Getting Your Dog Certified as a Therapy Dog

Having a dog certified as a therapy dog can be a rewarding experience for both you and your furry friend. Therapy dogs provide comfort, support, and companionship to people in need, such as those in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and disaster areas. If you are considering getting your dog certified as a therapy dog, here are some steps to guide you through the process:

Assess Your Dog’s Temperament

Not all dogs are suited to become therapy dogs. Your dog should be friendly, well-behaved, calm, and able to handle various environments and situations. Consider your dog’s temperament and social skills before pursuing certification.

Basic Obedience Training

Prior to certification, your dog should have basic obedience training. This includes commands such as sit, stay, come, and walking on a leash without pulling. A well-trained dog is more likely to succeed in therapy work.

Canine Good Citizen Test

Many therapy dog organisations require dogs to pass the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test before proceeding with therapy dog certification. The CGC test evaluates your dog’s behaviour in various situations and ensures they are well-mannered and under control.

Therapy Dog Training Program

Enrol your dog in a therapy dog training program or workshop to prepare them for the specific requirements of therapy work. These programs focus on socialisation, desensitisation to different stimuli, and proper interaction with people of all ages.

Evaluation and Certification

Once your dog has completed the necessary training and preparation, they will need to undergo an evaluation by a certified evaluator from a recognised therapy dog organisation. If they pass the evaluation, they will be certified as a therapy dog.

Volunteer Opportunities

After certification, you can start volunteering with your therapy dog at healthcare facilities, schools, or other institutions in need of emotional support animals. Make sure to follow the guidelines set by the organisation through which you obtained certification.

Becoming a certified therapy dog team can be an incredibly fulfilling experience that allows you to make a positive impact on the lives of others while strengthening the bond with your canine companion.

 

Six Benefits of Certifying Your Dog as a Therapy Companion

1. Bringing joy and comfort to people in need of emotional support.
2. Strengthening the bond between you and your dog through shared experiences.
3. Enhancing your dog’s socialisation skills and confidence in various environments.
4. Contributing to the well-being of individuals in hospitals, nursing homes, and schools.
5. Providing a positive outlet for your dog’s energy and enthusiasm.
6. Being part of a rewarding volunteer opportunity that makes a difference in the community.

 

Seven Drawbacks of Certifying Your Dog as a Therapy Dog

1. Not all dogs may have the temperament or behaviour suitable for therapy work.
2. Certification process can be time-consuming and require commitment.
3. Training and evaluation costs can add up.
4. Therapy dog work may be emotionally draining for both the dog and owner.
5. Limited flexibility in choosing where and when to volunteer with your therapy dog.
6. Potential exposure to stressful or challenging situations during therapy visits.
7. Risk of burnout if not managing the demands of therapy work effectively.

Bringing joy and comfort to people in need of emotional support.

By getting your dog certified as a therapy dog, you have the opportunity to bring joy and comfort to individuals in need of emotional support. The presence of a friendly and well-trained therapy dog has a remarkable ability to uplift spirits, reduce anxiety, and provide a sense of companionship to those facing challenging circumstances. Through their unconditional love and calming presence, therapy dogs have the power to make a positive impact on the emotional well-being of people in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and other settings where they are welcomed.

Strengthening the bond between you and your dog through shared experiences.

Getting your dog certified as a therapy dog offers the wonderful benefit of strengthening the bond between you and your canine companion through shared experiences. Engaging in therapy work together allows you to build a deeper connection based on trust, teamwork, and mutual understanding. The shared moments of providing comfort and support to those in need not only enhance your relationship with your dog but also create lasting memories that strengthen the bond between you both.

Enhancing your dog’s socialisation skills and confidence in various environments.

Getting your dog certified as a therapy dog can significantly enhance their socialisation skills and confidence in different environments. Through exposure to various settings, interactions with diverse individuals, and engagement in therapy work, dogs learn to adapt to new situations with ease and grace. This experience not only improves their ability to interact positively with people of all ages but also boosts their self-assurance and comfort level in unfamiliar surroundings. The training and certification process for therapy dogs provide valuable opportunities for dogs to develop essential social skills, leading to a well-rounded and confident canine companion.

Contributing to the well-being of individuals in hospitals, nursing homes, and schools.

By getting your dog certified as a therapy dog, you have the opportunity to make a significant contribution to the well-being of individuals in hospitals, nursing homes, and schools. The presence of a therapy dog has been shown to provide comfort, reduce stress and anxiety, and promote emotional healing for those in need. Your certified therapy dog can bring joy and companionship to patients, residents, and students, enhancing their overall quality of life and creating positive experiences that can have lasting effects on their well-being.

Providing a positive outlet for your dog’s energy and enthusiasm.

Getting your dog certified as a therapy dog can provide a positive outlet for their energy and enthusiasm. Engaging in therapy work allows your dog to channel their natural exuberance into meaningful interactions with people in need, promoting mental stimulation and physical activity in a rewarding way. Through regular visits and engagements as a therapy dog, your furry companion can utilise their energy productively while bringing joy and comfort to those they interact with, creating a fulfilling experience for both your dog and the individuals they assist.

Being part of a rewarding volunteer opportunity that makes a difference in the community.

Becoming part of a rewarding volunteer opportunity as a certified therapy dog team not only enriches your own life but also makes a significant difference in the community. Through the companionship and comfort your dog provides to those in need, you have the opportunity to brighten someone’s day, offer emotional support, and bring smiles to faces. The positive impact you make by sharing the love and joy of your therapy dog extends beyond individual interactions, contributing to a sense of community well-being and fostering connections that uplift spirits and create lasting memories for all involved.

Not all dogs may have the temperament or behaviour suitable for therapy work.

One significant drawback of pursuing certification for your dog as a therapy dog is that not all dogs may possess the temperament or behaviour necessary for successful therapy work. Each dog has a unique personality, and some may not thrive in the demanding and often unpredictable environments where therapy dogs are needed. It is crucial to assess your dog’s suitability for this role carefully, considering factors such as their social skills, anxiety levels, and ability to remain calm in various situations. Failure to acknowledge these limitations could lead to stress or discomfort for your dog and potentially compromise the well-being of those they are meant to assist.

Certification process can be time-consuming and require commitment.

The certification process for getting your dog certified as a therapy dog can be a significant con due to its time-consuming nature and the level of commitment required. From assessing your dog’s suitability to undergoing training, passing evaluations, and volunteering, the entire process demands dedication and perseverance. It can take weeks or even months to complete all the necessary steps, which may pose challenges for individuals with busy schedules or limited availability. Additionally, the ongoing commitment to maintain certification and adhere to the guidelines set by therapy dog organisations can be demanding. However, for those willing to invest the time and effort, the rewards of having a certified therapy dog are immeasurable in terms of the positive impact they can make on others’ lives.

Training and evaluation costs can add up.

One significant drawback of getting your dog certified as a therapy dog is the accumulation of training and evaluation costs. The expenses involved in preparing your dog for therapy work, including obedience training, specialised workshops, and evaluation fees, can quickly add up. These financial commitments may pose a challenge for some individuals who are considering pursuing certification for their dogs. It’s essential to factor in these costs and plan accordingly to ensure that you can afford the necessary training and evaluation processes before committing to the certification journey.

Therapy dog work may be emotionally draining for both the dog and owner.

Engaging in therapy dog work can be emotionally draining for both the dog and owner. The demands of providing comfort and support to individuals in challenging situations can take a toll on the emotional well-being of the therapy dog, as they absorb and reflect the emotions of those they interact with. Additionally, owners may experience emotional strain from witnessing difficult circumstances and providing continuous support. It is important for both the dog and owner to have adequate rest, self-care practices, and boundaries in place to prevent burnout and ensure their own emotional health is prioritised alongside their commitment to therapy work.

Limited flexibility in choosing where and when to volunteer with your therapy dog.

One potential drawback of getting your dog certified as a therapy dog is the limited flexibility in choosing where and when to volunteer with your furry companion. Many therapy dog organisations have specific guidelines and requirements regarding volunteer locations, schedules, and activities. This lack of flexibility may restrict your ability to participate in certain events or visit particular facilities that are not approved by the organisation. It’s important to consider these limitations and ensure that you are comfortable with the commitment required for volunteering with a therapy dog before pursuing certification.

Potential exposure to stressful or challenging situations during therapy visits.

One significant drawback of getting your dog certified as a therapy dog is the potential exposure to stressful or challenging situations during therapy visits. While therapy dogs are trained to provide comfort and support in various environments, they may encounter emotionally charged situations or individuals that could be overwhelming for them. This exposure can lead to increased stress, anxiety, or behavioural issues in some dogs, affecting their well-being and ability to perform effectively as therapy animals. It is essential for dog owners to carefully consider their pet’s temperament and readiness for such encounters before pursuing certification to ensure the welfare and happiness of their furry companion.

Risk of burnout if not managing the demands of therapy work effectively.

One significant con of getting your dog certified as a therapy dog is the risk of burnout if the demands of therapy work are not managed effectively. Engaging in regular therapy sessions and interacting with individuals in need of emotional support can be emotionally and physically draining for both the dog and the handler. Without proper rest, boundaries, and self-care practices in place, there is a heightened risk of burnout, which can negatively impact the well-being and effectiveness of the therapy dog team. It is crucial to recognise signs of burnout and take proactive measures to prevent exhaustion and maintain a healthy balance between therapy work and personal well-being.