I desperately want to train my dog to be a therapy dog?
She is a bit shy at first, and aggressive to other dogs when they are aggressive towards her. Other than that, she is extremely cute and sweet. I’m hoping she has a chance?
Also, the information regarding training them to become a therapy dog is overwhelming. Can anyone simplify?
Thank you to those with helpful and informative answers – not those who are trying to be cute or a smarta$$. What is the point in that?
There are several different organizations that offer registration for therapy dog teams. Each has its own requirements. If you know where you’d like to visit, start by asking them what they require. If they only permit teams that are registered with a certain organization, then you’ll know which organization to approach about testing. They may even have an active therapy dog club which could give you additional information.
Let’s say they don’t have such requirements. You still need to find an organization to register with so you can get the liability insurance that comes with membership. In order to register, you will first need to take a test with your dog. Each organization has its own test. Here are descriptions of the tests for the top three therapy dog programs in the U.S.:
http://www.deltasociety.org/Page.aspx?pid=264
http://www.tdi-dog.org/HowToJoin.aspx?Page=Testing+Requirements
http://www.therapydogs.com/PDF/Test_2009.pdf
What these tests have in common are that they examine your dog’s temperament and basic obedience. Expect to be asked to have your dog sit, down and stay on command. Expect to be asked to walk him on a loose leash with a plain collar. Expect people to handle and examine your dog including feet and mouth. Expect them to see how your dog behaves around other dogs.
The cost is usually in the neighborhood of $25-$50 per year and includes the cost of liability insurance which is very important to have. It protects you from liability not only from accidents, but from accusations if your dog is unjustly accused of hurting someone during a therapy dog visit. Most hospitals and nursing homes require this liability insurance ($1 million) as a condition of allowing you to visit with their patients or clients.
Check with your vet, pet store, and any local dog clubs to find a CGC class. They’re fairly common. That will help you with most of the preparation you need to train your dog to be a therapy dog. Compare what you learn in that class with what is on the test you intend to take and you’ll know what you have left to cover. It’s not too much. Ignoring food or toys dropped on the floor, ignoring running children and/or loud voices, ignoring assistive equipment like walkers or crutches. That’s all I can recall at the moment. I’ve taken both the TDI and Delta tests. I prefer Delta.
Errata (corrections to mis-information):
The AKC’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program does not make a dog a therapy dog. It is not required by most organizations as a pre-condition of being able to take a therapy dog test, though it is included as part of some therapy dog tests, such as TDI’s (when you pass, you get two certificates, one for therapy dogs and one for CGC). Your dog need not be a purebred or registered with the AKC in order to become a therapy dog or to take the CGC. You only need the dog registered or "ILPed" if you intend to compete with him in AKC events like obedience, agility or herding trials. Any dog, mixed, purebred, designer, registered or unregistered may take the CGC test.
October 24th, 2009 at 6:32 pm
I work with a therapy dog, it was trained from a puppy, and had intense training with a severely impaired individual to be of help for the child I care for.
These dogs are unique and have certain personality traits, you would need to get her involved in a program that could help you decide if your dog has what it takes to be that special kind of helper.
Good Luck. Contact "Make a Wish Foundation" they train dogs to be service dogs.
References :
October 24th, 2009 at 6:36 pm
I work with a therapy dog, it was trained from a puppy, and had intense training with a severely impaired individual to be of help for the child I care for.
These dogs are unique and have certain personality traits, you would need to get her involved in a program that could help you decide if your dog has what it takes to be that special kind of helper.
Good Luck. Contact "Make a Wish Foundation" they train dogs to be service dogs.
References :
October 24th, 2009 at 6:41 pm
Call your local kennel club. Your dog needs to be rated by a certified TDI examiner. After that, your dog will be evaluated by a TDI examiner for three visits to a hospital, nursing home, etc. If the dog passes, then you can join TDI. You can then pay a fee which will cover insurance, etc. Google TDI for more details. I doubt that your dog will pass if it’s aggressive towards other dog. Cute and sweet doesn’t cut it. There is NO training. It’s NOT overwhelming. If it’s overwhelming to you, find something else for your dog to do.
References :
October 24th, 2009 at 7:01 pm
Call your local kennel club. Your dog needs to be rated by a certified TDI examiner. After that, your dog will be evaluated by a TDI examiner for three visits to a hospital, nursing home, etc. If the dog passes, then you can join TDI. You can then pay a fee which will cover insurance, etc. Google TDI for more details. I doubt that your dog will pass if it’s aggressive towards other dog. Cute and sweet doesn’t cut it. There is NO training. It’s NOT overwhelming. If it’s overwhelming to you, find something else for your dog to do.
References :
October 24th, 2009 at 7:01 pm
There is no simple training for a therapy dog.
Any dog who is shy is not a good candidate for a therapy dog.
One of the things they need to be is very out going with strangers.
Also any aggression towards other dogs or humans is not going to pass.
Each organization who uses therapy dogs has different requirements for the dogs. Most will require that your dog passes a CGC with AKC.
If your dog is not AKC registered contact AKC and get an ILP slip for the dog. Then get into training classes for the CGC test. Many dog do not pass the first time. Working with a class and trainer they can help you to figure out if your dog would be able to work as a therapy dog or not. Some dogs do not enjoy it and never do well at it.
It really depends on the dogs personality.
References :
I am a dog trainer
October 24th, 2009 at 7:46 pm
There is no simple training for a therapy dog.
Any dog who is shy is not a good candidate for a therapy dog.
One of the things they need to be is very out going with strangers.
Also any aggression towards other dogs or humans is not going to pass.
Each organization who uses therapy dogs has different requirements for the dogs. Most will require that your dog passes a CGC with AKC.
If your dog is not AKC registered contact AKC and get an ILP slip for the dog. Then get into training classes for the CGC test. Many dog do not pass the first time. Working with a class and trainer they can help you to figure out if your dog would be able to work as a therapy dog or not. Some dogs do not enjoy it and never do well at it.
It really depends on the dogs personality.
References :
I am a dog trainer
October 24th, 2009 at 7:49 pm
Your dog is shy and agressive at the same time…but cute!
That’s exactly what is required …an unstable but cute wittle puppy!
References :
October 24th, 2009 at 7:55 pm
therapy dogs are NOT made….they are BORN.
Shyness and aggression (even just with other dogs) is not a trait for a therapy dog. They have to have the most stable of temperaments, a trait they are naturally born with. You need to be able to teach the commands to pass the test, but the temperament of the dog determines if it will make a therapy dog or not.
There are almost always other dogs around for therapy visits (we go as a group) or there are resident dogs present. Dog aggression is NOT a trait for a therapy dog. Neither is shyness! Every visit your dog will make is for a stranger. These people want a happy go lucky dog wagging its tail for a visit. Not one that is shy and trying to slink away…..How would an eldery person or sick child feel if the "dog doesn’t like them". That is terrible!
Cuteness and Sweetness does not cut it as a therapy dog! sorry!
I have a therapy dog and other then training the commands to pass the test, she was born even tempered, laid back, mellow and care free.
You need to join a local training club and enroll your dog in basic obedience and let the head trainers know what you’d like to do with your dog. You can not do this on your own.
Please see the Therapy Dog International website. My dog is certified with them. There is plenty of information, you just have to read it.
References :
Training and behavior work with dogs for 10 years….
Competeing in agility, obedience, rally and herding
Currently have a therapy dog
October 24th, 2009 at 7:57 pm
Your dog is shy and agressive at the same time…but cute!
That’s exactly what is required …an unstable but cute wittle puppy!
References :
October 24th, 2009 at 8:08 pm
Take it a step at a time. Start with a basic obedience class, and then work towards passing the Canine Good Citizen test. Many training clubs have CGC classes to help you and your dog prepare for the test. Once you get to that point, you can get in touch with a therapy dog group in your area to see what further training is required, and decide if your dog might be a good candidate.
References :
http://www.akc.org/events/cgc/program.cfm
October 24th, 2009 at 8:27 pm
therapy dogs are NOT made….they are BORN.
Shyness and aggression (even just with other dogs) is not a trait for a therapy dog. They have to have the most stable of temperaments, a trait they are naturally born with. You need to be able to teach the commands to pass the test, but the temperament of the dog determines if it will make a therapy dog or not.
There are almost always other dogs around for therapy visits (we go as a group) or there are resident dogs present. Dog aggression is NOT a trait for a therapy dog. Neither is shyness! Every visit your dog will make is for a stranger. These people want a happy go lucky dog wagging its tail for a visit. Not one that is shy and trying to slink away…..How would an eldery person or sick child feel if the "dog doesn’t like them". That is terrible!
Cuteness and Sweetness does not cut it as a therapy dog! sorry!
I have a therapy dog and other then training the commands to pass the test, she was born even tempered, laid back, mellow and care free.
You need to join a local training club and enroll your dog in basic obedience and let the head trainers know what you’d like to do with your dog. You can not do this on your own.
Please see the Therapy Dog International website. My dog is certified with them. There is plenty of information, you just have to read it.
References :
Training and behavior work with dogs for 10 years….
Competeing in agility, obedience, rally and herding
Currently have a therapy dog
October 24th, 2009 at 8:58 pm
Doesn’t sound like she has the temperament. Cute and sweet means nothing if her temperament is bad for the job.
ANY aggression is prohibited. Period. Doesn’t matter if another dog "starts it" – she should not continue or react to it. And shyness? Not the best when visiting NEW places with NEW items and NEW people that may or may not be "stable" and "gentle".
Simplify stuff: dog needs to walk good on a leash. Dog needs to be able to sit, stay, come, leave it, drop it. Dog needs to be able to be left alone with stranger. Dog needs to accept handling of ALL kinds. Dog needs to be GOOD with people and other dogs. Dog needs to be fine around items like IV stands, wheelchairs, crutches, canes, etc.
You and dog need to pass canine good citizen test. Then a test designed specifically for therapy dogs. Then you need to find a group to join.
References :
Owned by Mutt
October 24th, 2009 at 9:09 pm
There are several different organizations that offer registration for therapy dog teams. Each has its own requirements. If you know where you’d like to visit, start by asking them what they require. If they only permit teams that are registered with a certain organization, then you’ll know which organization to approach about testing. They may even have an active therapy dog club which could give you additional information.
Let’s say they don’t have such requirements. You still need to find an organization to register with so you can get the liability insurance that comes with membership. In order to register, you will first need to take a test with your dog. Each organization has its own test. Here are descriptions of the tests for the top three therapy dog programs in the U.S.:
http://www.deltasociety.org/Page.aspx?pid=264
http://www.tdi-dog.org/HowToJoin.aspx?Page=Testing+Requirements
http://www.therapydogs.com/PDF/Test_2009.pdf
What these tests have in common are that they examine your dog’s temperament and basic obedience. Expect to be asked to have your dog sit, down and stay on command. Expect to be asked to walk him on a loose leash with a plain collar. Expect people to handle and examine your dog including feet and mouth. Expect them to see how your dog behaves around other dogs.
The cost is usually in the neighborhood of $25-$50 per year and includes the cost of liability insurance which is very important to have. It protects you from liability not only from accidents, but from accusations if your dog is unjustly accused of hurting someone during a therapy dog visit. Most hospitals and nursing homes require this liability insurance ($1 million) as a condition of allowing you to visit with their patients or clients.
Check with your vet, pet store, and any local dog clubs to find a CGC class. They’re fairly common. That will help you with most of the preparation you need to train your dog to be a therapy dog. Compare what you learn in that class with what is on the test you intend to take and you’ll know what you have left to cover. It’s not too much. Ignoring food or toys dropped on the floor, ignoring running children and/or loud voices, ignoring assistive equipment like walkers or crutches. That’s all I can recall at the moment. I’ve taken both the TDI and Delta tests. I prefer Delta.
Errata (corrections to mis-information):
The AKC’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program does not make a dog a therapy dog. It is not required by most organizations as a pre-condition of being able to take a therapy dog test, though it is included as part of some therapy dog tests, such as TDI’s (when you pass, you get two certificates, one for therapy dogs and one for CGC). Your dog need not be a purebred or registered with the AKC in order to become a therapy dog or to take the CGC. You only need the dog registered or "ILPed" if you intend to compete with him in AKC events like obedience, agility or herding trials. Any dog, mixed, purebred, designer, registered or unregistered may take the CGC test.
References :
October 24th, 2009 at 9:10 pm
Take it a step at a time. Start with a basic obedience class, and then work towards passing the Canine Good Citizen test. Many training clubs have CGC classes to help you and your dog prepare for the test. Once you get to that point, you can get in touch with a therapy dog group in your area to see what further training is required, and decide if your dog might be a good candidate.
References :
http://www.akc.org/events/cgc/program.cfm
October 24th, 2009 at 9:39 pm
Doesn’t sound like she has the temperament. Cute and sweet means nothing if her temperament is bad for the job.
ANY aggression is prohibited. Period. Doesn’t matter if another dog "starts it" – she should not continue or react to it. And shyness? Not the best when visiting NEW places with NEW items and NEW people that may or may not be "stable" and "gentle".
Simplify stuff: dog needs to walk good on a leash. Dog needs to be able to sit, stay, come, leave it, drop it. Dog needs to be able to be left alone with stranger. Dog needs to accept handling of ALL kinds. Dog needs to be GOOD with people and other dogs. Dog needs to be fine around items like IV stands, wheelchairs, crutches, canes, etc.
You and dog need to pass canine good citizen test. Then a test designed specifically for therapy dogs. Then you need to find a group to join.
References :
Owned by Mutt
October 24th, 2009 at 10:04 pm
There are several different organizations that offer registration for therapy dog teams. Each has its own requirements. If you know where you’d like to visit, start by asking them what they require. If they only permit teams that are registered with a certain organization, then you’ll know which organization to approach about testing. They may even have an active therapy dog club which could give you additional information.
Let’s say they don’t have such requirements. You still need to find an organization to register with so you can get the liability insurance that comes with membership. In order to register, you will first need to take a test with your dog. Each organization has its own test. Here are descriptions of the tests for the top three therapy dog programs in the U.S.:
http://www.deltasociety.org/Page.aspx?pid=264
http://www.tdi-dog.org/HowToJoin.aspx?Page=Testing+Requirements
http://www.therapydogs.com/PDF/Test_2009.pdf
What these tests have in common are that they examine your dog’s temperament and basic obedience. Expect to be asked to have your dog sit, down and stay on command. Expect to be asked to walk him on a loose leash with a plain collar. Expect people to handle and examine your dog including feet and mouth. Expect them to see how your dog behaves around other dogs.
The cost is usually in the neighborhood of $25-$50 per year and includes the cost of liability insurance which is very important to have. It protects you from liability not only from accidents, but from accusations if your dog is unjustly accused of hurting someone during a therapy dog visit. Most hospitals and nursing homes require this liability insurance ($1 million) as a condition of allowing you to visit with their patients or clients.
Check with your vet, pet store, and any local dog clubs to find a CGC class. They’re fairly common. That will help you with most of the preparation you need to train your dog to be a therapy dog. Compare what you learn in that class with what is on the test you intend to take and you’ll know what you have left to cover. It’s not too much. Ignoring food or toys dropped on the floor, ignoring running children and/or loud voices, ignoring assistive equipment like walkers or crutches. That’s all I can recall at the moment. I’ve taken both the TDI and Delta tests. I prefer Delta.
Errata (corrections to mis-information):
The AKC’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program does not make a dog a therapy dog. It is not required by most organizations as a pre-condition of being able to take a therapy dog test, though it is included as part of some therapy dog tests, such as TDI’s (when you pass, you get two certificates, one for therapy dogs and one for CGC). Your dog need not be a purebred or registered with the AKC in order to become a therapy dog or to take the CGC. You only need the dog registered or "ILPed" if you intend to compete with him in AKC events like obedience, agility or herding trials. Any dog, mixed, purebred, designer, registered or unregistered may take the CGC test.
References :