In order for a dog to be considered for a therapy dog certification the dog must meet the following requirements.
Certified therapy dog requirements.
Most of the tests are designed to test dogs specifically because the majority of therapy pets are dogs.
One of the top requirements for therapy dog certification is that the dog enjoys being around people.
The basic skills test usually tests your dog s basic obedience skills.
Akc therapy dog titles can be earned by dogs who have been certified by akc recognized therapy dog organizations and have performed the required number of visits.
Nope they love being around people.
Though there is no minimum age for a handler of a therapy dog if the handler is under 18 they must be accompanied by an adult and their parent or guardian must.
Obviously there are many loving dogs in the world.
A certified therapy dog must be friendly patient confident gentle and at ease in all situations.
Basic testing for dogs.
Therapy dogs come in all sizes and breeds.
Therapy dogs must enjoy human contact and be content to be petted cuddled and handled sometimes clumsily by unfamiliar people and to enjoy that contact.
Though the exact requirements of each test varies most of them require the same skills demonstrated in some way.
Others require hands on testing to put your dog through their paces.
In 2012 therapy dog international registered approximately 24 750 dog handler teams for therapy work.
The most important characteristic of a therapy dog is its temperament.
There is a minimum age of one year.