I have a wonderful husky that is pretty well trained. He is very gentle, and I think he would be a good dog to bring to hospitals and visit with patients.
However, I have no idea how to get started. I am 14 and live in Illinois. Is there a certain program I can enter him in? Could you please explain step-by-step how to get going?
Thanks!
2007-02-15 05:21:21 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
First try locating trainers in your area that offer a CGC course. CGC (stands for Canine Good Citizen) is a title from AKC that means that the dog meets the standards for what AKC considers a good dog, it basically means that your dog is obedient, calm, and social. After that you can get the dog TDI (Therapy Dogs International) certified, it is basically the same as CGC, but it involves more specific behavior testing. There may be other programs in your area that can certify your dog, you would just have to ask around and look on the AKC website. You may have to have an adult help you, because I am not sure if they will let minors take dogs to hospitals by them self.
2007-02-15 05:41:50 · answer #1 · answered by iluvmyfrenchbulldogs 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Many hospitals and other institutions that use therapy dogs require that they be certified. If there is a certain hospital you want to go to, first contact them and see if they use therapy dogs and what certification is required. You will most likely find that the dogs need to be certified by Delta Society or Therapy Dogs International or that the dogs need to be Canine Good Citizens. If they require Delta or TDI, go to their websites for info. If CGC, that is a program run by the American Kennel Club and their website has info on testing.
If you are in the Chicago area, a group called Rainbow Animal Assisted Therapy works with many local hospitals, too.
2007-02-15 05:33:54 · answer #2 · answered by melissa k 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I know all the therapy animals have to go to a "Good citizen" class and be certified. It tells hospitals, retirement homes, etc the animal is OK around people and can be trusted. I'd call what ever location you think you'd like to take the dog and see if they have a program in place with any other dog owners and ask to talk to them to see if anything else is needed.
I think it is wonderful that you'd take the time to brighten some one elses day with your loving dog and your loving attitude. :) Good luck!!
2007-02-15 05:32:10 · answer #3 · answered by shannon_crystaln 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋