Dog Training Working Dogs: Therapy Dog Training 

Dog training working dogs can be very rewarding.  This is especially true when you embark on therapy dog training.  Therapy dogs are a wonderful help to many people in need.  But does your dog want this kind of working dogs dog training?

Therapy Dog Training Takes A Special Kind of Dog

 Therapy dog training requires more than a well-behaved dog.  Of course, have a dog that has had basic dog obedience training is essential.  But therapy dog training goes way beyond basic dog training.

Here are some of the qualities your dog needs to be a good candidate for therapy dog training:

        Your dog needs to be comfortable in unfamiliar places.  A skittish or nervous dog won’t make a good therapy dog.  Try taking your dog to knew places and see how she reacts.  If she tries to get away or gets very hyper or upset, your dog may not make a good therapy dog.

        Your dog needs to be okay with loud or unexpected sounds.  One way to tell if your dog is laid back with regard to sounds is to slam the door or drop a metal object on a bare floor.  If your dog reacts with only mild curiosity, this is a good sign.  If your dog gets very upset, you may have your therapy dog training work cut out for you—and you may not be successful.

        Your dog must be comfortable with being handled by strangers.  Does your dog growl or get startled when someone he doesn’t know touches her?  This isn’t a positive indicator of a good therapy dog.  Therapy dogs get touched by a lot of strangers.

Therapy Dog Training Everyday Dog Training Tips

Therapy dog training seems to be possible for your dog?  Okay, now you need to work with your dog’s natural qualities.  Here are some ways you can prepare your dog for therapy dog training:

        Introduce your dog to many different kinds of people.  Your dog needs to be comfortable around everyone from very young kids to very old people, and your dog needs to be okay with wheelchairs and other disability aids.

        Teach your dog to trust you.  Take your dog into places where your dog may not be comfortable, but be sure you keep your dog safe.  Your dog will look to you for assurance.  Provide safety in all places, and your dog will trust you enough to follow you into any situation.

        Get your dog a Canine Good Citizenship Certificate.  These certificates are given to dogs that pass a test to determine whether he has good canine manners.  To pass the test, a dog must not show fear or aggression or hyperactivity.  The dog also must respond to basic commands. 

If your dog can pass the Canine Good Citizenship test, AND she meets all the above criteria, she’s ready for therapy work.  If not, you need to do a bit more basic dog training before you move on to therapy dog training.

Click here for printer friendly version.

	Web www.basicdogtrainingtips.com