For those Bedford Hills clients looking to train their dogs to be therapy dogs who can provide companionship to those confined to nursing homes, hospitals, schools, or retirement homes, then we are the team for you. Our expert trainers will help you to understand the essential behaviors and temperaments that are needed for your dog to perform as a therapy dog. We can train any dog, regardless of age, breed or size that possesses the right personality and temperament to become a therapy dog.
If, however, your dog possesses bad behavior patterns or issues and lacks the ability to remain calm, still and controlled at all times, then sadly he or she will not be a candidate to become a therapy dog. Therapy dogs must be gentle, friendly, social and comfortable around all types of people and lot of them, and regardless of their surroundings and any distractions must be able to remain calm at all times.
In order to become a therapy dog, your dog must:
- Complete basic and advanced obedience training
- Enjoy meeting new people
- Follow basic obedience commands like sit, come or leave it
- Remain calm and still during visits
Therapy dogs are confused with service dogs many times. Therapy dogs do not ‘serve’ only one person, while a service dog does just that. Therapy dogs come in contact with different people at many different times, which is why their proper social behaviors, comfort with touch, and overall good health is so essential.