A therapy dog is a very different type of a dog and hence requires a different training program compared to normal dogs. The therapy dog’s mission is to provide companionship and comfort to people, especially those who are in hospitals, old age homes, nurseries or libraries. To know more about a therapy dog’s training, read on.

 

First, you need to choose a dog that is calm and composed. A therapy dog should be friendly with all kinds of people and animals as well as be highly patient yet alert. Hyperactive and dull dogs would definitely not fit the bill, so make sure you select the correct breed.

 

While training your dog to become a therapy dog, use gently positive reinforcement so that he too becomes a calm and confident dog. He should be taught all the basic commands such as Sit, Come, Stay and Down in the initial periods itself and they should have high obedience levels and self control.

 

Train your dog that it’s ok if strangers approach him and try to pet him. He should not become shy or aggressive when someone comes in contact with him. Also, he should not become protective and start barking when someone approaches you either. Train him such that he knows that behavior such as unnecessary barking, growling, sniffing etc is not acceptable.

 

Get your dog accustomed to various surroundings and environments such as parks, markets and outdoor programs so that he gets used to being around different noises and crowds.

 

Since your dog would be getting in contact with a lot of people and surroundings, make sure that you regularly take him to the vet so that your dog’s health can be kept under check.

 

If you have a dog training centre close by, enroll yourself and your dog into the therapy dog program so that you two can learn the training for passing the therapy dog training tests. This will also give you a chance to bond with your dog as well as other owners.

 

It’s also important that you understand that your dog is well suited to become a therapy dog. Don’t get blinded into believing that he can get trained, because sometimes your dog may just not be interested in becoming a therapy dog. So, just relax and keep observing your dog from time to time. When your instinct tells you that your dog can provide the same comfort he does to you, to other people, you know it’s the right moment to train him to be