Start with Solid Obedience
Before beginning therapy training, your dog should master basic obedience commands:
- Sit, stay, and down — reliable in various environments
- Leave it — critical for avoiding hazards
- Come when called — even with distractions
- Walk on a loose leash — without pulling
- Polite greetings — no jumping on people
Socialize Extensively
Therapy dogs encounter diverse environments, people, and situations. Socialize your dog to:
- Different types of flooring (tile, carpet, grates)
- Medical equipment (wheelchairs, walkers, canes)
- Various ages, from children to elderly individuals
- Loud noises and unexpected movements
- Other animals they may encounter
Canine Good Citizen Test
The AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification is an excellent foundation for therapy work. It tests:
- Accepting a friendly stranger
- Sitting politely for petting
- Appearance and grooming
- Walking on a loose leash
- Walking through a crowd
- Sit/down and stay in place
- Coming when called
- Reaction to another dog
- Reaction to distractions
- Supervised separation
Desensitize to Handling
Therapy dogs must tolerate being handled by strangers. Practice:
- Touching paws, ears, and tail
- Hugging and gentle restraint
- Approaching from behind
- Multiple people petting simultaneously
Find a Therapy Certification Program
Organizations like Pet Partners and Therapy Dogs International offer certification programs. These typically include:
- An evaluation of your dog's temperament
- Handler training
- Liability insurance
- Placement in facilities that need therapy visits
Start Slow
Begin with short, low-stress visits. Gradually increase duration and complexity as your dog becomes more comfortable. Always watch for signs of stress and know when to take a break.