Therapy dogs provide emotional support and comfort to individuals in various settings, such as hospitals, schools, and nursing homes. Whether you’re looking for a therapy dog to assist with personal challenges or to volunteer with others, this guide will walk you through the process.
Step 1: Understand the Role of a Therapy Dog
Therapy dogs differ from service dogs. They are trained to provide comfort and companionship rather than performing specific tasks for individuals with disabilities. Their duties might include:
- Providing emotional relief to those in stressful environments
- Offering companionship to people in recovery or long-term care
- Engaging with children in educational or therapeutic settings
Therapy dogs must be friendly, calm, and well-mannered around strangers, including children and individuals with special needs.
Step 2: Assess Your Needs
Determine why you need a therapy dog. This can help guide your search for the right dog and clarify whether you want:
- A dog to provide personal emotional support
- A dog to volunteer in public settings as a registered therapy animal
Step 3: Choose the Right Breed or Dog
While any breed can potentially become a therapy dog, some breeds are better suited to the role due to their temperament. Ideal traits include:
- Calm and friendly demeanor
- Adaptability to different environments
- Love for human interaction
Common therapy dog breeds include:
- Golden Retrievers
- Labrador Retrievers
- Poodles (including Miniature and Standard)
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
- Mixed breeds with the right temperament
Step 4: Obtain the Dog
- Adopt or purchase a dog: Consider adopting from a shelter or buying from a reputable breeder. Look for dogs with an even temperament and no history of aggression.
- Select an adult dog or puppy: While puppies can be trained from scratch, older dogs with a calm nature might already have some of the qualities needed for therapy work.
Step 5: Train Your Dog
Therapy dogs require specific training to ensure they behave appropriately in diverse situations. Steps include:
- Basic obedience training: Teach commands like sit, stay, come, and leave it. Enroll in a professional training class if needed.
- Socialization: Expose your dog to various environments, sounds, and people to make them comfortable and adaptable.
- Specialized therapy training: Teach your dog to remain calm in high-stress situations, avoid jumping on people, and respond positively to touch.
Step 6: Get Certified or Registered
To become a therapy dog, your dog may need to be certified through an organization that evaluates their temperament and training. Popular therapy dog organizations include:
- Therapy Dogs International (TDI)
- Alliance of Therapy Dogs
- Pet Partners
The certification process often involves:
- Temperament evaluation: Assessing your dog’s behavior in various scenarios.
- Health screening: Verifying your dog is up-to-date on vaccinations and free of communicable diseases.
- Observation sessions: Demonstrating your dog’s ability to behave well in public settings.
Step 7: Start Visiting with Your Dog
Once certified, you can begin using your therapy dog to assist others or provide personal emotional support. Therapy dogs can visit:
- Hospitals and nursing homes
- Schools and libraries
- Rehabilitation centers
If using your dog for personal needs, focus on creating a calming, supportive environment at home.
Step 8: Maintain Regular Training and Health
A therapy dog’s work requires consistent reinforcement of training and excellent health. Ensure that:
- Your dog receives regular check-ups and vaccinations.
- Training is refreshed periodically to maintain good behavior.
- Your dog isn’t overworked, as therapy sessions can be tiring.
Conclusion
Getting a therapy dog involves finding the right match, ensuring proper training, and pursuing certification through a recognized organization. With dedication and care, a therapy dog can bring comfort and joy to you and others.