Therapy dog flunks training test

#Middlebury #Pets

DEAR PAW’S CORNER: My friend’s Golden Retriever, Janey, was training to be a therapy dog, but flunked an important test and needs more training to qualify. What does she mean? I wasn’t aware that emotional support dogs needed extra training – they’re not service dogs. – Barron L., Birmingham, Alabama

DEAR BARRON: It’s true that no training or certification is needed for an owner to declare their pet a companion or emotional support pet. However, the growing need for therapy dogs who provide temporary emotional support to humans going through a crisis or an emotionally difficult time has led to calls for more standardized training in these roles. The American Kennel Club is perhaps the most prominent organization to approve therapy dog certification organizations under specific criteria.

Therapy dogs frequently visit hospitals, nursing homes, classrooms, shelters and even courtrooms to provide comfort to people of all ages. Because of their unique role in working with many different people over the course of a day, these dogs need to be even-tempered and well-socialized, and respond instantly to commands from their handler. Handlers need to pass a background check, because the pair will be working with vulnerable populations.

Some certification groups such as the Alliance of Therapy Dogs will test and observe a potential therapy animal. Their instructor/observer will give the owner advice and guidance during this process. If the dog needs more training or doesn’t have the right temperament, then it won’t be recommended for certification.

It sounds like Janey has the right temperament but needs more behavioral training. I hope her owner goes forward with it, because the world could use more of these wonderful dogs.

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