How To Get Your Pet Certified To Do Pet Therapy
Submitted by: TigerEye
If you want to enter the job category of "Pet Therapist" you must usually have a dog that can pass some tests. Animals can help those who are sick and confined. Your dog can be one of those that helps these groups just by being itself. Read on to find out more about becoming a certified as an animal therapist.
Before your dog begins to be evaluated you will need to make some commitments. The " Responsible Dog Owners Pledge " is an agreement from you that you will take care of your dog's safety, health needs, exercise, training, and quality of life. All the other normal things will also be required such as shot records, health certificates ( the dog's, not yours ) and a copy of the veterinarian's license.
One of the first things you must do is get your dog ready for this event of being a helper for invalids. The dog must pass the "Canine Good Citizen Test". This test is given by the American Kennel Club or by Therapy Dogs International or by the Delta Society. It consists of sitting politely while being petted, appearance, grooming, accepting friendly people, being under control while on a leash, walking in a crowd, reactions to other dogs, reactions to distractions, coming when called and supervised separation from its owner. One thing that will cause your dog to fail this first test is if it eliminates ( goes to the bathroom ) during any point of the test except the supervised separation, and only outside. Toys, treats and other things are not allowed to be used to get the dog to pass the test. A regular collar will be used and provided by an evaluator. You are allowed to bring a dog comb or brush to the test. Like regular human testing, the dog must appear at its test well groomed.
There are home study courses available for you to complete your goal of becoming certified in pet therapy. One such course is the "Pet Partners Team Training Student Manual". This manual is offered by the Delta Society. If you do not have time or the money to attend a class near you, you can order this training manual online for about forty dollars. Some of the things this manual covers is
- animal health and safety
- facility health and safety codes
- preparing animals for visits
- special needs of client groups
- interacting with special people
- patient confidentiality
- identifying and decreasing stress in animals
Refunds are available for this manual if you find that it does not fill your needs. It must be returned in new condition within thirty days.
If you want you can locate a local dog trainer who can help you with the exam mentioned above. Make sure that you do not become nervous during the exams with your dog. As you already know, dogs can sense negative reactions in people. Your nervousness may negatively affect your dog and cause it to fail the test. After passing an exam, you should reward the dog with plenty of treats. Do not use fattening foods. Your dog's health will reflect in its diet.
There are plenty of organizations to join after you become certified as a pet therapist. Get involved in one and enjoy your dog and your future.
Pet therapist certification
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Word Count: 575 Date: Sun, 24 Jan 2010 Time: 11:12 AM
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