Training a Play Therapy Dog

We believe that dog training should revolve around positive reinforcement, praise, fun, and showing the dog how to be successful. We do not believe in forceful negative corrections that overwhelm and confuse the dog. Therapy is not based on punitive or aversive measures and neither should the training of the therapy dog. Good dog training does not just happen; it is the product of enthusiastic instructors possessing a broad base of experience with dogs. Each dog is unique, has its own way of learning, and has its own problems and needs. You should always strive to bring out the BEST in every dog and work with a knowledgeable instructor!

A wonderful resource for training is the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. This international organization provides information on how to choose a trainer as well as a dog trainer search. Due to the risks of dog-human interactions, it is highly recommended that animals involved in therapy work are certified through a reputable therapy dog agency such as the ones mentioned below.

In the U.S. , the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program is an excellent first step toward therapy dog credentialing. Visit the AKC website www.akc.org, then search “CGC.” This program is open to all owners and dogs, including mixed breeds. Dr. Thompson is a certified evaluator with the CGC program and all three of her dogs have obtained the CGC title.

The use of animals as healing agents to people grew to the point that Therapy Dog International, Inc. (TDI) was founded by Elaine Smith, a practicing nurse in 1976. TDI is the oldest and currently the largest therapy dog organization in the United States . It is a volunteer organization dedicated to regulating, testing, and registering therapy dogs and their volunteer handlers for the purpose of visiting nursing homes, hospitals, prisons, schools, and wherever else therapy dogs are needed. In 2006, over 15,000 dogs and approximately 13,000 handlers are registered with TDI. Dogs registered through TDI are rigorously evaluated and are graduates of basic obedience classes as well as other specialized forms of training. To maintain their therapy dog certification, the handler must renew their annual membership with TDI, which includes an annual veterinary visit, current vaccinations, and routine check-ups. For additional information go to www.tdi-dog.org.  Two of Dr. Thompson’s play therapy dogs, Razz and Jenga, are registered therapy dogs with TDI.

There are several other therapy dog programs including Delta Society’s Pet Partners program www.deltasociety.org and Therapy Dogs Inc www.therapydogs.com