How to train a therapy dog

A therapy dog is a dog that is trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people that are in hispitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospice, disaster areas, and for people with learning disabilities.  According to ehow, there are eight ways to train a dog to become a therapy dog.

1.  Make sure you choose a dog that is calm with a friendly demeanor.  Hyperactive dogs will not be good therapy dogs.

2.  When teaching dog basic commands, try using gentle, positive reinforcement.  The dog must learn how to come, sit, stay, and down.  All therapy dogs must be housebroken, have good manners, and obedience skills.

3.  Make sure to teach your dog that it is okay for strangers to approach and talk with you.  A therapy dog cannot become protective if someone touches you, shakes your hand, or pats you on the back.

4.  Take walks with your dog in public places and to a variety of outdoor events such as parades, carnivals, or flea markets.  Let your dog get acclimated to loud noises and being around crowds. 

5.  Make sure that you let your dog know that it is not acceptable for them to jump, sniff, bark, lick, and growl.

6.  Make sure you maintain your dog's health by taking him to the veterinarian regularly.  This will prepare your dog to allow the CGC (Canine Good Citizen Certificate) examiner to groom him and inspect him without him being shy or resistant.

7. Try to teach your dog to heel on command and not to pull or strain on his leash.  To pass the CGC test, he must walk with you on a loose leash to prove that you are in complete control.

8. Take your dog to the dog park so they can learn how to play well with others.  A therapy dog must learn to show no more than a casual interest in other dogs when you stop to talk with other dog owners.

Here are some tips and warnings:

*  Remember that "down" is not a position that is comfortable for your dog, so don't try to make him stay in that position for long periods of time.
*  The dog must learn to let a stranger pet him.
*  It is very important that a therapy dog be comfortable with children and not respond negatively if a child tugs an ear or touches a dog in a way he may not like.
*  The dog can not show signs of shyness, try to go to another person, or break position to pass the CGC test.
*  The dog will be tested by a AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator before a designation of therapy dog is given.