Training dogs for therapy and emotional support is a specialized process that involves teaching dogs specific skills in order to provide comfort, support and relief to individuals suffering from emotional or mental conditions. These dogs can work in a variety of settings including hospitals, nursing homes, schools and private homes.
1. Choosing the right dog
Not all dogs are suited to become therapy or emotional support dogs. The ideal dog for this job is calm, patient, friendly, confident and enjoys interacting with people. They must also be healthy and have a good temperament. Breeds such as Labradors, Golden Retrievers and Poodles are often chosen, but any breed or mix can be trained as long as it has the right traits.
2. Basic obedience training
Before a dog can be trained as a therapy or emotional support dog, it must first undergo basic obedience training. This includes learning commands such as sit, stay, down, come, walk loose on a leash, and not jump on people. This training provides the foundation for the more advanced training that will follow.
3. Socialization training
Therapy and emotional support dogs need to be well socialized. This means they must be comfortable and confident in a variety of environments and situations, and they must be able to interact well with a variety of different people, including children, the elderly, people with disabilities and people who are sick or injured.
4. Specific training for therapy and emotional support
Once the dog has mastered basic obedience and socialization training, he can begin specific training for therapy and emotional support. This can include learning to provide physical comfort, such as snuggling or lying on a person's lap, as well as learning to respond to signals of emotional distress or anxiety.
5. Certification and registration
Once the dog has been trained, it can be certified and registered as a therapy or emotional support dog. There are several organizations that offer these services, and the process usually involves undergoing an assessment to ensure the dog is suitable for the job and has the necessary skills.
6. Continuous work and maintenance of skills
Like any skill, the skills a dog learns for therapy and emotional support need to be maintained and improved over time. This means that ongoing training and practice is essential, even after the dog has started working as a therapy or emotional support dog.
In conclusion, training dogs for therapy and emotional support is a process that requires time, patience and dedication. However, the end result - a dog that can provide comfort and relief to those who need it most - is priceless.
