Dogs are not just pets, they can also be valuable members of society, bringing joy and comfort to those in need. Therapy dogs are specially trained pups that provide emotional support and comfort to people in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and other settings. If you have a furry friend and want to share their infectious joy and love with others, consider turning them into a therapy dog. In this article, we will guide you through the process of certifying your pooch as a therapy dog and making a positive impact on people’s lives.
Turn Your Pup into a Therapy Dog
The first step in turning your pup into a therapy dog is assessing their temperament and personality. Therapy dogs need to be friendly, calm, and well-behaved around people of all ages and backgrounds. They should not be aggressive, fearful, or easily distracted. If your dog meets these criteria, you can start training them to become a therapy dog.
The second step is finding a certification program that suits your needs and goals. There are several organizations that offer therapy dog certification, such as the AKC Canine Good Citizen program, Therapy Dogs International, and Pet Partners. Each program has its own requirements and evaluation process, but they typically involve testing your dog’s obedience, manners, and socialization skills, as well as your own handling skills.
The third step is training your dog to be a model citizen and a reliable therapy partner. You can achieve this through consistent and positive reinforcement training, socialization, desensitization, and exposure to different environments, people, and animals. You can also enroll in a therapy dog training course or work with a professional trainer to help you and your dog prepare for the certification test.
Pawsitively Certified Training Guide
To help you on your journey to becoming a therapy dog handler and trainer, here are some tips and advice:
- Start training early: Puppies are like sponges, they absorb information and experiences quickly. By starting training as early as possible, you can shape your dog’s personality and behavior in a positive way, and avoid potential behavior problems later on.
- Use positive reinforcement: Dogs learn best through positive reinforcement, which means rewarding good behavior and ignoring or redirecting bad behavior. Use treats, toys, praise, and affection to motivate and encourage your dog to do what you want them to do. Avoid punishments, yelling, or physical corrections, which can damage your dog’s trust and confidence.
- Practice, practice, practice: To become a therapy dog, your dog needs to be comfortable and confident in different situations and around different people. This requires lots of practice and exposure to various stimuli and environments. Take your dog on walks, car rides, to dog parks, and other public places, and let them interact with strangers and other dogs under your supervision.
- Be patient and persistent: Training a therapy dog is not a one-time event, it’s a lifelong process. You and your dog will face challenges, setbacks, and obstacles along the way, but with patience, persistence, and dedication, you can overcome them and achieve your goals.
Becoming a therapy dog handler and trainer is a rewarding and fulfilling experience that can make a positive difference in the lives of others. By following the steps and tips we have shared in this article, you can turn your pup into a therapy dog and spread happiness and love wherever you go. Remember, every dog has the potential to be a therapy dog, all they need is a loving and supportive owner who believes in them.
