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Pet Supply Tips :: Therapy Dog Training
Therapy Dog Training:
Use of Therapy for Training a Dog
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Therapy dog training involves training dogs that are used to provide comfort, affection and support to people in retirement homes, hospitals, schools, mental institutions and even disaster zones.
As health care professionals are recognizing the beneficial effects of animal companionship, the demand for therapy dogs is increasing rapidly. If you're interested in how therapy dogs are trained, keep reading.
Service Dogs Versus Therapy Dogs
Therapy dogs are not service animals. Service dogs assist their human companions directly and have legal rights under the Americans With Disabilities Act. Unlike a service dog, therapy dogs aren't allowed everywhere and must be invited in by most institutions and health care facilities.
Typically, therapy dog programs are regulated and monitored, and eligible dogs must meet strict training requirements.
Therapy Dog Accreditation and Testing
Most institutions that provide accreditation and testing for therapy dogs require that the dog either pass the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen Test or a similar equivalent.
In addition to meeting these training requirements, the dog must also demonstrate that it can handle crowds, loud noises, strange people, and get along with all types of people – from children to the elderly.
The Delta Society
(http://www.deltasociety.org)
While the Delta Society isn't the only organization offering therapy dog training and accreditation, it is the largest. First started in Portland in the 1977, the Delta Society has since expanded to become an international force dedicated to promoting the benefit of animal therapy for patients and people.
They also provide resources, education and support for organizations and institutions who want to put an Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) program in place. They can help you find volunteers, trained dogs, and legal resources.
Careers in Therapy Dog Training
One of the best places to start your own education and training is through the Pet Partners Program. Run through the Delta Society, its goal is to train volunteers and handlers.
They offer standardized training, aptitude tests, certification, and ongoing education.
Check the Delta Society website (http://deltasociety.org) for links to a home-study program as well as in-person therapy dog training programs available in your area.
See also:
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