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Any dog can be a therapy dog without being certified. The danger is that if the dog scratches someone, does any other damage, or is even accused of harming a person - you personally can be sued. By having your dog certified, you are insured by the organization against law suits.

 

A dog must love people and get along with other dogs to be a certified therapy dog. The ideal Therapy Dog will have a pleasant, easy going disposition. A Therapy Dog must be able to handle many situations without panicking.   Loud noises, scooters, wheelchairs and medical equipment will most likely be part of a Therapy Dog’s job. It is very necessary that the dog not react with fear or aggression to any of these or to being bump or handled improperly.

 

A Therapy Dog may be working with children or older people who do not realize how to gently handle a dog gently. While it seems odd, part of training for a dog to be a Therapy Dog is to condition it to having its ears pulled, paws squeezed, and even be pinched without reacting with even the slightest aggression. I have done this in a relaxed environment where my dog feels very safe.

 

If your dog trusts you 100 percent, you should do a little rough work with him by doing some of the actions listed above. After conditioning your dog to a bit of ear pulling, paw grabbing, etc from you without showing any aggression praise the dog and give it all the kinds sweet loving it craves. I have also have done training with my neighbor’s small children with my dog on one side of me and the child on the other. The child did not understand how to gently touch a dog and would reach across me to shove, yank and in generally annoy my dog. I always keep my voice soft and calm. I always keep one hand on my dog so he knows I am there to protect him. I also rewarded the child when he gently pets and touches the dog.
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Different organizations have different rules as to what is required of a Therapy Dog. Major Payne did not pass the first organization because he pulled on the leash and made snorting sounds. Therapy Dog Inc. was much more relaxed. The trainer I had was impressed that Major would sit and be petted and loved on and walk right pass a person that did not want to pay attention to him. He did pull on his leash when he saw someone who wanted to pet him but that did not disqualify him. He is interested in other dogs but will not attack them if he sees them (he really would like to play) or lunge toward the other dog.   Excessive barking will also be a problem in getting your dog certified as a Therapy Dog.

 
Basically a Therapy Dog must want to be loved on and not be aggressive. It must trust its handler totally. When I am working with my dog I always have my hand on him when other people touch him so he knows I am there for him.

The best place to start training your dog is to enroll it in a beginner’s and then advanced obedience class after which it should be able to pass its Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test and receive the CGC award. While this award does not guarantee that your dog will past the certification, it is definitely be a good way to get your dog on the road to being a Certified Therapy Dog.