Anyone have a Certified Therapy Dog???

[eeyoresmountainpals]

I have wanted to have a Certified Therapy Dog for about 4 years now. We got a beautiful Golden Retriever two years ago from a shelter and he is almost three now. He has the perfect temperment and is so well-behaved that I truly believe he was meant to be a therapy dog.

I'm looking for a little input from anyone that has a therapy dog as far as the testing for certification goes. I've heard it's very difficult and I've also heard that it's pretty simple. Shadow can do everything that is listed for the exam.

I guess I'm just looking for a little nudge to get me geared up to get his certification so we can start going out into the community.

THANKS!

 

[alabamaalan]

I was with a group of people (several years ago) who had their animals tested to use in a local ministry using therapy dogs and other animals.

All that we were required to pass for local nursing home/resident homes was the AKC CGC (Canine Good Citizen) test. I don't recall the details but it only seemed to be some basic obedience and having control of the animal. It wasn't difficult as I remember.

Good luck!

 

[slo]

Hi Kathy!!!

My mom's beagle is a service dog and she takes Daisy (the dog) to hospices and nursing homes. The sick and elderly love to visit with Daisy. I will see her tomorrow and I will ask her the details on what she had to do.

Talk to you later!!!

 

[eeyoresmountainpals]

I was with a group of people (several years ago) who had their animals tested to use in a local ministry using therapy dogs and other animals.

All that we were required to pass for local nursing home/resident homes was the AKC CGC (Canine Good Citizen) test. I don't recall the details but it only seemed to be some basic obedience and having control of the animal. It wasn't difficult as I remember.

Good luck!

Thanks! I've read the list of what is required of the AKC CGC test it it didn't seem to bad but then I heard some people say it was really difficult so I started to get nervous. Thanks for the input!

 

[eeyoresmountainpals]

Hi Kathy!!!

My mom's beagle is a service dog and she takes Daisy (the dog) to hospices and nursing homes. The sick and elderly love to visit with Daisy. I will see her tomorrow and I will ask her the details on what she had to do.

Talk to you later!!!

Thanks, Sandy!

What a small world. We have so much in common! Let me know what your mom says! I can't wait to get Shadow certified and go into the nursing homes. I'd really like to be able to set up to go into the Children's Hospital. The closest one is an hour or so away but I wouldn't mind traveling once or twice a month!

 

[wdwmom2]

In the past I have had 3 certified therapy dogs. Basically a lady came out to my house and checked out their temperment. I am sure that it was alittle more than this but it was at least 14 years ago. Two of the three passed their Canine Good Citizen Test, the other I had never taken for the test but I am absolutely sure that she could have passed. The name of the program that we were involved in was called Pets on Wheels. I don't think this program exists anymore.

Here is a pic of my dogs. The black German Shepherd was the only one not certified. She wasn't even born when I first got into the therapy program. That is my DD in the pic. She was probably about 6 yrs old at the time. She is now 21. She looks thrilled doesn't she .

 

[eeyoresmountainpals]

Thanks wdwmom2! Your dogs are beautiful! (So's your DD! ) It sounds like they may have gotten stricter with the testing and certification over the years.

"slo" suggested that I see if hospitals, etc., would be interested in him visiting even if he wasn't "certified." I think I may go that route.

I've gotten all the info on the testing and the closest place that I can go for the testing is going to be 3-4 hours (one way!) away!!

Thanks again for your post wdwmom2! I really appreciate it!