Therapy dogs provide the needed companionship for those in nursing homes, hospitals, schools, or retirement homes. Ideally, dogs of any age, breed, and size are able to become a certified therapy dog. However, temperament and personality are huge factors that come into play when it comes to the deciding factor.
Dogs who have problems with behavior or who are unable to sit still and remain calm are less likely to become therapy dogs. Therapy dogs must be friendly, gentle, comfortable around new people and remain calm in many different environments.
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 usually mistaken for service dogs, however, a therapy dog does not stay with one individual owner or assist them directly. Therapy dogs are constantly in contact with new people, so they must possess the proper social skills, good health, and be comfortable with being touched by people of all ages.