If you've ever seen the power of therapy dogs, you know how special it can be to train your dog to bring comfort to others. Therapy dogs play an essential role in schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and more—lifting spirits and providing a sense of calm for those who need it most. For dogs with the right temperament, becoming a therapy dog is a rewarding journey that strengthens your bond with your furry friend while making a difference in the lives of others.
Here’s what you need to know to get started, plus how Chow Bella can help with training packages designed for therapy dog preparation!
1. Understand the Qualities of a Therapy Dog
Not every dog is suited to be a therapy dog, and that’s okay! Therapy dogs are typically friendly, calm, gentle, and patient. They should be comfortable around people and able to handle new places and situations without becoming too stressed. If your dog is affectionate, well-behaved, and sociable, they may be a great candidate for therapy dog training.
2. Begin with Basic Obedience Training
Before starting therapy-specific training, make sure your dog has a solid foundation in obedience. They should be able to reliably follow commands like sit, stay, come, and heel. A therapy dog must be calm and well-behaved at all times, so basic obedience skills are essential.
3. Socialize Your Dog
Therapy dogs often encounter a variety of people and situations, including different age groups, equipment like wheelchairs, and sometimes loud noises. Exposing your dog to different environments, people, and noises in a controlled and positive way can help them get comfortable with the unexpected.
4. Teach Advanced Commands and Impulse Control
Therapy dogs must stay calm, even when excited to see people or when there are distractions. Advanced commands like “leave it,” “wait,” and “settle” help your dog manage their impulses and stay focused. Working on these skills will make it easier for your dog to be gentle and calm in therapy settings.
5. Enroll in a Therapy Dog Training Program
Therapy dog training is unique and requires specialized techniques to help your dog become comfortable with tasks specific to therapy work, like lying still for petting or staying close to strangers. To ensure your dog gets the best training, consider a program designed specifically for therapy work.
We’re excited to announce that Chow Bella will soon offer customized training packages for therapy dogs! Our packages include everything from obedience training to therapy-specific skills, designed to bring out your dog’s potential as a companion who can truly make a difference.
6. Certification and Testing
Once your dog has completed their training, they can be tested and certified as a therapy dog through an accredited organization. Certification is often required for access to certain therapy settings, so this is an important step. We can help guide you to trusted organizations for certification, ensuring your dog is ready to serve with confidence.
Benefits of Therapy Dog Training
Training your dog as a therapy dog is a beautiful journey, not only for the lives they will touch but also for your own relationship with them. The patience and communication you develop together will strengthen your bond, giving you and your dog a shared purpose that can be both fulfilling and meaningful.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or brushing up on skills, Chow Bella is here to help. Stay tuned for our therapy dog training packages, and let’s get started on helping your dog become a true comfort to those who need it most.
Want to know more? Reach out, and let’s discuss your dog’s potential as a future therapy companion!
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