Therapy Dog Training: A Comprehensive Guide

At Petzooie, we understand the importance of therapy dogs in providing comfort, support, and companionship to people in need. Therapy dogs can make a significant difference in the lives of individuals in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and other settings. In this article, we will discuss the process of therapy dog training, the necessary qualifications, and how to get started on this rewarding journey with your canine companion.

What is a Therapy Dog?

A therapy dog is a specially trained dog that provides comfort, affection, and support to individuals in various settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and rehabilitation centers.

Unlike service dogs, which are trained to perform specific tasks for people with disabilities, therapy dogs focus on providing emotional support and companionship.

They are not trained to live with a specific handler and do not have the same legal rights as service dogs.

Therapy Dog Training Process

1. Assess Your Dog's Temperament

• The most important characteristic of a therapy dog is its temperament.
• A good therapy dog should be friendly, patient, confident, and gentle.
• They should enjoy human contact with both their owner and other people.
• If your dog has these qualities, they may be a good candidate for therapy dog training.

2. Basic Obedience Training

Before starting therapy dog training, your dog should have a solid foundation in basic obedience.

• This includes commands such as sit, stay, come, and heel.
• The AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program is an excellent starting point for teaching good manners and responsible dog ownership.
• The CGC test consists of 10 skills that dogs must pass to earn the title.

3. Socialization

Socializing your dog is crucial for therapy dog training. Expose your dog to various people, places, objects, and surfaces to help them become comfortable in different environments

4. Advanced Training

Once your dog has mastered basic obedience and socialization, you can begin advanced therapy dog training.

This may include desensitization exercises, shadowing active therapy dog teams, and practicing real-world scenarios.

5. Certification

To become a certified therapy dog, your dog must pass a test administered by a certified evaluator. This test assesses your dog's temperament and obedience skills. Upon successful completion, you and your dog may become a therapy team.

Pros and Cons of Therapy Dog Training

Recommendations

If you're considering therapy dog training, we recommend starting with basic obedience training and socialization. Assess your dog's temperament and consider whether they have the necessary qualities to be a therapy dog. If you decide to proceed, look for a reputable training program that can guide you through the process. Remember, the goal is to provide comfort and support to those in need, so it's important to ensure that this work is a good fit for both you and your dog.

Therapy dog training program near me

To find therapy dog training programs in your area, you can start by checking with local animal organizations, pet stores, and dog training centers. Here are some steps you can take:

• Local Animal Organizations: Many cities have organizations dedicated to therapy animal training. For example, in New York City, there are organizations like New York Therapy Animals and The Good Dog Foundation that offer comprehensive therapy dog education and training programs.
• Pet Stores: Some pet stores, like Petco, offer training programs that can help prepare your dog for therapy dog certification. Petco, for instance, offers the AKC Canine Good Citizen Test, which is a good starting point for therapy dog certification.
• Dog Training Centers: Many dog training centers offer specialized therapy dog training programs. For example, All Dawgs Training in Albany, New York, offers a Therapy Dog Prep program that prepares dogs for the Love on a Leash Control Evaluation and Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification tests. Similarly, Woof2Hoof Canine & Equine Training offers a Therapy Dog International Certification program.
• Online Search: You can also conduct an online search for therapy dog training programs in your area. Use search terms like "therapy dog training [your city]" or "therapy dog certification [your city]".
• Local Schools and Healthcare Facilities: Some schools and healthcare facilities may have their own therapy dog programs. For example, the New York City Department of Education has a Comfort Dog Program that trains dogs to provide support in educational settings.

Remember, the training process for a therapy dog requires a significant time commitment and the dog must possess certain key skills, such as an even temperament, friendliness, patience, confidence, obedience, and good socialization skills. It's also important to ensure that the training program you choose uses compassionate and humane teaching methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can any dog become a therapy dog?

A: While many dogs can become therapy dogs, it's essential that they have the right temperament and enjoy human contact. They should also be well-mannered and able to handle various environments.

Q: How long does it take to train a therapy dog?

A: The length of time it takes to train a therapy dog depends on the individual dog and the owner's commitment to training. It's essential to be patient and consistent in your training efforts.

Conclusion

Therapy dog training is a rewarding and fulfilling process for both you and your dog. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can help your dog become a valuable source of comfort and support for those in need. Remember to be patient, consistent, and dedicated to your dog's training, and you'll be well on your way to making a difference in the lives of others.

References

1. Three Steps to Making Your Dog a Therapy Dog
2. How to Train a Therapy Dog
3. Your Dog Can Become a Therapy Animal
4. Therapy Dog Training
5. Petzooie