Training a Therapy Dog....

I was reading some really interesting information online today...about a few things to do before registering a dog as a Therapy Dog...here is a few good pointers...

Help Your Dog Get Ready for Therapy Work

How Can I Help My Dog Become A Good Visitor?

A good basic obedience class is a good start but it is not enough. Your dog needs to feel comfortable amidst unfamiliar sights and sounds. A dropping bed pan or the slam of a door should elicit no more than casual curiosity from your dog. If your dog has good potential as a therapy dog it is possible to help your dog get ready by building your dog's confidence and trust in you.

Take Your Dog Into a Variety of Situations

Before you commit your time and ego to a formal evaluation you can enhance your dog's natural skills. Essentially this means building your dog's trust and confidence. You can commit yourself to taking your dog to a wide variety of environments and situations. I ask my dog to walk on a wobbly board, to sit on a grate, to climb bleachers or stadium stairs (because they are so open). The important thing is that the dog learns to trust my judgment. Go to a shopping area and walk around pushing a noisy shopping cart. Stand where people pushing carts will pass you. Your dog's trust in you is, perhaps, the most important factor for a safe enjoyable experience.

One of my favorite places to train is at the farmer's market. It is outdoors and very very busy. Unlike the local park, the dogs we come across are always on leash so it makes for good practice. Also people tend not to ask before petting the dog, and it is often so crowded that passing people brush up against the dog. If your dog would have any problems in this situation, then your dog is not ready for visiting
There are classes designed to help introduce your dog to the unusual sights, sounds and smells encountered during therapy dog visits. Some books and other publications provide training guidelines. One popular book is Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog To Reach Others
by: Kathy Diamond Davis, another is Pets In Therapy edited by Margaret N. Abdill and Denise Juppe. If you are a professional counselor or therapist planning on including pets are part of your theraputic program a more appropriate book is Handbook On Animal-Assisted Therapy
by Aubrey H. Fine (Editor). Joining a group helps provide impartial and personal guidance and evaluation.

I have already purchased and read most of Kathy Diamond Davis's book, "Therapy Dogs: Training your dog to reach others" ..a really wonderful informative book...one i will definitely be putting into practise, and an added bonus...she is a Christian.. God is awesome how He directs to you the right people for the right information .. *GRINS*

Have a blessed day...