All dogs need to meet the standards for cleanliness and health. The TDI, which stands for Therapy Dogs International, will approve the dog before they actually allow the dog to be certified. They require the owner to give them proof of whether the dog has been given the proper vaccinations, a health certificate that has been signed and approved by a veterinarian, a fecal exam needs to be approved and a heartworm test also needs to be cleared. The dogs need to be a year old at least. The dog will also need to look not only healthy but they also need to be alert. The dogs need to be clear of any sort of bugs or ticks.

Now let us assume that your dog has cleared and possesses all the “pre-qualifications” that the dog needs to become a therapy dog. Now the next step of therapy dog training is the actual training and practicing its obedience. Therapy dog training requirements actually vary as there are two programs that primarily offering this sort of certification. Besides these two requirements, several other tests help to certify a dog as a therapy dog. One of these certifications is done by an orientation and desensitization course. This specific course helps the dog to get familiar with things that the dos is not used to seeing at the home and these things include elevators, escalators and some specific types of medical equipment. This equipment can sometimes irritate the ears of dogs as they emit sounds that the dog does not find friendly.

Besides these test that we have mentioned above, some obedience tests need to be cleared before your dog can be cleared and certified as a therapy dog. Here are some of the things that need to be addressed through therapy dog training:

• Allow a stranger to handle the dog and groom him too
• Not shying away from a stranger that is, a friendly stranger, when he approaches or is present
• Letting the dog walk loosely without a lead
• Being able to walk calmly when in a group of people without showing any signs of aggression
• Sit/stand calmly while letting a stranger touch him and walk towards him
• Obey verbal commands like “sit” or “stay”
• Come towards anyone who calls him by his name
• Show only casual interest around by stranger dogs
• Remain calm when the owner leaves the room
• Confidently react towards distractions and noises without being aggressive

These are just some of scenarios that a dog should react normally to. In addition, one of the best ways to ensure that this happens is by conducting organized and frequent therapy dog training sessions. You should try your best that you attend these training sessions regularly along with your dog. If you attend these sessions with your dog in-person, you will be taken on field trips with your dog so that he becomes familiarized with such surroundings.