Becoming a Therapy Dog

By now you may be asking yourself if your dog is suited for this type career!  It certainly is fun and rewarding, for both you and your pet.  Not every dog, however, is suited for therapy work.  Therapy Dogs International, Inc. has specific requirements, and the dogs are tested on temperament, obedience and social skills.  The test includes the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen requirements, with TDI adding their own specific requirements.

Any dog, pedigreed or mixed breed,  may take both the Canine Good Citizen and Therapy Dogs International tests.  Your dog must be six (6) months old to take the AKC's CGC test, and one (1) year old for the TDI test.   Tests are given by a TDI certified evaluator twice yearly, usually in April and October.  The next test will be held spring of 2007.  Contact us if you think your dog is qualified to be tested and certified as a Therapy Dog!

*Caddo Caring Canines requires it's members to have only TDI certified dogs participate in visits.* 

Elements of the AKC Canine Good Citizen and Therapy DogTest  (TDI specific requirements are in red)

Part One: Allowing a friendly stranger to approach

Part Two: Sitting calmly and politely to be petted

Part Three: Allowing handling for grooming and physical examination

Part Four: Heeling politely on a loose lead

Part Five: Walking calmly through crowded areas including among wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, canes, etc. found in health care facilities

Part Six: Sit on command, and down on command

Part Seven: Coming when called

Part Eight: Greeting another well-behaved dog without aggression or excitement

Part Nine: Handling distractions and distracting environments including people walking with an uneven gait, shuffling, breathing heavily, coughing, wheezing etc.  This demonstrates the dog's acclimation to infirmities.  The dog will also be required to show his willingnes to obey the "leave it" command by walking within three feet of food/treats left on the floor

Part Ten: Behaving well when in the care of another and the owner or trusted handler is out of sight

Part Eleven:  Saying Hello...demonstrating the dog's willingness to vist and be readily accessible for petting

Owners are permitted to use praise and encouragement during testing, but toys and treats are not allowed. Also prohibited are special training collars, such as choke chains, prong collars and head halters. A standard buckle collar and regular leash are all that is permitted.

Click on the logos below for more information on the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen program or the Therapy Dog International's test requirements.

TDI Testing