Those who have experienced the affection and encouragement of a dog are aware of the significant impact it can have.
It’s possible that you have the drive to find ways for both you and your dog to offer assistance to others. Teaching your furry companion how to be a therapy dog, providing comfort to those in need, could be an excellent choice.
Recently, we have released articles such as What are Therapy Dogs and Their Roles, the Top 15 Breeds Suitable for Therapy Work, and Tips on Training Your Dog to Become a Therapy Dog.
You may be wondering, where should I begin with therapy dog training certification? How can I get my dog certified?
How To Certify Your Dog As A Therapy Dog
After successfully teaching your dog the required behaviors and tasks for a therapy dog, it is necessary to get them certified as being capable and prepared for this role.
In the United States, there exist multiple agencies that can evaluate and authenticate the aptitude of your pet to function as a therapy dog.
It can be helpful to consult the hospital or support organization you want to volunteer with and ask for their recommended agency when choosing the appropriate agency for you and your dog.
If they already work with therapy dogs, they will probably have dealt with a certifying agency in the past and have a preference.
Although the certification process may vary slightly based on the certifying agency you choose, the general procedure remains the same in broad terms.
A therapist will spend some time with both you and your dog to assess if they possess the appropriate qualities and training to function as a therapy dog.
This will encompass factors like your dog’s reactions to unfamiliar people and other canines, their behavior when being petted, and their response to various stimuli such as sounds and scents.
Provided that they pass the observation test, you and your canine companion will have the opportunity to go on a trial visit to a facility similar to the one where you aim to volunteer, in order to assess their behavior in that setting.
Following this, your dog may be suggested for certification or additional training and skill enhancement opportunities.
Other Documentation
Completing your registration entails more than just passing a test to demonstrate your dog’s ability to perform the necessary tasks. This is only the initial step, as there are several other obligations you must satisfy.
Before registering your dog, it is likely that they will require a medical check-up to confirm their fitness to work. Your dog may need to undergo periodic medical examinations to maintain their certification.
Being a handler accompanying your dog during therapy visits requires clearance for this type of work, which typically includes undergoing a background check.
It is typical for agencies to impose a payment for examining and validating your canine, followed by a yearly payment for upholding your dog’s registration.
Although it may appear unusual to have to make payment for the opportunity to volunteer with your dog to assist others, these services are typically offered by non-profit organizations, and the majority of the individuals who contribute their labor do so voluntarily.
The cost of animal registration and their placement in facilities that require assistance is supported by the registration fees.
List Of Therapy Dog Certifying Agencies
Although there are other national agencies in the United States that certify and qualify therapy dogs, the following are the primary ones.
The Alliance of Therapy Dogs is situated in Wyoming and not only provides certification for therapy dogs but also connects therapy dogs with nearby establishments in need of their services.
To register your dog initially, a fee of $10 is required. After that, a yearly charge of $30 is necessary to keep your dog’s registration current. This fee helps the organization, which is managed by volunteers, to place therapy dogs in various locations such as nursing homes, rehab facilities, college campuses, and others.
Based in New Jersey, Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs offers testing and certification on a regular basis at their facility in Morris Plains, NJ, and long-distance testing in areas where they have a tester within two hours driving distance.
To begin the exam, $20 must be paid and a yearly certification renewal fee of $40 is also charged.
The money is utilized to aid the organization in their efforts to provide therapy dogs to various places such as hospitals, nursing homes, libraries, schools, wellness events, and even facilitate individual home visits.
Love on a Leash has branches in multiple states throughout the country, including Arkansas, Illinois, and Massachusetts, despite being headquartered in California.
The registration fee for a new therapy dog team is $50, inclusive of both the dog and the handler. To include extra dogs and handlers, supplementary charges apply.
Once more, the fees paid for registration serve to fund the efforts of the group responsible for providing dogs to facilities that require their assistance.
Having been in operation since 1977, Pet Partners, formerly known as Delta Society, is among the largest establishments in the nation with over 13,000 certified canines that pay a total of three million visits annually.
Operating nationwide from Washington State, they engage in animal registration and coordinate volunteer efforts.
How To Start Volunteering And Working As A Therapy Dog
Working with your pet as a freelance therapy dog is an uncommon occurrence as most establishments such as hospitals, nursing homes, and schools prefer to collaborate with an organization.
The reason for this is that the agency guarantees the suitability and conduct of both the pet and the handler, in addition to offering insurance for unexpected situations.
To begin volunteering as a therapy dog, the ideal approach is to locate an organization in your vicinity and have a conversation with them.
It’s possible that they can assist with registering your dog or suggest their preferred national organizations to collaborate with.
BONUS: How to Train Dogs Who Are Not Food Motivated
Training a dog is easy when you know that treats serve as a reward, as most dogs are eager to fulfill requests in exchange for them. However, what do you do when a dog lacks motivation for food during training?
When your dog lacks motivation, achieving success with dog training could seem like an unattainable goal. A method to pique their interest and compel them to heed you is essential. In the event that your dog is not responding to treats, it is necessary to change the approach. There is a myriad of alternative resources that can be employed in dog training.
In order to consider other training motivators, it is crucial to comprehend the reasons why a dog may show disinterest towards food initially.
At times, a health problem could be involved, or your dog may simply not like the type or brand of treats you provide. Additionally, the reluctance to eat could also stem from a pet owner who lacks interest in utilizing food as a training tool. The primary initial step is to identify the root cause.
Although rare, there are dogs that favor vigorous activities, toys or social validation instead of food, but they constitute a small proportion.
The Impact of Free-Feeding Dogs
Dogs who are given unlimited access to food, known as free-feeding, may lose their appetites and become finicky when it comes to eating. This is because they have constant access to food and may not feel as motivated to eat as they would if they were fed at set times throughout the day.
High-value treats are frequently preferred by dogs who have open access to food, as they tend to find them more palatable than their regular diet. Alternatively, establishing a routine feeding schedule may mitigate this issue. The appropriate feeding schedule for your canine companion will depend on various variables including their age, breed, size, activity level, and overall health. Consulting with your veterinarian can aid in determining the optimal frequency and amount of food for each meal.
The Problem of Misusing Treats
The food drive of a dog can be unintentionally diminished by its owner on occasion. This issue frequently arises due to misusing treats. For instance, an owner may utilize a treat to entice their dog into their crate, even if the dog despises staying in it. Alternatively, they may employ one to tempt their dog and then compellingly give them a bath. If treats are employed to ensnare the dog, the dog will form an association between treats and a terrifying or unpleasant experience and therefore, evade them.
To prevent the improper use of treats, discover methods to turn activities that your dog doesn’t enjoy, such as being bathed or being kept in a crate, into enjoyable experiences. Desensitization and counter conditioning are techniques frequently employed by dog trainers to accomplish this. It’s vital to ensure that the treats remain enjoyable and pleasant for the dog.
Dogs Being Too Distracted, Anxious or Overexcited
When your dog shows no interest in food during training or walks, it could be a result of being excessively enthusiastic or nervous. This phenomenon is commonly known as being “over the threshold” among dog trainers. It implies that your dog’s feelings are too intense, making them unwilling to ingest food and unable to engage in more advanced cognitive processes, such as learning.
It is a typical physiological response in both humans and animals. When a dog’s body enters the state of fight or flight, the blood circulation diverts from its digestive system to its sensory organs and limbs, thereby preparing the dog for immediate action.
It is recommended to keep dogs that are excessively enthusiastic away from their stimuli to avoid making them apprehensive. These dogs require assistance in learning how to relax, as they feel insecure. Multiple approaches to changing their conduct can be employed to help reduce their anxiety and reactions to environmental cues.
Owners Not Wanting to Use Food
There can be various reasons why individuals feel uneasy about utilizing food as a form of incentive during training.
- Some owners are concerned about the extra calories in treats or don’t want to spend money on treats. This can be addressed by using low-calorie treats or mixing the dog’s kibble with low-sodium hot dog pieces for added aroma and flavor.
- There are some people who believe a dog should “obey” every command their owner gives them. This comes from the antiquated belief dogs are born to please their masters. It’s important for dog owners to understand dogs need an incentive to be motivated to learn and perform.
- Sometimes people claim their dog isn’t food motivated when the issue is the dog doesn’t like the treats. Try a variety of treats to find ones your dog prefers so they are ready and willing to participate in training sessions.
Your Dog Might Be Thirsty
Providing your dog access to water is crucial, especially during training sessions, as dogs who abruptly stop consuming food may just be in need of hydration. Occasionally, allowing your dog to drink some water may revive their participation in the training session.
Your Dog Might be Tired or Confused
Occasionally, training can be confusing for a dog as they may not comprehend the task or might be fatigued. This confusion or exhaustion can result in refusal of food and manifestation of displacement behaviors such as sneezing, yawning, or scratching. To tackle this, such dogs require smaller training steps, brief breaks, or shorter training sessions.
Your Dog May Be Afraid of Punishment
Dogs that are submissive or have been reprimanded for eating food may refuse treats by turning their heads away, but they must understand that taking food is okay.
Final Thoughts
If your canine companion lacks an interest in food, investigate the root cause. In the meantime, utilize rewards that your dog enjoys such as playtime, affection, or commendation as a means to reinforce desirable actions. It may be necessary to experiment with different incentives to gauge their effectiveness. In the event that your furry friend is making progress in performing the wanted behavior, it is likely that your approach is effective. If not, it’s possible that you are not using a high-value enough reward, or there are too many attractive options vying for your pup’s attention.
