A comprehensive Guide to train your own dog to therapy dog in 3 simple steps.
Therapy dog : Training your dog to become a therapy dog is a great decision that reinforces the bond between you and your furry friend. Therapy dogs continue to provide comfort, emotional support, and companionship to people in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and other settings. If you’ve already taught your dog basic commands such as “sit,” “roll over,” “heel,” and “go on a walk,” you’re off to a great start! This guide will walk you through the steps to turning your well-behaved dog into a certified therapy dog.
First, understand the qualities of a therapy dog
Before diving into the training process, it is important to identify the qualities that make a good therapy dog. These dogs are calm, gentle, and have a friendly demeanour. They should be comfortable with strangers, children, and other animals. A therapy dog should not be easily startled by loud noises or sudden movements. If your dog already has these qualities, you are halfway to training!
Training a Dog to Be a Therapy Dog: How Long Does It Take?
Training a dog to become a therapy dog usually takes anywhere from 6 months to a year, depending on the dog’s temperament, previous training, and consistency of the training process. If your dog already has basic obedience skills, it may take less time. However, regular exercise, socialisation, and specialised training are essential to prepare your dog for the challenges of therapy work.
Train your own dog to therapy dog
You can train your dog to become a therapy dog. The process involves consistently training the dog in basic obedience, socialisation, and calm behaviour around people and medical equipment. Once your dog has mastered these skills, you can enrol in a therapy dog training program and then have your dog evaluated for certification. After passing the evaluation, your dog can officially become a therapy dog and begin visiting hospitals, nursing homes, and other facilities.
Get Certified your therapy dog
After your dog passes the evaluation, you can apply for certification through a recognized therapy dog organisation. Certification ensures that your dog meets the standards needed to perform therapy work. Or not. Organisations such as Therapy Dogs International (TDI) and Pet Partners offer certification programs.
Cost to train dog to therapy dog
Training a dog to be a therapy dog can involve several costs depending on your approach to it. First, your dog needs to master basic obedience skills like “sit,” “stay,” and “heel,” which are essential for therapy work. Depending on the trainer and your location, a series of basic obedience classes typically costs between $100 and $300. After you’ve mastered the basics, you may want to consider enrolling in a specialized therapy dog training program. These programs focus on socialization, calming behavior, and exposure to therapy equipment, which can typically cost from $200 to $600. Additionally, there may be costs associated with therapy dog evaluation and certification, which can range from $100 to $300. Finally, you must factor in the ongoing costs of maintaining your dog’s training and health.
