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To get a dog certified as a therapy dog, start by passing the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test, which evaluates a dog’s manners and obedience. Dogs that pass the test will receive a certificate.
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Requirements For Therapy Dog Certification
To get your dog certified as a therapy dog, the first step is passing the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test, which evaluates manners and obedience. Once certified, your dog will receive a certificate.
Evaluating Your Dog’s Temperament
Before pursuing therapy dog certification, it is essential to evaluate your dog’s temperament. A therapy dog needs to be calm, friendly, and comfortable around people of all ages. They should not display aggressive behavior and should be able to handle stress in various environments.
It’s important to assess your dog’s reaction to different situations, such as loud noises, crowds, and unfamiliar individuals. If your dog tends to be anxious, fearful, or easily excitable, they may require additional training before pursuing therapy dog certification.
Basic Obedience Training
Basic obedience training is a crucial aspect of therapy dog certification. Your dog should respond to basic commands, such as sit, stay, lie down, and come. Training should focus on reinforcing positive behavior and teaching your dog to remain calm and well-mannered in various scenarios.
By ensuring your dog is obedient, you can create a foundation for them to excel as a therapy dog. Obedience training helps your dog understand boundaries, exhibit self-control, and respond positively to commands from a handler.
Passing The Canine Good Citizen (cgc) Test
The Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test is a requirement for therapy dog certification. This evaluation assesses a dog’s manners and obedience in everyday situations. To pass the CGC test, your dog must demonstrate good behavior around people, other dogs, and common distractions.
The test covers skills such as sitting politely for petting, walking on a loose leash, coming when called, and staying in place. It also evaluates your dog’s reaction to other dogs and their ability to handle basic grooming and veterinary procedures.
Resources:
- AKC Therapy Dog Program
- Certified Therapy Dog – Get Your Therapy Dog Certification
- Pet Therapy Certification
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The Certification Process
To get your dog certified as a therapy dog, start by passing the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test. This evaluation assesses a dog’s manners and obedience, and upon passing, they will receive a certificate. Training your dog to be a therapy dog is a rewarding process.
Choosing A Therapy Dog Organization
When it comes to getting your dog certified as a therapy dog, you first need to research and choose a reputable therapy dog organization. These organizations provide the necessary certifications and support for therapy dog handlers. Some popular therapy dog organizations include:
| Therapy Dog Organizations |
|---|
| 1. Alliance of Therapy Dogs |
| 2. Therapy Dogs International |
| 3. Pet Partners |
By selecting an organization recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), you can ensure that your dog’s certification will be widely accepted.
Completing The Necessary Paperwork
Once you have chosen a therapy dog organization, it’s time to complete the necessary paperwork. This typically involves filling out an application form and providing documentation, such as your dog’s vaccination records and health certificate. Make sure to carefully read and follow the instructions provided by the organization to ensure that your application is processed smoothly.
Undergoing A Therapy Dog Evaluation
An essential part of the certification process is the therapy dog evaluation. During this evaluation, your dog will be assessed for their temperament, obedience, and ability to interact with people in various situations. The evaluation may include tests such as:
- Reacting positively to strangers
- Walking on a loose leash
- Behaving calmly in busy environments
It is important to prepare your dog for the evaluation by practicing obedience commands and socializing them in different settings. This will ensure they are confident and comfortable during the evaluation process.
Credit: www.akc.org
Frequently Asked Questions Of How To Get A Dog Certified As A Therapy Dog
How Do Dogs Get To Be Therapy Dogs?
To become a therapy dog, your dog needs to pass the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test. This test evaluates their manners and obedience. Once they pass, they’ll receive a certificate.
Can I Say My Dog Is A Therapy Dog?
To say your dog is a therapy dog, it must be certified by an AKC recognized therapy dog organization. The first step to certification is passing the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test, which evaluates a dog’s manners and obedience.
Once your dog passes, they will receive a certificate.
What Do You Need To Be A Therapy Dog In Ny?
To become a therapy dog in NY, your dog must pass the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test. This test evaluates your dog’s manners and obedience. Once your dog passes, they will receive a certificate.
Do Therapy Dogs Have To Be Akc Registered?
Therapy dogs do not have to be AKC registered. However, to earn an AKC Therapy Dog™ title, you and your dog must be certified/registered by an AKC recognized therapy dog organization.
Conclusion
Getting your dog certified as a therapy dog is an important and rewarding process. The first step is to pass the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test, which evaluates your dog’s manners and obedience. Once they pass, they will receive a certificate.
Remember that therapy dogs need to be under control and have basic training. Additionally, make sure to do your homework and research therapy dog certification requirements, such as being registered by an AKC recognized therapy dog organization. By following these steps, you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others as a certified therapy dog team.
