Tips on training therapy dogs
If you're interested in therapy dogs training, then Therapy Dogs International may be a good place to start. Therapy Dogs International (TDI) is a non-profit volunteer organization that regulates, tests, and registers therapy dogs and their volunteers for the purpose of visiting hospitals, nursing homes, and other institutions where therapy dogs would be beneficial for people.. TDI was founded by Elaine Smith in 1976 in New Jersey and registers all breeds of dogs. During the last year, over 15,000 dogs and 13,000 handlers were registered with TDI. TDI provides services not only in United States but also in Canada. In order to belong to TDI dogs must be at least one year old and show good temperament and as well as be tested and evaluated by a certified TDI evaluator.

How and where therapy dogs are used

Therapy dogs provide a variety of services which often include, but are not limited to:

• Providing unconditional affection to those who need it (e.g., people in prisons and shelters, particularly domestic abuse shelters)
• Promoting a general feeling of comfort and well-being (e.g., for the elderly, those ill in the hospital and children)
• Interacting with those who have difficulty in communicating (e.g., psychiatric patients, nonverbal patients)
• Improvi ng focus (e.g., for people diagnose with depression and Alzheimer's patients)
• Stimulating memory functions, particularly for Alzheimer's patients
• Motivating the physically challenged to perform basic physical functions (e.g., brushing, patting)
• Aiding and encouraging speech functions (e.g., for stroke patients)
• Providing practice for specific physical therapy functions (e.g., offering food, throwing a ball)

Therapy dogs provide these services among a multitude of settings such as homes, prisons, children's residential facilities, domestic abuse shelters, senior citizen programs, special education settings, mental health centers, adult car e facilities, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and hospitals.

What are some key qualities therapy dogs possess?

Temperament is the most important factor in locating and training a good therapy dog. A dog that is friendly is a promising candidate for the position. Therapy dogs must be well behaved (e.g., no runni ng around, jumping, licking people) as they will be working with many people who are physically or mentally unable to deal with the stress and challenge of an unruly animal. Good therapy dogs are under the handler's precise control, can perform few tricks, can take mishaps (e.g., a patient waving a cane or yelling) deal with the endlessly repetitive interactions of Alzheimer's patients, handle the gurgling and grabbing of infants, and the unpredictability of psychiatric patients. Above all they generally enjoy their work. Although training is important it is ultimately the dog's disposition that will have the greatest effect on its ability to be a successful therapy dog. These d ogs must me adaptable to different situations and be prepared to work as seizure therapy dogs, assisted therapy dogs, or other specialized canines.

How to Train Therapy Dogs

The AKC/CGC test is designed to cover the different areas related to training therapy dogs. These tests include:

Appearance and Grooming

A th erapy dog must be willing to allow strangers to groom it as it will often provide services for patients in unfamiliar settings or with unfamiliar people.

Accepting a Stranger

The dog must not show resentment or bashfulness in the presence of a stranger. The dog should also not approach a stranger without a command from the handler.

Walking on a Loose Lead

The dog must walk to the left of the handler but does not have to "heel."

Walking through a Crowd

Exercise is performed in a crowd of unfamiliar people and dogs. The therapy dog should be able to negotiate foot traffic and show minimal interest in dealing with strangers.

Sitting for an Exam

The dog must allow a stranger to approach and pat him without displaying resentment or shyness.

Sitting and Lying "Down" on Command

The dog must be able to respond to the handler's commands to show that it has had formal training. Rather than using force, the handler simply repeats the command if the dog does not respond.

Staying in Position

The dog should be able to stay in position with handler's command until the handler releases it.

Reacting Appropriately to Other Dogs

The dog should show not show much interest while interacting with stranger dogs.

Reacting Appropriately to Distractions

The dog should not run away or show aggressiveness when presented with distractions. It is appropriate only to show signs of surprise.

Ability to be Left Alone with Strangers

Good manners and training are evident when the dog does not experience nervousness, agitation, or stress when left alone with a stranger.

What process must be followed to register therapy dogs?

Both national organizations (e.,g., Therapy Dogs International) and local training clubs are involved in the registration process. Try to find a local club that has a good relationship with one or more national organizations. Most national organizations require stable temperament and basic training before they consider screening a prospective therapy dog. Prospective certified therapy dogs are typically screened in busy and stressful situations and closely monitored on field trips to health care facilities and other locations. Sometimes special training classes or club membership are necessary as well.

With the right amount of dedication therapy dogs training can be a successful and rewarding process for dog and trainer. Look into organizations such as Therapy Dogs International for more information on this topic.