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What is a Therapy Dog?
A therapy dog is a dog that performs a service for other people. Typical therapy dog tasks are going to nursing homes or hospitals to cheer people up. For your dog to qualify, he/she must be friendly with strangers, and with training, be able to work around a high level of distraction and to understand personal boundaries, such as not jumping up, licking, mouthing, etc.
Research shows that therapy dogs can have a positive effect on a patient’s mood, stress, and pain levels during facility stays. Children, in particular, respond positively to 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.
Therapy dogs can promote social interaction between individuals within communities that may not otherwise experience socialization typically. Therapy dogs offer unconditional love, non-judgmental interaction, reduce stress, anxiety, and loneliness and provide an overall positive distraction to ailments.
Goals for Your Therapy Companion
- Socialization
- Lower Pain Levels
- Motivation
- Provide Comfort
- Decrease in Stress, Anxiety, and Depression
- Promote Healing
- Increase Overall Optimism
- Ease Loneliness
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Central Nashville location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
Therapy Dog
Therapy dog training is based on your dog's abilities.
$2,745
A therapy dog volunteers alongside you, where permitted, and provides comfort to others. Examples include cheering people up at nursing homes or hospitals.
A good therapy dog is naturally friendly with strangers, able to work around a high level of distraction (with training), and able to understand personal boundaries, such as not jumping up, licking, mouthing, etc (with training).
Training Equipment Included: E-Collar
- Puppy Selection advice
- Private, one-on-one training sessions in your home and the community 7 Sessions
- Group Training Classes 16 sessions
- AKC Testing
- Therapy bandana, ID Card, and Certificate of Training
- An exclusive directory of therapy events and locations for you to donate your time
- Come
- Sit, Down
- Place
- Heel
- Quiet
- Off, Wait
- Leash Manners
- People Manners
- Load up in the car / kennel
- Make a friend
- Choose one personalized greeting (high five, shake, hug, etc.)
- Top-notch off leash obedience
- Distraction Training
Emotional Support Animal Training
Emotional Support Animal training is based on your dog's abilities.
$2,745
An Emotional support dog provides comfort and companionship to its handler at home. ESA's have housing rights with medical endorsement (but not public access rights).
A good emotional support dog promotes improved mood through positive interactions, touch therapy, and maintaining a routine.
Training Equipment Included: E-Collar
- Puppy Selection advice
- Private, one-on-one training sessions in your home and the community 7 Sessions
- Group Training 16 sessions
- Come
- Heel
- Sit/Down
- Place
- Off
- Quiet
- Leash Manners
- People Manners
- Load-up (in Car or Kennel)
- No Jumping up (on people)
- One personalized Command/Skill (high five, shake, hug, etc.)
Our Balanced Theory
We base our training around the "Classical Conditioning" model (a.k.a. "Pavlovian" or "respondent conditioning"). This includes developing conditioned or automatic reflexes to commands. In its simplest form (after proper conditioning), when the owner says "sit," the dog automatically sits without thinking about it. Our unique techniques ensure our program is a success no matter what behavior we encounter.
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Empowering Owners
We empower Owners to train so their dog knows who to obey at all times. -
Personalized
We deal with problem behaviors on a personal basis. -
Environment Specific
We train wherever issues tend to arise (i.e. jogging, park, home).
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Supportive
We support Owners in the off-hours (when training is "not in session"). -
Involved
We work with all members of the household. -
Simplified & Customized
We plan training around the owner's schedule and require only 20 min/day follow-up practice.
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Continued Training
Additional programs / group sessions offered after in-home training. -
Lifetime Investment
We follow up & are invested in the owner's success long-term. -
Satisfaction Ratings
Our high client satisfaction rating sets us apart from competitors.
clas·si·cal con·di·tion·ing
PSYCHOLOGY
noun
A learning process that occurs when two stimuli are repeatedly paired; a response that is at first elicited by the second stimulus and is eventually elicited by the first stimulus alone.
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!
Love the work my pup had a great time jen was amazing and will recommend to everyone— Jessica Sherbourne
Posted October 18th 2024
Jen dose an amazing job shes easy to understand and i love her energy— Jessica A.M. Sherbourne
Posted October 18th 2024
Dog Training Elite has been amazing! My dog, Lola, and I have made great strides as we have worked with the group, and Reina has been great! She trains ME how to train and work consistently with my pup. We are working towards therapy certification, and I’m so glad we found Dog Training Elite. Highly recommend!— Holly Horncastle
Posted September 30th 2024
Our two Great Pyrenees mix pups were getting too difficult to train on our own. When Reina arrived for the assessment she knew what we needed- and we have learned so much! She loves dogs, is easy to work with, and responds quickly when there are any questions, issues, or schedule changes. Highly recommend!— Mollie Woltmann
Posted September 25th 2024
I am so glad that I called Dog Training Elite! They have provided me so much peace of mind! I can now take my dog to dog friendly places and feel confident that my dog will act appropriately!— Natalee Wells
Posted September 13th 2024
Reina is a pro. My dog was super stubborn, and she stayed firm, waiting her out until she listened to the command. I couldn't be happier with my experience.— Melvin Alvares
Posted July 17th 2024
Reina did great with Max! He absolutely loved his time with her ❤️— Rachel Baudendistel
Posted July 20th 2024
Riena did an amazing job training my dog! Highly recommend she is a very patient person :)— Karol Olvera
Posted July 18th 2024
I trust Reina with any dog of mine, she is the absolute best!! 🥰 This little guy really needed some training and now he is thriving! I cannot recommend her enough! 🙌🏻— Estrella Mendoza
Posted July 16th 2024
Reina did a great job on our dog! We’d definitely use her again!— Elaine Armstrong
Posted July 13th 2024
I would highly recommend Reina of Dog Training Elite to anyone! Sending my dog Quincy through the obedience program at home was truly life changing for my wife and I, and has allowed Quincy and us to enjoy much better and less stressful lives. With Dog Traing Elite, Reina provided us with the proper tools and knowledge to keep up with our dog's training regimen long term. This has been incredibly helpful as we are now able to work with Quincy at home on our own. I am so thankful for Reina's professional attitude and dedication, and truly cannot say enough good things about her and Dog Training Elite.— Mark Brittelli
Posted July 11th 2024
Reina Wasmund did great job training my dog she loves her a lot and always looking forward to seeing her.— Sanel Husnic
Posted July 11th 2024
Best training that’s out there! Make sure to ask for Reina!! She worked wonders for my pup (3 year old Shepherd lol) turns out you still teach an old dog new tricks. He was a trouble pup but now with he’s an angel.— Bob Marley
Posted July 10th 2024
10/10, Would recommend! Reina trained my dog and she is an absolute gem when it comes to dog training! I brought my energetic pup to her hoping for some improvement in basic obedience, and I was beyond satisfied with the results. Her approach is not only effective but also compassionate towards the dogs she works with. She formed an amazing bond with my dog and within just a few sessions, my dog showed remarkable progress. She took the time to understand my dog's personality and worked hard to fit her needs perfectly. I couldn't recommend her enough to anyone looking for professional and caring dog training services.— Jayleen Rogel
Posted July 10th 2024
Reina was amazing and so friendly. She really put me at ease and gave me confidence I choose the right place to help with training Kitt.— Michelene English
Posted July 10th 2024
Highly recommend Dog Training Elite. Our trainer Reina was amazing!— Selena Sanchez
Posted July 9th 2024
Reina is an excellent trainer! We couldn’t be happier with the results. Brady’s behavior and social skills have improved so much. We can take him anywhere now!— Lindsey Kloes
Posted July 9th 2024