What do you have to do to get a dog registered as a therapy dog? Maybe that isn't the right title for what I'm thinking either. I'm thinking about the dogs that you can bring into a nursing home or children's hospital to cheer up the residents/patients. Does anybody know about this kind of certification?
erna
OK, several different issues. Depending upon where you are many private nursing homes do not require certification as they are desperate for well mannered dogs to visit.
As for hospitals most require either TDI (Therapy dogs International) certification or Delta pet partners cert. Some also require the dog pass their own internal test even with a TDI.
Here is a link to TDI. YOu can find the test requirements and a list of upcoming testing in your area.
http://www.tdi-dog.org/
TDI is basically CGC on steriods. However I will say that I have seen dogs pass the test, any well trained dog can, that would not be a good therapy dog.
Know your dog! Would the dog enjoy the work? Mine absolutely loves it and would rather do that than anything he has AKC titles in. Of course duck hunting with hubby is still his priority.
Dogs must be at least 12 months old to become TDI certified.