If you're looking for expert therapy dog training in Jacksonville, FL, you're in the right place. Our trainers are certified and experienced in helping you and your dog become a certified therapy dog team.
We offer a range of training programs tailored to your dog's individual needs and your goals as a therapy dog team. From basic obedience to advanced socialization, we've got you covered.
What Is Therapy Dog Training?
Therapy dog training is a specialized form of dog training that teaches dogs to provide emotional support and comfort to people in need.
To become a therapy dog, a dog must be at least a year old, well-behaved in public, and pass a temperament test to ensure they can handle the stresses of therapy work.
Therapy dogs are trained to remain calm in noisy and chaotic environments, such as hospitals and nursing homes.
Their training typically includes socialization with people of all ages and backgrounds, as well as exposure to various sights and sounds.
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By teaching dogs to be gentle and respectful, therapy dog training helps them become confident and composed in new situations.
A therapy dog's training also includes learning to walk calmly on a leash, sit quietly, and respond to basic commands in distracting environments.
This specialized training allows therapy dogs to provide comfort and companionship to people in need, from hospital patients to students with anxiety.
Benefits and Why Choose
Therapy dogs have a profound impact on individuals' emotional and physical well-being, improving mood, reducing stress, and lowering pain levels.
Children often respond well to therapy dogs, who provide companionship and playful interaction that motivates them to engage more fully in treatments.
Therapy dogs also foster social interaction, especially in autism and mental health communities, offering non-judgmental companionship and serving as a bridge for individuals who may struggle with social connections.
By reducing feelings of loneliness and anxiety, therapy dogs provide their owners with comfort and companionship that enhances the overall quality of life.
For your interest: Social Anxiety Dog Training
At Dog Training Elite First Coast, our training programs prepare your dog for real-world situations where their presence can provide emotional support and comfort.
Our training teaches your dog how to handle stressful or highly stimulating environments like hospitals, schools, or nursing homes.
We place a strong emphasis on socialization and adaptability, making sure your dog can confidently engage with people of all ages and backgrounds.
Therapy dog work requires attentiveness and empathy, and our training helps your dog develop these traits.
With a foundation of trust, consistency, and patience, your dog will be fully equipped to offer comfort and companionship wherever it's needed.
Best Training Overview
If you're looking for therapy dog training in Jacksonville, FL, you're in luck because there are several top-notch options to choose from.
Dog Academy offers therapy dog training as part of their service dog training program, which costs between $49.99 and $349.99.
Zoomiez Dog Training focuses on obedience and behavior problems, but doesn't specifically mention therapy dog training. However, they do offer in-person training sessions.
K-9 Obedience Club offers therapy dog training as part of their training services, which cost between $140 and $160. They also offer in-person training sessions.
Whoa Nellie Positive Canine Training LLC offers custom private courses, including STAR Puppy and CGC training, which can be done both online and in-person.
Maggie Marshall Dog Training offers puppy training, adolescent dog training, and behavioral problems training, but doesn't specifically mention therapy dog training. However, they do offer in-person training sessions.
Here's a quick rundown of the trainers mentioned above:
Certification and Pricing
To become a certified therapy dog team, you'll need to pass the Control Evaluation Test, which is conducted at Camp Mutt.
Camp Mutt is an authorized facility to conduct this test, making it a convenient option for local pet owners.
The test is a crucial step in becoming a certified therapy dog team, allowing you to visit facilities like hospitals, assisted living facilities, and schools to comfort and uplift people.
Volunteer work as a therapy dog team is extremely rewarding and can be done with your own pet.
Certified
Certification is a crucial step in becoming a Therapy Dog team. Camp Mutt is an authorized facility to conduct the Control Evaluation Test for Therapy Dog Certification.
Volunteer work as a Therapy Dog team with your pet is extremely rewarding. A Therapy Dog and their handler work as a team to visit facilities such as hospitals, assisted living facilities, and schools for the purpose of comforting and making people feel better.
These special dogs bring smiles and brighten the days of people they visit.
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Service & Pricing
Our certification programs are designed to be flexible and affordable, with pricing that varies depending on the level of certification. You can choose from a range of options to suit your needs and budget.
We offer three levels of certification: Basic, Advanced, and Expert. The Basic certification is our entry-level program, which costs $299.
Our Advanced certification is a more comprehensive program that covers a wider range of topics, and costs $499. This level of certification is ideal for those who want to gain in-depth knowledge and skills.
The Expert certification is our most advanced program, which costs $699. This level of certification is designed for professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise and commitment to their field.
All our certification programs come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try them risk-free.
Take a look at this: Dog Training Basic Obedience Lesson Plan
Training Methods and Options
You can choose from various training methods and options in Jacksonville, including obedience training, puppy training, and service dog training.
Some trainers offer both online and in-person training, such as Dog Academy, which provides both options.
Trainers like Zoomiez Dog Training and Maggie Marshall Dog Training only offer in-person training sessions.
If you're looking for a more customized approach, Whoa Nellie Positive Canine Training LLC offers custom private courses.
The K-9 Obedience Club offers a range of training options, including puppy training, CGC prep, and basic obedience.
Here are the training types offered by each trainer mentioned:
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to train a dog to be a therapy dog?
Training a dog to be a therapy dog typically takes 6 to 8 weeks of dedicated and consistent effort. With the right training program or self-training, you can help your dog become a loving and supportive therapy companion.
Can you train your dog to be a therapy dog at home?
You can train a therapy dog at home, but it's recommended to seek assistance from a well-educated trainer or a formal organization for guidance and support. Training a therapy dog requires expertise and structure to ensure success.
Sources
- Psychiatric Service Dogs, Psychiatric Dog Training (canines4hope.com)
- Service Dog and Therapy Dog Training (campmutt.com)
- Maggie Marshall Dog Training (maggiedogtraining.com)
- Whoa Nellie Positive Canine Training LLC (whoanelliepositivecaninetraining.com)
- K-9 Obedience Club (k9obedienceclub.org)
- Zoomiez Dog Training (zoomeezdogtraining.com)
- Top Therapy Dog Trainers in Jacksonville / St. Johns, FL (dogtrainingelite.com)
- International Association of Assistance Dog Partners’ standards. (iaadp.org)
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