Dog Community

getting certified as a therapy dog

Posted : 6/15/2011 6:42:46 PM

I have a question for anyone who knows about the testing process.

My dog Gotti would be an awsome therapy dog. He loves people of all ages and just wants to cuddle and get pet! He has good leash manners and obeys basic commands. He just turned 7 and is about 45 - 50 lbs.

I just will not trust him loose with other dogs and I'm not sure of the "gets along with other dogs" requirement means that or that he can just be in the same areas as another dog.

I am in NJ btw and if anyone knows the answer or knows someone I can contact, I'd appreciate it. Thanks!

oranges81

Posted : 6/15/2011 8:05:06 PM

It just means that he can handle being in close contact with another dog. And that you can control him. Also if Gotti is a pit, looking for an orginazation that isn't breed biased. And apparently I'm having issues spelling...

Liesje

Posted : 6/15/2011 9:32:44 PM

Usually it means the dog is not going to try to socialize with other dogs, or, is not dog aggressive or going to constantly react at other dogs. Different orgs have different requirements. Ours has pretty strict requirements about how dogs behave towards other dogs because visits are done in pairs so there's always at least two dogs.

calliecritturs

Posted : 6/15/2011 11:29:28 PM

If you are looking for certification as a therapy dog you typically need to have them get their CGC first (Canine Good Citizen) -- many groups base their certification on a test similar to the CGC. Go to the akc.org website and there will be a place to click on about info for the CGC -- it will describe the test to you. It's 10 basic criteria. It's ALL on leash.

Meeting other dogs is like you have your dog on leash, and you walk up to a line where someone with their dog on leash is on the other side. The dogs should both go in a 'sit' and the humans shake hands and exchange "pleasantries" and everyone moves on with no huge disturbance.

The dog will need to walk nicely on leash among "distractions" (which may be anything from balls and umbrellas laying about to other people walking around with their dog on leash).

The AKC website describes it well.

micksmom

Posted : 6/24/2011 12:46:43 PM

As others have said, you can start with the CGC certification. Every therapy organization I've looked at uses that test as a base for theirs, with some additions.

AllAboutTheAPBT
...I am in NJ btw and if anyone knows the answer or knows someone I can contact, I'd appreciate it. Thanks!

How far are you from Flanders? Top Dog Obedience School offers CGC testing at some of their matches. Hunterdon Hills Kennel Club is also offering the CGC test at their show on Aug 7.

Some therapy organizations in NJ:

Therapy Dogs International: http://www.tdi-dog.org/

Therapet: http://www.therapet-inc.com/Mainpage.htm

Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs: http://www.golden-dogs.org/