Every day, dogs provide delight to people all around the world. A therapy dog may be enjoyed by people of all ages who enjoy playing with them, helping them calm down, or simply spending time with them. Numerous studies have demonstrated the benefits of having a furry friend, and many experts believe that our fondness for dogs stems from our shared social behavior.
How to Become Eligible for a Therapy Dog
You may be eligible for an Emotional Support Animal if you have an emotional handicap. A trained mental health practitioner must certify you as emotionally impaired. This accreditation letter should be official and properly prepared.
And because, unlike a psychiatrist, other medical practitioners are not experts in mental health, they do not qualify as mental health professionals.
Some apartment managers, however, may accept verification paperwork completed by a family physician if you are being treated for a mental condition.
Make sure you have the proper authorization to compose the letter on your behalf. To be considered for an Emotional Support Animal, your document must be prepared on the letterhead of a mental health practitioner.
Getting a Therapy Dog: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you want to own a therapy dog, the process is rather straightforward. There are only a few phases to the procedure, which takes some time and work.
First Step – Adopt
Selecting a therapy dog to adopt is the most important step in becoming a therapy dog owner. You should do your homework since some breeds are more suited to rehabilitation services than others. You may also get assistance from experienced dog trainers and veterinarians on selecting the right dog for the task. However, you should not be concerned just with the breed, as this is not a reliable predictor of a dog’s disposition.
So, once you’ve done your research on breeds and features to look for, you’ll need to go to a local shelter. While dogs may become therapy animals at any age, it is far easier to teach pups than it is to train adults.
Older dogs, on the other hand, may be just as affectionate and attentive as younger canines. When you’ve selected a dog who seems to fit the bill, spend some time with him or her to watch his or her behavior and disposition.
Second Step – Train
Once you’ve decided on a dog to bring home, you’ll want to get started on training as quickly as possible. While there are a variety of dog training techniques, we recommend consulting an expert.
Many dog owners prefer to train their dogs themselves, but seeking assistance from professionals that specialize in animal training will save you time and guarantee that your dog is ready to meet patients.
In general, you’ll want to make sure your dog displays good behaviors while avoiding negative ones.
Third Step – Register Your Dog
Most therapy dog accreditation organizations demand that canines be at least one year old and completely vaccinated and shot. Your veterinarian will need to give paperwork on your dog’s age and health information. When you believe your dog is suitable to be a therapy animal, you must register them with a reputable organization and have them pass a test.
This necessitates passing a certification exam. During this test, your dog must demonstrate the traits required for therapy work. If they are unable to do so, the testing organization will request that you continue to train them until they are capable of meeting the standards.
It’s also worth noting that when you go to register your dog, he won’t be the only one who gets examined. Your dog-handling skills will be put to the test as well.
Your dog will not be certified unless you can demonstrate that your dog obeys your directions and that you understand how to appropriately handle your pet in a therapeutic context.
Qualities That A Therapy Dog Must Possess
All dogs are excellent dogs, but therapy dogs are in another league altogether. What qualities do you look for in a therapy dog? Experts say it takes a certain kind of dog to be the appropriate fit for a profession that relies on people.
To fully excel, these dogs need a fairly extraordinary collection of attributes, from the capacity to stay calm in the face of mayhem to the intellect to be able to memorize a lot of instructions and obey them every time.
✔️They Have The Ability To Ignore Impulses
Therapy dogs are well-behaved in all situations. And because they must accompany their masters to a variety of locations. They must be able to concentrate on their duties without being distracted by a squirrel on the sidewalk or another dog’s desire to play.
It’s critical to stay in work mode if you want to accomplish a decent job.
✔️They can Work Well with Others
A therapy dog must not only be free of behavioral disorders but also be able to get along with the humans with whom they will be interacting. They also get along with and endure all kinds of canines and people.
If a therapy dog is nervous around tiny children, for example, it may be difficult for them to concentrate.
✔️Their Actions are Well-Balanced
While sociability is a desirable trait in a therapy dog, Hartstein emphasizes the need of striking a balance between loving and hating people.
They shouldn’t be afraid of humans or other dogs, but they shouldn’t be overly friendly, since this may persuade them to play or engage when they aren’t allowed to.
✔️They want to Please you
A superb therapy dog should be eager to please and obey its owner’s directions. At all times, therapy dogs must be ready to listen to their owner or trainer.
They should not, however, be so devoted that they refuse to take attention from outsiders. It’s best to strike a good balance between the two.
✔️They’re at Ease
Therapy dogs must be docile and must not leap on strangers. They can’t be obnoxious or unable to lie down for an extended amount of time. A dog with a lot of energy may appear to be perfectly normal, but in a circumstance when the dog is working rather than playing, it’s critical that it can maintain control.
A peaceful disposition will aid in the calmness of individuals who are in need.
✔️They’re Capable
A new schedule or engaging with new people can be difficult for any dog, but a competent therapy dog can adjust quickly and readily.
Therapy dogs will be exposed to different circumstances and people frequently, therefore they must be flexible and not fearful or worried in these situations.
✔️They’re Smart
The finest therapy dogs will be incredibly bright, in addition to traits like flexibility, sociability, and loyalty. To certify and be able to assist individuals in need, a therapy dog will need to go through extensive training.
Obedience training, socialization, practice visits, meeting people and other dogs, and encountering unusual items and places will all be part of this.
That is why a therapy dog must be clever to learn how to deal with all of these factors safely and healthily.
✔️They Enjoy when they are Petted
Dogs handled in a different way could make them uncomfortable. This does not necessarily imply that they are vicious dogs, but certain sections of their bodies may be triggers.
Some adorable puppies dislike having their paws handled because they are afraid of having their toenails cut. They might be the sweetest dog in the world, yet one slight touch of the paw can cause fear and aggressiveness.
And because therapy dogs interact with a large number of people, it’s important to make sure the dog is comfortable with all types of touch.
✔️They’re Compassionate
While a therapy dogs must be kind to everyone they work with, they need to be gentle with small children and the elderly, whom they may come in contact with daily.
A dog’s power may be underestimated, thus a playful bite or bump might be deadly to a tiny child or an elderly person. It’s essential to have a dog that can control its own power while remaining kind at all times.
Responsibilities of a Therapy Dog
- A therapy dog’s responsibilities necessitate a kind and patient demeanor, similar to those of a skilled therapist. Therapy dogs come in a variety of sizes, breeds, and forms, but they all serve the same goal.
- They offer comfort and company to those who are disabled or suffering from mental diseases.
- A therapy dog may help individuals cope with their overwhelming emotions, particularly those with impairments and others who are distressed.
- They can assist a patient’s thinking to lighten and elevate to the point of healing and even personal progress.
- They have nothing but love and kisses to offer–no judgment.
- Therapy dogs give a loving and cuddly pet to individuals who are suffering from trauma in catastrophe scenarios, allowing them to emotionally recuperate from the crisis.
Caring for your Therapy Dog
🦮 Exercise
Walking with your dog is the most effective approach to staying in shape for both you and your dog. Exercise will allow you to bond with your partner in addition to burning calories.
🦮 Veterinary Examinations
Bringing your dog to the vet for regular checkups is one of the most effective ways to keep it healthy and avoid future medical problems. Early detection allows you to treat or cure a disease before it develops and becomes hard to manage.
🦮 Feed them Healthy
You may show your pet how much you care by properly feeding it. You need to have consideration when selecting meals or treats for your therapy dog. To figure out what the finest treats for your dog are, go to a local pet store or ask your veterinarian.
🦮 Give them Attention
Animals, like people, are social animals who require commitment and affection to survive. As a result, if you want to provide mental and physical stimulus to your dog, you need to spend time with it.
🦮 Groom them
Grooming your emotional support animal on a regular basis is another fantastic method to express that you care. Brushing their teeth, trimming their nails, bathing them are all options, and brushing their hair as well.
Breeds of Top Therapy Dogs
Warmth and love are provided by therapy dogs. They may also be used as personal companions and are beneficial to those with autism, learning difficulties, and mental and anxiety disorders. While any dog can be trained to be a therapy dog, certain breeds are better suited to the job.
🐾The Labrador Retriever
Since they are naturally even-tempered, friendly, and clever, Labrador Retrievers make excellent therapy dogs. And they are exceedingly trainable and eager to please their owners, Labrador Retrievers have been adopted as service dogs for the blind and individuals with physical impairments for a long time.
🐾The Labradoodle
Since they are hypoallergenic, the Labradoodle, a mix between a Labrador and a Poodle, became popular as a guide/service dog in the late 1980s. These canines are not only hypoallergenic, but also exceptionally bright, even-tempered, and trainable, making them ideal for therapeutic work.
🐾The Poodle
Since poodles are hypoallergenic, they make excellent therapy dogs. They are clever, simple to educate, and loving. They thrive at agility training.
The poodle is a delicate breed that can manage any circumstance that necessitates a calm, sensitive, and intellectual disposition. Toy poodles, miniature poodles, and standard poodles are the three sizes of poodles.
🐾The Corgi
Suited for therapy, Corgis are a bright and loving breed. Another fantastic feature is that they do not need much activity, making them ideal for persons who are not extremely active. These canines are little in height but strong; they are easy to teach and adapt to any circumstance.
🐾The French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are entertainers who are also incredibly friendly, and their eccentric characteristics make them a popular therapy dog breed.
This breed enjoys interacting with people and entertaining them; they are small and have short hair, so upkeep is minimal. They aren’t the simplest breed to teach, but with the correct touch and perseverance, they will learn to obey. French Bulldogs like being the focus of attention and are eager to impress.
🐾The Pug
Another popular breed for therapy dogs is the pug. They are amazing entertainers with their funny, lovable expressions that can lighten any occasion. They are ideal therapy dogs because of their long history.
Pugs adore being with their people and enjoy the human connection. Pugs are excellent therapy dogs because they are intelligent, affectionate, calm, and generally well-mannered.
🐾The King Charles Spaniel
Your dreams will come true with this lovely, loving, and affectionate dog. They are clever, calm, and even-tempered, all of which are desirable qualities in a therapist.
This cute species is obedient and engaging, and they adapt well to any circumstance. Their small stature makes them ideal for working in hospitals and other institutions.
🐾The Bichon Frise
These little, fluffy puppies are not only gorgeous and friendly but they were also intended to be lap dogs. And because they are extremely devoted and excel at agility training, this breed is becoming increasingly popular as a service dog.
They’re compact and easy to look after, so they’re ideal for any treatment environment. The Bichon Frise is a popular breed among both children and adults, and its pleasant disposition makes it ideal for therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it true that therapy dogs are effective?
A: A recent research that looked at the stress levels of working dogs came up with some encouraging results. It’s no wonder that therapy dogs are beneficial companions for individuals suffering from illnesses.
Q: Are therapy dogs content with their lives?
A: Therapy dogs are content because they are able to perform something they enjoy. They complete their job engaging with others.
Q: Do therapy dogs experience any stress?
A: They don’t reveal any differences in the therapy dogs’ stress levels as evaluated by hormone levels.
Q: Is it possible for any dog to work as a therapy dog?
A: People receive comfort and affection from any breed of dog.
Q: What Is the Price of a Therapy Dog?
A: The cost of a therapy dog varies depending on how you go about it. Dog shelters have free adoption options.
Final Thoughts
Owning a therapy dog may be a very gratifying experience, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility. Patients’ happiness and well-being will be dependent on you and your pet to some extent, so you’ll want to be sure you’re giving the greatest possible animal-assisted treatment.
It also entails consistently rewarding your dog’s positive behavior, whether you’re at home or out in public. It’s all too easy for pet owners to begin chopping corners and letting their animals get away with undesirable behavior over time. If the dog learns that it can get away with these actions. It may do so during a therapy session, causing significant emotional or psychological harm to the patients your animal is supposed to serve.
