10 Therapy Dog Training Tips You Absolutely Need To Know
Alright, so you’ve decided to train a therapy dog. Big hero energy. Love that for you. But before you and your future four-legged saint roll into hospitals and schools, maybe let’s make sure you’re not accidentally raising a hyperactive gremlin in a service vest, yeah?
Training a therapy dog isn’t rocket science—but it’s definitely more than just slapping a vest on your golden retriever and calling it a day.
Here’s all you need to know about it.
1. Start With the Basics (Like, Seriously)
If your dog thinks “sit” means “run in circles and scream internally,” you’re not ready.
Basic obedience like sit, stay, down, and heel isn’t optional—it’s the foundation.
- Commands should be crisp.
- Responses should be quick.
- Treats should rain from the sky when they get it right. 🍖
FYI, therapy dogs need laser focus… and no one thinks it’s cute when a therapy dog tries to mug a toddler for goldfish crackers.
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Start Training Today! 🐾2. Socialization: Not Just for Extroverts
You can’t have a therapy dog that treats every new experience like a scene from a horror movie.
Expose your pup to different people, places, smells, and noises early and often.
Old people, kids, men in hats, women in wheelchairs—your dog needs to meet ‘em all.
And yes, the leaf blower guy counts too.
3. Chill Out, Bro
If your dog’s idea of “greeting politely” involves a cannonball to the chest… we need to talk.
Therapy dogs must stay calm, even when life gets spicy.
Work on:
- Slow greetings (no tackles, please)
- No jumping
- Keeping their emotions in check (more stoic philosopher, less frat bro on spring break)
IMO, a therapy dog should react to loud noises like, “Oh, that? Whatever. Got any cheese?”
4. Desensitize to Touch (A Lot of Touch)
People are gonna pet your dog weirdly. Like… really weirdly.
They’ll grab ears, tug tails, and pat their heads like they’re a broken vending machine.
Teach your dog to be cool with:
- Gentle hugs
- Awkward pats
- Having their paws, ears, and mouth touched
Because let’s be honest—someone’s grandma will boop that snoot.
5. Master the “Leave It” Command
Imagine visiting a hospital and your dog decides to snatch a half-eaten donut off a patient’s bedside table. Cute, right? (No.)
“Leave it” is your get-out-of-jail-free card.
It means “ignore that thing like your life depends on it.”
Practice it with food, toys, socks, random trash—you name it.
Because in the real world, distractions are everywhere and your dog’s dignity is on the line.
6. Get Used to Weird Stuff
Therapy dogs deal with rolling walkers, beeping monitors, and people shouting random things. (And that’s just Tuesdays.)
Set up mock challenges like:
- Walking next to wheelchairs
- Navigating around crutches
- Ignoring weird noises
Think of it like obstacle course training… but for patience instead of Ninja Warrior.
7. Eye Contact Is Everything
Real talk: Dogs that check in with their handler every few seconds? ✨ Chef’s kiss. ✨
Train your pup to look at you often. It builds trust and keeps their focus where it should be—on you, not on that rogue bag of Doritos someone dropped.
Pro tip: Use treats at first to encourage eye contact, then gradually phase them out.
Because nothing says “I’m a pro” like a dog that looks at you like you’re Beyoncé.
8. Don’t Force It
Not every dog wants to be a therapy dog. Shocking, I know.
If your dog hates strangers, panics in new places, or gives you side-eye every time you pull out the therapy vest… maybe this isn’t their calling.
And that’s okay.
A stressed-out dog helps no one.
(Plus, trust me, therapy work with a reluctant dog is about as fun as teaching a cat to play fetch.)
9. Practice “Doing Nothing”
Sometimes the hardest part of being a therapy dog is just… being chill.
Practice hanging out quietly in new places:
- Sitting calmly under a table
- Waiting patiently in lobbies
- Just existing without demanding attention
Spoiler alert: This skill is harder than it sounds for excitable pups, but it’s absolutely necessary.
10. Certification Isn’t Just a Fancy Hat
Once your dog’s a rockstar?
Time to get them officially certified through a reputable organization.
They’ll usually have to pass a test where they:
- Follow commands perfectly
- Stay calm under pressure
- Handle petting and distractions like a seasoned pro
No, certification doesn’t come with a crown or a parade (sadly), but it does mean your dog is legit. 🏆
Final Thoughts: Train Like a Chill, Patient Boss
Look, therapy dog training isn’t about raising a robot.
It’s about building a confident, happy, unfazed dog that brings comfort (and some much-needed dog hair) to everyone they meet.
Take your time.
Keep it fun.
Laugh at the disasters along the way—because there will be disasters. (Looking at you, puddle of vomit during obedience class…)
And remember: At the end of the day, it’s about the bond you build—not just the badge they earn. ❤️
I’ve spent 10+ years in dog training, digging into what makes dogs (and their humans) tick. At Smart Dog Learning, I share my no-nonsense, fun approach to training so you can enjoy life with a well-behaved, happy pup—no boring lectures, just practical results 😉
