Embarking on the journey to become a therapy dog team is a rewarding experience, offering a unique way to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Therapy dogs, accompanied by their dedicated handlers, volunteer in various settings like schools and nursing homes, providing comfort and joy. While therapy dogs offer immense emotional support, it’s crucial to understand their distinction from service dogs. Therapy dogs do not possess the same public access rights as service dogs, meaning they cannot accompany their handlers into places like restaurants or on airplanes solely based on their therapy status. Service dogs, on the other hand, are trained to assist individuals with specific disabilities and are legally permitted in public spaces.
Foundational Training: The Canine Good Citizen Test
A cornerstone of preparing your dog for therapy work is ensuring they have fundamental obedience skills and are well-controlled. Many therapy dog organizations mandate that dogs pass the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test before being eligible for their specific therapy certification. The CGC program is an excellent starting point for any aspiring therapy dog, as it covers essential good manners. These include commands such as “come,” “sit,” “stay,” and “down,” along with teaching your dog to respond appropriately in the presence of other dogs. This foundational training not only prepares them for therapy work but also enhances their overall behavior as companions.
You can learn more about the CGC program and its ten test items here.
Navigating Therapy Dog Organizations
To successfully transition into therapy work, it’s vital to research and connect with established therapy dog organizations. These groups are invaluable resources, offering guidance from experienced handlers who can share practical skills honed through years of volunteering in therapy settings. Furthermore, reputable therapy organizations typically provide members with essential liability insurance, ensuring peace of mind while you and your dog are volunteering.
A comprehensive list of therapy dog organizations and their specific requirements can be found on the AKC Therapy Dog page.
Beyond exploring the AKC’s resources, consider these proactive steps:
- Engage with Local Facilities: If you have a specific school, hospital, or other facility in mind where you’d like to volunteer, contact their volunteer coordinator. Inquire about any existing therapy dog programs. You might discover that the facility’s therapy dog group exclusively registers with a particular organization, saving you considerable time and effort. Visiting the facility with your dog before registration can also be beneficial, allowing you to observe their therapy dog program in action and understand the environment.
- Connect with an AKC Club: If you’re unsure about specific facilities in your area, reaching out to your local AKC club is a great option. Club members often engage in therapy dog work or can direct you to local therapy dog groups and their activities. Dog trainers in your community are also knowledgeable about these local opportunities. You can find an AKC club near you here.
Formal Registration with a Therapy Organization
Once you have identified a therapy dog organization that aligns with your goals and your dog’s temperament, the next step is to complete their application process. Most organizations provide application forms on their websites, outlining all the necessary requirements. Fulfilling these requirements is essential for official registration.
We hope that you and your canine companion find immense fulfillment in volunteering in animal-assisted therapy settings, contributing to the well-being of others. After successfully completing at least 10 therapy visits, you can apply for the AKC Novice Therapy Dog title, the THDN.
For further inquiries or information, please contact akctherapydog@akc.org.
