Therapy dog training houston

When a well-trained dog visits people in need, they not only provide comfort and joy, but they can also help to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and boost levels of oxytocin and endorphins. While some dogs may be better suited for this type of work, all canine companions can be trained to become therapy dogs, regardless of age or breed.

To prepare for a career as a therapy dog, the first step is to get your dog through basic obedience training. This includes teaching your dog to sit, stay, and come when called. The next step is to practice with other people, including children and elderly individuals. During this time, it is important to remember that therapy dogs are not pets; they do not receive the same rights as pet dogs, and should be treated with care and respect.

Once your dog has a good understanding of basic commands, you can begin looking for trainers that specialize in therapy Houston dog training. While most trainers offer group classes and private training, it is best to find a trainer that specializes in your dog’s behavior and can tailor their training approach to meet your needs. Additionally, look for a trainer that uses positive reinforcement training methods only; avoid those who use harsh or forceful techniques.

How to Prepare for a Career As a Therapy dog training houston

Some training services may offer additional therapy dog training courses that focus on helping your dog become comfortable around medical equipment, such as wheelchairs and gurneys. In addition to teaching your dog to be comfortable in these environments, therapy dog training often teaches dogs to be calm and focused in the presence of foreign objects. This is especially important in hospitals, where therapy dogs may be exposed to tangled or rattling IV poles and drips, as well as cascades of cords from various medical apparatus.

A good therapy dog training program will teach your dog how to recognize and respond to a wide variety of stimuli, including different scents, noises, and people. They will also work with you to make sure your dog has a high level of socialization, which is necessary for therapy dogs to be effective in a wide variety of settings.

After completing therapy dog training, your dog will need to be registered with an organization, such as Pet Partners, Therapy Dogs International, or the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. These organizations set the standards for therapy dog training and handler certification, and will allow you to begin visiting facilities, such as hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and veterans’ centers.

If you are looking for a top-rated dog trainer in Houston, Sniffspot has compiled a list of the best based on customer ratings and reviews. These top-rated dog trainers use positive reinforcement training only and do not use force, intimidation, or fear to train their students. Click the link below to learn more about each of these trainers and view their customer ratings. You can also visit their websites to see their training programs and pricing information.