![\"\"](\"https:\/\/puppyintraining.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/therapy-dog-cert-700x467.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nThis article will discuss those requirements and how to meet them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I did therapy dog work in a hospital for years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
People loved the comfort my dogs provided. And my pups did some tricks to amuse the patients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Over the years, two of my shih tzus, three of my shelties, and one of my golden retrievers were therapy dogs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some were rescued dogs. And the dogs loved it as much as–if not more than–the patients did!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Is a Therapy Dog?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nA therapy dog<\/a> visits people to provide comfort, increase the well-being, and improve the quality of life of the people and staff that they visit. <\/p>\n\n\n\nThey provide affection, comfort, and support to vulnerable people who need it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When I visited a hospital with my dogs, the staff appreciated it as much as the patients did. They told me that it helped to relieve their stress and brightened their day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The handler\/dog team are generally volunteers and don\u2019t receive any compensation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Therapy dogs are not service animals. Service animals are trained to provide specific tasks for an individual who has mental or physical disabilities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Service animals are protected by Federal law and have access to go anywhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Therapy dogs provide comfort to certain people but don\u2019t receive training to provide services to any specific individual. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
They are not allowed to go everywhere. And they may require certain certifications to go to some facilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What are the Benefits of Doing Therapy Dog Work?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nOf course, one of the great benefits is a feeling of satisfaction of doing something to benefit others–and your community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are also tangible health benefits to the staff and patients you visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Interaction with a friendly dog has been shown to help lower a person\u2019s blood pressure and slow their heart rate. It also reduces anxiety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stress hormones such as cortisol and dopamine may be better regulated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The positive interaction with friendly animals also stimulates the production of oxytocin, sometimes called the \u201chappy hormone,\u201d and endorphins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This boosts one\u2019s mood and makes one more empathetic to others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The therapy dogs also have health benefits: the rates of endorphins and oxytocin are higher in therapy dogs than they are in pet dogs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, volunteering doing therapy work is a win-win for the handler\/dog team and the patients and staff who they visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Basic Requirements of a Dog and Handler<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThere are many different registries that can certify your dog is able to meet the requirements for a therapy dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even though registries vary in some of their conditions, most require that a dog and handler meet certain core items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Requirements for Your Dog<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nA therapy dog must have a steady temperament. He must be friendly, patient, confident, gentle, healthy, well-groomed, and at ease in even the most trying situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They should love contact with people and being petted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They need to be confident even when surrounded by strangers, noisy and unfamiliar equipment, and other devices such as walkers, wheelchairs, crutches, and canes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unfamiliar noises and sights can\u2019t scare them or make them reactive or aggressive. They may have to face noisy equipment and messages over a PA system<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The pup may encounter people with various physical and mental disabilities. Some may move or speak erratically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Therapy dogs must be intelligent and be able to read people\u2019s moods. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The dog must be under the handler\u2019s control at all times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So even though your dog may be great at home or in your neighborhood, he may not meet those requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There\u2019s nothing wrong with that–all dogs are individuals and may have other interests and abilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not all dogs are cut out for therapy dog work. Even the friendliest dog may find the requirements to be overwhelming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019ve had many dogs and, even though they had good temperaments and were well-trained and socialized, some wouldn\u2019t have enjoyed such work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The dogs who should do–and excel at–therapy dog work must accept and enjoy being petted by strangers. I stress that they must ENJOY<\/em> such contact.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s unfair to make even a sweet dog do such work if he doesn\u2019t enjoy it. A therapy dog must be focused on his task and enjoy the work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition to having a great temperament and extensive socialization, a dog must have certain training<\/a> to be a therapy dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOf course, he should be trained to never jump on anyone or anything such as a counter or cart. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
And he should know basic commands such as sit, down, stay, leave it, and heel\/loose leash walking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
And he can\u2019t lick or mouthe people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Therapy dogs must be calm in all settings they face and can\u2019t take food from patients or from trays or counters. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s a lot to ask of a dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Therapy dogs usually are required to have periodic vet visits to ensure that they\u2019re healthy and have received required vaccinations, including for rabies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They also should be well-groomed and bathed before visits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Any breed or mix can be a therapy dog. Generally, a dog should be at least a year old and have lived with the handler\u2019s family for at least six months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some breeds<\/a> may naturally be more likely to be therapy dogs. Because of their innate love of people and of being petted by them and interacting with them, golden retrievers<\/a> and labs are often seen volunteering their services.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHandler\u2019s Tasks<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nHandlers of therapy dogs should be friendly and enjoy the environment where they take the dog. Generally, people use their own dogs–not other people\u2019s–as therapy dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Depending where you go, there may be children, older people, ill people, or people with mental or physical disabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition to being outgoing and adapting to the environment, the dog\u2019s handler should enjoy the work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The handler has to ensure that the therapy dog isn\u2019t overworked or stressed. And he must give the dog needed breaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Handlers may have to dress in a certain way, such as wearing pants rather than jeans or wearing closed shoes and not sandals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And they may need to pass a background check and medical tests. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When I volunteered at a hospital, I had to take and pass a test to show that I didn\u2019t have tuberculosis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some facilities also require that a handler receive certain vaccinations, such as the flu vaccine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Where Do Therapy Dogs Visit?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nMany places that therapy dogs work require that they have some type of certification. Specific certification organizations will be discussed later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Therapy dog and handler teams really provide a great service to the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The following is a list of some of the most common places where therapy dogs comfort people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Hospitals<\/li>
- Nursing Homes<\/li>
- Retirement Homes<\/li>
- Hospice Facilities<\/li>
- Rehabilitation Centers<\/li>
- Schools<\/li>
- Libraries<\/li>
- College campuses<\/li>
- Airports<\/li>
- Disaster areas<\/li>
- Funeral Homes<\/li>
- Courtrooms<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Therapy dogs provide comfort and solace to people. They may help people feel less lonely. People in some facilities don\u2019t have any other visitors, <\/p>\n\n\n\n
They can console people who have just suffered a horrible loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Service dogs may also give some people confidence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some therapy dogs help children learn to read. Children read to the dogs; they get confidence because dogs aren\u2019t judgmental.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They may give children confidence to testify in a courtroom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The need for therapy dogs is real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So if you\u2019re thinking of your dog becoming a therapy dog, it\u2019s advisable to decide what setting you\u2019d like to help in and where your dog would most enjoy working.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you determined, for example, that you\u2019d like to visit nursing homes, find some near you and contact them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some require only that a dog be well-behaved. But many require that a dog obtain some type of certification to work in their facility. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ask if they require a certification from a specific organization. Also inquire regarding whether they need the services of a therapy dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019ve discovered that there\u2019s a great need for therapy dogs in many settings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A friend of mine did therapy work at a nursing home with her border collie mix. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The facility was thrilled to have them. And my friend and her dog Buddy loved being there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why Certify With a Therapy Dog Organization?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nOrganizations that certify therapy dogs will test and certify that your dog has the proper temperament and training for the work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some will also test your dog in the setting in which you\u2019ll be working. So they will shadow you to determine that you pass their requirements as a therapy team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That certification will also lend credibility to your dog\/handler team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition, many also provide liability insurance should certain matters go wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many organizations that you can choose from. It\u2019s important to do your research regarding their requirements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
And first inquire from any facility you want to go to to determine whether they require that you be certified by a particular organization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another article posted on one of our sites lists many of the organizations that certify therapy dogs<\/a>. Click on the link to see them.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPassing the American Kennel Club\u2019s Canine Good Citizen test<\/a> may be required by some.organizations. It\u2019s a series of 10 behavior and obedience tests.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSome of the main organizations a facility may require for certification are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Therapy Dogs International<\/a><\/li>
- Pet Partners<\/a><\/li>
- Love on a Leash<\/a><\/li>
- Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs<\/a><\/li>
- Alliance of Therapy Dogs<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Costs Involved<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nMost organizations that certify therapy dogs are non-profit and many of the people working for them are volunteers. So there are fees involved in doing therapy dog work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There\u2019s a fee to take the various tests and fees to remain certified. Also, there are costs associated with required vet visits, any medical exams, and vaccinations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Final Thoughts<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nTherapy dog work is very satisfying and can really help other people. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
But there are certain requirements that must be met before you can volunteer with your dog. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The dog must have a great temperament, be well-socialized, love interacting with new people, and be well-trained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And you, as the handler may also have to pass certain requirements and incur certain costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Have you ever done therapy work with your dog or are you thinking of doing so? Please tell us about it in the comment section below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Save To Pinterest<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"Therapy](\"https:\/\/puppyintraining.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/certified-therapy-dog-700x1050.jpg\")
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They provide affection, comfort, and support to vulnerable people who need it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When I visited a hospital with my dogs, the staff appreciated it as much as the patients did. They told me that it helped to relieve their stress and brightened their day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The handler\/dog team are generally volunteers and don\u2019t receive any compensation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Therapy dogs are not service animals. Service animals are trained to provide specific tasks for an individual who has mental or physical disabilities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Service animals are protected by Federal law and have access to go anywhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Therapy dogs provide comfort to certain people but don\u2019t receive training to provide services to any specific individual. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
They are not allowed to go everywhere. And they may require certain certifications to go to some facilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What are the Benefits of Doing Therapy Dog Work?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nOf course, one of the great benefits is a feeling of satisfaction of doing something to benefit others–and your community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are also tangible health benefits to the staff and patients you visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Interaction with a friendly dog has been shown to help lower a person\u2019s blood pressure and slow their heart rate. It also reduces anxiety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stress hormones such as cortisol and dopamine may be better regulated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The positive interaction with friendly animals also stimulates the production of oxytocin, sometimes called the \u201chappy hormone,\u201d and endorphins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This boosts one\u2019s mood and makes one more empathetic to others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The therapy dogs also have health benefits: the rates of endorphins and oxytocin are higher in therapy dogs than they are in pet dogs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, volunteering doing therapy work is a win-win for the handler\/dog team and the patients and staff who they visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Basic Requirements of a Dog and Handler<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThere are many different registries that can certify your dog is able to meet the requirements for a therapy dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even though registries vary in some of their conditions, most require that a dog and handler meet certain core items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Requirements for Your Dog<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nA therapy dog must have a steady temperament. He must be friendly, patient, confident, gentle, healthy, well-groomed, and at ease in even the most trying situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They should love contact with people and being petted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They need to be confident even when surrounded by strangers, noisy and unfamiliar equipment, and other devices such as walkers, wheelchairs, crutches, and canes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unfamiliar noises and sights can\u2019t scare them or make them reactive or aggressive. They may have to face noisy equipment and messages over a PA system<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The pup may encounter people with various physical and mental disabilities. Some may move or speak erratically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Therapy dogs must be intelligent and be able to read people\u2019s moods. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The dog must be under the handler\u2019s control at all times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So even though your dog may be great at home or in your neighborhood, he may not meet those requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There\u2019s nothing wrong with that–all dogs are individuals and may have other interests and abilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not all dogs are cut out for therapy dog work. Even the friendliest dog may find the requirements to be overwhelming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019ve had many dogs and, even though they had good temperaments and were well-trained and socialized, some wouldn\u2019t have enjoyed such work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The dogs who should do–and excel at–therapy dog work must accept and enjoy being petted by strangers. I stress that they must ENJOY<\/em> such contact.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s unfair to make even a sweet dog do such work if he doesn\u2019t enjoy it. A therapy dog must be focused on his task and enjoy the work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition to having a great temperament and extensive socialization, a dog must have certain training<\/a> to be a therapy dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOf course, he should be trained to never jump on anyone or anything such as a counter or cart. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
And he should know basic commands such as sit, down, stay, leave it, and heel\/loose leash walking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
And he can\u2019t lick or mouthe people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Therapy dogs must be calm in all settings they face and can\u2019t take food from patients or from trays or counters. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s a lot to ask of a dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Therapy dogs usually are required to have periodic vet visits to ensure that they\u2019re healthy and have received required vaccinations, including for rabies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They also should be well-groomed and bathed before visits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Any breed or mix can be a therapy dog. Generally, a dog should be at least a year old and have lived with the handler\u2019s family for at least six months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some breeds<\/a> may naturally be more likely to be therapy dogs. Because of their innate love of people and of being petted by them and interacting with them, golden retrievers<\/a> and labs are often seen volunteering their services.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHandler\u2019s Tasks<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nHandlers of therapy dogs should be friendly and enjoy the environment where they take the dog. Generally, people use their own dogs–not other people\u2019s–as therapy dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Depending where you go, there may be children, older people, ill people, or people with mental or physical disabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition to being outgoing and adapting to the environment, the dog\u2019s handler should enjoy the work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The handler has to ensure that the therapy dog isn\u2019t overworked or stressed. And he must give the dog needed breaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Handlers may have to dress in a certain way, such as wearing pants rather than jeans or wearing closed shoes and not sandals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And they may need to pass a background check and medical tests. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When I volunteered at a hospital, I had to take and pass a test to show that I didn\u2019t have tuberculosis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some facilities also require that a handler receive certain vaccinations, such as the flu vaccine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Where Do Therapy Dogs Visit?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nMany places that therapy dogs work require that they have some type of certification. Specific certification organizations will be discussed later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Therapy dog and handler teams really provide a great service to the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The following is a list of some of the most common places where therapy dogs comfort people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Hospitals<\/li>
- Nursing Homes<\/li>
- Retirement Homes<\/li>
- Hospice Facilities<\/li>
- Rehabilitation Centers<\/li>
- Schools<\/li>
- Libraries<\/li>
- College campuses<\/li>
- Airports<\/li>
- Disaster areas<\/li>
- Funeral Homes<\/li>
- Courtrooms<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Therapy dogs provide comfort and solace to people. They may help people feel less lonely. People in some facilities don\u2019t have any other visitors, <\/p>\n\n\n\n
They can console people who have just suffered a horrible loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Service dogs may also give some people confidence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some therapy dogs help children learn to read. Children read to the dogs; they get confidence because dogs aren\u2019t judgmental.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They may give children confidence to testify in a courtroom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The need for therapy dogs is real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So if you\u2019re thinking of your dog becoming a therapy dog, it\u2019s advisable to decide what setting you\u2019d like to help in and where your dog would most enjoy working.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you determined, for example, that you\u2019d like to visit nursing homes, find some near you and contact them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some require only that a dog be well-behaved. But many require that a dog obtain some type of certification to work in their facility. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ask if they require a certification from a specific organization. Also inquire regarding whether they need the services of a therapy dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019ve discovered that there\u2019s a great need for therapy dogs in many settings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A friend of mine did therapy work at a nursing home with her border collie mix. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The facility was thrilled to have them. And my friend and her dog Buddy loved being there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why Certify With a Therapy Dog Organization?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nOrganizations that certify therapy dogs will test and certify that your dog has the proper temperament and training for the work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some will also test your dog in the setting in which you\u2019ll be working. So they will shadow you to determine that you pass their requirements as a therapy team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That certification will also lend credibility to your dog\/handler team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition, many also provide liability insurance should certain matters go wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many organizations that you can choose from. It\u2019s important to do your research regarding their requirements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
And first inquire from any facility you want to go to to determine whether they require that you be certified by a particular organization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another article posted on one of our sites lists many of the organizations that certify therapy dogs<\/a>. Click on the link to see them.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPassing the American Kennel Club\u2019s Canine Good Citizen test<\/a> may be required by some.organizations. It\u2019s a series of 10 behavior and obedience tests.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSome of the main organizations a facility may require for certification are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Therapy Dogs International<\/a><\/li>
- Pet Partners<\/a><\/li>
- Love on a Leash<\/a><\/li>
- Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs<\/a><\/li>
- Alliance of Therapy Dogs<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Costs Involved<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nMost organizations that certify therapy dogs are non-profit and many of the people working for them are volunteers. So there are fees involved in doing therapy dog work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There\u2019s a fee to take the various tests and fees to remain certified. Also, there are costs associated with required vet visits, any medical exams, and vaccinations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Final Thoughts<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nTherapy dog work is very satisfying and can really help other people. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
But there are certain requirements that must be met before you can volunteer with your dog. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The dog must have a great temperament, be well-socialized, love interacting with new people, and be well-trained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And you, as the handler may also have to pass certain requirements and incur certain costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Have you ever done therapy work with your dog or are you thinking of doing so? Please tell us about it in the comment section below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Save To Pinterest<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"As a dog trainer, people often ask me how their dogs can become certified therapy dogs. They want to show the world how great their…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":30630,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1716],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-30585","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-dog-training-tips"],"yoast_head":"\n
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There are many different registries that can certify your dog is able to meet the requirements for a therapy dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even though registries vary in some of their conditions, most require that a dog and handler meet certain core items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Requirements for Your Dog<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nA therapy dog must have a steady temperament. He must be friendly, patient, confident, gentle, healthy, well-groomed, and at ease in even the most trying situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They should love contact with people and being petted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They need to be confident even when surrounded by strangers, noisy and unfamiliar equipment, and other devices such as walkers, wheelchairs, crutches, and canes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unfamiliar noises and sights can\u2019t scare them or make them reactive or aggressive. They may have to face noisy equipment and messages over a PA system<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The pup may encounter people with various physical and mental disabilities. Some may move or speak erratically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Therapy dogs must be intelligent and be able to read people\u2019s moods. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The dog must be under the handler\u2019s control at all times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So even though your dog may be great at home or in your neighborhood, he may not meet those requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There\u2019s nothing wrong with that–all dogs are individuals and may have other interests and abilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not all dogs are cut out for therapy dog work. Even the friendliest dog may find the requirements to be overwhelming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019ve had many dogs and, even though they had good temperaments and were well-trained and socialized, some wouldn\u2019t have enjoyed such work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The dogs who should do–and excel at–therapy dog work must accept and enjoy being petted by strangers. I stress that they must ENJOY<\/em> such contact.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s unfair to make even a sweet dog do such work if he doesn\u2019t enjoy it. A therapy dog must be focused on his task and enjoy the work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition to having a great temperament and extensive socialization, a dog must have certain training<\/a> to be a therapy dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOf course, he should be trained to never jump on anyone or anything such as a counter or cart. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
And he should know basic commands such as sit, down, stay, leave it, and heel\/loose leash walking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
And he can\u2019t lick or mouthe people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Therapy dogs must be calm in all settings they face and can\u2019t take food from patients or from trays or counters. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s a lot to ask of a dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Therapy dogs usually are required to have periodic vet visits to ensure that they\u2019re healthy and have received required vaccinations, including for rabies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They also should be well-groomed and bathed before visits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Any breed or mix can be a therapy dog. Generally, a dog should be at least a year old and have lived with the handler\u2019s family for at least six months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some breeds<\/a> may naturally be more likely to be therapy dogs. Because of their innate love of people and of being petted by them and interacting with them, golden retrievers<\/a> and labs are often seen volunteering their services.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHandler\u2019s Tasks<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nHandlers of therapy dogs should be friendly and enjoy the environment where they take the dog. Generally, people use their own dogs–not other people\u2019s–as therapy dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Depending where you go, there may be children, older people, ill people, or people with mental or physical disabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition to being outgoing and adapting to the environment, the dog\u2019s handler should enjoy the work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The handler has to ensure that the therapy dog isn\u2019t overworked or stressed. And he must give the dog needed breaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Handlers may have to dress in a certain way, such as wearing pants rather than jeans or wearing closed shoes and not sandals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And they may need to pass a background check and medical tests. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When I volunteered at a hospital, I had to take and pass a test to show that I didn\u2019t have tuberculosis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some facilities also require that a handler receive certain vaccinations, such as the flu vaccine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Where Do Therapy Dogs Visit?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nMany places that therapy dogs work require that they have some type of certification. Specific certification organizations will be discussed later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Therapy dog and handler teams really provide a great service to the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The following is a list of some of the most common places where therapy dogs comfort people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Hospitals<\/li>
- Nursing Homes<\/li>
- Retirement Homes<\/li>
- Hospice Facilities<\/li>
- Rehabilitation Centers<\/li>
- Schools<\/li>
- Libraries<\/li>
- College campuses<\/li>
- Airports<\/li>
- Disaster areas<\/li>
- Funeral Homes<\/li>
- Courtrooms<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Therapy dogs provide comfort and solace to people. They may help people feel less lonely. People in some facilities don\u2019t have any other visitors, <\/p>\n\n\n\n
They can console people who have just suffered a horrible loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Service dogs may also give some people confidence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some therapy dogs help children learn to read. Children read to the dogs; they get confidence because dogs aren\u2019t judgmental.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They may give children confidence to testify in a courtroom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The need for therapy dogs is real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So if you\u2019re thinking of your dog becoming a therapy dog, it\u2019s advisable to decide what setting you\u2019d like to help in and where your dog would most enjoy working.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you determined, for example, that you\u2019d like to visit nursing homes, find some near you and contact them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some require only that a dog be well-behaved. But many require that a dog obtain some type of certification to work in their facility. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ask if they require a certification from a specific organization. Also inquire regarding whether they need the services of a therapy dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019ve discovered that there\u2019s a great need for therapy dogs in many settings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A friend of mine did therapy work at a nursing home with her border collie mix. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The facility was thrilled to have them. And my friend and her dog Buddy loved being there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why Certify With a Therapy Dog Organization?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nOrganizations that certify therapy dogs will test and certify that your dog has the proper temperament and training for the work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some will also test your dog in the setting in which you\u2019ll be working. So they will shadow you to determine that you pass their requirements as a therapy team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That certification will also lend credibility to your dog\/handler team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition, many also provide liability insurance should certain matters go wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many organizations that you can choose from. It\u2019s important to do your research regarding their requirements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
And first inquire from any facility you want to go to to determine whether they require that you be certified by a particular organization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another article posted on one of our sites lists many of the organizations that certify therapy dogs<\/a>. Click on the link to see them.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPassing the American Kennel Club\u2019s Canine Good Citizen test<\/a> may be required by some.organizations. It\u2019s a series of 10 behavior and obedience tests.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSome of the main organizations a facility may require for certification are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Therapy Dogs International<\/a><\/li>
- Pet Partners<\/a><\/li>
- Love on a Leash<\/a><\/li>
- Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs<\/a><\/li>
- Alliance of Therapy Dogs<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Costs Involved<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nMost organizations that certify therapy dogs are non-profit and many of the people working for them are volunteers. So there are fees involved in doing therapy dog work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There\u2019s a fee to take the various tests and fees to remain certified. Also, there are costs associated with required vet visits, any medical exams, and vaccinations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Final Thoughts<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nTherapy dog work is very satisfying and can really help other people. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
But there are certain requirements that must be met before you can volunteer with your dog. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The dog must have a great temperament, be well-socialized, love interacting with new people, and be well-trained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And you, as the handler may also have to pass certain requirements and incur certain costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Have you ever done therapy work with your dog or are you thinking of doing so? Please tell us about it in the comment section below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Save To Pinterest<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"As a dog trainer, people often ask me how their dogs can become certified therapy dogs. They want to show the world how great their…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":30630,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1716],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-30585","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-dog-training-tips"],"yoast_head":"\n
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It\u2019s unfair to make even a sweet dog do such work if he doesn\u2019t enjoy it. A therapy dog must be focused on his task and enjoy the work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition to having a great temperament and extensive socialization, a dog must have certain training<\/a> to be a therapy dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course, he should be trained to never jump on anyone or anything such as a counter or cart. <\/p>\n\n\n\n And he should know basic commands such as sit, down, stay, leave it, and heel\/loose leash walking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n And he can\u2019t lick or mouthe people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Therapy dogs must be calm in all settings they face and can\u2019t take food from patients or from trays or counters. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s a lot to ask of a dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Therapy dogs usually are required to have periodic vet visits to ensure that they\u2019re healthy and have received required vaccinations, including for rabies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They also should be well-groomed and bathed before visits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Any breed or mix can be a therapy dog. Generally, a dog should be at least a year old and have lived with the handler\u2019s family for at least six months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some breeds<\/a> may naturally be more likely to be therapy dogs. Because of their innate love of people and of being petted by them and interacting with them, golden retrievers<\/a> and labs are often seen volunteering their services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Handlers of therapy dogs should be friendly and enjoy the environment where they take the dog. Generally, people use their own dogs–not other people\u2019s–as therapy dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending where you go, there may be children, older people, ill people, or people with mental or physical disabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to being outgoing and adapting to the environment, the dog\u2019s handler should enjoy the work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The handler has to ensure that the therapy dog isn\u2019t overworked or stressed. And he must give the dog needed breaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Handlers may have to dress in a certain way, such as wearing pants rather than jeans or wearing closed shoes and not sandals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And they may need to pass a background check and medical tests. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When I volunteered at a hospital, I had to take and pass a test to show that I didn\u2019t have tuberculosis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some facilities also require that a handler receive certain vaccinations, such as the flu vaccine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many places that therapy dogs work require that they have some type of certification. Specific certification organizations will be discussed later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Therapy dog and handler teams really provide a great service to the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The following is a list of some of the most common places where therapy dogs comfort people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Therapy dogs provide comfort and solace to people. They may help people feel less lonely. People in some facilities don\u2019t have any other visitors, <\/p>\n\n\n\n They can console people who have just suffered a horrible loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Service dogs may also give some people confidence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some therapy dogs help children learn to read. Children read to the dogs; they get confidence because dogs aren\u2019t judgmental.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They may give children confidence to testify in a courtroom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The need for therapy dogs is real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So if you\u2019re thinking of your dog becoming a therapy dog, it\u2019s advisable to decide what setting you\u2019d like to help in and where your dog would most enjoy working.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you determined, for example, that you\u2019d like to visit nursing homes, find some near you and contact them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some require only that a dog be well-behaved. But many require that a dog obtain some type of certification to work in their facility. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Ask if they require a certification from a specific organization. Also inquire regarding whether they need the services of a therapy dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I\u2019ve discovered that there\u2019s a great need for therapy dogs in many settings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A friend of mine did therapy work at a nursing home with her border collie mix. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The facility was thrilled to have them. And my friend and her dog Buddy loved being there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Organizations that certify therapy dogs will test and certify that your dog has the proper temperament and training for the work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some will also test your dog in the setting in which you\u2019ll be working. So they will shadow you to determine that you pass their requirements as a therapy team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That certification will also lend credibility to your dog\/handler team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition, many also provide liability insurance should certain matters go wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many organizations that you can choose from. It\u2019s important to do your research regarding their requirements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n And first inquire from any facility you want to go to to determine whether they require that you be certified by a particular organization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another article posted on one of our sites lists many of the organizations that certify therapy dogs<\/a>. Click on the link to see them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Passing the American Kennel Club\u2019s Canine Good Citizen test<\/a> may be required by some.organizations. It\u2019s a series of 10 behavior and obedience tests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some of the main organizations a facility may require for certification are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most organizations that certify therapy dogs are non-profit and many of the people working for them are volunteers. So there are fees involved in doing therapy dog work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s a fee to take the various tests and fees to remain certified. Also, there are costs associated with required vet visits, any medical exams, and vaccinations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Therapy dog work is very satisfying and can really help other people. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But there are certain requirements that must be met before you can volunteer with your dog. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The dog must have a great temperament, be well-socialized, love interacting with new people, and be well-trained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And you, as the handler may also have to pass certain requirements and incur certain costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Have you ever done therapy work with your dog or are you thinking of doing so? Please tell us about it in the comment section below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a dog trainer, people often ask me how their dogs can become certified therapy dogs. They want to show the world how great their…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":30630,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1716],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-30585","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-dog-training-tips"],"yoast_head":"\nHandler\u2019s Tasks<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Where Do Therapy Dogs Visit?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Why Certify With a Therapy Dog Organization?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Costs Involved<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Final Thoughts<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Save To Pinterest<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"