How to Turn Your Dog into a Therapy Dog: Step-by-Step Guide

A therapy dog is a dog that visits venues such as hospitals, hospices, and private homes to offer comfort and companionship, helping people who benefit from spending time with a gentle canine friend.

This role is distinct from that of a service dog, which requires years of specialised training, management, and financial commitment. Many therapy dogs are privately owned pets whose owners dedicate time and effort to teaching their dog the essential skills needed for therapy work.

If you're wondering how to turn your everyday dog into a therapy dog or whether your dog has the right qualities, this guide will walk you through the core traits to look for and the steps to help your dog achieve therapy dog certification.

Why Are Therapy Dogs Important?

Dogs have a unique ability to lift spirits simply by their presence. From greeting their owners after a hard day to offering unconditional companionship, dogs are considered best friends by many. For people unable to have their own pets or those in hospital, hospice, or living with conditions such as autism, therapy dogs provide invaluable emotional support. They ease stress, reduce feelings of loneliness, and offer a joyful distraction, making difficult experiences more bearable.

How Are Therapy Dogs Different from Assistance Dogs?

It’s a common misconception that therapy and assistance dogs are the same. Therapy dogs offer emotional comfort and companionship and visit people in various settings but are primarily pets. Assistance dogs, however, require specialised training to support independence and safety in people with disabilities. Assistance dogs have legal access rights to many public places that therapy dogs do not.

Core Traits of a Good Therapy Dog

Any breed or size can be a therapy dog provided they are an adult, fit, and possess the right traits.

• Safety and Temperament: Therapy dogs must be safe and well-behaved around people of all ages and backgrounds. Aggression or defensive behaviour disqualifies a dog from therapy work.
• Social Nature: They should be friendly, calm, and enjoy meeting new people and other dogs.
• Composure: Therapy dogs must handle new environments and stimuli without anxiety or fear, maintaining calm and focus.
• Gentle Behaviour: Ability to instinctively moderate their behaviour to avoid causing unintentional harm, especially when interacting with vulnerable or immobile people.
• Obedience: Well-trained dogs who obey commands even in busy or distracting environments are essential.

Step-by-Step Guide to Become a Therapy Dog

Step 1: Evaluate Your Dog’s Temperament

Ensure your dog is friendly, patient, confident, and gentle. They should feel comfortable in new settings and around a variety of people.

Step 2: Teach Basic Obedience

Master essential commands such as "sit," "stay," "come," and ensure your dog can walk calmly on a lead without pulling. This foundational training keeps your dog safe and manageable in public.

Step 3: Socialise Thoroughly

Expose your dog to different environments, people, sounds, and situations. Positive socialisation helps your dog remain composed and confident during therapy visits.

Step 4: Pursue Certification

Connect with recognised organisations that offer therapy dog certification in the UK. Certifications often require passing temperament assessments and obedience tests like the AKC Canine Good Citizen test. Examples include therapy dog certification programmes.

Step 5: Maintain Training and Practice

After certification, continue regular training and socialisation to keep your dog's skills sharp and temperament steady. Ongoing practice ensures your dog remains a reliable therapy companion.

Important Requirements for Therapy Dogs

• Age: Most certifications require dogs to be at least one year old.
• Health: Dogs must be in good health with up-to-date vaccinations and annual vet check-ups.
• Temperament: Calm, docile nature is essential to succeed as a therapy dog.

By carefully assessing your dog’s personality, providing steady training, socialisation, and obtaining certification, you can help your dog become a source of comfort and joy for many people. Responsible pet ownership and ensuring your dog’s wellbeing remain paramount throughout this journey.