I have a boxer who just absolutely loves people and i know he would make a great therapy dog. I would love to brighten the lives of some sick children or elderly patients even if for just a little while. that is where bosco comes in i know he would make a great therapy dog but i have no idea on how or where to start. were in s/e wi. any help or info would be greatly appreciated.
2007-01-12 16:06:49 · 8 answers · asked by 4eagles 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Your dog needs a strong background in obedince training and be able to obey in all types of distracting situations and around all types of strange objects. Once you've done this I recommend going to the AKC site and seeing if there is going to be a Canine Good Citizen test held in your area. If so i recommend taking the test. The AKC CGC test is open to ALL dogs mixed or purebred, registered or not. (the cgc is NOT a title but rather an award issued to a dog that demonstrates good manners & passes all 10 parts of the CGC test).If your dog passes the CGC then go on to therapy dog testing. Look on the Delta Society or Therapy Dog International web sites for info on the test requirements and tests being conducted in your area.
While some places allow uncertified dogs to visit it isn't a good idea because of liability issues.
2007-01-13 03:08:08 · answer #1 · answered by Great Dane Lover 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Where I live, the Humane Society offers a program for dogs to become therapy dogs. All you need do is enroll, pass the test, and they'll schedule you and your dog at places where therapy dogs are requested (elderly care facilities, etc.)
I'm a dog owner, and I've met a lot of dog owners who want their dog to become a therapy dog. Honestly, I don't understand it and I'd encourage you to really consider what you think your dog will get out of the experience.
My dog loves kids and does okay with elderly people, but therapy dog experiences I've heard from people who have gone through the programs sound miserable. Mentally and emotionally challenged kids pulling their dog's tail, ears and squeezing them. And elderly woman just reaching down and slapping the dog - hard. Remember, the "therapy" part is for the human, NOT the dog. Dogs that are great for programs like that are dogs that will patiently endure all kinds of abuse from strangers and not bite or react. It doesn't sound remotely fun for the dog - it's not some fantasy of everyone recognizing that your dog is as lovable as you feel your dog is.
If you want Bosco to brighten the lives of those around him, train him well and walk him regularly - out and about in your neighborhood and get to know your neighbors... he'll likely brighten everyone's day and spread lots of healing love about.
If you're set on the therapy dog thing... call your local SPCA or Humane Society - likely both/either have programs.
2007-01-12 17:00:44 · answer #2 · answered by Zuzu 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Quite often now not a just right thought to make use of Boomer as a cure canine, you would in no way be aware of when he would take fright at any person, and a growl is just not exactly the excellent healing! My old Lab. Was once precisely as you describe, children would do anything with him, but when a unusual adult checked out him the incorrect way the hackles might occasionly go up. If you need a excellent remedy dog can i advise a Greyhound. My present canine is a gray, and they are the largest sooky dogs, don't want too much undertaking (though mine loves a 30 minute+ run), and are often superb with strangers. Being fairly tall they are superb therapy puppies as they're large adequate for humans in beds or wheelchairs to arrive out to with no need to stretch. Google your nearest adoption application, most states or tracks have one, and you're going to help retailer now not simplest a wonderful animal, but get a dog ideal for what you want. Most Greys additionally love dwelling with different dogs, so i am certain he and Boomer can be great mates in no time. My grey made pals with our very aged Corgi very swiftly, and since our historic Lab. Died the Corgi now has a brand new mate and a entire new hire of life. Excellent success with something you do, and congratulations on wanting to help less fortunate humans along with your puppies!
2016-08-10 11:58:33 · answer #3 · answered by Erika 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If he is AKC registered you can get his CGC (Canine Good Citizen) and then his TDI (Therapy Dogs International) titles. Many Petco stores now offer a CGC class where at the end the dog takes a test, and if he passes he gets his CGC. Then he would have to take another obedience/temperament test to be certified as a TDI.
2007-01-12 16:16:05 · answer #4 · answered by iluvmyfrenchbulldogs 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your dog doesnt have to be registard or pur bred. There a series of classes tha yo and your dog have to go through. The dog has to be at least one year old. You can search online for therapy dog training, and it should give you something. good luck
2007-01-12 16:27:58 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
look online for places in your area where you can take him to be accessed for him to become a thearpy dog. They will want to make sure that in ANY given situation that he won't do something, even accidently, to hurt someone. Good luck and I hope that your large baby can do what you are confident he can.
2007-01-12 16:16:45 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
put him through therapy training
2007-01-12 16:23:52 · answer #7 · answered by sassy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Contact your local kennel club or training club, they may have classes or know where you can go for them.
http://www.deltasociety.org/
http://www.tdi-dog.org/
2007-01-13 01:16:49 · answer #8 · answered by whpptwmn 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋