Hi! I have a full-blooded Labrador Retriever and right now she is only 7 weeks old. I begin a training course at 14 weeks with her and she will know all the basic commands. My question is: Since Labs are bred to do stuff, I want to train my puppy to be a therapy dog. What do I need to do to train her to be a therapy dog? She is really sweet and would rather sleep on your lap all day instead of running around. She really likes people, so I think if she is a therapy dog, that will be good. Do you have to be certified to be a therapy dog? What all will I need?
*Thanks!
2007-02-04 09:18:31 · 5 answers · asked by Courtney C 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
We have two Labs and I'll tell you a secret, you don't need to train them to be therapy dogs it's natural if you just love them a lot! We even let them sleep in the bed and live in the house. They are trained to go out when nature calls, or when we will be away for more than a few hours. Just love them and treat them like family and you will have a therapy dog. Good Luck!
2007-02-04 09:22:58 · answer #1 · answered by Dawn B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Right now you have a 7 week old puppy, basically all they do is eat, sleep and poop, and one in a while play. But soon that will all change. To be a therapy dog you must pass therapy dog test, temperament test and basic obedience. Check with your local AKC or UKC dog training clubs they would know of who and how to get your puppy ready for the big test. Hope you follow through and make this happen. Its a wonderful thing to offer to the sick and disabled.
2007-02-04 17:26:04 · answer #2 · answered by Dragonfry 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The first thing she has to do is grow up! She's still a baby and no where near ready for training to be a therapy dog. What you can do, besides obedience training (and please keep in mind her young age), is make sure she's well socialized. When she's older, she needs to pass the canine good citizenship test, then you can contact a pet therapy group to get the two of you started. One of the things that's very seriously looked at by pet therapy groups is the relationship between you and your dog - make sure it's a good one!
2007-02-04 17:23:17 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am not sure what all has to be done for your dog to becaome a therapy dog - try searching around on the internet - you might find some information...you ould also try cantacting a lab rescue group - they might be able to help you.
She does have to be certified to be a therapy dog...
2007-02-04 17:22:30 · answer #4 · answered by country_girl 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes she odes have to be a certified therapy dog
try looking on the internet and you should b able ot find some good info
2007-02-04 17:34:09 · answer #5 · answered by ahhitskailey 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋