Home Based Dog Training

Pet therapy dogs are used by a number of facilities to provide support and companionship to patients and family members.   These facilities include, but are not limited to:  assisted living facilities, children’s hospitals and hospices.  Although there is little specific training for pet therapy dogs, it is recommended they have a basic obedience course.  Owners interested in training their dog for pet therapy should ensure dogs have appropriate vaccinations and veterinary check-ups.   Pet therapy dogs offer many benefits. 

              Assisted living facilities may use pet therapy dogs to provide comfort and companionship to facility residents.  Assisted living facilities are centers that offer supportive, home-like residences for elderly people who may require daily assistance with living activities.  Assisted living facilities usually provide residents support with: bathing, dressing, medication and meal management along with recreational support.   In assisted living facilities, pet therapy visits are either arranged in groups or independently with residents in their apartments.  Pet therapy visits are usually pre-arranged with the facilities.  Assisted living facility residents greatly benefit from the companionship provided by a therapy dog. 

              Children’s hospitals provide an additional opportunity for pet therapy dog visits.  Therapy dogs provide a diversion for ill children who enjoy a pet visit.   Therapy dogs often visit children in their hospital rooms and pose for pictures.  Most children are excited to see a pet, even if the pet is not their own.   When visiting children, pet handlers should consider that some therapy dogs may be too enthusiastic for some children.   Conversely, some children may be too ill for a therapy dog visit.   Children can benefit greatly from a pet therapy dog visit. 

              Hospice centers also utilize pet therapy dogs to comfort residents.  Hospice facilities admit terminally ill patients who have six months or less to live.    Therapy dogs provide patients comfort, love, companionship and combat loneliness by the sight and touch of a pet.   Therapy dogs learn to sense death in terminally ill patients by sensing changes in breathing, restlessness or possible disorientation.   Therapy dogs may also comfort grieving family members during this difficult time. 

              Owners interested in training their dog for pet therapy should search the internet for additional information.  However, there is no formal training process for pet therapy.   Dogs must pass a pet therapy dog institute evaluation.   The dog therapy institute recommends a basic obedience course before a pet serves as a dog therapist. 

              Before a dog provides pet therapy services, owners should ensure pets have a thorough check-up by a veterinarian.   Pet therapy dogs should also have a number of vaccinations, including but not limited to: rabies and heartworm.    A healthy dog is important, particularly when providing pet therapy services. 

              Pet therapy dogs may provide support and companionship to ill children, adults and the elderly.  Pet therapy services are utilized in a number of facilities including: assisted living facilities, children’s hospitals and hospices.   While there is no specific training for a pet therapy dog, a basic obedience course should be a prerequisite.   The health of a pet therapy dog is equally important when an owner wishes for his or her dog to provide animal therapy services.