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Sammies Dad · 11-17-2013, 08:05 PM

Yes, I have a sweet little guy who is an awesome therapy dog. He is a very active 12 year old, very sweet and affectionate. The first thing we did when we considered the possibility was to research the various therapy dog organizations to see what their requirements were.

We found that all required the dog pass the test for acceptance into that particular organization. This consisted of obedience training, general temperament of the dog, complete shots for rabies, etc., your vet's statement of the dog's health.

I took Sammie to PetSmart training for the discipline of what he had to learn. You must be able to demonstrate that you have control of your dog.

One of the interesting aspects is that Sammie is also a very active dog. But when we visit a hospital or rest home, somehow he knows he's there to do a job, and he becomes much more serious and gentleman-like. And with the most seriously ill patients, he lays his little head down on their wrist, looks them in the eye, and gently licks the back of their hand.

Check out the requirements of the various organizations, and train to those. And be firm and consistent. A Yorkie can make a great therapy dog. Good luck!

11-17-2013, 08:05 PM	#6
Sammies Dad Yorkie Talker Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Longwood, Florida Posts: 22 Blog Entries: 1	Yorkie Therapy Dog Training Yes, I have a sweet little guy who is an awesome therapy dog. He is a very active 12 year old, very sweet and affectionate. The first thing we did when we considered the possibility was to research the various therapy dog organizations to see what their requirements were. We found that all required the dog pass the test for acceptance into that particular organization. This consisted of obedience training, general temperament of the dog, complete shots for rabies, etc., your vet's statement of the dog's health. I took Sammie to PetSmart training for the discipline of what he had to learn. You must be able to demonstrate that you have control of your dog. One of the interesting aspects is that Sammie is also a very active dog. But when we visit a hospital or rest home, somehow he knows he's there to do a job, and he becomes much more serious and gentleman-like. And with the most seriously ill patients, he lays his little head down on their wrist, looks them in the eye, and gently licks the back of their hand. Check out the requirements of the various organizations, and train to those. And be firm and consistent. A Yorkie can make a great therapy dog. Good luck!