Elite

Therapy Dog Training


Top Therapy Dog Trainers in Fitchburg / Leominster, MA

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978-480-6298


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Contact Dog Training Elite Central Massachusetts

Or Call to Schedule FREE In-Home Assessment

978-480-6298


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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 Massachusetts location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.


Therapy Dog

Therapy dog training is based on your dog's abilities.

$3,245

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 8 Sessions
  • Group Training Classes 34 sessions
  • AKC Training & 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

  • Home and Community One on One Training 9 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.


  • 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).
  • 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.
  • 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.

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!

Marcus was great! Training was something I had debated doing for a long time, especially since my dog was 4 but I’m so glad I did and so glad I chose Dog Training Elite. From the beginning, there was no judgement and they were flexible and accommodating. My dog has come a long way and I have so much more trust in him than I did before. I also appreciate being able to email questions and notes and get feedback that way (outside of our sessions). Overall, I’m very happy with the service provided and would highly recommend!
— Brianna LaGuardia
Posted September 17th 2024
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Dog Training Elite Marcus came today and explained everything to us! We have a Parson Jack Russell who is out of control they will help us get Maggie trained and be a better dog.. we can’t wait for training to begin.. They showed us another dog who was trained it was a real treat to watch Duncan. We are hoping Maggie will do as well as Duncan ( there’s hope)
— Kathy Friberg
Posted September 9th 2024
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Our experience with this company has been truly exceptional, and I cannot recommend their services highly enough. Matt Fennell, in particular, was an outstanding trainer and exceeded all of our expectations. It's important to note that the trainers focus on equipping you with the skills to effectively train your dog, and Matt excelled in this regard. As someone who has always had a deep connection with dogs and grown up with them, this was my first time seeking professional training. The results have been so amazing, and the bond I now share with my dog is stronger and more rewarding than ever before. If you are committed to following the guidance provided by Matt or any of the trainers, and are willing to put in the effort both during and outside of the training sessions, you will notice the same results I did. Such a great experience!
— Michael Shannon
Posted September 6th 2024
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Matt was informative and helpful!
— Lisa Blanchard
Posted August 21st 2024
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Marcus and Patrick were amazing. They helped us train our lab puppy. She had a lot of energy and was a bit of a challenge compared to our last pups. The trainers are very knowledgeable and helpful. If we had questions in between sessions we could just reach out and they would guide us on whatever challenges we were having. They accommodated my work schedule which was a huge help. We feel it was definitely worth the money and highly recommend them!
— Courtney Tompkins
Posted September 4th 2024
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I have been very happy with the services both Marcus and Matt have provided me and my family while working with my 6-year-old German Shepherd, Whiskey. She is so smart but very high strung and constantly in overdrive and they are committed to leading my partner and me in navigating her training while helping her to meet her full potential! I’m excited to continue with them!
— Nichole McIvor
Posted September 4th 2024
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DTE and especially Marcus are THE BEST. No one I’ve ever met knows and works with dogs like Marcus at dog training elite. We call him the “dog whisperer” but in truth mostly he has to train me, the handler, as much as my dog Wally. He has a really clear and consistent way of communicating which has transformed Wally from a nippy jumping puppy into a dog who is about to pass his public access test for service dog work. The company in general is excellent and all the staff and trainers are really responsive and work with me and Wally to make the best training sessions around my schedule, meeting at our house or public places to practice his service work. I would absolutely recommend Dog training elite and Marcus to anyone who wants to properly and seriously train and develop their relationship with their dog and is willing to put in the time and energy! Wally is learning so much so fast and is doing great. Thank you!! Update: Wally just passed his public access test!! Thanks so much Marcus for everything you’ve taught us both!!!
— Sarah Geller
Posted July 31st 2024
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Patrick was friendly and knowledgeable, great experience so far!
— Christine Fuller
Posted September 4th 2024
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You guys are amazing! We are learning so much, we’re making a lot of progress I’m so thankful.!!
— This is Life
Posted July 29th 2024
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Barbara was awesome. Matt was awesome Marcus was awesome
— Russ Morris
Posted August 9th 2024
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Matt is very knowledgeable and completely honest about training our dog. I am grateful and hope to be able to Train myself and my husband to train our dog and help him to live a healthy happy life.
— Lisa Dipadua
Posted August 30th 2024
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My reactive dog, Shelby (6) and I were paired with Matt as our trainer and he changed our lives! I will admit I was intimidated at first hearing all the expectations but I wouldn’t trust anyone else but Matt with Shelby. I can’t even find the words to express how thankful I am for his help and guidance. He was encouraging and always thorough in his explanation. Most importantly he made me more confident with Shelby. Shelby is now able to be around other dogs and strangers. A month ago she would bark, growl, lunge at them. Now she is able to do group training since we are done with private training and I was so proud of how well she did around others. The only regret I have is not doing this sooner! Shelby has been in two other training programs and never did this well. If you’re reading this and on the fence, do it! It is the best money I ever spent. Thank you so much Matt for changing our lives! Also thank you Michaela for helping me in the decision process and not making me feel pressured to buy the most expensive plan and to do what works for me. I have already recommended DTE to 3 people!
— Amy B
Posted August 29th 2024
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Patrick was very polite and knowledgeable. Great with meeting our dogs!
— erin morvan
Posted August 28th 2024
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Always gives such good advice to help me and my service dog grow!
— Megan Burgess
Posted August 21st 2024
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I want to give a huge thank you to all of the trainers that helped Marlo and I. Before the training sessions we were experiencing trouble on basic commands, dog on dog aggression, and pulling on walks. It was so bad that my partner and I were almost at our breaking point due to the safety of others. Most people looked at him as just a typical Pitbull who was “aggressive” and could not be saved. But The trainers always came with a positive mindset, gave him a lot of love and praise, and showed me how this statement was untrue. As a whole everyone was very hands on with Marlo. They even set a great example for Marlo by introducing their dogs to him and helped teach him how to behave properly. Overall, I learned how to be more confident with Marlo which helped reflect on his behavior. We now have a happy behaved pup ready to take on this world stress free!
— tamea smith
Posted August 9th 2024
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Love it! Matt handled my aggressive dog so well. I’m glad that I reached out to them.
— soo wang
Posted August 2nd 2024
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Barbara is an excellent trainer. She explains things clearly, demonstrates and then has me do it. I am so excited seeing the progress my dog is showing.
— Susan Purcell
Posted July 29th 2024
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Barbara was the trainer that came to my home. She was a wealth of experience and knowledge. She had the patience of a saint. She really got my 10-month-old Rottie to blossom. He had a lot of fear issues which she helped him to over come and got him to listen to commands. She was very prompt in arriving to my home and gave me the full hour I paid for.
— Sharon Lindsay
Posted August 8th 2024
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Really enjoyed working with Barbara. She catered our training sessions to the needs of our dog. Dog training elite was very responsive when I reached out asking for additional training advice. Would highly recommend.
— Esther Hering
Posted August 1st 2024
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Matt was great with Pepper. Very patient!!!
— Wendy Castagna
Posted July 24th 2024
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