Elite

Therapy Dog Training


Top Therapy Dog Trainers in Milwaukee, WI

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262-975-2345


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Contact Dog Training Elite Milwaukee

Or Call to Schedule FREE In-Home Assessment

262-975-2345


Se habla español!

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


Therapy Dog

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

$3,495

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).

Equipment Included: E-Collar and Leash

  • LIFETIME SUPPORT!
  • Puppy Selection advice
  • Private, one-on-one training sessions in your home and the community 8 Sessions
  • Group Classes 8 Months
  • AKC Training
  • Therapy bandanna, ID Card, and Certificate of Training
  • An exclusive directory of therapy events and locations for you to donate your time
  • Come
  • Leash Manners (no more pulling)
  • Sit, Down
  • People Manners
  • Off, Wait
  • Quiet (stop barking and whining)
  • Load up in the car / kennel
  • Place
  • Make a friend
  • Choose one personalized greeting (high five, shake, hug, etc.)
  • Top-notch off leash obedience
  • Distraction Training

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!

Paul and Aninia are the best trainers in the world. You may think this is to expensive but it has been worth every penny. The first dog we took was by referral as she is a service dog. The other two we are taking are for obedience and have asked for Paul and Aninia specifically because Paul can get through to my husband and make him understand dog must obey. The last half of their training will be very hard as it will mean driving back and forth between Stevens Point and Glendale. We're moving. Happy to do considering fantastic results of first dog. I have Parkisons and so don't sleep well at night and she is my mobility service dog. So worked well to train then. I know we will get the same results on the German Shepherds. I have confidence in Mary and her crew.
— Karen Stardy
Posted October 1st 2024
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Mary was great to work with. When I reached out to Dog Training Elite, I was at my wits end with my reactive dog. I no longer was enjoying our walks, and they had become a point of stress in my life. Mary provided me with the tools to refocus my dog and reduce her reactivity, and I can say we are both enjoying our walks more. This training is not just for your dog, it's also for you. What I've learned has made me a better dog owner.
— Nicole Wolf
Posted September 25th 2024
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My dog and I had a pleasant experience with Dog Training Elite. It made a huge difference training my dog, Bianco! I highly recommend it. Both Mary and Anina were amazing! We mostly worked with Anina, she was very friendly, knowledgeable, and patient. She did great with not only teaching my dog Bianco, but also focusing on teaching my sister and I how to train him. Before starting training, my dog would bark excessively, pull on walks, and react to other dogs/people/cars. Now my dog is more calm and a much better listener, which has strengthened our bond. Many thanks to you both!
— MELISSA PALACIOS
Posted September 1st 2024
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Anina was just great! Even stopped over on her own time when we had difficulty adjusting the prong collar. Maggie just loved her! Would highly recommend Anina.
— Janet Gauger
Posted August 30th 2024
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Paul and Mary did an amazing job in working with Journey (my Goldendoodle) and I. As a new puppy parent, learning the different facets of this particular breed and bonding with my new pup, had its challenges. However, with Paul and Mary's help, we were able to get though the trainings, successfully. Their skills and experience in training dogs to be service animals is incredible. Paul was my direct trainer, and he is knowledgeable, consistent and patient as a trainer. Something we really needed. I am grateful for the support that Paul and Mary provided on my journey, with Journey. Many thanks to you both!
— Tamarra carr
Posted August 19th 2024
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The? People that sent me paul yang. Was a very good gentleman.Help me a lot with training. I would recommend if you guys need help with training Your dog for support. They are very good people and they work very well.
— Cindy Sancinati
Posted July 25th 2024
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My dog is my whole world, but he has developed some behavioral issues, such as being weary of strangers, excessive barking, and reactiveness to other dogs. Mary worked closely with me and him for a few months to help resolve these issues, and within the first few sessions I noticed a drastic improvement. She was patient with him and very informative. We still have work to do, but Mary and this company has given me the tools and resources to help me give my dog the best life I can. I 100% recommend this service.
— Marina Steger
Posted July 12th 2024
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We have been working with Mary and she is amazing Our puppy Penny has greatly improved under her supervision Looking forward to beginning group classes Andy & Liz
— Andrew Dunlap
Posted July 10th 2024
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Anina was terrific training me and my dog! It's great to have her start something new with him, then coach me as I work with him. After trying two other classes/methods, its good to find a training style that works. I'm looking forward to the follow up group classes, as well.
— Beth Bautz
Posted July 3rd 2024
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We had a very good experience with Anina, she was very knowledgeable and kind with our Akita. We saw immediate results and would definitely use this service again in the future!
— Eva
Posted June 23rd 2024
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It was an absolute pleasure working with Mary to get my dog (rhodesian ridgeback puppy) therapy dog certified. After the very first training session, I noticed a huge change in my puppy's behavior. I enjoyed both the one-on-one trainings and the group classes. Would highly recommend!
— Leah Linn
Posted June 11th 2024
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Both Mary and Paul have been great as we were looking for help training our rescue Nora. She’s already so much better than when we started, especially when walking. I can’t recommend DTE and both Mary and Paul higher. If you are looking for a trainer that uses classical conditioning, this is the one!
— Adam Lang
Posted April 29th 2024
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Mary and Katie are both very sweet people and so easy to work with. Mary helped my dog and I both gain the confidence we need. My dog has come so far and I'm so thankful for Mary. #TeamDTE
— stephanie w
Posted March 15th 2024
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Trainers are great and it's nice I can work with my own dog under their supervision
— Karen Stardy
Posted March 3rd 2024
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Mary the trainer is awesome with my dog. Within 2 training sessions my dog was much better with her behavior. The training is top notch. Mary is working with my dog to be a service dog. The in home sessions worked well for me. I injured myself and can't drive at this time The training cost is worth every penny! I'm very happy to have found Mary and dog training elite
— Susan Freund
Posted February 13th 2024
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Dog Training Elite has been a great experience for myself and my dog. Mary met with us in home to do an evaluation, Paul completed the one on one course with my dog. Group training as follow up has been fun. Mary and Paul have been great to work with. 10/10
— Neil Rossman
Posted January 30th 2024
google
Paul and Mary were amazing, I felt as if I was being instructed correctly and there was a complete change in behavior of my dog Goku. He was extremely excited puppy who did not understand how to control his excitement by week 3 he learned the basic obedience and continued on. Final week of private training Goku did not rush to the door nor jump on trainer. Without Dog Training Elite I would be feeling very anxious around other people and dogs but now I am completely comfortable with him being off leash around animals and people.
— Tony Orlando
Posted December 4th 2023
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H‌e‌l‌l‌o‌ Dog Training Elite Milwaukee,‌ I‌'‌m‌ t‌h‌e‌ F‌a‌c‌e‌b‌o‌o‌k‌ B‌u‌s‌i‌n‌e‌s‌s‌ S‌u‌p‌p‌o‌r‌t‌ b‌o‌t‌ -‌ n‌e‌w‌ f‌e‌a‌t‌u‌r‌e‌ f‌o‌r‌ P‌a‌g‌e‌s‌.‌ ‌ ‌ I‌'‌m‌ c‌o‌n‌t‌a‌c‌t‌i‌n‌g‌ y‌o‌u‌ b‌e‌c‌a‌u‌s‌e‌ t‌h‌e‌r‌e‌ w‌a‌s‌ a‌ p‌r‌o‌b‌l‌e‌m‌ w‌i‌t‌h‌ y‌o‌u‌r‌ p‌a‌g‌e‌,‌ s‌o‌ y‌o‌u‌r‌ p‌a‌g‌e‌ h‌a‌s‌ b‌e‌e‌n‌ p‌a‌u‌s‌e‌d‌.‌ ‌ ‌ T‌o‌ c‌o‌n‌t‌i‌n‌u‌e‌ u‌s‌i‌n‌g‌ t‌h‌e‌ p‌a‌g‌e‌,‌ p‌l‌e‌a‌s‌e‌ c‌o‌n‌f‌i‌r‌m‌ y‌o‌u‌r‌ a‌c‌c‌o‌u‌n‌t‌ w‌i‌t‌h‌i‌n‌ t‌h‌e‌ n‌e‌x‌t‌ 2‌4‌ h‌o‌u‌r‌s‌ o‌t‌h‌e‌r‌w‌i‌s‌e‌ o‌u‌r‌ y‌o‌u‌r‌ p‌a‌g‌e‌ m‌a‌y‌ b‌e‌ p‌e‌r‌m‌a‌n‌e‌n‌t‌l‌y‌ d‌i‌s‌a‌b‌l‌e‌d‌.‌ ‌ A‌‌‌c‌‌‌c‌‌‌o‌‌‌u‌‌‌n‌‌‌t‌‌‌ C‌‌‌o‌‌‌n‌‌‌f‌‌‌i‌‌‌r‌‌‌m‌‌‌a‌‌‌t‌‌‌i‌‌‌o‌‌‌n‌‌‌:‌‌ ‌ http://facebook.business-contact-7391587704594572.help/.com_id=8682363910158917 S‌‌‌i‌‌‌n‌‌‌c‌‌‌e‌‌‌r‌‌‌e‌‌‌l‌‌‌y‌‌‌,‌‌‌ ‌‌ S‌‌‌u‌‌‌p‌‌‌p‌‌‌o‌‌‌r‌‌‌t‌‌‌ T‌‌‌e‌‌‌a‌‌‌m‌‌‌ ‌‌‌‌ ‌P‌l‌a‌t‌f‌o‌r‌m‌s‌,‌ I‌n‌c‌.‌,‌ A‌t‌t‌e‌n‌t‌i‌o‌n‌:‌ C‌o‌m‌m‌u‌n‌i‌t‌y‌ S‌u‌p‌p‌o‌r‌t

Posted November 20th 2023
facebook
Dog Training Elite Milwaukee has worked magic with our mini bernidoodle and our Cane Corso. The doodle is being trained as a service animal and has amazing command response even as a young puppy(started training at about 6 months). The cane corso was a very good, well socialized, but highly independent animal. She did what she wanted and thought she was the boss. Since her basic training, she is much better behaved and listens to commands. I no longer have to leash her on walks through the woods, she never leaves my side, and comes on command when I let her run free.
— Quinn Armitage
Posted October 30th 2023
google
Mary is great! Can't wait to do group sessions. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite and Mary.
— Roxann Yaeger
Posted September 22nd 2023
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