Dog Breeders Blog

A. First of all, your dog needs to be 12 months old before the dog can start qualification/certification for this wonderful, fulfilling social team work. If you are interested and feel your dog has the personality to share with others, and be able to mix well with other animals in a confined environment such as a hospital rooms, nursing homes, hospice, rehab centers, etc., use this first year getting the dog its Cainine Good Citizenship certificate - usually run at Pet Smart. Most therapy organizations require this first step in the therapy process. The following information will help you join a local therapy organization, certify your dog as an independent team, or go all the way and be the first to start a grassroots program in your area.

B. Therapy dog certification: There are several national and local therapy dog certification programs. The first step is to contact your local Humane Society and see who in your area is certified as an "instructor/trainer". That individual will fall under one the the national organizations. I use Therapy Dogs, Incorporated. Two other large organizations are Delta and Therapy Dogs International. TD,Inc can assit you in locating an instructor/trainer to sign off your certification. You can reach them through www.therapydogs.com or 1-877-843-7364. Once certified, you are covered by insurance at not cost to you.