Are you looking to certify your dog as a therapy dog? If so, you’ve come to the right place! Therapy dogs provide comfort and companionship to people in need, and the process of certifying your dog as a therapy dog is relatively straightforward.
Not all dogs are fit to be certified therapy animals. The most important thing to consider is your dog’s temperament. There are a set of specific temperament traits that I can test for if you are interested in certifying your fur baby as a Therapy Dog.
A dog who is well behaved, affectionate and calm may not fit all the requirements for a therapy dog, because they may not act the same in unfamiliar settings.
People can train dogs for many tasks, however keep in mind that temperament is innate and not learned. You can teach your dog to do tricks and be obedient BUT his temperament will not change.
The first step in certifying your dog as a therapy dog is to make sure that your dog is well-behaved and socialized. Your dog should be comfortable around people and other animals, and should be able to follow basic commands. You should also make sure that your dog is up to date on all of its vaccinations.
Once you’ve determined that your dog is ready to become a therapy dog, you’ll need to find an organization that offers therapy dog certification. There are a number of organizations that offer therapy dog certification, including Therapy Dogs International, Pet Partners, and Alliance of Therapy Dogs. Each of these organizations has its own set of requirements for certification, so it’s important to research each one to make sure that your dog meets the criteria.
Once you’ve found an organization that you’d like to use for certification, you’ll need to register your dog and complete the necessary paperwork. You’ll also need to have your dog evaluated by a certified evaluator. This evaluation will assess your dog’s behavior and temperament to make sure that it is suitable for therapy work.
Once your dog has been evaluated and approved, you’ll receive a certificate of completion. This certificate will serve as proof that your dog is certified as a therapy dog. You can then use this certificate to register your dog with therapy organizations and begin providing comfort and companionship to those in need.
Certifying your dog as a therapy dog is a great way to give back to your community and provide comfort and companionship to those in need. With the right preparation and the right organization, you can easily certify your dog as a therapy dog and begin making a difference in the lives of those around you.