How to Train Your Dog for Therapy Work

Training a dog for therapy work is one of the most rewarding journeys you can embark on with your dog. Imagine you and your dog bringing comfort, joy, and calm to people in hospitals, schools, or care homes. It’s a special kind of magic that only a well-trained therapy dog can create. If you’re ready to take that step, I’m here to walk you through the process with enthusiasm and practical tips.

Therapy dogs need more than just basic obedience, they need a strong bond and great trust in you as their handler. They do need a calm, gentle nature to start off with but calmness can also be instilled through a routine and husbandry which promotes this. Your relationship and your dogs trust in you gives them the ability to handle new environments and people with grace. With patience, love, and the right approach, you and your dog can become a fantastic team.

A working Labrador Retriever ready for therapy work

Understanding the Basics: What Makes a Great Therapy Dog?

Before diving into training, it’s important to know what qualities make a dog suitable for therapy work. Not every dog is cut out for this role, and that’s perfectly okay. Here’s what I look for in a therapy dog:

• Temperament: Calm, friendly, and patient dogs thrive in therapy roles. They should enjoy being around people and not be easily startled.

• Social Skills: Your dog should be comfortable meeting strangers, including children, elderly people, and those with disabilities, so being used to walking aids etc is a must.

• Obedience: Basic commands like sit, stay, come, and leave it are essential. Your dog needs to listen to you even in distracting environments, a strong bond and trust in you is vital.

• Health: A healthy dog with up-to-date vaccinations and good grooming is a must for visiting healthcare or educational facilities.

  
  

If your dog ticks these boxes, you’re off to a great start!

How to Train Therapy Dogs: Step-by-Step Guide

Training your dog for therapy work is a journey filled with small wins and joyful moments. Here’s a step-by-step plan to help you get started:

1. Build a Strong Foundation with Basic Obedience

Start with the basics. Your dog should be able to trust you to read their body language and know when they are worried. They must be able to rely on you for support.

Once confident that you have their back, your dog will be able to respond reliably to commands like sit, stay, down, come, and heel.

Practice these in different environments to build focus and reliability, a process called proofing or generalisation.

• Use positive reinforcement: treats, praise, and play.

• Keep training sessions short and fun - 5 to 10 minutes is perfect.

• Gradually increase distractions to simulate real therapy settings.

  
  

2. Socialise Your Dog Thoroughly

Expose your dog to a variety of people, sounds, and places. This helps them stay calm and confident in new situations if done correctly~ always at your dogs pace. Again, reading your dogs body language to know when they are worried or tired and had enough exposure for the day is vital to their wellbeing.

• Visit busy parks, pet-friendly shops, and community events.

• Introduce your dog to people of all ages and appearances.

• Reward calm behaviour around new stimuli.

  
  

3. Teach Your Dog to Be Gentle and Patient

Therapy dogs often interact with people who may be fragile or nervous. Teaching your dog to be gentle is key.

• Practice “soft mouth” exercises with toys.

• Ensure that your dog can cope with being petted by one person at a time.

• Monitor peoples interactions with your dog, ask them to stay calm and only come forwards when invited. Dogs are animals not stuffed toys and should be treated with respect, your job is to oversee interactions and step in to advocate for your dog.

• Use cues like “easy” or “gentle” to cue soft behaviour.

  
  

4. Get Your Dog Used to Medical Equipment and Unusual Situations

Hospitals and care homes can be full of strange sights and sounds. Prepare your dog by introducing them to:

• Wheelchairs, walkers, and crutches.

• Hospital gowns and masks (worn by you or a helper).

• Sounds like beeping machines or loud announcements.

  
  

5. Practice Controlled Greetings and Interactions

Your dog should know how to greet people politely without jumping or barking.

• Teach “sit” or “down” when meeting someone new.

• Reward calm, quiet behaviour.

• Use a leash to support your dog during greetings.

  
  

6. Enrol in a Therapy Dog Training Course

Professional guidance can make a huge difference. Look for local classes or trainers who specialise in therapy dog training. They can help you:

• Assess your dog’s suitability.

• Provide structured training plans.

• Prepare you for certification tests.

  
  

If you want to explore expert support, check out this therapy dog training programme that offers compassionate, professional guidance tailored to your needs.

Dog trainer rewarding a therapy dog with a treat

Tips for Success: Keeping Your Dog Happy and Motivated

Training for therapy work is a marathon, not a sprint. Here are some tips to keep both you and your dog motivated:

• Celebrate small victories: Every calm sit or gentle greeting is a step forward.

• Keep sessions positive: Avoid punishment; focus on rewards and encouragement.

• Mix up training locations: This helps your dog generalise skills.

• Watch for signs of stress: If your dog seems overwhelmed, take a break.

• Stay consistent: Regular practice is key to success.

  
  

Remember, your dog’s happiness is just as important as their skills. A joyful dog makes the best therapy companion.

Preparing for Certification and Visits

Once your dog is confident and well-trained, it’s time to think about certification and real visits.

• Certification: Many organisations require a test to certify therapy dogs. This usually includes obedience, temperament, and socialisation assessments.

• Health checks: Keep vaccinations and grooming up to date.

• Visit preparation: Plan your visits carefully. Start with short sessions and familiar places.

• Bring essentials: Water, treats, a favourite toy, and cleaning supplies.

  
  

Therapy work is a privilege. Always respect the rules of the facilities you visit and prioritise your dog’s well-being.

Therapy dog and owner entering a care home for a visit

Your Journey Starts Here: Empower Your Dog to Make a Difference

Training therapy dogs is a beautiful way to deepen your bond and give back to your community. It takes patience, love, and dedication, but the rewards are priceless. Your dog can become a beacon of comfort and joy for those who need it most.

If you’re in Chester or nearby, consider reaching out to local experts who understand your goals and your dog’s unique personality. Together, you can unlock your dog’s full potential and create heart warming moments that last a lifetime. Pups and Pooches Dog Training is a great place to start.

Ready to start? Your dog’s therapy journey awaits!