Those with canine companions are no stranger to the joy and comfort that dogs bring. In fact, more and more people are becoming aware of the health benefits of being around dogs, with the public having an increased interest in therapy dogs.
Therapy dogs help provide relief and comfort for those who are experiencing anxiety, loneliness, grief, etc., and provide affection to people in institutions such as nursing homes, hospitals, and schools.
If you have a dog that’s well-behaved and great with people or if you’re curious about how one becomes a therapy dog and want to know the training involved, read on below.
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Best Therapy Dogs
Can any dog be a therapy dog? Simply put, not every lovable dog is fit for therapy work, in the same way as not every empathetic person is ideal for a therapy dog team.
Linda Keehn, a professional therapy dog trainer and owner of Positive Canine Training and Services explains that a good therapy dog must be an adult and should be well-trained. Most dogs need to pass the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test, or a similar evaluation, to ensure they are obedient and calm in public. A dog that can’t ‘leave it’ on cue or interact with kids calmly will find it hard to succeed, added Keehn.
You may be wondering - Are there proven best therapy dog breeds? But accoring to Keehn, age and breed aren’t major factors. Keehn has tested a 4-pound Yorkie and a 13-year-old Beagle, both of which passed the CGC. What's important is temperament—therapy dogs should be naturally friendly, calm, and affectionate with strangers, and are okay with being touched by different people. “Most dogs love jobs," Keehn notes, but it’s not fair to give a dog a job it doesn’t want. Ensuring that your dog is in good health is essential as well, so regular checkups is recommended.
To determine if your dog could be a therapy dog, observe their behavior. Does your dog enjoy interacting with others in different settings? If so, they might be ready to make a positive impact.
A handy gadget to have when we talk of how to train your dog to be a therapy dog is the Petcube GPS Tracker, With it, you can keep track of your dog’s location when they happen to run-off, as while keeping tapos on their health and activity as well.
Deep Pressure Therapy Dog
What is a Deep Pressure Therapy Dog?
A Deep Pressure Therapy (DPT) dog is a specially trained service dog that provides calming pressure to help manage emotional or mental distress. Often used as psychiatric service dogs, these dogs respond to signs of anxiety, such as trembling or rapid breathing. They apply pressure by lying on the handler’s body—either on the torso, legs, or lap—or resting their head on them. DPT can be performed by dogs of all sizes, with larger dogs providing deeper pressure and smaller ones offering mobility-friendly options, like riding in slings. This therapy helps reduce anxiety, panic, PTSD, and other emotional challenges.
How to Train a Therapy Dog
Training a therapy dog requires commitment, patience, and the right foundation. Here are key steps to guide you:
- Start with Basic Obedience: Enroll in foundational classes, like those at the Animal Humane Society, to build essential skills.
- Earn the CGC Title: Pass the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test, which certifies your dog’s manners and obedience.
- Socialize Your Dog: Expose your dog to different people, environments, and surfaces to build confidence.
- Master Key Commands: Train your dog in behaviors like loose-leash walking and commands like “leave it” and “watch me”.
- Consider Advanced CGC: Work toward the AKC Advanced Canine Good Citizen or Urban CGC for real-world practice.
- Join Therapy Dog Classes: Take specialized therapy dog training, which often includes an evaluation.
- Register with a National Organization: Once certified, register with a therapy dog group and begin making visits to bring joy to others.
In a Reddit thread where the author was asking for tips about training for hospital therapy dogs, a number of commenters suggested taking therapy training classes. Another commenter shared the importance of socialization and helping your dog become familiar with the hospital environment.
A reliable camera like the Petcube Cam can be your companion when it comes to training your dog. By being able to monitor your dog 24/7, you’ll better understand their behaviors and how to handle them during training.
Conclusion
Apart from emotional support, therapy dogs help boost endorphins, lower blood pressure, and reduce anxiety in people. What’s even better is that it’s mutual, according to studies. Therapy dogs enjoy higher endorphin and oxytocin levels, too, strengthening the bond they share with others.
When training a dog to be a therapy dog, keep in mind that consistent positive reinforcement is key to long-lasting success.
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