Therapy Dogs
A therapy dog is a friendly, well-mannered companion that brings comfort, joy, and emotional support to people in settings like schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and community events. Their job is to brighten someone’s day and provide a calming presence through positive interactions.
About Our Therapy Dog Program
We offer a structured program to help prepare you and your dog for therapy work. Training includes:
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Obedience Skills – sit, down, stay, recall, leash manners, place, and calm greetings.
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Public Manners – staying calm in crowds, ignoring distractions, and working around wheelchairs, walkers, and medical equipment, and other animals.
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Confidence Building – helping your dog feel secure in new environments and around strangers.
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Handler Guidance – how to safely and respectfully navigate therapy visits, advocate for your dog, and follow facility guidelines.
Once your dog is ready, they will go through a CGC test and specialty testing criteria created by our team to produce the highest quality therapy dog.
Already have a dog?
If you and your dog are eager to bring comfort and joy to others, this program is a wonderful way to make a difference together.
Is My Dog a Good Fit?
Therapy dogs come in all breeds and sizes. The best candidates are dogs who:
- Love meeting new people.
- Remain calm and gentle in unfamiliar places.
- Are well-socialized with other dogs and animals.
- Have a confident but easygoing personality.
What’s the difference between a therapy dog and a service dog?
Therapy dogs provide comfort and emotional support to many people in places like hospitals, schools, and nursing homes. Service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks for one person with a disability and have legal public access rights under the ADA.
What if I am not located in your area?
Our Therapy Dogs are placed all over the United States. Training sessions are in-person & virtual depending on location. If you are not located in or near Memphis, TN, you are required to attend in-person training sessions every 1-3 months. You have the option to have your trainer travel to you for in-person sessions at your expense.
At what age should my dog be to start therapy training?
Dogs should be old enough to have reliable obedience skills and emotional maturity. Puppies can start with foundation training, but most therapy dog programs require dogs to be at least one year old to test.
How long does it take to train a therapy dog?
It depends on your dog’s starting point. Some dogs may be ready in a few months if they start our program with foundational skills, while others may need longer to build the right skills and confidence.
What breeds make good therapy dogs?
Any breed or mix can be a therapy dog! What matters most is temperament—dogs should be gentle, calm, and people-oriented.
Do therapy dogs have public access rights?
No. Unlike service dogs, therapy dogs do not have public access rights. They can only go into facilities or events where they are invited or permitted. Therapy Dogs have the same access rights as pets. Service dogs are medical equipment under the ADA.