Becoming Therapy Dog

I've been told there is a test and certification that a dog has to go through to become a therapy dog, but that there wasnt much regulations on it except that and utd on shots.

I've been thinking of making LuLu a therapy dog for senior homes, hospice care. She just likes old people a lot, I think she was owned by an old lady before us. She is just such extra gentle and loving to the elderly.

I like to volunteer and I thought this would be a great way that she doesn't get left behind because mommy has a hobby and wants to be out of the house.

Anyone here gone through this process or know about it? I see several agencies online for certifying a therapy dog, all of them good or is there one more reputable?

LuLu_Cooking_Monstor wrote:I've been told there is a test and certification that a dog has to go through to become a therapy dog, but that there wasnt much regulations on it except that and utd on shots.

I've been thinking of making LuLu a therapy dog for senior homes, hospice care. She just likes old people a lot, I think she was owned by an old lady before us. She is just such extra gentle and loving to the elderly.

I like to volunteer and I thought this would be a great way that she doesn't get left behind because mommy has a hobby and wants to be out of the house.

Anyone here gone through this process or know about it? I see several agencies online for certifying a therapy dog, all of them good or is there one more reputable?

I sent you a private message, we have an SNPR alumni who is certified and the president of the rescue works with therapy dogs and will point you in the right direction!

I'm an evaluator for Therapeutic Paws of Canada and I've posted our test for you to look at. We don't require Canine Good Citizen, but do expect decent obedience in a dog. I will say that the most common reasons for failing dogs are:
Leaning on people
Jumping up on people
Using their paws
Clearly not enjoying the work (scared, aloof, bored, distracted)
Poor handling skills by owner.

I've had several therapy dogs over the years and love the work, but if the dog doesn't enjoy it, then there's no point.
Hope this is helpful.

The team is under observation from the time it enters the test area. A clean tidy appearance is expected from both the handler and dog, as they will be the ambassadors for the program. A dog that relieves itself during the evaluation has failed. A dog displaying any signs of aggression to other dogs or humans (i.e. continuous barking, snarling, snapping, growling, lunging, showing teeth) has failed. A dog with any bite history may not participate. The dog must be a minimum of one year of age. A handler seen harshly correcting his dog is an automatic failure. A handler seen not following poop/scoop rule will fail.

During the evaluation and on all visits the dog must wear a flat buckle or snap collar and be on a 4’ or 6’ leather or nylon web leash. No promise collars, prong collars, harnesses, haltis or choke chains permitted. The dog should always be close to the handler. At no time should the dog be allowed to extend the leash to the fullest. Handlers may talk to their dog and pet them in every category but may not use food to lure the dog during any of the categories. Dogs weighing 15 lbs. and under may do all or any part of the Evaluation held in the handler's arms.

The Evaluator must watch the dog’s face and head in ALL categories and should always be ready to quickly step in between the dog and others.

INTRODUCING TEAM TO EVALUATOR: PASS _____ FAIL____

#1 While the Evaluator is standing in the center of the evaluation area, with their back to the team, (wearing white coat simulating a Doctor will be worn for this category) the team will approach quietly and introduce themselves to the Evaluator. The dog must not jump on Evaluator but remain quiet (either standing or sitting) while the handler and Evaluator exchange a few pleasantries. This category demonstrates the handler’s social skills.

The Evaluator will ask permission to examine the dog (handler’s refusal is a failure). The Evaluator will examine the dog looking for a calm, stable attitude and good grooming. The Evaluator will pat the dog’s head, gently fondle the ears, stroke the dog’s body and tail, lift both front paws and check that nails are short and filed smooth. Small dogs that would normally be lifted up to visit and/or those normally carried weighing less than fifteen (15) pounds will be placed on a table for this examination.

At no time should the dog display shyness or resentment to being touched. A slight leaning away or movement away will not be taken as shyness as this is a natural tendency for some breeds. The Evaluator will not stare at the dog but should monitor the dog’s reactions for signs of discomfort or distress at being handled. Any growling, snarling or cowering is a failure. A dog that is unduly stressed by the Evaluator touching him has failed. The Evaluator should stand at the side of the dog while lifting the paws. It is recommended that the Evaluator extend their arm across the front of the dog’s chest to protect their face and neck while leaning over the dog.

WALKING AS A THERAPY DOG PASS _____ FAIL_____

#2 The Evaluator will demonstrate a specific course for the team to walk. The pattern will include a right and left hand turn as well as an about turn with at least one stop in the middle and another at the end of the course. The dog must walk in a controlled mannerly fashion while on a loose leash. The handler may talk to his dog to encourage him to stay close. The dog does not have to sit at each stop but should stop and remain reasonably close to the handler. A plate of cookies (not dog cookies) is placed on a chair or table to gauge the handler’s control over the dog passing a “cookie trolley” in facilities. The handler must exhibit control over their dog without resorting to physical corrections.

MILLING CROWD PASS______ FAIL_____

#3 The team moves about politely among the moving pedestrian traffic with the dog on a short leash. The handler may talk to his dog to encourage the dog to stay close and move smartly. The dog should display confidence and may show interest in the pedestrian movement but should not interfere with their movement. If the dog displays shyness, anxiety, pushes into the people or jumps up it shall fail.

The four pedestrians will stand in a designated numbered spot and each pedestrian will begin walking back and forth from their place through the center of the test area to the other side and return to their number; they will continue to do so until the Evaluator advises them to stop. The team will walk around and pass close to each numbered spot as directed by the Evaluator.

Note: The Team will complete #4 and #5 when called up

PATIENTLY SITTING FOR PETTING PASS _____ FAIL_____

#4 With the dog in a standing or sitting position beside the handler the Evaluator will approach and ask, “May I pet your dog”? The Evaluator will bend over the dog to pet it (lightly tapping the head and hip area) and then walk around the team and return to the front. The dog should not show more than mild interest in the movement of the Evaluator. Any indication of aggression such as growling, lifting of the lip, jumping to a stand or spinning to follow the Evaluator is a failure.

PRAISE/INTERACTION PASS _____ FAIL _____

#5 The dog should be easily calmed by the handler after a short play or praise period. The handler may use verbal praise, petting, playing with a toy and/or favourite trick in the allotted time frame and then calm the dog upon a signal from the Evaluator. Failure would occur if the dog ignores the handlers command and does not calm down but continues to demand that the playing continue. The Evaluator should be close enough to the team to observe the dog's face clearly, without interfering with the dog/handler interaction.

Note: The dog will not fail if it does not become excited as many dogs simply have a laid back attitude.

REACTION TO OTHER DOGS PASS ______ FAIL _____

#6 A test area of not less than eight (8) feet square in size will be marked out with four numbers. Four handlers will approach a predetermined number with their dog on a short lead and have the dog sit on the handler’s left side. The Evaluator will ask two teams opposite each other to walk forward – halt, shake hands and introduce themselves. The handlers are facing each other at arms length. Upon instruction from the Evaluator the teams will pass each other with dogs passing side by side to the numbered spot in front of them, turn and halt. The other two teams upon instruction from the Evaluator will repeat this sequence as the other teams quietly watch. The handler may talk to his dog. The dog should move alongside his handler in a mannerly fashion. If a dog lunges, snaps, growls or displays any aggression to another dog or another handler it would fail. The Evaluator will closely monitor the interaction and should expect the team to be polite and courteous. A dog exhibiting friendly curiosity as other teams pass will not fail.

Dog will complete #7, #8 and #9 when called up.

DOG VISITING STATIONARY CROWD PASS______ FAIL_____

#7 A group of four to five people using canes, walkers or crutches form a circle. One person should wear a baseball hat. One of the crowd should be a child approximately 12 years of age (or an adult kneeling) holding a soft fuzzy toy under their arm/between their knees where the dog can easily get it. The “child” must not have any previous interaction with the dog or handler prior to this category so Evaluator can gauge the dog’s initial response. The team will walk around inside the circle with the dog closest to the crowd. The people will touch and stroke the dog if the dog stops to visit. The team will complete the circle twice. Dogs less than 15 pounds may be carried but should also be closest to the people to allow petting. If the dog takes the fuzzy toy it must relinquish it immediately upon command of the handler or will fail the test. The person holding the fuzzy toy must not tease or tempt the dog to take the toy.

#8 With the group still in the circle the team is asked to step away and turn their back to the circle. A volunteer that has not yet interacted with the teams puts on a dressing gown and will stand motionless with head bowed staring at the floor. The team returns to the circle and approaches the robed person. The dog may sit, stand or down. The Evaluator should be close to the dog's head and will monitor the dog’s reaction for signs of stress and uneasiness for approximately 10 seconds. The Evaluator must be able to step in quickly between the dog and volunteer if necessary.

After the dog displays an appropriate reaction, advise the person in the robe to acknowledge and pet the dog. It is important that the dog doesn’t have any prior interaction with this volunteer during the evaluation to accurately gauge his response.

#9 The team enters the center of the circle. The dog will sit beside handler facing the Evaluator. Upon a signal from the Evaluator the crowd will advance in unison with one arm stretched out and the fist closed. The crowd will call the dog’s name and greet it in a friendly manner. If the handler deliberately blocks contact between the dog and any person in the circle this would be a failure.

The Evaluator will watch the dog for any signs of shyness, resentment or aggression and react quickly if the dog displays any of these traits and fail the dog.

NOTE: The team will complete #10, #11, and #12 when called up.

The Evaluator will explain the category to all participants and then ask them to wait outside the Evaluation room until they are called for their turn, one at a time. An assistant should wait with the participants who are outside the Evaluation room. The dog may be startled by the noise distractions and the excited child visitor but should regain composure. Any display of aggression or fear would be a failure.

WHEELCHAIR VISIT AND DISTRACTIONS PASS ______ FAIL____

#10 Sitting in a wheelchair the Evaluator will approach the sitting dog and handler from behind. When approaching the team the Evaluator will use an excited manner and ask to pet the dog. A dog 15 pounds or less will be placed in the Evaluator’s lap (handler will keep hold of leash) – refusal to place dog on the Evaluator’s lap would be a failure. When evaluating a large breed, the evaluator will place their arm over the withers in a relaxed manner while gauging the dog for shyness, resentment or aggression that would result in a failure.

#11 The Evaluator will ask the handler if they may give the dog a treat – the handler’s refusal would be a failure. The handler may supply the dog treat and tell their dog to take it gently. The Evaluator will firmly hold the treat while offering it to the dog to ensure the dog takes it gently and displays patience. The dog may refuse the treat – this refusal IS NOT A FAILURE. If the dog snaps or lunges for the treat it would be considered a failure.

#12 While the Evaluator is in the wheelchair petting the dog

a/ another assistant will drop one of the following approximately six feet behind the dog –

- bag of empty cans (assorted sizes for optimum noise)

- stainless steel bowl

- push over a chair (folding metal preferred)

b/ the evaluator will put their finger through the dog’s collar as a precaution while a child or assistant acting like an excited child runs up to Evaluator but on the opposite side that dog is sitting and excitedly tell them of something wonderful they just saw. Runner should be within dog’s range of sight. The Evaluator should be prepared to restrain a small dog on their lap from possibly jumping at the child. The Evaluator should be watching the dog's face closely for its reaction. The dog should show interest and mild excitement but any lunging, jumping towards child or any signs of aggression would be a failure. Dog should then be all ready to visit this person to end on a positive note.

Thanks for the PM Saira and northernwitch thanks for posting the guidelines...seem fairly standard and easy for her to pass as she is a happy dog and likes attention but not a hyper one who will demand it.

I think it would be good for her. She craves meeting new people. She is so perky when I let her sit at the playground and watch children. She loves sitting next to elderly (she doesnt jump in anyone's lap-she only goes there if you put her on your lap) and content at them petting her and looking up at them with so much happiness in her face.

The 2 organizations that I'm familiar with that certify therapy dogs are Therapy Dogs International (TDI) and Delta Society. The TDI test is very very similar to the one for the Canine Good Citizen test.

I think Odin would make a great threapy dog. He is so sweet and so gentle. Is he too big? He loves people and is very mellow. I thought this for the first time once when I was walking him in our neighborhood and a lady and a little girl asked if they could pet him. The little girl had some physical and mental issues, but she was very sweet. She kept saying horsey...horsey... Odin walked up to her, sat without direction and lowered his head below her hands so she could pet his big ole head!! It was precious. I was SO PROUD of him. I just never knew how much time it would take or where to start. Our puppy class trainer said I should get his CGC, but at the time I was just too busy. Should I get the CGC now or just contact TDI or the Delta Society? '

Oh and there is NO WAY my pugs could do this....

TNPUGMOMOF3 wrote:I think Odin would make a great threapy dog. He is so sweet and so gentle. Is he too big? He loves people and is very mellow. I thought this for the first time once when I was walking him in our neighborhood and a lady and a little girl asked if they could pet him. The little girl had some physical and mental issues, but she was very sweet. She kept saying horsey...horsey... Odin walked up to her, sat without direction and lowered his head below her hands so she could pet his big ole head!! It was precious. I was SO PROUD of him. I just never knew how much time it would take or where to start. Our puppy class trainer said I should get his CGC, but at the time I was just too busy. Should I get the CGC now or just contact TDI or the Delta Society? '

Oh and there is NO WAY my pugs could do this....

When I photographed the therapy dogs at my friend's work, there was a huge adorable newf, and a mastiff!

TNPUGMOMOF3 wrote:I think Odin would make a great threapy dog. He is so sweet and so gentle. Is he too big? He loves people and is very mellow. I thought this for the first time once when I was walking him in our neighborhood and a lady and a little girl asked if they could pet him. The little girl had some physical and mental issues, but she was very sweet. She kept saying horsey...horsey... Odin walked up to her, sat without direction and lowered his head below her hands so she could pet his big ole head!! It was precious. I was SO PROUD of him. I just never knew how much time it would take or where to start. Our puppy class trainer said I should get his CGC, but at the time I was just too busy. Should I get the CGC now or just contact TDI or the Delta Society? '

Oh and there is NO WAY my pugs could do this....

He certainly wouldn't be too big for us. We're all about temperament. I've tested Newfs, Mastiffs, Irish Wolfhounds, St. Bernards--you name it. As long as they like the work, aren't loonie in the behaviour department and are gentle, we would always consider a big dog. Some of the nastiest dogs I've tested have been the little ones......

TNPUGMOMOF3 wrote:I think Odin would make a great threapy dog.

I had an English Mastiff and I find that they are a great temperament to be gentle and intuitive of people's feelings. I've seen my Mastiff, Berlin, help a baby up that's tumbled learning how to walk. He would let the baby hold his nose and he gently helps lift the baby to standing and slowly inches away. And to think people were outraged that a 200lbs dog in the house let alone left on the floor with babies. My friend said he rather have Berlin watch his twins than his family

I miss my giant cow dog now.

I was feeling pretty confident until you got to the "cookie trolley" part of the test. Sigh.

I think that Odin could definitely be a therapy dog! I'd 1st look to see if there's a therapy dog group in your area. We have K9 Connection locally, which helps promote pet therapy, line up volunteer opportunities and educational programs, and provides training for free. If you have something similar, that would be a great place to start.

I vaguely wondered about that for Snifter a couple of years ago. He must have known because he took to barking crossly at wheelchairs and invalid buggies almost immediately the thought entered my head. Sigh.

All 3 of my Borders were registered PAT (Pets as Therapy) dogs. I did have to keep my eyes open when the tea trolley came round when I was visiting with the first (and by far the naughtiest) one. The second one was positively angelic (for a terrier) and would do anything anyone asked of her - wheelchairs, buggies, whatever. And the third was Daisy, who was fine until a patient threw a cup of tea at her. She was so shocked, and I stopped her visits then and there. Poor old girl.
Hattie would be good, I think, because she is the ultimate lap dog. Maybe one day. We'll see.

Was the cup of tea accident? Thats pretty f up if someone thought to do that on purpose. still, poor thing specially if that was really hot tea.

I dropped a water bottle on accident on my pug and it took her a while to get over it.

No, sadly it wasn't an accident. I knew that the behaviour of some of the residents of this particular establishment could be a little unpredictable. Mercifully the tea wasn't very hot, but poor old Daisy (who, as many members here will know, was a kind and gentle soul) was totally spooked. So we didn't go back, which was a pity for all those who enjoyed her visits, but the safety of my dog was paramount.

People at the establishment should not let those that are a bit more apt to do things like that be able to have dog visitor with things that can harm the dog. I was given full warning for those individuals behaviors and past incidences when at the senior home. I chose to try to see if having an outside friend helped them and the facility tried to make it safer by not meeting us at meal times when they can try to knife me or around heavy objects. They could only throw pillows and such at me.

I'm sure though Daisy made a difference for those that appreciated her when she was doing visits.

Do you have any current therapy dogs?

It is something you have to be aware of--especially with some of the patients who are demented/alzheimers. Their behaviour can be unpredictable. And can vary widely from day to day.
Pete and I used to visit a woman with alzheimer's. We'd talk to her from the door until we could assess if she was having a good day or a bad day. Good ay and we'd go in. Bad day and we'd walk on.
It's one of the reasons that we want handlers to really be on their game.

I am watching an ugly bluff and bite session from my toothless old women, over who can sit on the blanket by my desk. I take it that we should not apply?

We're Here wrote:I am watching an ugly bluff and bite session from my toothless old women, over who can sit on the blanket by my desk. I take it that we should not apply?

You've got a lot going for you on the Tall Grass, but I'm thinking that becoming therapy dogs is not the highest calling of your gang! (OK, perhaps the dim but sweet Taco.)

We're Here wrote:I am watching an ugly bluff and bite session from my toothless old women, over who can sit on the blanket by my desk. I take it that we should not apply?

GingerSnap wrote:

We're Here wrote:I am watching an ugly bluff and bite session from my toothless old women, over who can sit on the blanket by my desk. I take it that we should not apply?

You've got a lot going for you on the Tall Grass, but I'm thinking that becoming therapy dogs is not the highest calling of your gang! (OK, perhaps the dim but sweet Taco.)

I just got a mental image of Ceylon in a nursing home telling everyone to shape up and get with the program. I can see it now: Ceylon's Tough Love Therapy - a wholly owned subsidiary of Ceylon, Ceylon & Ceylon, P.C.