If you enjoy spending time with your pet, then you may seek out activities that the two of you can do together. There are many opportunities within your community where you and your pet can make a difference. Training your pooch to be a therapy dog is one such opportunity. Through therapy training and work, the two of you will get to spend time together, while helping others. If you think therapy training may be right for you and your pet, read on for more information.

Therapy dogs should not be confused with assistance or service dogs. Assistance and service dogs are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which basically means they are allowed in all public places as long as they are accompanied by their handlers. Therapy dogs, on the other hand, are only allowed where they are welcome and invited. A therapy dog may spend time at a nursing home, retirement home, hospital, group home, mental facility, school, or disaster area. The basic role of therapy dogs is to interact with the members of the facility in which they are visiting. For instance, a therapy dog at a nursing home would allow the patients to pet him, hold him, and play with him. He may even perform tricks for the tenants. This interaction with animals has been proven to help patients in a number of ways, including lowering blood pressure and making the patients happier.

There are no breed or size requirements for therapy dogs; any type of dog can be initiated into the service. There are, however, temperament, obedience, and socialization requirements for the dogs. As mentioned before, the dogs may sit through multiple pettings and groomings each day. The dogs must remain calm and be willing to handle all the attention. They must also be obedient both on and off leash, responding to the handler’s commands at all times. 

If you think that your dog would make a great therapy dog, then seek out training organizations in your area. There are multiple organizations around the country that provide training and certification for therapy dogs and handlers. Before admittance into the training programs, most organizations require that the dog and the handler are of a certain age. In addition to age, the dog must be up-to-date on all required vaccinations. Some groups even require proof of obedience training prior to enrollment, while others teach basic obedience in the training sessions.

Once you enroll in a therapy training class, you and your dog will be taught the ins and outs of the service. Dogs will learn how to navigate wheelchairs, IV poles, walkers, etc. They will also work on the dog’s socialization skills. Handlers will learn how to control the dogs off leash. The training may be practiced in a group setting, since the dogs will be required to remain calm and focused even in the presence of other canines.

Depending on the organization, the class may last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. During this time, you will not only be required to attend the training sessions, but you will also be required to spend a certain amount of time in a therapy setting. Don’t worry; you won’t be turned loose all alone with your pup. Instead, a professional will attend the session with you, coaching you and your dog the whole way through.

Once you complete the training course and receive certification, then you may be asked to be a part of a group of therapy workers or you may be on your own. At this point, it is up to you to continue using your dog for therapy work. Even if you visit only one nursing home a month, you can bet you and your pooch will make a big difference in the patient’s lives.

Dogs have proven beneficial for many types of therapy. Now, more than ever, healthcare and educational facilities are welcoming dogs, and their owners, to provide therapy work. If you think your dog would be great in such a setting, seek out therapy training organizations in your area. Through the training, you and your pooch will learn valuable tools to help make a difference in people’s lives. Not only will you spend time volunteering in your community, you will also be able to spend time together.

 

This article was provided by the authors at pet super store, which is an online pet shop featuring dog car seat covers, patio pet doors and pet beds.