The idea of training a therapy dog to help people with disabilities is both noble and lucrative. These dogs are trained to aid those who are injured or handicapped in some way. This service can be very useful to everyday people, as well as professional people in the medical field. For instance, many law enforcement officers rely on these dogs to help them capture criminals. They may not have much training themselves in how to control these dogs, but they certainly know their dog’s capabilities when it comes to finding perpetrators. Thus, some training of these dogs should probably take place beforehand, prior to the dog being introduced to the public.
If this is the first dog you have ever owned, it is also likely that you will be unfamiliar with the entire process of dog training. There are many different types of dog training, and you will want to be sure that you are learning how to train a therapy dog according to your particular needs. Some of these needs include special needs that are unique to individual dogs, some physical challenges that the dog may encounter or learning how to identify behavior problems. Regardless of the reason you need the dog, learning how to train a therapy dog will help you and your dog become more effective in whatever tasks you decide to put the dog to.
One of the most important aspects of learning how to train a therapy dog is determining what type of certification your dog has. While some therapy dogs are certified by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or the United Kennel Club, many other organizations offer this service as well. Be sure to choose a service dog organization that is recognized and certified by your local veterinarian, to ensure that your dog will receive proper veterinary care.
In addition to certification, there are also a variety of other factors to consider when deciding how to train a therapy dog handler. In particular, the personality of the dog is important, as well as its ability to interact with people. In some cases, service dog handlers may have to handle frightened or anxious children, as well as people who are in pain. Learning how to interact with people and handle different situations can help the dog handler is more effective.
When considering how to train a therapy dog, it is important to understand the basics of dog training. A dog’s ability to respond to commands and learn basic obedience is called its “home environment.” The length of time that a dog remains in this environment is one of the most important factors when considering how to train a therapy animal team. Longer periods of time in a controlled environment with constant contact with a handler will generally make the dog more comfortable and calm, which will make it easier to learn basic obedience. Ideally, the dog will spend at least forty hours in the handler’s home environment, including play time, walks, and interactions with toys and food.
In order to ensure that a dog is healthy and happy, it needs proper nutrition, exercise, and a safe home. To get started with training a dog and obtaining the necessary paperwork and certification, contact your local government or humane society. These organizations not only offer information and resources, but will also be able to provide the necessary paperwork for registration and licensing. If the local governing body does not offer information or is unwilling to provide the paperwork, look online. There are websites that will provide assistance in completing the necessary forms and obtaining the proper certification. It is always best to start with the easiest steps, like those that are provided on many websites, and then work your way through the requirements and wait time to be trained and certified.
Once the dog has received its basic obedience training, it will need a further two to four weeks of obedience training with a professional trainer. During this time, the handler must exhibit consistent patience and diligence in the training process. This is especially important for those who do not have experience in training a therapy dog. This time can also be used to perfect the skills that will be required during the final test period of the training.
When the dog has completed the obedience training phase of the therapy dog team program, it will be ready to join the other members of the team. The dog will need to be placed in an environment where it will be able to interact with other dogs and people. During this first phase of the dog’s participation in the therapy work, the dog will be expected to follow the handler’s instructions and work within the boundaries set by the handler and the organization. The dog will need to be kept safe at all times, and should never be placed in a situation where it might be tempted to stray. With constant communication and attention from the dog handler, a trusting relationship between dog and handler can easily be built.
