Therapy Dogs

Pet therapy is a wonderful way in which caring people can share their beloved companion dogs with others.  Of course, pet therapy is not limited to dogs, but may include many kinds of domesticated animals. There are many known benefits to this kind of "therapy" not the least of which is providing a sense of unconditional love.  Our animals don't care about a persons "condition" and will seek the attention of anyone available.

My wife and I have been involved in Pet Therapy since July 2002. In fact, it's because we decided to train Bailey for pet therapy that I became a professional trainer! Since July 2002, we've had the chance to visit more than 35,000 people at hospitals, schools, assisted living homes, nursing homes, and many other places. In January 2005 we started a reading program at our local library and community center, where kids (K-4th Grade) are encouraged to come to read to our dogs.

If you are interested in the possibility of getting involved in Pet Therapy you should ask yourself a few questions first:

1.  Does your dog have the "right" temperament for pet therapy?

Temperament is probably the most important factor to consider when deciding to get involved in pet therapy. "Mellow" is a good adjective for most therapy dogs. Your dog should enjoy visiting people it doesn't know and be under control at all times. Your dog should not startle easily and must NOT be aggressive at all. Any sign of aggression, fear, or force-based control is a disqualifier.

2.  Does your dog exhibit self-control around distractions or do you have restrain them to prevent them from leaving your side?

Pet therapy does not require competition level obedience skills, but your dog must possess a high degree of self-control, and be attentive to you around distractions. If you have to restrain your dog around distractions, you and your dog probably need more training. Distraction training takes time and requires a proper understanding of how to teach your dog to pay attention to you rather than being consumed with what's happening around them.
 

3.  Do you have the time to prepare for the evaluation, and if you pass, time for visiting facilities?

You must first be willing to work with your dog to prepare for the evaluation process.  This takes most people about 6 months. If you can pass the evaluation, are you willing to visit at least once per month?  Most therapy teams visit at least twice a week.

4.  Why are you interesting in Pet Therapy?

Some people have the misconception that Therapy Dogs have the same rights as Service Dogs. Nothing can be further from the truth! Therapy Dogs are NOT Service Dogs and therefore do not have access rights at stores, restaurants, or in-cabin airline travel rights. In fact, it is a federal crime to pretend your dog is a Service Dog, according to the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Making the decision to train for Pet Therapy should be about helping people in need rather than what you can get out of it. That's not to say that Pet Therapy is very rewarding, it is. If you are motivated to help people in need, then maybe Pet Therapy is right for you and your dog.

People with young children may consider getting into Pet Therapy to help teach their kids empathy. Please be aware that the minimum age for a child to participate in Pet Therapy is 10 years of age, but they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian until age 16. Children must pass the same evaluation as adults with the animal they will be visiting with.  Also, some facilities do not allow children as Pet Therapy volunteers.