Becoming a Therapy Dog

Written by Russel P.

For a dog to become a Therapy Dog, the dog must be friendly and obedient and pass the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test and also the Therapy Dog International (TDI) test.

I started training with Benji, my Yellow Lab, when he was a puppy.  At the age of 1 1/2, I took him to Garrow Canine training in Charleroi, PA.  We went through Basic, Intermediate, and Advance Obedience classes.  After completing these classes in May 2013, Benji passed the Canine Good Citizens (CGC) test that is given by the American Kennel Club (AKC).  A dog does not have to be a pure breed to take the CGC test.  After passing the CGC test, it took a few months of training to get him use to being around medical equipment, such as walkers, crutches, and wheel chairs, along with loud noises and being around a lot of people.  This is all part of the Therapy Dog International (TDI) testing requirements.  For instance, I would take him to Wal-Mart and walk in front of the store to get him use to all the noises and people.  I went to the Goodwill store and picked up a walker and some crutches to use around the house so he would get used to being around such things.  In November 2014, he became a Certified Therapy Dog after passing the TDI test. 

Benji has made over 100 visits to three local person care homes, the local hospital, and also has made Hospice visits.  There are two things you can count on when you are a Therapy Dog Team (meaning Benji and myself).  On the first visit, you see the residence faces light up for joy when you and your walk in.  You will be hooked, wanting to come back again and again to see the happiness in some of these people.  The other thing you will notice is that after a few visits, everyone will know your dog's name.  They may not remember my name, but they do remember Benji's.   They so look forward to his visits.  You will hear such things as: "Oh Benji, I just love you."  "Don't stop coming to see me."  "You make my day, Benji."  You will find that this is not only rewarding to these residents, but to you and your dog.

All the information you need to work towards becoming a Therapy Dog Team is on these websites: 

American Kennel Club - www.akc.org

Therapy Dog International - www.tdi-dog.org or phone 973-252-9800