Certified Therapy Dog/Animal Training Course

Session 1 - Definition of Therapy Dogs

This introductory chapter discusses therapy dogs, which are dogs that are trained to provide comfort and joy to patients, students, or others in a hospital, school, or other group care setting. Therapy dogs primarily assist individuals in emotional ways, although they may also provide physical benefits. Unlike service dogs, therapy dogs are not specifically trained to perform tasks that assist people with disabilities. The lesson outlines the requirements for therapy dogs to be certified and trained to become certified therapy dogs. Additionally, it briefly defines therapy dog teams, therapy team handlers and dogs, emotional support dogs, and service dogs in training.

Session 2 - What Dogs Can Be Therapy Dogs

Therapy dogs come in various breeds and can provide Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) or Personal-Assistance Therapy (PAT) for those with mental and physical disabilities. AAT uses domesticated animals, including dogs, to aid in treatment by providing social interaction and a calming effect. PAT introduces patients to the benefits of service animals and is designed to help individuals improve their quality of life. The lesson will also cover:

-A Male Therapy Dog or A Female Therapy Dog?

-How Old Must A Therapy Dog Be?

-What Makes A Good Therapy Dog?

-How does Animal-Assisted Therapy work?

-Who can benefit from Animal-Assisted Therapy?

-Does AAT have risks?

Session 3 - Bond With Your Dog

It's important for therapy dog handlers to know how to properly pick up their dogs, regardless of size. This can improve the relationship with the dog and provide more options in different situations, allowing the dog to interact with people during therapy dog visits. This lesson will cover: 

-How Should You Pick Up Your Dog? 

-How do I massage my dog? 

-Why cuddle a dog? 

-Communication 

-Empathy 

Positive emotions can be built during training sessions by paying attention to a dog's body language and being consistent in communication. Clear communication ultimately promotes good behavior and strengthens the bond between dog and owner.

Session 4 - First Thing To Teach

The best way to train your dog is through positive reinforcement and rewards, and but it is important to understand when and how to use them properly. Positive reinforcement, which involves rewarding good behavior with treats, toys, verbal praise, or petting, is an effective way to train dogs. The key is to select rewards that motivate your dog and use them consistently during training. Proper timing of reinforcement is important to reinforce desired behaviors. This lesson will cover: 

-What is Positive Reinforcement and how does it work? 

-What if my rewards are not working? 

-What type of rewards should I use? 

-Is there a wrong way to reward my dog? 

-Learn 'Hand Feeding' Before Your Training 

-Basic obedience skills (come/recall; stay; sit; down; walking on a leash; heeling) 

-Clicker training

Session 5 -  Correct Unwanted Behaviors

A therapy dog has to be calm and in a good temper, especially when working with patients. They should not bark excessively and should be gentle when interacting with people. A therapy dog needs to be able to handle a lot of different situations and remain calm under pressure. Dogs that are disruptive or destructive in public may also be unsuitable for the role of a therapy dog.  This lesson will help you address some common behavior problems. The topics covered include:

-How to correct your dog’s eagerness to jump on people

-Using body language to communicate

-How to address barking at visitors and passerby

-How to deal with a dog pulling on a leash

-How to deal with a begging dog

Session 6 - Handler's Job

A therapy dog handler's job is to provide comfort and support to people who are going through a tough time. You do this by providing love, companionship, and emotional support to your patients. If you're interested in becoming a qualified therapy dog handler, there are a few things you should know. This lesson will cover the following topics: 

-What vaccines a dog needs? 

-How can I brush my dog’s teeth? 

-Recommendations on caring for your therapy dog (flea control, dental care and more)

Session 7 - Therapy Dog Task Training

Socialization is crucial for therapy dogs to feel comfortable in new environments and with different people, animals, and situations. Puppy socialization should start early and involve positive interactions with as many things as possible. Reinforcement through praise and rewards can help create positive associations. Introducing puppies to new situations and people is crucial to their social development, and training them to sit, stay, and come when called is important for their safety. This lesson will cover the following topics:

-What skills are needed before socializing?

-How to socialize your dog with other dogs

-Does your dog welcome petting?

-Five ways to pet a dog

Session 8 - Dog Therapy Application

The lesson describes the process of becoming a therapy team, including the steps necessary for the registration of the dog and the handler in a facility. The lesson explains how a dog owner can train and prepare their pet to become a therapy dog and the importance of fulfilling the facility's requirements. The lesson also presents examples of exercises and activities that a therapy team can perform with patients in care homes, as well as the benefits of bringing therapy dogs into schools. The lessons covers the following topics:

-What to expect from facility entry test

-Examples of therapy dog team visits

-What is your impact on the people you visit, the caregiver

-Support for the dog

What's Included

All study materials

⊛ 8 lessons

⊛ 10 videos

⊛ 8 exams

⊛ 9hrs 13m time to complete

⊛ Certificate upon completion

Study and Training Guide

Full Tutor and Admin support

The course fee includes the printable service dog certificate. The digital copy will be sent within 24 hours upon successful course completion.