Therapy Dog are becoming more in demand ever day.
From Summer School visits, Nursing Home Visits to Crisis Intervention and CISM Comfort work, Therapy Dogs are used more every day!
Have a Dog Everyone Can Enjoy!
You and your dog are important to us and having a good relationship with your dog is the basis of what we encourage.
Most of our Dog Trainers can help with getting your dog into Therapy Dog activities
Our trainers specialize in; pet obedience, basic dog training & therapy dog training. We have relationships with trainers who specialize in protection work and Service Dog Training.
Therapy dog activities and training provide an incredibly rewarding experience for both the dog and its handler. Therapy dogs are trained to offer emotional support, comfort, and companionship to people in various settings such as hospitals, schools, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and disaster relief areas. These activities not only bring joy to those they help but also foster a sense of fulfillment for the handlers who witness the positive impact their dogs make.
Activities of Therapy Dogs:
- Hospital Visits: Therapy dogs often visit patients to help reduce stress and promote faster recovery. They provide a comforting presence that can brighten the day of someone in medical care.
- School Programs: Many therapy dogs participate in programs like “Reading with Dogs,” where children read aloud to the dogs in a non-judgmental environment, helping to boost their confidence and literacy skills.
- Senior Living Facilities: Therapy dogs are frequent visitors to nursing homes, where they help combat loneliness and depression in residents by providing companionship and encouraging social interactions.
- Crisis Response: Therapy dogs and their handlers are often on the front lines of disaster relief, providing emotional support to victims and first responders during challenging times.
- Rehabilitation and Therapy: Physical therapists and counselors incorporate therapy dogs into their sessions to encourage patients to stay motivated and engaged.
- Stress Reduction Programs: Therapy dogs participate in workplace wellness events and college campuses during exam weeks to help reduce stress and promote mental well-being.
Benefits of Therapy Dog Training:
- Emotional Connection: Therapy dog training strengthens the bond between the dog and the handler. It teaches the handler to read the dog’s body language and builds trust.
- Advanced Socialization: Therapy dog training exposes the dog to various environments, people, and situations, ensuring they remain calm and approachable no matter the circumstance.
- Obedience and Manners: Training sharpens the dog’s obedience and teaches behaviors like being calm in a crowd, sitting to be petted, and walking gently beside the handler.
- Sense of Purpose: For both the dog and handler, therapy work provides a sense of accomplishment and purpose. Dogs thrive when they have “jobs,” and handlers feel pride in their dog’s ability to make a difference.
The Handler’s Reward:
For the handler, the most profound reward comes from witnessing the smiles, tears, and gratitude of those their dog helps. The simple act of bringing comfort to someone in distress or making a child laugh can be deeply fulfilling. Therapy dog handlers often share how the experience has changed their perspective on life, teaching them compassion, patience, and the joy of giving back to the community.
Additionally, therapy dog handlers often develop connections with the people they visit and the organizations they serve. These interactions foster a sense of community and a shared mission to make the world a kinder, more connected place.
Ultimately, therapy dog activities and training remind us of the power of human-animal connections and the healing impact dogs can have on our lives. For the handler, this work is not just a service—it’s a privilege that brings joy and meaning.