Therapy Dog Training in St. Louis

Q: What is therapy dog training?

Therapy dog training is a specialized form of dog training that focuses on teaching dogs to provide comfort to people other than the handler. Therapy dogs often work in schools, hospitals, and assisted living facilities.

Q: How old should my dog be to start therapy dog training?

We will start training a dog as early as 12 weeks old (8 weeks with manager approval). We regularly work with dogs of all ages and have specialized approaches for puppies and senior pets.

Q: What training methods do you use?

We use science-based positive reinforcement techniques that reward desired behaviors rather than punishing unwanted ones. This force-free approach builds your dog's confidence and strengthens your relationship rather than creating fear or anxiety.

Q: Do therapy dogs have legal protections?

No, only service dogs are legally protected. However, therapy dogs can get certified as a testament to their legitimacy.

Q: What is the difference between emotional support, therapy, and service dogs?

Emotional support animals provide comfort to their handlers and have no formal certifications. Therapy dogs provide comfort to others and can get certified. Service dogs are task trained to support people with disabilities, and they can also get certified.

Build a stronger relationship with your dog as you work towards therapy dog certification using our modern, proven training methods.

What is Therapy Dog Training?

Therapy dog training is the specialized process of training dogs and their handlers to provide comfort, emotional support, and companionship to people in healthcare facilities, schools, and nursing homes.

At Petropolis, training involves teaching dogs to remain calm in various environments, to be comfortable around medical equipment, to respond reliably to cues, to maintain composure when meeting strangers, and pass their therapy dog certification test. New clients can get started on their therapy dog training journey with a free private lesson.

New Client Offer

FREE EVALUATION

Includes daycare, training session, & a 1-on-1 meeting with a professional trainer

(New training clients only. One per pet.)

What Our Therapy Dog Training Program Includes

Personalized Training Plan

Add or remove skills from your program to suit you and your dog's unique needs, from people handling to advanced skills.

Progressive Skill Building

Structured advancement from basic to complex skills that will teach your dog to work around various sounds, objects, people, and places.

Certified Trainers

Experienced instructors with certifications from The Academy of Pet Careers with specialized knowledge in positive reinforcement techniques.

Therapy Dog Certification

Learn the skills needed to pass the Therapy Dog International (TDI) test and become a certified therapy dog team.

Skills List

Petropolis' Therapy Dog Training Program is designed to teach your dog everything needed to pass testing, as well as evaluating them and teaching them to navigate the places they will visit as a therapy dog.

Confidence Building

Intro to Noises
Intro to Mobility Equipment
Intro to Moving Surfaces

Foundations & Basics

Door Manners
Polite Greetings
Leash Skills
Working Around Dogs
Distance Recall

People Handling

Intro to People
Intro to Children
Handling of Dog by Strangers
Supervised Absence of Handler
Working/Behaving in Public Areas

Advanced Skills

Automatic "Leave It"
One Minute "Wait"
Advanced "Place"
"Go Visit" (Head Down/In Lap)
One Minute "Sit", "Stand", "Down", "Stay"

Distance, Duration &
Distractions

"Sit"/"Down" with Distractions
"Focus" Around Distractions
Food Refusal
Walking Through Crowds

Request a Reservation

Therapy Dog Training Package Pricing

Dogs must have already completed basic obedience training before advancing to therapy dog training.

*Price valid for 30 days from evaluation

Total Cost

$2,981.25

Confidence Building
Therapy Dog Foundations
Intro to Equipment, People, and Environments
People Handling
Advanced Therapy Dog Training
Distance, Duration, and Distractions
20+ Different Skills

Frequently Asked Therapy Dog Training Questions

What is therapy dog training?

How old should my dog be to start therapy dog training?

What training methods do you use?

Do therapy dogs have legal protections?

What is the difference between emotional support, therapy, and service dogs?

Our Latest Articles

Cat Boarding

Safe, peaceful boarding options specifically designed for cats, featuring comfortable bedding, hiding spots, and personalized daily attention.

LEARN MORE

Therapy Dog Training in St. Louis