How to get a doodle started in therapy work

[a.k.a. Rodney]

Hi, I have a 7.5 mo F1b and would love to get her trained for therapy work.. I am In Delray Bch Fl in the winter, where there are tons of seniors she could make happy. And lots of schools near us...where do I start? How do I go about this??
Ideas & directions on how to get started would be appreciated. Thanks in advance

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I would start with doing a search for what Therapy Dog organizations are in your area.  The two main ones are Pet Partners which used to be Delta Society and TDI, Therapy Dogs International.  You may also find some local type of organizations.  Here in Cincinnati we have a couple.  Some might be attached to Pet Partners as a sub group and some might be on their own.  Once you see who is in your area then you can search their website for what the requirements are to pass the test.  A lot of it is just basic obedience type stuff that you can train.  A large part of it is just really the personality of your doodle and that doodles desire to love other people.  Some dogs are cut out for it and others just don't want anything to do with it.  Some might prefer Children which would make the reading programs better some might prefer older adults so hospitals or nursing homes would be a better fit.  Once you pick an organization and know the testing requirements then you need to decide if this is something you can train yourself or if you are going to need to search for Therapy Dog Training Classes.  They can be good if you don't really have any experience with doing Therapy work.  They will do some training with wheel chairs, crutches, medical type equipment to get them used to see it.  The dog must be able to tolerate groups of people and lots of loud noises.  One thing I would caution up front is that it isn't cheap.  It will cost a significant amount of money to just get certified.  I would also do a lot of socialization training with the dog as well.  Get out in public around all types of noises and all types of people. 

[Joan Bollaert]

Your dog will need to be completely trained obedience. If you haven't started, you should have but start now. Any reputable obedience school will know what qualifications and specifics are needed for therapy. Tests are given for the dog and you and how you handle the dog. I do know that a dog needs to be one year old before doing therapy. The need to know when to stop and not go ahead of you ever. Sit, down, stay for sure and temperament is a biggie. I heard of one woman who's dog was being tested and the tester said "your dog passed but you didn't". ! It was because she was talking to people at some point where she wasn't supposed to. So make sure you know guidelines for yourself as well. I had no idea that mattered.

[BG and Gavin]

Good answers so far. To reiterate your dog has to have the right stuff. It goes beyond being calm and obedient, the dog needs to love all people and want to seek out affection from everyone. They should be brave and curious. Also, I don't know about others, but Gavin had all the right qualities but was a bit slow to mature. Despite all of the training and socialization he needed a bit extra age on him before I could rely on him to focus on me amid all distractions, never to jump up etc. He was two and a half before I felt confident taking the test.

[Debbi & Harley]

We are part of Therapy Dogs International (http://tdi-dog.org/HowToJoin.aspx) your pup needs to be at least 1 year old to be tested.  I did a lot of work with Harley prior to him turning 1 so as soon as he was ready we could get started.

GOOD LUCK!  Keep us posted!!

[Kyoko]

I began the therapy dog training for my standard poodle in June. ( He turned a year in August) Prior to this course, he took basic obedience and took CGC classes twice. He passed CGC after the first class at 7 1/2 months old, but we took it again before he entered into the therapy dog prep course. Right now, we are in the second round of the prep course....Given the fact that he is only 13 months old right now, I may consider taking one more round before taking the TDI test.... We are taking these courses at local Humane Society.