Therapy Dog Training

[Diane, Hurley and Sidney]

Hurley is a 5 year old ALD.   He is about 53 lbs.   I realized that every time I took Hurley with me to various stores people would want to pet him and know what kind of dog he is.  He is well behaved but a little shy.  I decided that it wast time to get Hurley involved in Therapy Training with a goal of going to assisted living and memory care homes.   I already volunteer my time teaching the Powerful Tools for Caregivers Course and I am a caregiver for my husband.

Hurley did pass the CGC test first time through it.  That was a few weeks ago.  I am not sure what the next steps are.  I get conflicting advise so thought I would ask for help.  Any thoughts would be appreciated.   

[Janet & Jaxson]

It is probably best for you to contact the pet therapy organization in your area for requirements - Pet Partners, Therapy Dogs International, etc. because they all have different requirements and testing.  If you have an idea of what facilities you might want to visit, you can contact them and ask if they have therapy dogs from any particular organization.

I initially started testing with Pet Partners and then we decided to move to Hawaii.  Well, I came to find out Pet Partners is not recognized in Hawaii.  So I had to start again and get Jaxson tested with the Hawaiian Humane Society who is the predominate pet therapy organization.  Jaxson and I visit a senior daycare center.  They love him!

Good luck!

[BG and Gavin]

I agree with Janet. We have two groups in our area, one predominantly organizes group visits ( a number of dogs to one facility) while the other allows more freedom for individual visits. The second organization suited me better. Once you choose, you can go to that groups website and download their testing requirements. That will give you something to work towards. In the meantime keep up with basic obedience (with emphasis on leave it -- so important as there are often things on the ground in facilities (food, medication etc...that you will want to keep your dog from touching). Also continue with exposure to as many different people and settings as you can.

[Diane, Hurley and Sidney]

Thank you both. I so appreciate the information.   I will  I prefer the freedom of visits as will best be able to work around my husband's needs.  I do continue to take Hurley different places at least 4-5 days per week.  I think I created a monster.  He loves the getting out.  Still he is not to happy at the car wash but is fine at Target, Home Depot, etc.   He is usually good at leave it but I will emphasize that more.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Best of luck as you pursue this endeavor.  One piece of advice is that you will need to work on his shyness.  This is one thing he will not be allowed to exhibit in his testing.  They need to show a lot of confidence and a lot of willingness for people to love all over them.