August 29, 2023 by Therapy training
Being a therapy dog involves providing comfort and support to people in various settings. To become a therapy dog, you generally need to follow these steps:
1. Temperament and Training: Start with a dog that has a calm, friendly, and gentle temperament. Basic obedience training is essential, so your dog should know commands like sit, stay, and come.
2. Socialization: Your dog should be comfortable around people, other dogs, and different environments. Expose them to various situations, noises, and places to build their confidence.
3. Choose a Program: Research and choose a reputable therapy dog program or organization in your area. These programs often have specific requirements and guidelines that your dog needs to meet.
4. Health Check: Ensure your dog is up-to-date on vaccinations, is free from contagious illnesses, and is in good overall health. A veterinary check-up may be required.
5. Training Classes: Enroll your dog in therapy dog training classes. These classes will help them become accustomed to handling different situations and interacting with people calmly.
6. Certification: Many programs require your dog to pass a certification test. This usually involves assessing their behavior, response to commands, and ability to stay calm in various scenarios.
7. Practice Visits: After certification, you’ll likely need to complete a certain number of practice visits to different environments, such as hospitals, nursing homes, schools, or rehabilitation centers.
8. Handler Training: As the handler, you’ll need to learn how to read your dog’s signals and manage their interactions during visits. You’ll also need to adhere to the program’s rules and guidelines.
9. Regular Visits: Once certified, you and your dog can start making regular therapy visits. Your dog’s presence can provide comfort, reduce stress, and bring joy to the people you visit.
10. Continued Education: Keep up with ongoing training and education to ensure that your dog maintains their skills and behavior.
Remember that being a therapy dog is a serious commitment, requiring time, effort, and dedication. It’s important to be patient, understanding, and attentive to your dog’s well-being throughout the process.
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