Therapy Dog Training Certification: Everything You Need to Know

To get your therapy dog certified, you'll need to find a training program that's recognized by a certifying organization, such as Pet Partners or Therapy Dogs International.

These organizations have strict standards for trainers and handlers, so make sure you're working with a reputable program.

The certification process typically involves a series of tests and evaluations that assess your dog's temperament, obedience, and ability to interact with people in a calm and gentle manner.

You'll also need to meet specific requirements, such as having a dog that's at least a year old and has had basic obedience training.

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To earn an AKC Therapy Dog title, you and your dog must have a dog number in the American Kennel Club's records. This is a crucial step in the certification process.

You'll need to have your dog trained and certified by a qualified therapy dog organization before you can start making visits. This will give you the necessary credentials to apply for the AKC Therapy Dog title.

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The more visits you make, the more titles you can earn. This means that the first step is to start keeping a record of your visits, using the Therapy Dog Record of Visits Sheet.

To be eligible for an AKC Therapy Dog title, you'll need to complete the AKC Therapy Dog Title Application and mail it to the AKC address shown on the application with the recording fee.

If your application is not approved for some reason, the AKC will notify you and refund your fee. This shows that the AKC is committed to ensuring that only qualified therapy dogs receive the title.

Here are the steps to follow to earn an AKC Therapy Dog title:

To get started with therapy dog training, you'll need to prepare your dog and yourself for the process. The Therapy Dog training class is a great place to begin, where you'll practice behaviors, handling, and socialization skills needed for evaluation by a national registry of therapy dogs.

Broaden your view: How Much Is Therapy Dog Training

To qualify for the class, your dog must be at least one year old and demonstrate reliable obedience skills or receive approval from a Dog Therapy Instructor. Jr. handlers, such as those from 4H or AKC junior handlers, must be accompanied by a parent.

You'll need a few pieces of equipment, including a 4ft leash, harness, and gentle leader (prong collars are not allowed).

To become certified, you'll need to research the national organization's guidelines and handling requirements. The Therapy dog class offered in the summer is an excellent starting point, and you can also consider taking the Canine Good Citizenship (CGC) test to further prepare your dog.

Here are the prerequisites for the Therapy Dog training class:

Remember, therapy dogs are not service dogs, and it's essential to understand the difference. Service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks to help a person with a disability, while therapy dogs are trained to provide comfort and affection to people in need.

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Certification testing is a crucial step in the therapy dog training process. Regular testing is offered by organizations like Alliance of Therapy Dogs and Love on a Leash.

You can check their websites for upcoming dates and registration information. This ensures you stay up-to-date on the latest testing schedules.

Both Alliance of Therapy Dogs and Love on a Leash offer certification testing throughout the year. This means you can choose a testing schedule that fits your needs.

Please see the CGC & Therapy Dog Testing Page for more information.

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Don't be discouraged if your dog doesn't make it through therapy dog training - it's a process that requires the right temperament and attention span.

Each dog is different, and some may not have the desire to spend time with strangers or become easily startled in certain environments.

Some breeds are better suited for therapy work, according to the Support Dog Certification registry, but it's not just about the breed - it's also about the individual dog's personality and abilities.

If you're in New York, you'll need to get your dog licensed as required by Article 7 of New York State Agriculture and Markets Law, and register them with a therapy dog organization that meets the state's guidelines.

While there are some paid opportunities for therapy dogs and their handlers, most opportunities are volunteer-based, so be prepared to dedicate your time and energy to this rewarding work.

Disqualifications can be tough to accept, especially if you've invested time and love into training your pup. Sometimes it's found during training that a dog doesn't have the right temperament or attention span to handle the job.

Dogs may also not have the desire to spend that much time with strangers or become easily startled in certain environments. This can be a difficult reality to face, but it's essential to remember that every dog is different.

Some breeds are better suited for therapy work, according to experts from the internationally recognized Support Dog Certification registry. These include breeds that are naturally calm and gentle.

Not all dogs will make the cut, and that's okay. It's not a reflection on your dog's worth or your ability as a handler.

There are various types of support dogs, each trained to assist individuals with specific needs.

Service dogs are trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities, such as guiding the visually impaired or alerting the hearing impaired.

Emotional support dogs provide comfort and companionship to individuals with mental health conditions, but they are not required to be trained in specific tasks.

Therapy dogs are trained to provide affection and comfort in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, and nursing homes.

Support dogs can be categorized into different types, including service, emotional support, and therapy dogs.

Take a look at this: Different Types of Dog Training