A therapy dog is not your average dog. Indeed, it takes a special type of dog to become one. They are basically dogs with exceptional qualities that are used in hospitals, nursing homes, retirement homes, schools and other places where the dog’s presence may benefit people. Their main goal is to provide comfort to people in need, allowing them to stroke them and talk to them. This therapeutic interaction helps children and adults forget about their problems and feel better.
A typical visit from a therapy dog consists of allowing the dog to go from room to room spending some time with the residents. At times, several residents are gathered into one specific area to interact with the dog. Often, the dog handler will put up a little show allowing the dog to perform some tricks for everybody’s enjoyment.
”There are really no actual preferred breeds when it comes to selecting dogs for therapy dog training” explains Therapy Dogs Incorporated, an organization of more than 11,000 dog handler teams . What counts is that the dog is over one year of age, healthy, well-mannered and eager to seek human contact. A calm, patient and friendly demeanor, is of course a must. Aggression towards people or other dogs is unacceptable, as well as tendencies towards being hyperactive, reserved or aloof.
How Therapy Dogs are Trained
While it takes a special type of dog to become a therapy dog, it is also true that a special type of training is required in order for a dog to become a good candidate. Dogs should pass a rigorous obedience and temperament test. Therapy Dogs Uinted, a public charity that certifies therapy dogs, for instance, requires that candidate dogs pass the nationally-recognized AKC Canne Good Citizen (CGC) test. This test evaluates the dog’s ability to obey and act well-mannered when in presence of people and other dogs.
Once the dog has passed the CGC test in flying colors, a Therapy Dog (TD) Evaluation takes place. This test is the actual therapy dog exam and consists of exposing the candidate dog to several distracting and stressful situations and carefully evaluating its response. The dog should remain calm and show the ability to work solo and in a group with other dogs. The response to this test is very important since therapy dogs are routinely exposed to noises and distractions such as wheelchairs, medical equipment, groups of children and other dogs.
All tests must be performed on leash with the dog wearing a well-fitting buckle or slip collar. Pinch collars, head halters, and electronic collars are not permitted in the CGC test. Both the AKC Canine Good Citizen test and the Therapy Dog Evaluation test are quite rigorous, and statistically, more than half of the dogs tested do not pass these two tests on the first try. The good news is though that dogs are given the opportunity to re-test with no waiting periods in-between.
Some therapy dogs are also taught to perform tricks, such as waving good-bye or shaking hands so to bring a smile to the people they are visiting. Handlers interested in the therapy dog program must be at least 18 years old and be a legal owner of the dog. If necessary, there are also training schools offering therapy dog training work shops to aid in the preparation process.
Costs Involved in Therapy Dog Training
Costs for getting a dog certified as a therapy dog will vary. It ultimately depends on a variety of factors such as if assistance from a training school is needed in the preparation process and how many attempts it takes to pass the required tests. Sirius K9 Academy for instance offers a 6 week course for $150. Additional costs must be added though such as for taking the Canine Good Citizen test.
If you wish to prepare your dog on your own, consider that the CGC test costs $30, the evaluation for therapy work is free and that the final certification costs $75, according to K-9 Buddies Incorporated. The total therefore would amount to $105.
Teaming up with a therapy dog can be a very enriching experience when you notice how a visit can make a difference in the lives of many people. Stroking a therapy dog or simply smiling at its sight, can significantly reduce feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression, and even ultimately distract one from their pain.