Guide Note

Therapy dogs are trained to provide affection and comfort to people in hospitals, nursing and retirement homes, mental institutions and schools. They are also used to help people in stressful situations after disasters.

Fast Facts

Must complete a certification program
Temperament is most important for therapy dogs
All sizes and breeds are eligible
Must be at ease in all situations
Their primary job is to allow unfamiliar people to make physical contact
Therapy dogs played a part in helping at Red Cross centers after 9-11

Becoming a Therapy Dog

There are virtually no restrictions on the type of breeds that can become therapy dogs. The main requirement is that a dog have a very calm and soothing temperament. Therapy Dogs International is responsible for testing and evaluating thousands of dogs every year. Dogs are tested to see how they behave around people in certain situations. Dogs must also be able to remain calm around people that use wheelchairs or crutches. Most therapy dogs are normal house pets that do not require any formal training.¹

Categories

Animals | Dogs | Pets

View Note History

Therapy Dogs

The Mahalo Top 7

Therapy Dogs Inc: Registration Support and Insurance for Volunteer Animal Assisted Activities.
Therapy Dogs International: Tests for Becoming a Therapy Dog
Wikipedia: Therapy dogs
Therapy Dogs.org: Therapy Dogs and Long Term Health Care
Dogplay: Purpose of Therapy Dogs
American Dog Trainers Network: State Lists of Service and Therapy Dogs
Delta Society: Therapy Dogs

Therapy Dog Qualities

Brevard Therapy Dogs: Qualities Needed to Make a Good Therapy Dog
Pawstreams: Resume of a Therapy Dog
Family Education: Therapy Dog Qualities

Therapy Dog Articles

National Geograpic: Therapy Dogs Seem to Boost Health of Sick and Lonely
The Center for Brief Therapy: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: A Case Report - Animal-Assisted Therapy
Salt Lake Tribune: Therapy dog spreads joy at hospitals, schools
The Ironton Tribune: Dog saved from shelter will ease loneliness for nursing home residents

Therapy Dog Organizations

School of Veterinary Medicine University of California, Davis: A Guide to Therapy, Guide and Service Dogs
Dogplay: International, National And Local Therapy Dog Groups
Land Of Pure Gold Foundation: Therapy Dog Groups By State

Therapy Dog Skills

International Association of Canine Professionals: Basic Skills Needed for Therapy Dogs
Love On A Leash: Therapy Dog Skills
Therapy Dogs: A Resource Skill Guide for Therapy Dog Handlers

Therapy Dog Blogs and Forums

Therapy Dog Photos and Videos

Google Images: Therapy Dogs At Work
Yahoo Images: Therapy Dogs
Yahoo Videos: Therapy Dog Videos
Google Videos: Watching Therapy Dogs At Work

Therapy Dog Related Merchandise

Cafepress: Therapy Dog Merchandise
Amazon.com: Therapy Dogs Merchandise
Dogplay: Books and other Resources on Therapy Dogs
Active dogs: Therapy Dog Supplies
Dogwise: Books on Training Therapy Dogs

Therapy Dog History and Biographies

Therapy Dog International: Brief History on Therapy Dogs
Pitbull Lovers: Hershey: The Certified Therapy Dog
Fidos For Freedom: Photos and Biographies on Therapy Dogs
New Mexico State University: NMSU therapy dog inducted into Hall of Fame

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