Certified Therapy Dog Requirements

Obviously there are many loving dogs in the world.

Certified therapy dog requirements.

In 2012 therapy dog international registered approximately 24 750 dog handler teams for therapy work. The most important characteristic of a therapy dog is its temperament. Others require hands on testing to put your dog through their paces. The basic skills test usually tests your dog s basic obedience skills.

Therapy dogs come in all sizes and breeds. There is a minimum age of one year. Most of the tests are designed to test dogs specifically because the majority of therapy pets are dogs. Though there is no minimum age for a handler of a therapy dog if the handler is under 18 they must be accompanied by an adult and their parent or guardian must.

A certified therapy dog must be friendly patient confident gentle and at ease in all situations. Basic testing for dogs. Therapy dogs must enjoy human contact and be content to be petted cuddled and handled sometimes clumsily by unfamiliar people and to enjoy that contact. Akc therapy dog titles can be earned by dogs who have been certified by akc recognized therapy dog organizations and have performed the required number of visits.

In some cases you can apply online. In order for a dog to be considered for a therapy dog certification the dog must meet the following requirements. Therapy dog certification ensures that both dogs and handlers are well. One of the top requirements for therapy dog certification is that the dog enjoys being around people.