Embarking on the journey of therapy dog work with your canine companion is a deeply rewarding experience, offering a unique way to bring comfort and joy to others. This path requires dedication, proper training, and a clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities involved. To ensure your dog is well-prepared for these important visits, a solid foundation in obedience and socialization is paramount. This guide will walk you through the essential steps, from basic training to understanding therapy dog organizations and the crucial differences between therapy and service dogs.
Foundational Training: The Canine Good Citizen Test
A cornerstone of preparing any dog for therapeutic roles is ensuring they possess excellent basic manners and are under control at all times. The American Kennel Club’s (AKC) Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test is an excellent starting point for aspiring therapy dogs. [Learn about CGC and the 10 items on the test.] Passing the CGC not only demonstrates your dog’s ability to follow commands like “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and “down,” but also assesses their appropriate response around other dogs and in various environments. Many therapy dog organizations even require CGC certification as a prerequisite for their own therapy testing, making it a vital first step in your dog’s training journey.
Navigating Therapy Dog Organizations
Connecting with a local therapy dog group is an invaluable part of the process. These organizations are comprised of experienced handlers who can offer practical advice and insights into volunteering in therapy settings. Furthermore, affiliation with a reputable therapy organization often includes necessary liability insurance, providing peace of mind as you and your dog engage in volunteer work. [See a list of therapy dog organizations and their requirements.]
Beyond these organizations, there are proactive steps you can take to understand the landscape of therapy dog volunteering:
- Contact Local Facilities: If you have a specific school, hospital, or nursing home in mind for volunteering, reach out to their volunteer coordinator. Inquire about their therapy dog programs and whether they have a preferred or required registration organization. This early insight can save you considerable time. Consider asking if you can visit and observe the therapy dogs in action before registering your own dog; these initial visits should be made without your dog.
- Connect with an AKC Club: If you’re unsure where to begin, your local AKC club can be a great resource. Members often participate in therapy dog work and can provide leads on local groups and activities. Local dog trainers are also typically well-informed about the therapy dog community. [Find an AKC club near you.]
Registration and Application Process
Once you have identified and selected a therapy dog organization that aligns with your goals, the next step is to obtain their application form, usually available on their website. Carefully complete all the required sections and ensure you meet all their specific application prerequisites.
We hope that you and your dog find immense fulfillment in animal-assisted therapy settings, making a positive impact on the lives of others. After completing at least 10 successful visits, you can apply for the AKC Novice Therapy Dog title, the THDN. For further inquiries, please feel free to contact akctherapydog@akc.org.
Important Distinction: Therapy Dogs vs. Service Dogs
It is crucial to understand the difference between therapy dogs and service dogs. Therapy dogs, accompanied by their handlers, volunteer their time to provide comfort and support in various environments like schools, hospitals, and nursing homes. However, therapy dogs do not possess the same public access rights as service dogs; they cannot, by virtue of being therapy dogs, enter places like airplanes or restaurants.
Service dogs, on the other hand, are specifically trained to assist an individual with a disability. Their role is to perform tasks that mitigate the individual’s disability, and they are granted public access rights accordingly, allowing them to accompany their handler in most public spaces.
