Maintaining Your Therapy Dog’s Skills and Wellbeing
After your dog has been trained and certified, maintaining the skills and wellbeing of your therapy animal is fundamental to a prolonged and successful partnership. This continuous journey in dog therapy training is as much about reinforcing learned behaviors as it is about nurturing the mental and emotional health of your canine companion Adult dog training Houston.
Continued Training and Education
As supported by the National Association of Pet Dog Trainers (NAPDT), ongoing education is critical. Adapting to new therapy environments and updating skills ensures your therapy dog remains at the forefront of therapy service. This means regular reviews of training protocols and possibly attending refresher courses or advanced training that can broaden your dog’s capabilities in specific therapy settings.
The Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Program by AKC sets forth a standard that encourages continued practitioner development, with an emphasis on therapy dogs regularly demonstrating their proficiency in core competencies. In order to keep up with the high standards set by therapy programs, persistent efforts in training a dog as a therapy dog are essential.
Health Care and Emotional Support for Your Therapy Dog
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) voices the necessity of regular health care for therapy animals, noting that a healthy dog is better equipped to provide therapeutic services. Regular veterinary check-ups, up-to-date vaccinations, and attention to diet and exercise will contribute to your therapy dog’s longevity in the field.
However, physical health is only one aspect of a therapy dog’s wellbeing. Providing emotional support and ensuring mental stimulation are just as vital. Dogs in therapy roles face various emotional challenges and can become stressed or fatigued. It’s vital to recognize and mitigate these stresses with plenty of rest, relaxation, and bonding time with their handler.
In the end, learning how my dog can become a therapy dog and then maintaining those skills and wellbeing require dedication and love. As with any journey in life, there are continual lessons and growth opportunities—not just for your dog, but for you as the handler as well.