Assistance dogs international adi and the international guide dog foundation igdf.
Make my dog a therapy dog uk.
It s a terrific idea to attend a few group classes with your dog particularly ones that work toward the akc s canine good citizen title.
You can also plan fundraisers to raise awareness and funds in support of these crucial programmes.
Therapy dogs nationwide is a national charity where visiting volunteers take their own dogs into establishments to give comfort distraction and stimulation.
An assistance dog is legally permitted to accompany its client owner or partner at all times and in all places within the united kingdom.
A therapy dog does not have these same legal privileges.
This is a very basic overview of training expectations.
There is no official registration for assistance dogs granted by the uk government.
The foundations of a good therapy dog are good training in the basics a high level of obedience excellent social skills an outgoing and friendly nature and absolutely zero signs of aggression.
This certification shows that your dog is socialized friendly and has adequate basic training.
The two main groups that certify therapy pets in the uk are pets as therapy and therapet scotland.
In fact cgc certification is a prerequisite for many therapy dog programs.
A great way to begin is to participate in the akc canine good citizen program cgc.
Cgc is a great starting point for all potential therapy dogs because your dog will learn basic good manners in cgc including come sit stay down and how to respond appropriately around other dogs.
Some with over 10 years experience and always focused on benefiting people in the community.
Donating your time and helping to assess suitable dogs is a great way to help promote animal therapy initiatives.
Therapy dogs can be any breed and any size from a chihuahua to a great dane from a staffi to a rottweiler to a poodle.
What is important is whether they are suitable for the activties in terms of age temperament health and training.