct. 11, 2024
    My experience so far has been amazing. I’m beyond happy with Deidre Wilson! She has been amazing with my Doberman and has such a natural connection with my entire pack. Deidre is not only talented but also takes the time to explain everything, educating me and giving me the confidence to succeed with my Doberman. I couldn’t ask for a better dog trainer! Kaycee is also fantastic, always patient and flexible with our schedule, making the entire experience seamless. I highly recommend them both and their staff.
  • Cassie Baldonado
    Nov. 7, 2024
    Deidre is a great trainer. She knows what she’s doing an explains things very well, so you can understand. Definitely recommend 10 out of 10
  • Les Baxley
    Nov. 5, 2024
    Very happy with this special session. Now I'll work on the things she showed me.
  • Sabastien Robbins
    Sep. 27, 2024
    Deidre is one of the coolest people I’ve ever met! She is incredibly knowledgeable and friendly. She’s great with my dog, she’s honest and helpful. I’ve really enjoyed our time with her and the success both my dog and I have had thanks to her!
  • Samantha Rasmussen
    Sep. 18, 2024
    We love Deidre! The work she and Megan have done with our little doggie has been absolutely amazing.
  • Lacie Valgardson
    Oct. 23, 2024
    She was great deidre worked really well with my puppy and made him listen awesome.
  • Karissa Illu
    Apr. 1, 2024
    Follow up 6 months later-Reggie had some continued training to learn to fetch things for his girl, and is absolutely incredible at it thanks to Evan and his team!..We also took a trip to Florida with Reggie. First flight with him, Disney World, and Universal Studios for ten days straight. He did absolutely remarkable, and most people didn’t even realize we had a dog with us until they noticed his Minnie ears. He was able to ride several rides with his girl, and did incredible! Elite dog training is the absolute best of the best!!! We have a service dog for my 9 year old, and between Evan, and Kaycee I couldn’t ask for better people to work with! They have gone absolutely above and beyond to help our pup do any, and everything possible to help our daughter live the most independent life despite her chronic health problems. The amount of time, and work they have put into Reggie these last two years is astounding. Because of them Reggie is able to spend countless weeks in the hospital with my 9 year old, he goes to school with her everyday, and goes everywhere she goes. He is by far the best dog ever because of the incredible people at Elite. You can absolutely tell the people at Elite love what they do! 5 stars is not enough to describe what an incredible company this is!! We LOVE Utah County Elite dog trainers!!
  • Wyatt
    Oct. 20, 2024
    Bey smart and knowledgeable with dogs.
  • Gabe N
    Oct. 9, 2024
    Deidre showed up for our initial consultation and immediately made me feel confident in her, and DTE’s, training and knowledge! She is kind, calm, educated, and very patient! We cannot wait to have her start training our puppy!
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 Utah County.

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 Utah County’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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The Malionois Foundation logo.
The Malionois Foundation logo.

Proud Sponsor of
The Malinois Foundation

At Dog Training Elite Utah County, we believe that Service Dogs save lives. It is our mission to make these life-saving companions available to our Veterans, First Responders, Women Survivors, and Children with Medical Needs. Whether it be for PTSD, Mobility Support, or Special Needs, Dog Training Elite Utah County works with The Malinois Foundation to heal and empower these individuals with a specialized service animal, a partner in life, and a new best friend.

Learn More
A fully trained service dog from Dog Training Elite Utah County.

Utah County Emotional Support Dog Training

Why Choose DTE for Therapy Dog Training?

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At Dog Training Elite Utah County, 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 Utah County.
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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.