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Top Training Skills to Help Your Dog Prepare for Therapy Dog Work
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with dogs and their people in many different roles. I began my dog training career training service dogs, which is quite different from therapy dog work. Service dogs are trained to support one person with specific tasks related to a disability, while therapy dogs visit with others to offer comfort and connection, often in places like hospitals, schools, and senior living communities.
For nearly two decades, I taught therapy dog classes, supported families preparing for evaluations, and served as an evaluator myself. I was also part of a registered therapy dog team with my Golden, Theo, and later with sweet Dexter. We visited classrooms and care homes, and I saw just how much a calm, gentle dog can brighten someone’s day.
If you’re thinking about therapy dog work, or simply want to build the kind of real-life manners that help your dog feel confident and calm, there are a few key skills that make all the difference.
While every organization has its own testing requirements, the foundation is the same. Therapy dogs need to feel safe, focused, and comfortable around all kinds of people and environments. These five skills are a great place to begin when you’re preparing to become a visiting therapy dog team. Even if your goal isn’t formal therapy work, they’re still worth practicing for everyday life.
1. Polite Greetings
Polite greetings are essential if you want your dog to interact calmly with people, especially strangers. Therapy dogs are often approached by children or folks who might not move or speak in predictable ways. We want our dogs to greet people gently and without jumping.
How to teach it:
Start by rewarding your dog for keeping all four paws on the floor when someone approaches. I don’t ask for a sit/stay in these moments because I want the dog to always feel safe and free to move away if they need to. I talk to my dog, let them know they’re doing great, and if needed, I’ll get down to their level so they feel supported. The goal is to teach them that staying calm and connected with you is what brings good things. You can practice with a friend by having them take a step forward only when your dog is relaxed. If your dog jumps, the person simply steps back without a fuss. That gentle shift teaches your dog that jumping ends the interaction, while staying grounded makes it continue. Even a few calm seconds are worth celebrating. This isn’t about control, it’s about connection and showing your dog that you’re the most rewarding part of the environment.
Would Your Dog Make a Good Therapy Dog?
2. Focus Around Distractions
Therapy dog environments are full of movement, noise, and unfamiliar smells. For a visiting therapy dog team, one of the most important things we can work on is helping the dog learn to stay engaged with you, even when something interesting is happening nearby.
How to teach it:
I start with the Name Game to gently get the dog’s attention. In a quiet space, say their name in a warm, cheerful voice. When they turn toward you, mark that moment with a “Yes” and reward. But don’t stop there. Once you’ve got their attention, give them something to do. That might be a “watch” cue for eye contact or a simple nose target to your hand. These follow-up behaviors give your dog a clear job and help keep them anchored to you.
Gradually add mild distractions like a toy on the floor or someone walking by. When your dog can handle that, try it outside, on a walk, or in a pet-friendly shop. I like to keep the rewards high and the sessions short, always ending on a win. The more your dog learns that focusing on you leads to good things, the more they’ll choose you, no matter what’s going on around them.
3. Loose Leash Walking and Engagement
Therapy dogs are expected to walk calmly through hallways and around groups of people. They cannot be pulling, zigzagging, or stopping at every distraction. Loose leash walking is one of those foundational skills that makes everything else easier.
Watch Dexter in Action!
How to teach it:
Start in a quiet area like your driveway or hallway. Take one step, and if the leash stays loose, mark it with “Yes” and reward. If the leash tightens, pause and wait for your dog to check in with you. Then start again. Keep sessions short, five minutes is plenty at first. I like to alternate between walking and letting Stewart sniff as a reward. That balance keeps it fun for both of us.
4. Stay with Duration and Distractions
When visiting schools or senior homes, therapy dogs often need to stay calmly in one place for a bit. This might mean lying by someone’s side or sitting next to a chair while people talk or move around.
How to teach it:
Start with a one-second stay in a sit or down. Ask your dog to sit, wait one second, mark with “Yes” and reward. Release with “OK” and let your dog move. Add time slowly, just a second or two at a time. Once your dog can stay for 10 to 15 seconds, start adding distractions, like walking around them or tossing a toy nearby. Stay practice builds focus and patience over time.
5. Handling and Touch Tolerance
Therapy dogs will be petted in unusual ways. People might touch their ears, hold their paws, or lean on them for comfort. That is why it is so important to teach your dog to be comfortable with gentle touch in a variety of situations.
How to teach it:
Start at home during a quiet moment. Touch one paw for just a second, then give a treat. Gradually build from one second to two, then three. The same goes for ears, tail, and brushing. If your dog pulls away or seems unsure, go back to shorter touches and make it fun again. I do this often with Stewart, especially around grooming time. It helps build trust and makes vet visits easier, too.
Whether you’re hoping to pursue therapy dog visits with your dog or just want to teach polite, reliable behavior, these five skills are a great place to start. They build confidence, strengthen your bond, and create calm habits that will help your dog shine wherever they go.
If you’re ready to teach your dog these foundational skills, the Manners, Life Skills, and Foundation Training course offers clear, positive steps to help you build a strong and trusting relationship.
Have you ever thought about becoming a visiting therapy dog team? Let me know in the comments.
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