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A therapy dog is a dog who visits places like schools, hospitals and nursing homes. Therapy dog training in Davis / Weber County 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 Northern Utah 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!
I have had a great time working with DTE-NU and looking forward to continue working with them. Not only have they done amazing with training and service, they also are very understanding and flexible. I went through a rough financial situation and they were kind enough to work with me with no penalties. It literally made a WORLD of difference in a very stressful part of my life. I have a very well trained service pup all thanks to them.— McKell Rushton
Posted October 8th 2024
They take the time to develop a plan for you and your dog, i would highly recommend them for service dog training— Joseph Lombard (Rebel dog paws)
Posted September 24th 2024
Words cannot express the deepest sense of gratitude I have for Dog Training Elite Northern Utah. Our puppy Sage was completely unmanageable. We had basically lost hope and were at our wits end, unsure of what our next step was with her. Thankfully, we found DTENU. They trained us in the art of handling our puppy. They listened to our concerns and we re always available for feedback or any questions we had. We could not have done this without Trevor, who took us under his wing and shared his passion for training and handling dogs. Thank you to Colleen, Matt, Lexie, Fona and Griffin. I absolutely recommend this company for any of your dog training needs.— PAOLA ECHEVERRI
Posted August 28th 2024
I love how they give straight forward communication and give all tools and supplies needed to set you up for success ❤️— Karla Valencia
Posted August 22nd 2024
Totally thrilled with the training our first pup has received. She is learning rapidly and we feel more confident daily about her ability to respond appropriately in a wide variety of scenarios. Including the endless quick feedback and tips we get via texts.— Kaiden Kelly
Posted July 22nd 2024
A few months ago I brought our puppy a Frenchie and Boston mixed Arlo to be accessed. I wanted to know if he would make a good service/therapy dog for my PTSD as a combat veteran. Colleen the owner met with me and Arlo that day. She did the assessment and showed us what kind of discipline we could expect from the training with another of her dogs. I was pleased to find out Arlo had the right temperament for the training. He was still a bit young so we had to wait some months before he would be mature enough for the training to be effective. Colleen and her team worked with me on the costs and a payment plan. They stayed in touch and reached out when Arlo was old enough. We started to schedule his training for 3 weeks there at the center. Our situation changed and so we are moving to Florida in about a month. Colleen felt that although we could get his training at the center done in 3 weeks. The ongoing support and additional group training would not be enough time. She reached out to another franchisee in Florida where we are moving and made sure we could start the training there with them and be able to have the close community and ongoing support. I really appreciate her taking the time to make sure mine and Arlo's best interest were put first over closing a sale. I appreciate the respect and courtesy given to me in my situation. I hope these remarks help someone with their decision to place their trust in this company and Colleen. Thanks So Much For Everything! Jeremy W.— Jeremy Willes
Posted July 11th 2024
We have nothing but good things to say about Dog Training Elite. We had two dogs trained here, one as a service dog, one as a companion. We are so pleased with the results. 100% recommend this service for anyone with a dog.— Chas McClure
Posted June 25th 2024
We can’t thank Dog Training Elite enough for the amazing work they’ve done with our dog. From puppy training to becoming a certified medical alert service dog, their journey with us has been nothing short of incredible. From day one, the trainers at Dog Training Elite were fantastic. They made us feel comfortable and confident, even when we didn’t know what we were doing. Their patience and knowledge made all the difference. Our daughter Rainey, who has autism and epilepsy, has found her best friend in our service dog. The bond they share is beautiful, and it’s changed Rainey’s life for the better. Seeing them together brings us so much joy and peace of mind. The trainers didn’t just train our dog - they trained us too! They made sure we were prepared for everything that comes with having a service dog. Their support and encouragement have been amazing, and we always felt like we could reach out with any questions. Dog Training Elite has given us more than just a service dog. They’ve given us security, independence for Rainey, and a whole lot of happiness. We are forever grateful and can’t recommend them enough to anyone looking for top-notch dog training. Thank you, Dog Training Elite, for everything. Our lives are so much better because of you!— Brittany Joseph
Posted May 25th 2024
We can’t thank Dog Training Elite enough for the amazing work they’ve done with our dog. From puppy training to becoming a certified medical alert service dog, their journey with us has been nothing short of incredible. From day one, the trainers at Dog Training Elite were fantastic. They made us feel comfortable and confident, even when we didn’t know what we were doing. Their patience and knowledge made all the difference. Our daughter Rainey, who has autism and epilepsy, has found her best friend in our service dog. The bond they share is beautiful, and it’s changed Rainey’s life for the better. Seeing them together brings us so much joy and peace of mind. The trainers didn’t just train our dog - they trained us too! They made sure we were prepared for everything that comes with having a service dog. Their support and encouragement have been amazing, and we always felt like we could reach out with any questions. Dog Training Elite has given us more than just a service dog. They’ve given us security, independence for Rainey, and a whole lot of happiness. We are forever grateful and can’t recommend them enough to anyone looking for top-notch dog training. Thank you, Dog Training Elite, for everything. Our lives are so much better because of you!— Brittany Joseph
Posted May 25th 2024
Love the process my dog has made! Deidre has been a great teacher to both me and my dog, have noticed a huge difference in her personality since starting training! Would recommend elite dog training to anyone looking for consistent progress in their pup!— Mariana Hincapie
Posted May 8th 2024
From the very first day I expressed interest in training my goldie, Ry, to be a service dog, this wonderful team has made the process nothing but positive. I can’t recommend them enough. I am wholeheartedly SO grateful for this training center and what they do. Ry has already made immense progress and I can’t wait to continue his training with DTENU :)— Dresden Chamberlain
Posted May 1st 2024
I can’t thank them enough! My wild first experience was with my unruly husky mix who didn’t care to listen. After they helped us I am excited to take him out and about, he loves the attention he gets by showing off. And we now have our Great Dane in their training program and I’m so happy with the improvement we’ve seen. Thank you!— Tristen Topham
Posted March 1st 2024
We sent our collie here to a week of training and from the first day I could not believe the change in her. Everyone is great and they are training us to continue what she learned. I was referred from a friend who sent her dog here for training. I highly recommend the training. Every dog who attended with our dog did great as each dog showed what they learned at the end of the week. Spectacular!— Debbie Hollberg
Posted January 20th 2024
As soon as my wire haired pointer started training it was a noticeable difference and at the end of the first week it was night and day difference like she was a completely different dog. They do absolutely fantastic with their training and keep very good communication with everything and anything you could possibly need! 10/10 would recommend to anyone looking to get their pup trained!— Jacob McNiven
Posted February 7th 2024
These guys rock! They helped me get my girl finished up in her training, are super responsive to messages, and are always encouraging us and looking to help. When I saw how they cared for my girl during her day camps every bit of anxiety over her being there melted away, and Eir was excited every time she went. I would absolutely anyone I know looking for dog training go to DTE Northern Utah!— Chet Showalter
Posted January 29th 2024
These guys rock! They helped me get my girl finished up in her training, are super responsive to messages, and are always encouraging us and looking to help. When I saw how they cared for my girl during her day camps every bit of anxiety over her being there melted away, and Eir was excited every time she went. I would absolutely anyone I know looking for dog training go to DTE Northern Utah!— Chet Showalter
Posted January 29th 2024
I enthusiastically recomend Elite Dog Training Northern Utah!! I was not sure if a mobility service dog was for me, but my daughter was concerned about me and dragged me into my first interview. What a wonderful day that was!! They found me a dog, and now Clyde and I have finished our first year together. The team is fantastic and I was skeptical. They truly work miricles and have taken the time to listen to me and my disability and make it work for me. They took a puppy and have turned him into a champ at going anywhere with me. I look forward to the next year and working with them. Thanks for making me a believer in what a service dog can do.— Marlene Hyndman
Posted January 29th 2024
I am so happy I chose this company to help me train my dog! Lexi and Trevor are the two trainers we had come out and they are the best! You can tell they care about your dog and know what they’re doing. I thought my dog was already good but after training he’s like a new dog with how well he listens- he loves training everyday! We’re excited to keep advancing his training through this company!— Shelby Barber
Posted January 18th 2024
These guys are truly wonderful to work with. They helped me train my German Shepherd as a PTSD service animal. They also had a lot of one on one sessions with my dog and then again with my dog and I. They have taught me a lot during the training sessions. I would highly recommend this company from just basic obedience training to what ever service animal you may need.— Mike-Wazowski
Posted January 15th 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 Northern Utah 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 Northern Utah 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 Northern Utah’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 Davis / Weber County. 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 Northern Utah?
The Dog Training Elite Northern Utah 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 Northern Utah 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 Northern Utah. Request your free training demo and in-home assessment today.
