Therapy dog certification is a very high honor for a dog and handler to achieve. It requires tight direction from the owner, great obedience skills from the dog, and wonderful teamwork between the two. Good therapy dogs are sociable, calm, happy, tolerant, patient, and friendly. A dog that has been well socialized to many different types, shapes, colors, sizes, and ages of people is desirable as well.
Your dog must pass two tests to qualify for certification. Though not obedience tests per se, these tests do require your dog to be able to SIT, DOWN, STAY, COME, and have good self-control around dogs, people, and the temptations of food and play. Dogs must be at least one year of age to be tested. However, we recommend a dog two years old or older for this activity. Two years old and older means that you’ve had more time training together and that your dog is further along in maturity.
Therapy dogs can visit nursing homes, schools, hospitals, and special functions. During these visits, your dog must be wearing his identification, tags, and usually a special harness. The most important rule of thumb when doing pet therapy visits with your dog is that she must enjoy her visits and her “job” as much as the people whom she is visiting. Also be certain that the duration of each visit does not exceed what your dog can handle or enjoy. The nature of therapy dog work can be stressful, and smaller doses are preferable to keep your dog balanced, happy, and eager for the next visit.