Getting Your Dog ready to be a Therapy Dog
Therapy dogs and their handlers may visit the elderly, students, or people with disabilities. Therapy dogs must take and pass a test for the volunteer work they do. The dogs need to have excellent temperaments by acting calmly and comfortably around strangers. Not every dog is suitable to become a therapy dog, but there are activities you can do with your dog so that his personality may be more suited to this type of work.
Take your dog to crowded markets or shopping areas. Your dog needs to be comfortable around strangers to be a successful therapy dog. If he seems anxious around strangers, he is unlikely to pass the test. When tested, therapy dogs need to be comfortable when they are left alone with the test evaluator.
When walking your dog, teach him to follow on a loose lead, so it is obvious that he respects your control. If you use a retractable leash, you can gradually loosen the lead as your dog becomes more comfortable.
Play with your dog in public areas, where there are children. Your dog should be comfortable and well-behaved around adults and children. Teach him not to jump, sniff or act anxiously. Let him get used to being touched by strangers, so he reacts well with everyone.
Essenti Enterprises, LLC pet products can help you train your dog, so he obtains certification to become a therapy dog. Our scented dog toys are perfect for play at a park or public area. We also have a wide variety of retractable leashes that are available for any size dog. Look at our selection, and use them to help your dog get qualified to assist others feel happy and comfortable. Let Essenti products help you and your dog bring joy to others.