Therapy dog

[johng723]

Hi, does anyone know if the dogs have to be 1 yo in order to qualify for a therapy dog? I'm really interested in certifying Roxy to be a therapy dog since she has an excellent temperment. I just have to work a little bit more on her initial excitement. She's only 5 1/2 mo. old right now.

Thanks!

John

[Marty]

[QUOTE=johng723]Hi, does anyone know if the dogs have to be 1 yo in order to qualify for a therapy dog? I'm really interested in certifying Roxy to be a therapy dog since she has an excellent temperment. I just have to work a little bit more on her initial excitement. She's only 5 1/2 mo. old right now.

I have also been looking into therapy service for Ty....The dog has to go through basic obedience, Canine Good Citizen and then(I know this to be true in Ma.) has to take a test to qualify and one of the qualifications is a sit-stay or down-stay for 15mins. I believe a pup of 5 1/2 months needs to mature a bit before he would be able to meet the requirements....but I could be wrong :204 There is a website on this subject....just put therapy dog into your search engine! Goldens have great temperments to be therapy dogs but some need to out grow there Puppy Years..... :laugh2

[johng723]

haha I definately agree that she needs to outgrow her puppy years, but she's getting to be more obedient now that I'm being more consistent with her :)

[Hunnybug]

Here are links to three main therapy dog organizations. Honey is certified through Therapy Dogs, Inc. I think they require the dog to be 18 months old, but I don't remember for sure. The websites should tell you.

http://therapydogs.com/Default.htm

http://www.tdi-dog.org/

http://www.deltasociety.org/

[theGoldenPup]

A dogs' temperment can change quite a bit from 7-12 months, so the groups like to wait for the dogs to be a bit older.

Keep working at basic obedience so that you will be ready to get the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) testing at one year. There are probably some groups in your area that do therapy, I know of at least two here. Check at booths durring dog-fun days (...though that may have to wait for spring!)

Hope it goes well!

GoldenPup

[ChicagoCanine]

Yes, they usually require the dog to be at least a year old, some require older.

If you want your pup to be a therapy dog, you can (and should) start now!
Here's how:
Take as many obedience classes as you can, and also take the Canine Good Citizen Test. (there is no age limit for this test.)
Get your dog socialized with all different kinds of people: children, seniors, babies, people in wheelchairs, with walkers, on crutches, tall people, short people, people with strange clothing on, and so on...
Take your dog to a lot of different places and socialize with other dogs and other animals.
Get your dog used to many strange noises and sights- such as elevators, loud music, medical equipment, crowds, automatic doors, etc...

These things will help your dog to become a great therapy dog and help you pass the therapy dog test when your dog is old enough.

[Rich in goldens]

Depending on the organization you may need to test you dog on not only the CGC but also additional requirements to being around the sick and elderly. Check with local groups and the ones posted here in this thread. working on the AKC Good citizen evaluation requirements, will give you most of what you need. Most therapy organizations want the dog to be 1 year old I keep my own dogs out of therapy work untill they are 2 Goldens are puppies a little longer than most. Have [atientance and give them lot's of love. As we all know this breed is quite exceptional in it's love of people and willingness to please.

[OwnedbymyGolden]

I am involved with therapy visits through my local dog club.They have a group called "Therapaws" that travel around to schools, libraries, churches, assisted living facilities, nursing homes and hospices.It is the most rewarding thing I have ever done in my life.Izzy was born to be a therapy dog.She loves our visits.She took her CGC test at 7 months and passed with flying colors.We started doing our therapy visits when she was just a year old.She instinctively knew to be gentle with the elderly folks we have visited.It is an amazing experience to enter a room filled with frowning people who have given up on life and see their faces change into bright, happy smiley faces by the time we leave.

I am planning on getting her TDI certified this year.I do agree, that most places want you to wait until your pup is at least a year old before going on visits.

[lvngold]

Read my post on OMG I am so excited.

Beau is 10 mos and will go for his first visit on Monday. He has not been certified yet but has gotten his GCG.

Good luck with you pup.

Julie

[Sandra]

Hi there,

Great work you all do!! Stanley is also a certificated Therapy Dog. The organisation for Holland is related to The Delta Society Org. Stanley visits schools with small children now.

Greets,
Sandra

[Baylee lover]

Hello! I'm so happy that I found this forum! My little baby, Baylee is in training to become a therapy dog. I have done SO much research on this subject so I may be of some help to you. My first choice would be Delta Society. I believe that you dog has to be a year old to belong. Delta Society has very nice gear for your dog as well as a very nice insurence policy. Also, I suggest reading "The Angel By My Side." It tells a story about a man who has a therapy/service dog and talks about him going through Delta. I hope that I am of some help to you.

:434

Baylee lover