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Originally Posted by Kaylee32  I would love to do nursing home visits and things but yes I would like to get her certified. i do not know anyone that had a therapy dog so I was just wondering how this process usually goes. |
call a few nursing homes in your area and start by asking them if they have groups that bring dogs in, then call that group and they will tell you what type of certification is needed and where you can get it. Or call some training centers and see if they offer a program.
For those that have had dogs certified to go to nursing homes what type of training have your dogs gotten? When Lola and I visit I can't imagine that any type of training would have been necessary other than good behavior and a dog that does not bite or growl. The group that I was in was most concerned with a dogs temperament they would do things like tug the dogs tail, pick it up, pet it from behind suddenly, or take a toy out of the dog's mouth. They did all this to see how a dog would react, if it bit, nipped or growled they felt it would not be a good dog to take to nursing home. Lola is not the best trained when it comes to sit, stay or come, unless LOL she knows a treat is involved. However none of that comes into play during out visits, by nature not by training she does not bite or growl and that is what is important to the old people.