Therapy dogs offer invaluable comfort and affection to people in various settings, including hospitals, retirement homes, schools, and mental health institutions. While any breed or mix can potentially become a therapy dog, the most crucial characteristic is temperament. A certified therapy dog must be friendly, patient, confident, gentle, and at ease in all situations. They should genuinely enjoy human contact and be comfortable being petted and handled by unfamiliar people, sometimes in a clumsy manner. The medical community has increasingly recognized and provided empirical evidence for the profound benefits of therapy dogs, underscoring their importance. This article will delve into the training requirements, certification process, and limitations for therapy dogs.
How to Get Your Dog Certified as a Therapy Dog
For a dog to be recognized as a therapy dog, the focus is primarily on their behavior and temperament rather than a specific, specialized training course. Household pets that are well-trained by their families can qualify without formal therapy dog certification, registration, or extensive documentation. The fundamental requirements are that the dog must be well-mannered and remain under the handler’s control at all times. While some dogs receive formal training from professional schools, many are successfully trained at home by their devoted owners.
At organizations like the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, the certification process involves several key steps:
Step 1: Assess Temperament and Age: A fundamental requirement is that the dog must be friendly and at least one year old to be considered for therapy work. This ensures the dog has reached a level of maturity necessary for the role.
Step 2: Pass a Handler and Dog Test: A designated tester or observer will evaluate both you and your dog. This evaluation includes a handling portion that assesses your dog’s basic good manners, overall demeanor, and ability to respond to handling skills.
Step 3: Supervised Visits and Application: Following the handling assessment, you and your dog will be supervised during three visits to residents in medical facilities. This practical experience allows the dog to demonstrate their suitability in a real-world setting. Upon successful completion of these visits and the submission of all required application paperwork, you and your dog can officially become a Therapy Team.
Can a Certified Therapy Dog Go Anywhere? Understanding the Differences from Service Dogs
It is a common misconception that certified therapy dogs have the same access rights as service dogs. Unlike service dogs, certified therapy dogs are generally permitted in places where all dogs are allowed and in specific locations that have established therapy dog programs, such as hospitals, schools, and libraries.
However, it is crucial to understand that therapy dogs do not possess special rights that allow them to accompany their owners into any business establishment. Businesses like hotels, motels, and campgrounds are private establishments, and therefore, therapy dogs are typically considered pets and must adhere to the policies of these places. For guidance on proper canine behavior in public, understanding leash walking is essential for any dog owner.
A well-mannered, well-behaved dog with a genuine enjoyment of meeting people can indeed become a therapy dog and make a significant positive impact on the lives of those in need. To learn more about the process of becoming a therapy dog or how you can contribute to this noble cause, visiting the new member’s page of relevant organizations is a great starting point. For those interested in specific training aspects, resources on stopping a dog from pulling when walking can also be beneficial for overall canine good manners.
