Therapy Dog Training/Cert?

[caradino]

Morning COTH!

I have a great little pup that I think would make a super therapy dog. Very trainable, sweet as pie, LOVES to snuggle and make new friends! I could definitely see him making hospital visits, etc. and being great at it.

Has anyone gone through the process of training/certifying a therapy dog? What does it take? Are there classes you have to go through, or do you train on your own and then take an ‘exam’? I really have no idea! Just playing around with the idea of turning little Max into a therapy dog and would love to hear about everyone’s personal experiences and get some advice!

[bdj]

I’m not currently doing any therapy work with the beasties, but from what I recall, the means to get into it varies based on what organization you work with.
In my area, Pets on Wheels is the largest group, though my big guy was tested by a TDI person. Each group has their own test and other requirements that must be fulfilled in order to work as an official member of the group (which is important, as it generally conveys coverage under the group’s insurance policy).

In my experience, most of the tests are based on the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen test, with several additional tests added (like children, working around people using various medical equipment, like an IV pole, walker and/or wheelchair.) A “leave it” command is VERY important, as they want to make certain that Fluffy won’t go diving for a patient’s dropped meds, etc.

In your case, I’d look into your local area - contact the places that you’d like to visit, and see if a local group is already visiting them - then you can get in touch with that group directly, to see what they require of you and your pup. You can also check some of the national websites, and see what organizations are working in your area - Pets on Wheels, Therapy Dogs International (TDI) and the Delta Society/Pet Partners are just a few that I know of.

[Bluey]

Our local performance dog club trains and certifies therapy dogs.
We work thru two associations, TDI and Delta, because our two hospitals each require certification for each different one.:rolleyes:

Find who in your area is working with therapy dogs and they will direct you to where they train and certify dogs for that.

You could ask local dog clubs and hospitals.

Most any dog with good basic training can, if it is suitable, make a good therapy dog of some kind.
I would say, train your dog in the basics now, while you are looking for a certifying group.

[caradino]

[QUOTE=Bluey;6456369]
Our local performance dog club trains and certifies therapy dogs.
We work thru two associations, TDI and Delta, because our two hospitals each require certification for each different one.:rolleyes:

Find who in your area is working with therapy dogs and they will direct you to where they train and certify dogs for that.

You could ask local dog clubs and hospitals.

Most any dog with good basic training can, if it is suitable, make a good therapy dog of some kind.
I would say, train your dog in the basics now, while you are looking for a certifying group.[/QUOTE]

Thanks!! That’s what I’ve been doing, currently working more now on leash manners and being respectful when in public.

[HPFarmette]

I had a TDI dog. Dear departed. If you complete AKC Canine Good Citizen you are most of the way there for your TDI test.
Here are the tests in the TDI exam as I did it years ago, in a nutshell:

1. Accepting a friendly stranger.
2. Sitting politely for petting.
3. Appearance and grooming
4. Walk on loose leash
5. Walk through a crowd.
6. Sit and down on command/staying in place
7. Come when called
8. Reaction to another dog
9. Reactions to distractions
10. Supervised separation
11. Say hello (visit a person).

Of course more details or any updates probably on the TDI website.

I loved having a therapy dog. He was superb and made a lot of people happy.

[Silvercrown90]

This is a link to TDI’s testing brochure from their website:

http://www.tdi-dog.org/images/TestingBrochure.pdf

I read the test, and then worked on it on my own to get one of my Boerboels certified. I didn’t go to any formal training with my dog, since all of this can be pretty easy if your dog is suitable for the work.

I took the test at a local dog training club, in conjunction with the CGC. I think I paid $15 to take the CGC test, and then it was $10 to take the TDI and get certified.

Once you pass the TDI, then you have to also get it signed off by your vet showing that your dog has the proper innoculations, etc.

This link is to the TDI Testing Requirements section of their website:

http://www.tdi-dog.org/HowToJoin.aspx?Page=Testing+Requirements

[Simbalism]

I agree to check any dog training groups in your area. I have been doing obedience training with my dog. We had progressed thru advanced intermediate training(good sit and down stays, good recall, some retrieving, decent off leash heeling, good with distractions). My trainer was running out of students that were at this level(many people just take a few sessions of obedience and then stop). So she added the two of us in that class to the therapy dog class. We have also been taking CGC classes a few times and when she gets the dogs ready(about 7 of us) then she will offer the test. The therapy dog class meets once per week to work on obedience and once per month to go on a therapy visit. I wasn’t sure my dog would be a good therapy dog as she is reserved with strangers (which we have been working on with CGC classes), but my trainer felt she was ready to do this.

[Bluey]

Here, after you are certified, you have to go to two observed sessions, where you and your dog will be evaluated again, on the job this time, before you can be part of our regular therapy program.

[riff]

I have 3 dogs registered as Pet Partners. I am also a PP Instructor. I have a good friend who is pretty involved with TDInc. I will be happy to answer any questions you might have if you want to send me a PM. I also have a llama I will evaluate with in January!

[Blacklabs]

I have had 3 labs certified in TDI. For their test they also had to show no reaction to food.
They could look at in but could not take it. Sometimes difficult for labs and we had 6 out of 10 in the class fail because of it.

[HenryisBlaisin]

I took my dog to training classes through CGC and therapy dog. He is not certified because there are no opportunities for testing within an hour from me, but I would recommend working with a good trainer in a setting other than your home as part of the dog’s socialization. Also, you may want to teach a “paws up” command. It’s not on the test, I don’t think, but it will be helpful if you do therapy work with bedridden patients. My dog will very gently stand up and put his paws wherever I indicate…very useful for super-cute photo poses, too!