Therapy Dogs - Frequently Asked Questions
Training
Q: How can I train my dog to be a certified therapy
dog?
A: Play Dog Excellent offers a class
specifically designed to train dog/handler teams to take and pass both
the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) and Therapy Dogs International (TDI) tests. The class is called Canine Good Citizen / Therapy
Dog and currently meets on Thursday nights at 7:30. See our
Training
Schedule page for details. Important note: the CGC/TDI class is not
an entry-level class. Prerequisites include a reliable sit, down, come,
stay, and leave it in a distracted environment. If you need an
entry-level class, consider Head Start,
STAR Puppy,
Manners Matter, or
Basic Obedience (depending on the age
of your dog). Q: How do I
register for the Canine Good Citizen and Therapy Dogs class at PDX?
A: Our group classes are 6 weeks long,
and we run 7 sessions per year. Please visit our
Schedule page for more
information about the class schedule, then go to our
Registration page
to complete the online form to submit your registration. You do not need
to pay until orientation night. This class has a lifetime offer: you are
welcome back in the CGC/TDI class for as long as you’d like with the dog
that you’ve registered this session, at no additional charge.
Q: Can I train my dog on my own?
A: Absolutely. You can find the test
items for the
Canine Good
Citizen and
Therapy Dogs
International tests online. That said, it is our observation that
the pass rate is about 70% higher for teams that have taken the class.
Training the dog is the easy part -- training the other end of the leash
is equally and even more important. Class gives you a chance to learn
how each test item is set up, practice each one, work through
distractions, and find out what your weak points are and work to improve
on them. Going through the class also builds your confidence so you can
be calm and collected during the actual testing. For these reasons, we
do recommend taking the class, but it is absolutely not required.
Q: How can I train my dog to ignore food on the ground for the "leave
it" test?
A: There are lots of different ways to train your dog to ignore
food on the ground. If you Google "Leave It Command", you'll find plenty
to choose from. My personal favorite method turns the behavior around
from a negative (leave that thing alone) to a positive (watch me for
permission to get that thing). See
Jody Carly's video
illustrating Susan Garrett's "It's Yer Choice" game for the steps.
Certification
Q: When is the next TDI test?
A: Upcoming tests are listed in the
TDI web
site.
Q: Can I test with my puppy?
A: TDI requires dogs to be at least one year old in order to take
the test.
Q: Are there any other requirements than passing the
test?
A: Yes; you will need certification from your veterinarian that
your dog is in compliance with TDI's
health requirements, then register for membership with TDI, which
includes an annual fee. Volunteering
Q: Can I do therapy work with my dog without taking
the test?
A: Absolutely. You should call the facility or organization you are
interested in working with, and speak to their Events or Activities
Coordinator. Find out what their requirements, hours, and opportunities
involve. Be careful not to give the impression, either by implication or
omission, that your dog is certified for therapy work. There are many
facilities that are anxious to have dogs visit, and do not require
certification. Q: What are the benefits of
getting certification?
A: Certification provides proof to a facility’s administration that
your dog has been temperament and obedience tested, that your dog is
clean and healthy, and that you are covered by liability insurance. This
insurance provides coverage to people that you visit in the event of
illness or injury resulting from contact with your dog. Certification
gives you access to other volunteer teams and information about group
visits and upcoming opportunities. Certification and registration with
Therapy Dogs International gives you and your dog credibility in your
community regarding pet therapy. Q: Can I
take my therapy dog anywhere service dogs are allowed?
A: No; the law makes a distinction
between therapy dogs and service dogs. Therapy dogs are not entitled to
the same benefits that service dogs are, including entrance to public
buildings and transportation. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
defines a service animal as any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal
individually trained to provide assistance to an individual with a
disability.
Q: Can my registered service dog be
certified for therapy work with TDI?
A: No; effective 8/16/2010, TDI policy prohibits
registered service dogs from participating in therapy work: "A service
dog is meant to be with the handler at all times. The service dog’s
focus and attention should always be directed towards the handler. The
purpose of a therapy dog is the exact opposite. A therapy dog must focus
attention and energy towards the person they are visiting. It is not
fair to ask the dog to serve in both capacities. Also, the dog’s
performance at both tasks will suffer from the added pressures of two
responsibilities." Related Links
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