How old are your therapy dogs?

[jenn D]

And how old we're they when they were certified? Just curious what the typical age is for starting therapy work. I've read different things all over the Internet. We are going down this path with Brisby. He will be 1 at end of November and will be taking his CGC shortly after that. Thx, :)

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I think you are going to find many answers here from 1 on up.  With most therapy organizations they must be a year old in order to test.  I had a goal of 1 year with my Sophie, but I ended up waiting until she was 2 before we went to test.  She did though start working at one Hospice Organization and the Veteran's Home before she was certified when she was about 1.5 y/o.  That isn't something I would recommend though as you are really just using your own homeowners insurance policy (if yours would cover you).  I checked with mine and they covered me on my policy.  I think that the most important thing to remember though is you have to know your dog.  I would not recommend going before they are ready emotionally.  That pretty much means the "puppy" behavior is over!  If you push them into it before they are ready, they will not enjoy it.  So, train hard now, find a great Therapy Organization in your area where you will have a mentor and then test when you feel you are both ready.  Sophie tested in April of 2010 with Delta Society.  She renewed her certification in June of 2012 through Therapy Pets of Greater Cincinnati and she worked up until she was diagnosed with Lymphoma in October of 2012. 

[jenn D]

I'm so sorry to hear about the lymphoma. Blood issues of any kind are near and dear to my heart as my daughter is a leukemia survivor. Thanks for the great info. I've heard you really need to wait until all that puppy is out so we just train, train, train for now. Brisby does sit in on some of daughters post chemo therapy counseling sessions but he is our dog. I appreciate the advice about insurance. These are things I need to have more awareness of as we move forward. Looking forward to being a part of this group and sharing our journey. Our ultimate goal is peds therapy at the hospital because we know first hand how rough that road can be.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Jenn -- Hope your daughter is doing well.  I know my young Niece ended up going in the medical profession because she spent so much time at Children's Hospital when she was growing up.  She now works in a pediatric practice as a medical assistant.  People love her caring hands on attention to the children because she can relate better to how they feel, or at least that is how I see it.  She is a Medical assistant (and also an EMT) but she can do pretty much everything except start an IV.  I wanted to just add to my comments above since you are looking at a pediatric environment, that at least here in Cincinnati at Children's Hospital their Therapy Dog program requires a test over and above the regular Pet Partners testing.  One of the ladies that does Pet Partners testing locally also runs the program at Children's.  Sophie and I never even attempted to take that test because even at 4 she was still a little too energetic for their requirements.  That testing is very rigorous because in an environment with children anything can happen, and it can happen very quickly.  The manners and temperment of the dog must be spot on.  It must be very tolerant of being handled (ears, tail, feet, etc).  It must tolerate lots of people, lots of noise and absolutely no training collars allowed.  Flat collar only.   Must be very gentle with treats and feet must remain on the floor etc.  Best of luck as you train.  Don't hesitate to come back in with any questions.  Right now I don't have a therapy dog to work with but am in your training mode with our AnnaBelle who is 7 months now. 

[Winnie's Dad]

We (National Capital Therapy Dogs) won't test a dog younger than 1.  Winnie and I passed our CGC when she was 14 mos old, were "Not Ready" for our first Delta test at about 18 months.  We passed when she was almost 2 years old.  She will turn 9 this December, and I often say "she's 8 going on 2".  She hasn't lost her spunk.  We (NCTD) are no longer Delta-affiliated, but we kept the 1 year minimum age requirement.

On the other end of the spectrum, we've had 10 yo dogs pass for the first time.  We do keep an eye on the "elder" dogs, because they can reach a point when they should retire.

[jenn D]

Thanks for the info. So helpful!

[Leslie Bruce and Icky]

As a screener for therapy dogs...we recommend at least l year...but of course there are always exceptions...and have found Doodles sometimes a little older because of their over abundance of enthusiasm and eager to meet and greet from that wonderful temperament.  Good luck and it is so rewarding and the dogs love visiting.

 

[BG and Gavin]

Gavin did not test until 2.5 years old.  I had a test scheduled for him at two, but when the tester had to cancel, I did not reschedule right away.  I just felt he needed a bit more, so I enrolled in one last training course that focused on street safety and outdoors with distractions.  We trained downtown and in parks where interaction with people was a natural.  It was just what I needed to bolster our confidence.  Gavin is just over 4 now and visits at our college and at a stroke and brain injury recovery group.  I think a good idea for preparation is to go to Petsmart on Saturday mornings and go up and down the isles and interact with as many people as you can (big. little, people with hats, people with other dogs etc).  I find that all the customers are most willing to help you with your "training."  Good luck!

[Debbi & Harley]

for therapy dogs international you must be at least 1 year old to test...

[Rachel Weaver]

 Buddy was 13 months.  TDI requires the dog to be 1 year old.  I guess it depends on the personality of your dog.  Buddy is laid back so he got his CGC and TDI certifications at 13 months.  He is 5 now and we visit a local hospital.  Good luck.  Therapy work is a great and very rewarding thing!!!

[Katie and Sophie]

Sophie is 2 and just passed the test last month. It was the first time we took it and i'm glad I waited a little longer. I had complete confidence in her training so I think me being totally calm about it helped her realize it was no big deal.

[Kathy (Ellie & Oliver)]

My Oliver became a TDInc. registered therapy dog at 13 months old. He could be pretty wild at home but the minute that we stepped into the nursing home, he became this well mannered one year old dog. I was always being told that they couldn't believe he was so young. I enjoyed making therapy dog visits so I became a tester/observer for Therapy Dogs Incorporated. Like many other people have mentioned, your dog needs to be at least one year old. Your dog should know basic obedience skills, should not jump up on people, no unnecessary barking (ex. at people, pets), loves to be touched, comfortable in strange surroundings, likes to interact with people, is good with other dogs, and can walk next to you with a loose leash (no pulling). I also think that it is extremely important that you have a great rapport or connection with your dog. Your dog will look to you for guidance during therapy dog visits. I tell people that are interested in getting their dog registered to be a therapy dog to go and explore some of the national therapy dog organizations websites. Find out what the requirements are to become a member. You will find out a lot of valuable information to help you on your journey to get your dog registered. Oh by the way, most national organizations register therapy dogs not certify them. Certify means that the organization would in some way be involved in the training of your dog. Most organizations just test to meet minimum requirements and not train to a certain level. Just a tidbit for those thinking of getting their dog registered. Good luck! When I share Oliver with others, I always leave with a happy heart!!!! It is the BEST feeling!!!