Therapy dogs and therapy dog training. I want to make my dogs (especially my dane) therapy dogs.
But I really need some information on it.
Like what test, where to take it, how to train them to be therapy dogs
Any tips you can give me
ANY information would be very helpful
I have already started refreshing their minds on all of the commands like sit stay, down stay, come, heel
But I have a question about the heel command...if I train them to always be heeling...does that count?
Or if you can give me heeling tips. Bc im just training them to walk by my side
If you have any personal experience- that would be great as well
Feel free to give me links to information
Bc I can't google it bc I am on my cell phone so its hard to do this
Legit: would you ever make your dog a therapy dog?
Thanks everyone!
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Recommended Answer:Most Therapy Dog organizations will first off require the completion of the CGC (or CGN in Canada) test. Which stands for Canine Good Citizen (or Neighbour). It is basically a standard test for all dogs to say they are "well behaved".
This test involves:
1) Accepting a friendly stranger
2) Sitting politely for petting
3) Appearance and grooming
4) Walking on a loose leash
5) Walking through a crowd
6) Sit and Down on command ( stay in position till released)
7) Praise interaction ( to see how quickly dog can be calmed after excitement)
8) Reaction to another dog
9) Reactions to distractions ( noise and movement)
10)Supervised isolation ( stress evaluator)
Different organizations require different elements in the test.
For example the St. John's Ambulance therapy dog program requires:
1) Meeting and accepting petting from a friendly stranger
2) Walking on a loose leash - basic heeling pattern
3) Walking through a milling crowd (including walkers and/or wheelchairs)
4) Sit and Down on command
5) Praise interaction - ( to see how quickly dog can be calmed after excitement)
6) Reaction to meeting another dog
7) Accept petting from several people in a circle, one after the other, including persons with walkers, canes, crutches, hats, robes etc.
8) Reaction to completely unresponsive person
9) Accepting petting from multiple people all at the same time
10) Meeting and greeting person in a wheelchair
11) Accepting a treat from a stranger - must take it gently
12) Distraction - movement - ie)person walking by quickly
13) Distraction - noise - ie)bowls or cans being dropped
There are many different organizations such as St. Johns Ambulance (as mentioned before), Therapy Dogs International, and Therapeutic Paws of Canada.
You will need to contact an evaluator in your area and set up a date for the evaluation.
Some organizations will set up dates and places for your therapy work, and some organizations will ask you to do it yourself.
Most places work with the elderly and nursing homes so if that is not one of your preferences you may have to search some other organizations to accommodate to which type of people you would like to work with.
I did want to take my border collie to be a therapy dog. Unfortunately the only evaluator in my area had a very strict organization that wanted to schedule us 2 times per week at a retirement home which just wasn't able to fit in our schedule at the time.Some Therapy Dog sites:
http://ca.geocities.com/doggy.west@nl.ro…
http://www.tdi-dog.org/
ADD:
The dog park? Therapy Dogs are only "working" when they are on site. Most people teach their dogs to "behave" properly while their vest is on. So any other time, the dog is a dog who should run and play like the rest of them.
Do you by any chance mean SERVICE DOG with public access rights, or do you actually mean the Therapy Dogs that visit hospitals?
Add 2:
Ohh alright that makes sense.
I believe it is acceptable for the dog to sniff the other dog and be civilized toward it, just not distracted.
So for example, in my CGN test I had to walk past someone with another dog. My dog was allowed to look, but not stop or make any noise toward the other dog, and he had to keep walking with me.3:
For training with other dogs. I think the best thing I can recommend is go out for walks. Walk in areas where there are other people walking their dogs, or other dogs are outside. When you walk by another dog, try to distract your dog from reacting. And then treat when they have passed the other dog. It takes a lot of work, but it's definitely worth it IMO.
Also another way to get used to other dogs being around would be to enrol in a training class with him/her.
As for the test. The CGN test I was a little worried about, but we passed 100%. I am unsure of the Therapy Test, as it varies between organizations. Generally it is harder I would assume because they are taking your dog under their insurance and assuming that he/she is well behaved and will not harm anyone.
As long as you practice the criteria in different settings I'm sure you'll pass :)
Best of luck
4:
Leave it command:
For food and other things left on the floor, it's relatively easy. Drop food or other item on the floor, correct each time the dog goes for it and say leave it. Give him/her a treat if they ignore the food. Not the treat that was previously on the ground of course.
Actually that reminded me of another thing that will benefit you. Many organizations do not endorse (or allow in some cases) dogs to lick or "give kisses"
Easy enough to train as well, but then it'll leave you will a kissless dog sometimes.
5:
Again it's a matter of the organization. I believe some do. If they do though it wouldn't be anything intense simply the touching of the paws.
Do you remember the name of the organization that the TD you met was with? Maybe you could get in contact with them.
How to Select a Good Online Dog Training Course
- I would love to be able to help you, but I am wondering the same things, I would love to make Sophie be a therapy dog! I will keep an eye on this question.It's great that you want to make your dogs therapy dogs though!!
8)
- you just cant make a dog a therapy dog, it must have training to do so. check with local vets and aspca to get info for your area on how to get started
- TESTS::::
1. Appearance and Grooming
The dog must appear well groomed, clean and must permit a stranger to groom him.
2. Accepting a Stranger
The handler must shake hand with a stranger, the dog must not shy or show resentment. Neither must he approach the stranger.
3. Walk on Loose lead:
The dog must walk to the left of handler, doesn't have to "heel"
4. Walk through crowd
Exercise is done in a crowd of people and dogs that are strangers. The Dog should not have a problem negotiating foot traffic. May show interest in strangers, but not to the extent that he strains at the lead or show resentment.
5. Sit for exam
Dog must allow a stranger to approach him and pat him, may not exhibit shyness or resentment.
6. Sit and Down on command
Designed to demonstrate that the dog has had some formal training. The dog must respond readily to the handlers command. No force may be used, but more than one command is allowed.
7. Stay in position
In either a sit or down, the dog must remain in the position commanded by his handler until the evaluator allows the handler to release.
8. Reaction to another dog
The dog should demonstrate no more than casual interest in a strange dog.
9. Reaction to distractions
A test of confidence, the dog may show surprise when presented with noises and distractions, but not run away or show aggressiveness.
10. Dog left alone
This test shows that a dog has good manners and training. The handler hands the dog lead to a stranger* and leaves the room. The evaluator stays with the dog*, observing that there is no excessive stress, nervousness or agitation. (*amended by AKC in 1998, many CGC testers will attempt to still tie your dog to a stationary object. If this occurs, run, don't walk to AKC and inform them of this info. It mans the tester is not keeping up with AKC rules and regs as well as keeping thier training updated.)I really want my dog to be a Therapy Dog! Idk if she could do test #10.
- http://www.deltasociety.org/VolunteerAbo…
This website will help you with your questions. You can train like crazy, but if your dog doesn't have it in his heart to do it, please don't push him into it.
- For the handler and/or dog having some obedience and little or no experience with therapy dog training. Through hands-on practice, review of video tapes, study of homework sheets, and individual instructor attention, this weekly course will cover the correct methods for:Introduction to medical equipment.
Beginner, Low Impact, Body Desensitizing.
Evaluation Steps to Beginning Assessment of dog/population match
Etiquette for visiting handlers and dogs.
Evaluation Steps to Beginning Stress Assessment for dog and handler.
How to employ articles found in every home to train for exposure to visiting situations and medical equipment.
How to choose where to visit.
Beginning therapy dog maneuvers such as head down, hold still, lets visit.
What level of involvement should your animal have.
Pre-requisites to enter this class:
Must be able to walk on a loose leash without dragging to see other dogs.
Dog must be at least 9 months old.
This is a one-on-one program.
It is NOT anticipated that animal / handler completing this initial course will be ready for evaluation by a national organization.
Cost: $200.00--------------------------------------…
Intermediate Visiting Dog Training held at Denver Dog Works
Pre-Requisite: Successful completion of Beginner Visiting Program For the handler who wishes to learn more advanced maneuvers for their dog and polish their skills. Through hands on practice, interactive situations, review of video tapes, study of homework sheets, and individual instructor attention, this weekly course will cover the correct methods for:More intense involvement with medical equipment and use of at home articles.
Novice, Medium Impact, Body Desensitizing.
Individual problem solving to optimize individual dog / handler team skills.
Handling difficult situations.
Introduction Steps to Reducing Stress for dog and handler
More Advanced visiting dog maneuvers such as: avoiding IV tubes, right side.
Equipment to take to visits.
Preparation for national evaluation.
Observation of actual visits.
Pre-requisites to enter this class:
Successful Completion of Beginner Visiting Dog Program.
This is a one-on-one program.
Completion of this course should have the animal / handler team ready for evaluation by a national therapy dog organization.
Cost: $200.00--------------------------------------…
Advanced Visiting Dog Training
The Advanced Visiting Dog Program is a continuation of situational practice needed for confident visiting.
Animal / handler teams are presented with a variety of interactive situations that simulate those encountered on visits. Individual instructor attention will help the team problem solve these situations for effective, safe visiting.
Advanced Impact, Body Desensitizing.
Assessment of dog / population match.
Prof. Standards of Practice as they apply to incorporating animals as a treatment modality.
Handling various situations dealing with different diseases, illnesses, disabilities.
Pre-requisites preferred:
Successful completion of Intermediate Visiting Dog Program
Agreement to participate in and help with upcoming therapy animal evaluations.
Fee for this class is $125 for eight weeks to provide the accomplished, trained team with simulated visiting situations and problems to gain confidence and a broad level of expertise.
It is anticipated that during this class, the team will actually begin visiting with an experienced team mentoring.
This is a group class. Class limited to 5.
Cost: $125.00
If you are interested in more information on our therapy dog training program you may call Denver Dog Works at 303-752-2818 or email Dr. Robert Forto at rforto@denverdogworks.com
- So lovely!! i've been wanting to do the same thing! :)
- Well it kinda depends.....My mother works as a nurse in a retirement home. So they needed extra activities for the oldies. I offered to help. I was looking through the list of activities and therapy dogs came up!! I was like OMG i could make Taz a therapy dog (My other 2 dogs are to hyper for the job and to young) So i asked the owner if i could start training Taz and when we where ready we will take the test and if we pass we would love to join. So i trained Taz VERY easy he probably already knew half the commands needed. So when i felt we where ready i went in Taz took the test and we qualified. We had to pay 150.00 fee. For some reason. So then the owner(of the place) wanted me to have him groomed and smelling good for the next day. So the next day i got him groomed and brag him in. All the oldies LOVED him he was passed around 50 times!! He did tricks for them, he sat in there laps. Its was a blast!! They fed him and he loved it too. So after that the owner asked if i would come in 4 times a week. I said sure and we've been doing this for 6 months now. Its great and good for a little extra pocket money.
So thats my story but i am not sure how you would go about it. I say look up jobs in your area requiring therapy dogs and then go from there.
Good Luck!!
LEGIT:: I have :)
- First thing I'd suggest is to go to obedience classes. Then I suggest you find an AKC CGC test ( check the AKC site for tests & evlauators near you http://www.akc.org ) Get your CGC certificate.. next contact Therapy Dog International (TDI) or Delta Society and find out when a certification test will be held near you.
You alos need to get your dog out and about around as many different distractions as possible...noises, crutches, shopping cards, walkers, loud people, etc.
During the test both CGC and TDI your dog must not come in contact with the greeter dog at all.. You also must teach your dog the "leave it" command. This is essential for a therapy dog.
Danes make awesome therapy dogs. My Dane girl was TDI certified. Doing therapy visits is very, very rewarding. Until you actually participate you can't fully realize the difference a dog makes in a persons life that is in a residential care facitlty, Nursing home, hospital, etc.
