WELCOME TO PET THERAPY!

What is a Therapy Dog?

Therapy Dogs are special dogs that enjoy human engagement and bring smiles, comfort, and joy to people in places that need it most. Every Great Therapy Dog handlers volunteer their time with their own dogs by their side. These places include schools, children’s hospitals, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, library reading programs, assisted living facilities, and more.

Therapy dogs have but one job….to bring smiles and comfort to someone who is in need.

What is in involved in the training program?

Our Therapy Dog training curriculum is full of exercises, experiences, and distraction exposures for the advanced dog.

Here is a snapshot of just some of the items we will build:

  • How to greet friendly strangers

  • Leash walking, switching sides, wait, stay, watch me

  • Enter/Exit/Wait doorways and thresholds

  • Walking in distracting environments with people and other dogs

PUP NOTE!

We require dogs be a minimum of 18months before enrolling in our therapy dog program.

This is NOT a beginners class, it is expected your dog has a good foundation of obedience and is calm in public

Would your dog make a good Therapy Dog?*

  • Is your dog at least 18 months old?

  • Are you able to control your dog? (This means no jumping EVER!)

  • Is your dog able to tolerate other dogs in their space? (This means no barking or aggression)

  • Does your dog know how to listen to you in distracting environments?

*While it is our goal to make Therapy Dog work a reality for everyone not all dogs are cut out for this type of work. Dog who are over exicited, jump, lick people, and bark for attention are NOT ready for our program.