If you’re ready to explore the possibilities of your dog becoming a therapy dog, this webinar and e-book is for you. 
 
Be able to make a realistic assessment of whether Therapy Dog work is right for you and your dog.
Learn the Seven Principles of successful therapy dog training.
How to prepare for Therapy Dog certification testing.
Understand the differences between therapy dogs, service dogs, emotional support, and comfort animals.
Learn the value of positive, respectful training methods that allow the dog to learn at their own pace through methods that deepen your connection with your dog.
Learn how to better read your dog’s thoughts, feelings, and responses.
Deepen your emotional connection with your dog through the Human-Animal Connection’s “Relationship Training Methods.”
Learn proven methods to calm your dog – and yourself as the foundation for learning.
Discover the joy of working in a true partnership as a team to bring comfort and smiles to all you meet.
 
The Roles: Therapy Dog, Emotional Support and Service Dogs:
Therapy dogs bring comfort to people they visit.  Emotional Support Animals give comfort to their person.  Service Dogs are trained to provide assistance to a specific person.  Only Service Dogs have legal access to public places.
 
Who Could Be a Great Therapy Dog?
Any breed, any size dog at least three years old, who has lived with the handler for at least six months and is fully vaccinated and healthy.  Therapy Dogs are calm and listen well to their handler.
 
Qualities of a Great Therapy Dog:
The dog loves new people, new places, and interacting with strangers.  The dog allows and enjoys petting and physical contact, and closeness.  The dog is not easily disturbed by noises, motion, or medical equipment such as wheelchairs and walkers.  The dog is highly attentive to his handler’s cues and has good focus, able to ignore distractions, including food on the floor.  The dog is calm and has a pleasant demeanor, is adaptable and flexible in new environments.  The dog’s behavior is reliable and predictable and can remain calm, even if those around them are stressed or emotional.
 
Where Can Therapy Teams Work?
There are so many opportunities for where Therapy Dogs are desired.  You can choose if you and your dog prefer to work with children, teens, adults, veterans, first responders, etc.  You can choose where you volunteer, such as hospitals, nursing facilities, hospice, or helping students prepare for exams.  You can volunteer with the HAC’s high school program, which combines social skills training with dog interactions.  New opportunities arise each day, and you can even find your own.
 
Therapy Dog Testing
Most therapy dog teams have been through rigorous training.  They would need skills similar to the Canine Good Citizenship Test.  The test will also evaluate the bond and connection between the person and the dog and how well the dog focuses on and listens to their person.  Basic training might be 6-8 weeks, meeting once a week.  Some dogs will require more than one training series.
 
Becoming a Certified Team
You and your dog can test with several organizations. Once you pass, you will become an insured team.  You must follow all rules of your certifying organization, including up-to-date vet records and vaccinations.
The Human-Animal Connection offers online and zoom consultations as well as in-person training.