If you’re looking for a way to contribute to your local community and positively impact others’ lives, training your dog to become a therapy dog is the “perfect” choice!
Therapy dogs offer comfort, relief, and affection to people in places like hospitals, schools, and nursing homes. Training a dog for this role is a rewarding journey that strengthens the bond between you and your pet. If you have a friendly, well-behaved dog who loves people, you may be wondering how to train them to become a therapy dog. This blog post will guide you through the process of therapy dog training, covering its cost, requirements, and even how to become a trainer yourself. Below are the important points of therapy dog training.
Therapy dog training near me
Therapy dogs offer comfort and love to people in places like hospitals, schools, and nursing homes. If you’re thinking about training your dog for this special job, finding local resources is key. Here’s a guide to help you locate therapy dog training near you
Before starting therapy dog training, it’s important to understand what it involves. Therapy dogs need to be obedient, calm, gentle, outgoing, and comfortable with being touched by many people at once. They also need to pass the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test, which assesses their manners and obedience.
To find local therapy dog training resources, consider these options:
- Local Animal Organizations: Many local animal organizations offer therapy dog training programs. For instance, the Animal Humane Society provides an eight-week therapy dog prep class.
- Pet Stores: Some pet stores, like Petco, offer dog training classes. These classes can establish a strong obedience foundation, crucial for therapy dog training.
- Professional Dog Trainers: Professionals like those at Instinct Dog Behavior offer tailored programs for therapy dog training.
- Local AKC Clubs: AKC clubs often have members involved in therapy dog work. They can offer valuable insights and resources for training.
Training your dog to be a therapy dog is a fulfilling journey that strengthens your bond and lets you make a positive impact. Using local resources ensures your dog gets the best training.
Therapy dog training cost
The price of therapy dog training can differ depending on factors like the training program and your dog’s current obedience level. Typically, service dog training for support, therapy, or protection tends to be around $120 per hour. However, obedience training schools might charge between $200 to $600 per week, and intensive boot camp kennel training could range from $500 to $1,250 per week.
Although therapy dog training can be costly, it’s important to recognize the significant value these dogs offer. They bring comfort and support to people in various settings, enhancing their quality of life. Additionally, therapy dog training provides mental and physical stimulation for your pet, making it a fulfilling experience for both you and your dog.
Training a therapy dog is an investment that extends beyond the financial aspect. It’s about nurturing a dog’s natural ability to offer unconditional love and support, ultimately making a positive impact on many lives.
Therapy dog training schools and Online
Therapy dog training schools offer structured programs designed to prepare dogs for certification as therapy dogs. These schools provide comprehensive training covering basic obedience, socialization, and specialized therapy dog skills.
Prominent Therapy Dog Training Schools
- Service Dog Training School International (SDTSI): SDTSI offers an online course to train your dog into a compassionate, skilled, and certified therapy dog. The course teaches how to train your dog to be friendly, patient, confident, gentle, and comfortable in all situations.
- American Kennel Club (AKC): The AKC offers a Therapy Dog Program that recognizes dogs and their owners who volunteer as a therapy dog team. certification and training fall under the purview of esteemed therapy dog organizations acknowledged by the AKC.
- Starmark Academy School for Dog Trainers: This school offers various training programs, including therapy dog training, and is one of the top dog trainer academies in the US.
The Certification Process
After basic training, your dog needs to pass the AKC Canine Good Citizen Test, a nationally recognized standard of dog behavior and a preparation step for therapy dog training. Following this, your dog must be certified by an AKC-recognized therapy dog organization, which may involve hands-on testing of behavior and skills.
Therapy dog training schools are essential for preparing dogs and owners for therapy work. They equip dogs with the skills to provide comfort and support to those in need. Additionally, these schools provide mental and physical stimulation for your pet, making the training experience rewarding for both the dog and the owner.
Therapy dog training schools play a vital role in preparing dogs and owners for the fulfilling journey of therapy work. They offer comprehensive training and guidance, shaping dogs into valuable companions for healing and support.
Therapy dog training requirements
Becoming a therapy dog involves specialized training that enhances the dog’s skills and strengthens the bond between the dog and its owner. Below are the essential prerequisites for therapy dog training instruction:
- Breed and Size: There are no specific breed or size requirements for therapy dogs. The pivotal element lies in the disposition of the dog.
- Temperament: A therapy dog should be friendly, patient, confident, gentle, and comfortable in all situations. They should be at ease with new people, animals, objects, and places.
- Age: Therapy dogs must be adults, with many organizations not allowing puppies under a year old.
- Training: Therapy dog training includes activities that improve dog manners, such as sitting quietly, walking on a loose leash, and socialization. It also involves building the bond between you and your dog through walks, games, practice sessions, and affection.
- Health Requirements: Therapy dogs must be in good health to perform their duties effectively.
- Certification: Therapy dogs need certification and registration with a reputable national organization. The certification process may involve hands-on testing of behavior and skills.
- AKC Canine Good Citizen Test: Many organizations require dogs to pass the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test for obedience. This test is a nationally recognized standard of dog behavior and helps prepare for therapy dog training.
These requirements ensure that therapy dogs are well-prepared to provide comfort and support to those in need. By meeting these criteria, dogs and their owners can embark on a rewarding journey of offering emotional support and comfort to those who need it most.
How to become a therapy dog trainer
Becoming a therapy dog trainer is a fulfilling career where you teach dogs to provide comfort and support to those in need. Here are the steps to become a therapy dog trainer:
- Love for Animals: You need a genuine love for animals, as it forms the basis of your relationship with the dogs you’ll train.
- Choose Your Training Path: Decide whether you want to work for a company that trains and lends dogs, train and sell therapy dog candidates, or work with dog owners who want to train their dogs as service animals.
- Gain Knowledge and Experience: While no specific qualifications are required, you should master essential skills and gain experience. Learn from books, courses, or other trainers.
- Enroll in a Certification Program: Although not mandatory, certification from programs like the CCPDT can boost your credibility and give clients confidence in your abilities.
- Pass the AKC Canine Good Citizen Test: Many organizations require dogs to pass this test, which is a recognized standard of dog behavior and a preparation step for therapy dog training.
- Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest training techniques and industry trends to adapt to the evolving needs of therapy dog training.
- AKC Canine Good Citizen Test: Many organizations require dogs to pass the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test for obedience. This test is a nationally recognized standard of dog behavior and helps prepare for therapy dog training.
These requirements ensure that therapy dogs are well-prepared to provide comfort and support to those in need. By meeting these criteria, dogs and their owners can embark on a rewarding journey of offering emotional support and comfort to those who need it most.
How to become a therapy dog trainer
Becoming a therapy dog trainer is a fulfilling career where you teach dogs to provide comfort and support to those in need. Here are the steps to become a therapy dog trainer:
⦁ Love for Animals: You need a genuine love for animals, as it forms the basis of your relationship with the dogs you’ll train.
⦁ Choose Your Training Path: Decide whether you want to work for a company that trains and lends dogs, train and sell therapy dog candidates, or work with dog owners who want to train their dogs as service animals.
⦁ Gain Knowledge and Experience: While no specific qualifications are required, you should master essential skills and gain experience. Learn from books, courses, or other trainers.
⦁ Enroll in a Certification Program: Although not mandatory, certification from programs like the CCPDT can boost your credibility and give clients confidence in your abilities.
⦁ Pass the AKC Canine Good Citizen Test: Many organizations require dogs to pass this test, which is a recognized standard of dog behavior and a preparation step for therapy dog training.
⦁ Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest training techniques and industry trends to adapt to the evolving needs of therapy dog training.
Becoming a therapy dog trainer requires passion, knowledge, experience, and a commitment to learning. It’s a challenging yet rewarding job that allows you to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives.
FAQ
How long does therapy dog training typically take?
Therapy dog training duration varies depending on the dog’s temperament, previous training, and individual progress. On average, it may take several months to a year to complete training and certification.
Can any dog become a therapy dog?
While any breed or mixed breed dog can potentially become a therapy dog, certain traits such as calm demeanor, sociability, and trainability are essential. Additionally, dogs must undergo temperament testing and meet specific criteria set by therapy dog organizations.
Is professional training necessary for therapy dogs?
While professional training can be beneficial, many handlers train their therapy dogs independently using positive reinforcement techniques and obedience classes. However, certification from recognized therapy dog organizations often requires the completion of specific training programs.
