Therapy Dog Training Process and Certification

Becoming a therapy dog is a rewarding experience for both dogs and their owners. It requires patience, hard work, and a deep understanding of the training process.

The first step is to find a reputable training organization that offers certification programs, such as the Pet Partners or Therapy Dogs International. These organizations have strict standards for certification and will guide you through the process.

Therapy dog training typically begins with basic obedience training, which includes commands like "sit", "stay", and "walk on a leash." This training helps the dog develop good manners and a strong bond with its owner.

Socialization is a crucial part of therapy dog training, and it's essential to expose your dog to various environments, people, and situations to help it become confident and calm in new situations.

Therapy dogs have a profound impact on the humans they visit, helping to lower blood pressure and heart rate, reduce patient anxiety, and increase levels of endorphins and oxytocin.

Therapy dogs also benefit from their work, with studies showing higher rates of endorphins and oxytocin in therapy dogs compared to average family pets.

Therapy dogs visit a wide range of venues, including hospitals, nursing homes, libraries, schools, and disaster sites, where their presence can be a huge help.

To become a therapy dog, your dog needs to go through a certification process, which includes a temperament assessment, training, and registration with a reputable national organization.

Certification is the final hurdle in this process, and it's a crucial step in becoming a therapy dog.

To become a therapy dog handler, you'll need to assess your dog's temperament first. Keehn advises watching your dog closely and dispassionately to determine its true temperament.

Most therapy dog candidates are naturally calm, friendly, and affectionate to strangers. They seek out attention from people and have a calm demeanor.

Therapy dog handlers should also consider their dog's training level. Therapy dog organizations typically require dogs to be well-trained in basic obedience.

If this caught your attention, see: Calm Dog Training

To ensure your dog is adaptable to novel situations, consider exposing them to various noises, places, smells, and equipment. Most therapy dog organizations require dogs to be easily adaptable to these new experiences.

Regular health and wellness check-ups are also essential for therapy dog candidates. Therapy dog organizations often require dogs to be healthy and well-groomed.

Here's an interesting read: Dog Training Organizations

Training a therapy dog requires a lot of work and dedication, but it's a rewarding experience for both you and your dog.

You'll need to start by socializing your puppy or dog to new people, places, objects, and surfaces. This is crucial for building their confidence and reducing anxiety in new situations.

To begin the training process, you'll need to teach your dog basic cues like "come when called", "sit", "down", "wait or stay", "leave it", "drop it", and "off." These are known as life safety lessons and are a requirement for registration as a therapy dog.

You can choose to train your dog on your own or with the help of a professional trainer. If you decide to go it alone, you can start by reviewing the CGC test for the ten basic commands and watching videos on YouTube for tips.

A therapy dog class can also be a great way to prepare you and your dog for visits. These classes typically include a therapy dog evaluation at the end of the class, which will help you determine if your dog is ready to become a certified therapy dog.

To become a certified therapy dog, you'll need to register with a reputable national organization, such as Pet Partners, Therapy Dogs International, or Alliance of Therapy Dogs. This will require a handler course and a Team Evaluation for both the handler and their dog.

Here's a step-by-step guide to training and certifying a therapy dog:

Remember, training a therapy dog is a journey that requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. With the right approach and dedication, you and your dog can make a real difference in the lives of others.

Any breed of dog can be a therapy dog, as long as they're an adult and not a puppy.

A loving disposition is more important than a specific breed, and you can find that in any dog, including a lovable mutt.

Explore further: All Breed Dog Training

First, it's essential to understand that therapy dog training requires a significant time commitment, typically 6-12 months, to ensure your dog develops the necessary skills and temperament.

To begin, you'll need to assess your dog's suitability for therapy work, considering factors like breed, temperament, and training history.

Start by researching the requirements for therapy dog certification in your area, which often includes passing a temperament test and obtaining liability insurance.

You've completed therapy dog training and are excited to start visiting venues with your new furry friend.

Children's hospitals are a great place to start, providing a welcoming environment for your dog to bring joy to young patients.

Hospices are another option, where your dog can offer comfort and companionship to those in need.

Discover more: When to Start Dog Obedience

Nursing homes are also a wonderful place to visit, allowing your dog to interact with seniors and bring smiles to their faces.

VA hospitals are a great way to give back to those who have served, and your dog can be a valuable part of the healing process.

Home-bound elders can also benefit from a therapy dog visit, providing social interaction and affection in the comfort of their own homes.

Rehabilitation centers are another option, where your dog can help patients recover and regain their strength.

Getting started with therapy dog training is an exciting step. Any of our nationwide Zoom Room locations would love to welcome you and your dog into their next class.

To qualify, your dog must have passed the Canine Good Citizen Test or its equivalent. Our six-week class is open to all dogs who meet this requirement.

Sign up for our class by visiting one of our Zoom Room locations. We'd be happy to have you and your dog join us.

Related reading: Master Class Dog Training

If you live in Las Vegas and want to become a therapy dog team, you're in luck. The city has a thriving therapy dog community that's eager to welcome new teams.

To get started, ask yourself if your dog craves attention and enjoys being around people of all ages and sizes. If so, you're well on your way to becoming a therapy dog team.

All domestic dog breeds are welcome to join the therapy dog program, regardless of size or breed. Your dog just needs to be at least a year old before volunteering.

To become a certified therapy dog team, you'll need to pass the American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen (AKC - CGC) test. This test evaluates your dog's behavior in public and ensures they're well-behaved in a variety of situations.

Here are the basic requirements to become a therapy dog team in Las Vegas: