Therapy dogs are bursting with love and therapy is more relevant than ever. The tension of lockdowns and forced confinement is continually eased by therapy dogs and the smiles and relief children experience.
Choosing the right pup for such an important responsibility and learning how to train a therapy dog properly is equally important.
The following guide to therapy dog training near you will ensure that your session is one that the children look forward to and remember fondly.
Puppy Development
This will help your puppy know what to expect each day and help him develop a sense of security. It’s important to include plenty of time for things like training, and exercise in your puppy’s daily routine.
Socialization
It is important to expose them to as many different people, places, and situations as possible so that they can be comfortable in a variety of settings.
It is also important to help them learn how to interact with other dogs, as they will likely be working with other therapy teams. A well-socialized therapy dog will be calm and confident in new environments and will be a joy to work with.
Environmental Exposure
This can be done by taking them on short visits to places such as hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and churches. Once your dog is comfortable in these environments, you can begin to introduce them to the people they will be working with.
This can be done by having them meet new people in a friendly environment, such as a park or dog-friendly café. It is important to socialize with your dog early on so that they will be comfortable and confident when working with new people and in new environments.
Target Training
It is a simple and easy way to teach your dog new tricks and behaviors. To start, choose a target object for your dog to touch, such as a Frisbee or toy. Once your dog touches the object with their nose or paw, give them a treat.
You can also use a clicker to mark the behavior. With practice, your dog will learn to touch the object on cue. These training tips can be used to teach your best therapy dog a variety of tricks and behaviors, such as sits, downs, come and target touch.
Keeping Your Pets Bed Clean
You should also make sure to keep their bedding clean and free of any dirt, hair, or other debris. To do this, you should vacuum their bedding regularly and wash it in hot water at least once a month.
This means regular cleanings with a vacuum and shampooing as needed. It is also important to keep the bed free of debris, such as food and toys. Learn from this blog how to properly clean your dog’s bed.
Search For a Therapy Dog Training Near You
If you want to learn how to train a therapy dog training near you, there are plenty of resources available to help you get started.
Many animal shelters and rescue organizations offer classes or workshops on therapy dog training, and there are also many private trainers who offer services.
Once you have a basic understanding of the training process, you can start working with your own dog to see if he or she has the potential to become a therapy dog.
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