Therapy Dog Training in Hampton Roads
Expert Therapy Dog Certification Services in Hampton Roads
Transform your dog into a certified therapy dog through professional, in-home training designed for real-world therapeutic environments.
Why Therapy Dog Training Matters in Hampton Roads
Therapy dogs provide comfort and support to people in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and other facilities throughout the Hampton Roads area. These specially trained dogs offer a unique form of connection that can help reduce anxiety and bring positive moments to individuals who need them most.
Proper training and certification ensure therapy dogs can:
Respond Reliably
Maintain calm, focused behavior in unpredictable environments
Meet Professional Standards
Complete certification requirements for facility visits
Support Their Owners
Work effectively as a team with their handler
Serve Safely
Interact appropriately with vulnerable populations including children and seniors
Professional therapy dog training prepares both dog and owner with the skills needed to thrive in therapeutic settings. Off Leash K9 Training of Hampton Roads offers a comprehensive program that combines obedience training with certification preparation.
Our Therapy Dog Training Services
Therapy Dog Preparation Program
Off Leash K9 Training of Hampton Roads provides an 8-lesson in-home training program specifically designed to prepare dogs for therapy work. This $2,000 program brings expert trainers directly to your location, allowing your dog to learn in familiar surroundings while building the skills needed for certification.
According to the company, Off Leash K9 Training professionals are certified Therapy Pets Unlimited evaluators. This means upon successful completion of the therapy dog preparation course, the company can evaluate and certify your dog through Therapy Pets Unlimited, with an ID awarded upon passing.
The in-home format allows each training session to address your dog’s specific behavior patterns and your family’s unique situation. Rather than group classes in an unfamiliar location, your dog learns to respond appropriately in the environment where you live and practice daily.
Our Therapy Dog Training Process
Step 1: Initial Assessment and Consultation
Your journey begins with a free phone consultation. During this conversation, we discuss your dog’s temperament, current obedience level, and your goals for therapy work. This initial assessment helps determine if your dog is a suitable candidate for therapy dog certification.
Step 2: Comprehensive 8-Lesson Program
The therapy dog preparation program consists of 8 private lessons conducted at your home. Training builds progressively, starting with foundational obedience commands and advancing through therapy-specific skills. Each session focuses on practical behaviors your dog must demonstrate reliably. The program includes an e-collar and training leash. According to company information, e-collar training generally starts at 5 months old, while younger puppies can be trained using clicker and treat methods.
Step 3: Professional Evaluation
As your dog nears program completion, Off Leash K9 Training professionals assess readiness for certification testing. This evaluation ensures your dog demonstrates the manners and obedience required for therapy work.
Step 4: Certification Through Therapy Pets Unlimited
Off Leash K9 Training of Hampton Roads states that they are certified Therapy Pets Unlimited evaluators. Upon successful completion of the program and passing evaluation, your dog receives official certification and a therapy dog ID.
Service Areas We Cover
Off Leash K9 Training of Hampton Roads brings in-home therapy dog training directly to clients throughout the region. The company services the following locations:
- Hampton Roads Area: Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Newport News, Hampton
- Chesapeake & Surrounding: Chesapeake, Suffolk, Windsor, Isle of Wight, Carrollton
- Peninsula Communities: Grafton, Jamestown, Poquoson, Yorktown, Williamsburg
- Eastern Shore: Cape Charles
- NE North Carolina
The in-home training format eliminates travel to a training facility, making professional therapy dog preparation accessible regardless of your location within the service area.
Meet Our Hampton Roads Team
Our training team brings experience and dedication to every dog we work with.
Josh Wilson
Serves as Owner of Off Leash K9 Training of Hampton Roads. Additional details about his background are available on our About page. For ideas to keep your dog mentally stimulated, check out these simple nose games you can play at home with your dog.
Larry Enscore
Is our Head Trainer, bringing his expertise to every board and train dog in our program. More information about his qualifications can be found on our About page.
Off Leash K9 Training says they are part of the highest-rated dog training business in the United States, with over 130 locations nationwide. The company describes itself as the fastest growing dog training company in the world. Understanding the importance of always having a dog leash is essential for effective dog training and safety.
Client Success Stories
Off Leash K9 Training of Hampton Roads states that many former clients have easily passed their therapy dog certification after completing the training program. The company claims that 98% of dogs can achieve a high level of obedience regardless of breed, size, or age.
The relationship built between trainer and dog during the 8-lesson program creates a foundation for success. As the company states, “the bond we create with your dog is genuine, and it begins the moment we meet.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a good therapy dog candidate?
Therapy dogs must demonstrate calm, reliable behavior around people and in various environments. Dogs should be comfortable with strangers, respond well to obedience commands, and show a positive temperament. Contact us for a free phone consultation to discuss whether your dog may be eligible for therapy dog training.
How long does the certification process take?
The therapy dog preparation program consists of 8 lessons conducted in your home. Schedule and timeline can vary based on your availability. Contact Off Leash K9 Training of Hampton Roads to discuss specific scheduling for your situation.
What guarantee do you offer?
According to the company FAQ, if you are not completely amazed and 100% satisfied in the first lesson, the lesson is free—no questions asked.
What training tools are used?
The program includes an e-collar and training leash. The company FAQ describes the e-collar as remote-controlled stimulation, comparing it to E-stim therapy at a chiropractor. E-collar training generally starts at 5 months old; younger puppies can be trained using clicker and treat methods.
How does this differ from service dog training?
Therapy dogs visit facilities to provide comfort to multiple people and are not the same as service dogs, which are trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities. Off Leash K9 Training of Hampton Roads offers therapy dog preparation with certification through Therapy Pets Unlimited.
Prepare your dog to make a positive difference in your community. Whether you envision visiting hospitals, nursing homes, schools, or other facilities in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Newport News, or throughout the Hampton Roads area, professional therapy dog training equips you both with the skills needed for success.
Off Leash K9 Training of Hampton Roads offers free phone consultations to discuss your goals and evaluate whether therapy dog training is right for you and your dog. The 8-lesson in-home program provides personalized attention, and certification through Therapy Pets Unlimited awaits upon successful completion.
- Phone: (757) 296-8366
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: Serving Hampton Roads
Serving:Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Hampton, Yorktown, Williamsburg, Toano, Smithfield, Isle of Wight County, James City County, York County, Gloucester County, Newport News.
Take the first step forward—your dog’s therapy journey starts with a simple phone call.
Photo: A&E
Nick White is the Owner and Founder of Off Leash K9 Training. Nick is a former US Marine and former US Secret Service. He currently has over 130+ dog training locations throughout the United States.
Nick is globally recognized as being one of the top dog trainers in the world. He has 2 official world records in off leash obedience, named on Wikipedia as one of the top 20 dog trainers in the world, recently named top 10 trainer in the world by bestdogtrainers.org, has been featured in many magazines and shows, and he is regularly requested by the top celebrities and athletes! He has been called upon by people such as actor Ryan Reynolds, WWE’s John Cena, MLB All Star Max Scherzer, UFC World Champion Jon “Bones” Jones, and many more!
You can visit our YouTube Channel and watch over 1500+ before/after videos of Nick and his team’s work! Off Leash K9 Training has more documented videos than any dog training business in the entire world!