Training your dog to become a certified therapy dog is a wonderful way to bond and spend quality time together.
Getting a dog therapy certified.
If you want your dog certified for therapy work first prepare him for the canine good citizen certification test.
A good therapy dog should have the ability to be around groups of people and remain calm and dedicated to their tasks.
While the person is petting your dog work on keeping your dog beside you and remaining calm.
Therapy dogs come in all sizes and breeds.
Take your dog to the park or playground.
The most important characteristic of a therapy dog is its temperament.
Therapy dogs must enjoy human contact and be content to be petted cuddled and handled sometimes clumsily by unfamiliar people and to enjoy that contact.
What they don t realize is that therapy dogs are really really well trained certified pets who meet criteria and become a part of a facility s therapy pet program.
Getting certified can mean a therapy dog can be with its owner at all times even in public areas where animals aren t normally permitted.
Dogs are great for therapy because of their innate gentleness and emotional intelligence which is why many pet owners seek advice on therapy dog training and how to get their dogs certified.
It s not an oh my dog is nice i think i ll pop in and show him off thing.
Akc therapy dog titles can be earned by dogs who have been certified by akc recognized therapy dog organizations and have performed the required number of visits.
Therapy dogs are dispensers of unconditional love and affection.
What you need to know.
A therapy dog must be able to remain focused even if the individuals around it are in distress.
Every so often someone will casually mention that i should take my dog to a nursing facility or hospital to provide therapy.
Therapy dog training and certification.
Training helps a service dog learn to behave in public as well as have the skills necessary to emotionally support its owner.
Any breed of dog can qualify as a therapy dog as long as they have the proper temperament and intelligence.