How to Train Therapy Dogs

Doctors often advocate pet ownership as a way to help relax and calm patients, and therapy dogs are becoming more popular. Most breeds can be trained as therapy dogs as long as they can stay calm and obedient while visiting patients. Training a therapy dog takes time, but seeing the joy on the faces of the patients you are cheering up makes the effort worthwhile.

Things You'll Need

• Collar and lead
• Treats
• Therapy dog identification

Instructions

1. Choose a dog that is calm and friendly. Therapy dogs visit people in high-stress situations such as hospitals and nursing homes. A dog that is skittish or does not enjoy the company of people will not make a good therapy dog.

2. Schedule your dog for regular visits with your veterinarian. Therapy dogs must be healthy and current on all vaccinations, and you must provide proof of your dog's good health. Let your vet know your dog is in training as a therapy dog. He can provide you with copies of the dog's medical records.

3. Fit your dog with a collar, lead and identification vest to be worn at all times while working. Your therapy dog must be under control while visiting patients. A collar and lead enables you to keep the dog close to you. An identification tag or bandana is required in most facilities. The let people know your dog is a working therapy dog.

4. Teach your dog basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, heel and lie down. All dogs must pass a test before they can be certified as therapy dogs, and basic obedience is among the required skills. Praise your dog and offer it a treat as a reward when the dog follows a command properly.

5. Expose your dog to as many people as possible. Socialization is important. Your dog will experience a wide range of new environments as you visit patients. Many dogs can be protective of their owners, so talk with strange people to show your dog it is all right when strangers approach you.

6. Take your dog to crowded, noisy events such as parades and festivals to acclimate it to loud, unusual noises. Hospitals and nursing homes are often full of loud conversation and mechanical noises that can frighten your dog. Always praise your dog and offer a treat as a reward when the dog ignores the noise and bustle of the crowds.

7. Schedule an appointment with your local therapy testing center to have your dog evaluated. The test will include exposure to crowded areas, loud noises and strange people. If your dog passes the test, you will be eligible to visit needy facilities and you will receive a card designating your canine companion as a certified therapy dog.

Tips & Warnings

• Work with your dog frequently for maximum exposure. A therapy dog is often presented with physically or mentally handicapped patients who might frighten a dog that hasn't been exposed to a variety of situations.

• Be sure your dog is friendly with children. Many therapy dogs are used in children's facilities and are often poked, prodded and tugged at.

• Never force your dog to work in a situation that makes the dog uncomfortable. Some dogs lack the temperament to be therapy dogs and may lash out if frightened.

References

• Therapy Dogs International
• Dog Logic: Therapy Dog Training Requirements
• Upcoming Therapy Dog Tests