Dog Health Questions: Who dose someone call to get a dog trained?

I have a dog, shes a pit bull, and i want her to be trained to help people and dogs. Like a therapy dog. to help shy people and dogs to come out of there shell and thing like that. but how dose one go about starting something like that?

Dog Training - Why and How to Train Dogs

Recommended Answer:
You start with basic training at a pet obedience class. Some dog schools and dog clubs will offer a therapy dog class for the additional skills needed to pass the test, but this isn't strictly necessary. The Delta Society even offers a home study course if you are already experienced in training pet dogs.

Once she's trained, you'll need to get her tested with the therapy dog organization of your choice. The top three organizations in the US are:
http://deltasociety.org
http://tdi-dog.org
http://therapydogs.com

Check with the facilities you want to be able to visit to find out what they require. Some will require registration with a specific organization and no other. Because therapy dogs visit by invitation only, each facility is free to set whatever requirements they like and if you don't meet them, then you don't get to visit there.

Contrary to what one answerer said, it is not necessary to get your CGC before taking the therapy dog test. The CGC is included in some organizations' therapy dog tests, but neither of the first two on my list (which I have personally registered two dogs with) required a CGC as a condition of taking the therapy dog test.

Once you pass the test, you register with the organization. Registration includes ID, educational materials to present to facilities you wish to visit, and liability insurance which is something facilities really want to see.

Dog Training Part I

• First, you'll want to have your dog get her CGC (Canine Good Citizen) Award (see http://www.akc.org/events/cgc/). Use the IACP search tools at http://www.canineprofessionals.com to find a trainer in your area that can help you with this and hopefully they will be an evaluator as well so it's a one stop shop. Once CGC is obtained, you need to hook up with Delta Society or TDI (Therapy Dogs International) and go through a program to get certified as a therapy dog. That is the formal route. there are, however, other programs you can get into like the ones where kids read to dogs where having your CGC is enough. Either way, I feel your first goal should be to get that CGC. It's not too difficult and opens a lot of doors.


• What a wonderful person you are to want to do this. If your dog is good with people kids, and all other animals, I think it's a great idea. You should first get in touch with old age homes, and let them know you have a wonderful friendly dog that you would like to bring in to see their patients. If all goes well, get in touch with a trainer that can certify your dog for what ever kind of working dog you want her to be.The trainer will help her and you to train her. Therapy dog's are great. Good Luck, and don't give up. This is a wonderful thing you want to do.


• You would do the training. People don't train your dog for you, regardless of what you want to use her for.