There is nothing more beautiful than watching a therapy dog visit a group of people. Therapy dogs almost have a sixth sense. They can single out the exact person who desperately needs attention on that day. If you’ve been privileged enough to hold the leash of a therapy dog, you know the “therapy dog sixth sense” I’m speaking about.
My first Bouvier des Flandres, Mekare, was a gifted therapy dog. She had a fondness for people who barricaded themselves from life. She would find them sitting alone in the corner and win them over with her soulful eyes. When she looked at her “selected” person, something magical happened. I could feel it. No one ever resisted her, and even the most stubborn patient learned how to use his hands again by brushing her long beard. Mekare was called many times for “shut down” patients and she worked her magic every time!
If you would like to follow this unbelievably rewarding path, I’ve got a few suggestions for you.
Your Dog Must Love People
Dogs that move people will seek attention, sit really close and look lovingly into someone’s eyes.
Train Your Dog
Train, train and train. Enroll in several group classes.
- You and your dog need to learn how to walk through a crowded room, ignore loud sounds and wait patiently in the lobby.
- Your dog should learn how to walk nicely on leash, ignoring items on the ground, sit and stay on cue, come when called and enjoy body handling and brushing.
- You will learn how to approach a person, what to say and handle stressful situations.
Pass the AKC Canine Good Citizen Class
Next, take and pass the AKC Canine Good Citizen Class (CGC) together. The CGC is a wonderful standard and is often required by most facilities for polite dogs in different situations.
Get Certified
Take and pass a certification with Therapy Dogs International or Delta Society Pet Partners. Both of these organizations offer additional testing, support and liability insurance (a must have!).
Mekare and I joined Delta Society Pet Partners and the support was fantastic! They provided a list of facilities looking for therapy dogs so we got started quickly. If you and your dog love people, take it to the next step and become a therapy dog team. You will be rewarded with wonderful memories for a lifetime.
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