Therapy Dog Training

For the Dog

At a minimum, the therapy dog should have the ability to complete basic obedience such as:

Heeling or walking on a loose leash
Down
Sit
Come
Leave It
Walking past a neutral dog
Gently taking a treat or object

The dog should want to do the interactions.

It should not be robot-like in its obedience to the point that it cannot share its personality with the client. For example, if the dog is in a session with a child on the floor reading, it should be okay for the dog to lie its head on the leg of the child. The dog should welcome petting.

Dogs should be comfortable with:

handling of nails and paws
grabbing scruff
staring into the eyes
prolonged hugs
grabbing tail
brushing
yelling
jerky movements
several people crowding it at once

Dogs also learn how to respond to unsettling situations, unfamiliar sights, and sounds, such as:

equipment
loud noises
loudspeakers
crowds
unusual smells
hallways
wheelchairs
fire alarms

If your dog displays the following behaviors, he/she may not yet be suitable for therapy work:

Growling, barking, or other signs of aggression toward humans
Growling, barking, or other signs of aggression toward dogs or other animals
Shyness
Lack of house-training skills
Medical concerns (advanced age, fatigue, stiffness, excessive panting, signs of discomfort, etc.)

For the person

The handler should be trained in:

effective communication skills
infection prevention
proper handling of leash
the policies and procedures of the facility
the scope of your role in each facility
proper hygiene and attire for you and the dog
stress reduction and conflict management
confidentiality

Many therapy dog organizations provide liability coverage for therapy dog team volunteers, but it is important to adhere to the organization's policies and procedures. If you do not have coverage through an organization or are working as a professional, you may want to consider liability coverage.

Lastly, it is important to remember that you are there for the benefit of the client. You have to like what you are doing. Make sure you are comfortable with what you are asked to do. If not, speak up to protect yourself and the dog.

Questions? Please contact the Therapy Dog Committee at tdcmte@canineprofessionals.com.