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A therapy dog is a dog who visits places like schools, hospitals and nursing homes. Therapy dog training in Phoenix 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 Phoenix 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!
These trainers are masters at their craft! With their techniques and training our dog enjoys more freedom and the ability to go camping, hiking or whatever adventure comes our way.— Ryan Roudebush
Posted September 23rd 2024
Dog Training Elite is all you need for the dog of your dreams. I have been working with Neal and his staff for 4 months now and I am blown away by how much we’ve accomplished in such a short time. My gorgeous Akita was very well trained by me in obedience but I wanted him to learn protection and socialization. I cannot recommend Neal and his team enough!!! Neal is the real deal!! If you want the dog you see in the movies then all you need to do is call Dog Training Elite.— Mari Griffin
Posted June 15th 2024
These guys have made a 100% difference in our dog and we are so glad we found them. Her dog reaction and aggression has gotten so much better. We're still working with her but half way through and she's a whole new dog in and out of the house.— Nick Rempel
Posted January 27th 2024
These people really know how to help train dogs and their owners. I never thought my super obstinate Frenchie could become so well mannered. I needed a trainer who could do in home personal training and this family owned company does just that. I’d recommend them to anyone.— Rachel Bergman
Posted October 2nd 2023
Taylor did a great job on training me to train Tosi, my German Shorthaired Pointer. Plus help me prepare him for his Public Acess Test. Tosi has turned out to be an obedient dog plus a well-behaved service animal. Thank you Taylor.— ronnwyo
Posted July 31st 2023
We have been participating in training since January. I was very apprehensive going into the process. At the first group class that I attended, I had an anxiety attack in my car. Upon her arrival, Taylor greeted me and immediately began asking about my needs. She stayed attentive throughout the class. After the class, I had another anxiety attack in my car. I dreaded the next group class but knew there was support for both my dog, Tod, and myself. I arrived to the next class and Taylor immediately asked if I was okay. She had witnessed my attack the week before and asked if she witnessed me in the midst of another attack, if she could interact with me and help give guidance on how Tod can help with the anxiety/PTSD. She said that I was not the first person to show these emotions and that she was there to help. It didn’t end there! At the first service dog class, I had the same anxiety. She found me sobbing on the bench and immediately went into training mode. She assured me that I could get through this. We made it through that class and continue to attend. This whole process has been made easier with supportive staff like Taylor. She has made it where I don’t feel like my questions or emotions are out of line.— Heidi Hollister
Posted July 11th 2023
We have had a great connection with Taylor when we go the Goodyear group classes, and service training classes. Our dog, Jack, was a bit shy at first, but he loves Taylor so much (and so do we!) she genuinely cares about our experience and always asks what she can do to help. She’s very attentive to all the dogs at our group class, and everyone loves working with her. It’s got to be a tough gig, but she does it extremly well! I’d recommend all my friends with dogs to her. I’m so grateful to Taylor for all she’s done to help our sweet Jack get to be the dog he is today! We had in home sessions with Savannah and we love her as well!!— Brittany Spatz
Posted July 11th 2023
Dog training Elite is one of the most professional training companies I’ve seen. They trained my German Shepherd Sofia as a service dog. As a disabled combat vet, my service dog was much needed to help me with ptsd and mobility issues out in public and I could not imagine my daily life without her. Dog training elite is definitely your go to for service dogs, they will not only meet your needs and expectations but they will also exceed them!!— Kyler Witt
Posted March 15th 2023
I have worked with Dog Training Elite with two of my dogs. My first dog Branch who was 6 months when we started the program. Branch was very aggressive towards other dogs. Thanks to the owner Neil and his helper Chris my dog Branch is a well rounded dog who became my Service Dog. Unfortunately, Branch who is 6 yrs old now, has hurt his leg and needed to be retired so I began Training my new dog Felicia who is now enrolled with Dog Training Elite. She is only 11 months old and has past her Service Dog Test. Neil came to our home to evaluate Felicia and assisted in getting the process started. Taylor was the trainer who came to my home to continue training with me and Felicia. Taylor also met me and Felicia for our public training and made sure she was completing the task she will be providing. If there was something I needed to work on or if I had any questions Taylor was always able to provide me feedback. Taylor is very passionate and very knowledgeable with the process for continued training. Aspen was the trainer who completed the Service Dog Test and I appreciate how thorough she was at making sure Felicia was able to complete the task she will provide for me ongoing. I would recommend Dog Training Elite and have given out their information as we have traveled in our RV across country because they are wonderful at what they do. I greatly appreciate how much patience Neil and his Team have with dogs and their families. Especially, when helping us train Branch through his aggressive behaviors. As you can see in the photo Branch is able to lay down beside Felicia. Prior to Dog Training Elite working with him this would have never been possible.— Tonya Emery
Posted March 11th 2023
Worth every penny!!! The trainers here are very knowledgeable, patient, and understanding. Especially Savanna and Taylor, they have gone above and beyond to help out with our dog. In a few short weeks he has made big changes in his obedience and aggression. I am super impressed and glad to have them as our dogs trainers— Danielle Geist
Posted March 9th 2023
I actually found them by google and boy was I so happy I did. This team is just perfect and full of knowledge on dogs. We went through the Service dog program they have and I can’t begin to explain how grateful I am to now have my own service dog. Each training session was fun and my dog and I learned so much in each class. Group classes with Savanah Taylor and Aspen were insightful and inspirational because we were around others like us. Also so much fun! Service dog group training with Mark, Savanah and Taylor was perfectly designed to help accustom our dogs to so many distractions. I appreciated it. But Taylor was outstanding, knowledgeable, full of energy, kind, patient, if you get to work with her your dog will gain a friend and work with a respectful trainer! Thanks DTE!— Rachel
Posted March 9th 2023
I can’t say enough about the amazing team at Dog training elite! We signed up our two dogs for their programs and it has been worth every penny! Taylor has been amazing and incredibly helpful with our puppy Sunny In our home. Reno took on our Portuguese water dog for the 10 day training at their facility and was amazing as well! Worth it! You won’t regret it!!— Jill Clark
Posted March 9th 2023
Worth it! I selected this training program because they were the most professional of the companies I met with. Savannah has routinely been punctual, prepared and 100% focused on my dog’s (and my) learning. I have seen great progress in my dog’s obedience since we started. You definitely get out of this program what you put into it so plan time to train at home between sessions. They update their training techniques to what is most effective which means they care about your success in the program. One thing that could help clients like me stay on track is calling or sending reminders to book the next training session or attend the next class. Thanks Dog Training Elite!— Jessica Duran
Posted February 6th 2023
I cannot give enough praise to Savannah and the team at Dog Training Elite. I worked with shepherds for years teaching them the basics on leash for a rescue in town and I am flabbergasted at the transformation of mine. She is going to be a great companion for life thanks to this team. Cannot recommend them enough!— Lucas Kolacki
Posted November 28th 2022
Thanks to Neal and his team for helping our 6 yr old Puggles learn some manners for our new full time RV lifestyle. 5 yrs of growing up with invisible fence and back yard enclosure, our boys needed to learn obedience with distractions and how to share dog parks. We are so pleased with the results. Thanks again! Larry & Debbie Daniels Leo & Reggie 🐶🐶— Larry&Deb Daniels
Posted November 17th 2022
Thanks to Neil and his team for helping our 6 yr old Puggles learn some manners for our new full time RV lifestyle. 5 yrs of growing up with invisible fence and back yard enclosure, our boys needed to learn obedience with distractions and how to share dog parks. We are so pleased with the results. Thanks again! Larry & Debbie Daniels Leo & Reggie 🐶🐶— Debbie Miller Daniels
Posted November 17th 2022
We went through off leash k9 training Phoenix. We have a 70+ pounds male Sheepadoodle, Murphy, who needed help with jumping on people, a calm behavior around strangers and grandchildren and taking walks. Our trainer, Brienna Ewoldt, was excellent. She is a calm, consistent trainer who tackled all of Murphy’s issues with confidence and presented us with a new and improved Murphy. Brienna mixed training with play and even got Murphy to ignore cats. His most important skill for me was the “heel” command. Murphy went from pulling on the leash and “greeting” every dog/owner he came across during a walk to staying right by my side without tugging. I heartily recommend both Off Leash K9 training Phoenix and Brienna Ewoldt. Annette Bowers, Chandler, AZ.— Annette Bowers
Posted September 16th 2022
Called dog training elite, the person who picked up the phone was very kind, helpful and social. They were informing us with many info that I am glad I heard of. I called to plan on an evaluation for my puppy, to be a service dog. Now I just can't wait for that day to come. Thank you so much trainers! (WILL BE UPDATING IF PUPPY PASSES)— Zo
Posted August 30th 2022
My wife decided to surprise me by bringing home three Malinois Puppies. I called Dog Elite Training Because I quickly got overwhelmed with these high-energy dogs. Can you imagine how crazy it was for me, a simple dog owner, trying to train 3 Malinois puppies? Dog Elite came to my rescue. Lexi, the trainor, has been amazing with the Malys. They are so much more obedient. They respond to my commands. It’s amazing. Everyone who meets our dogs are so impressed.— Joseph Vijungco
Posted July 12th 2022
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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix’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 Phoenix. 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.
Dog Training Elite Phoenix Partners
Why do Therapy Dog Training with Dog Training Elite Phoenix?
The Dog Training Elite Phoenix 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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix. Request your free training demo and in-home assessment today.
