Most therapy dogs are the personal pets of ordinary pet owners who want to give some of their time to provide services to others.
All therapy dogs must complete the basic obedience requirements of the AKC/Canine Good Citizen Test. The training process is not really difficult says Henke, and can be completed in 6-12 weeks, depending on previous obedience training.
All therapy dogs must complete the basic obedience requirements of the AKC/Canine Good Citizen Test. The training process is not really difficult says Henke, and can be completed in 6-12 weeks, depending on previous obedience training.
Therapy dogs must meet certain personality criteria as well. "Just because dogs are sweet at home, does not necessarily mean they're good therapy dog candidates," Henke says. Dogs should be highly socialized, affable and gentle, friendly and outgoing, never shy or afraid. They must get along well not only with old and young people, but with other animals as well.
Prospective therapy dogs are encouraged to complete a desensitization and orientation course. This course exposes the dog and owner to unfamiliar experiences and objects, and helps dogs adapt to noises that humans barely hear. The high pitched whine of a respirator, for example, can be very irritating to a dog's ears, but is a commonly found in health care facilities.
Degrees of difference
Degrees of difference
Therapy dogs are not Assistance Dogs (Guide Dogs for the blind and the visually impaired, Hearing Dogs for the deaf and hard of hearing and Service Dogs for people with physical disabilities other than those related to vision or hearing.). They do not have the same legal status as assistance dogs. However, their function is no less valuable.
