Therapy dogs have become an essential part of emotional and mental health care for many individuals across the world. They provide comfort, companionship and stress relief to those in need, whether through regular home visits, at healthcare facilities, or schools. In the UK, therapy dogs are becoming increasingly popular helping people overcome emotional and physical challenges. But what exactly is a therapy dog and how do you train one? In this article, we'll explore these questions in detail, addressing everything from the basic role of a therapy dog to the specific steps involved in training and certification within the UK.
What is a therapy dog?
A therapy dog is a specially trained dog whose primary role is to provide comfort and emotional support to individuals or groups of people. Unlike service dogs, which are trained to perform specific tasks for their handlers, such as guiding those with vision impairments or alerting those with hearing problems, therapy dogs primarily focus on offering emotional and psychological support. Therapy dogs are often brought to hospitals, nursing homes, schools and disaster sites to help ease stress and provide comfort. The simple act of petting or spending time with a therapy dog has been shown to lower anxiety, reduce blood pressure and improve overall mental well-being.
Therapy dogs do not have the same legal status as service dogs, meaning they do not have the same access rights to public places such as shops or restaurants. However, they play an invaluable role in helping people, and their presence in healthcare and educational settings is highly valued. Therapy dogs are not required to perform specific tasks like assistance dogs but their ability to provide emotional stability and relieve stress makes them a key part of therapy programmes in various institutions.
Key qualities of a therapy dog
Not every dog is fit for the role of a therapy dog. The best therapy dogs have a calm, friendly temperament and are comfortable interacting with people of all ages and backgrounds. They need to remain composed in potentially stressful or chaotic environments, such as hospitals or schools. Additionally, therapy dogs must be well-socialised and obedient, able to follow basic commands and stay focused even when surrounded by distractions. Breeds such as Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are commonly chosen for therapy work due to their gentle nature and eagerness to please.
However, it's important to note that any breed can potentially become a therapy dog as long as they have the right personality. Smaller dogs such as Pugs, Cocker Spaniels, or even mixed-breed dogs can excel as therapy dogs if they are well-trained and have a naturally calm and friendly demeanour. The key to success in therapy dog work lies in the dog's personality and how well it responds to training and socialisation, rather than the specific breed.
How to get a therapy dog in the UK
If you're wondering how to get a therapy dog in the UK, the process usually starts with identifying the need for one. Individuals or institutions such as schools and hospitals can apply to organisations that train and certify therapy dogs. These organisations assess the specific requirements of the individuals or groups that need assistance and match them with a suitable dog. Some people may already have a dog that they believe would make a good therapy dog, in which case the next step is training and certification.
To begin the process, it's essential to understand the different types of therapy dogs and their roles. For example, some therapy dogs may work in specific settings, such as hospitals, where they visit patients to provide emotional support during treatment. Others might work in schools, helping children with learning difficulties or emotional challenges. The role of a therapy dog will influence the type of training it requires and the certification process.
Popular therapy dog organisations in the UK
Several organisations in the UK specialise in training and providing therapy dogs. For example, Pets As Therapy (PAT) is a leading charity that connects individuals and facilities with therapy dogs. PAT has rigorous standards for training and certifying dogs, ensuring that every dog that joins their programme is well-suited to its therapeutic role. Other organisations, such as Therapy Dogs Nationwide, also offer similar services, focusing on matching therapy dogs with those in need.
These organisations not only train dogs but also provide support to owners who wish to volunteer their time and their pets for therapy work. This makes it easier for individuals to get involved and make a difference in their communities. It’s important to research and select a reputable organisation that follows strict ethical guidelines when it comes to training and the well-being of the dogs involved.
How to train a therapy dog
Training a therapy dog involves several stages, beginning with basic obedience and socialisation. Dogs must first demonstrate that they can follow basic commands such as sit, stay and come, as well as behave appropriately around other people and animals. Socialisation is key, as therapy dogs need to be comfortable in a variety of settings, including busy, noisy environments.
Therapy dog training differs from service dog training in that the focus is less on specific tasks and more on behaviour and social interactions. A therapy dog needs to remain calm and composed even in challenging situations, such as around medical equipment, unfamiliar people, or loud environments. The training process also includes exposure to different settings and situations that the dog might encounter during therapy sessions, such as hospitals, schools, or care homes.
Basic obedience training
The first step in training a therapy dog is basic obedience. This stage focuses on teaching the dog essential commands, including sit, stay, come, down and heel. It is important that the dog can respond consistently to these commands, especially in distracting environments. Obedience training provides the foundation for all further training and helps ensure that the dog can maintain control and focus during therapy sessions.
Socialisation
A well-socialised dog is key to becoming a successful therapy dog. Socialisation involves exposing the dog to a variety of people, places and situations to ensure they are comfortable and confident in all environments. This could include visiting parks, meeting new people or other animals. Socialisation also helps to desensitise the dog to potential stressors, such as loud noises, medical equipment, or crowded spaces, which are common in therapy settings.
How to become a therapy dog in the UK
The path to becoming a therapy dog in the UK requires both training and certification. As previously mentioned, organisations such as Pets As Therapy and Therapy Dogs Nationwide offer the necessary training and certification programmes. To begin, owners must assess whether their dog has the temperament and behaviour required for therapy work. Not every dog is suited to the role, but those that are typically undergo a combination of basic obedience training, socialisation, and specialised therapy dog training.
Once the training is complete, the dog must pass a certification test, proving that it is ready to work as a therapy dog. This process often involves real-world scenarios where the dog interacts with strangers, remains calm in various environments, and demonstrates obedience and reliability.
Volunteering with a therapy dog
Many therapy dog owners in the UK choose to volunteer their time by visiting schools, hospitals and nursing homes. These visits are often organised through charities such as Pets As Therapy, which coordinates visits between registered therapy dogs and those who could benefit from their presence. Volunteering as a therapy dog handler can be incredibly rewarding, providing comfort to individuals in need and building a strong bond between the dog and its owner.
Therapy dogs may also be called upon to visit areas affected by trauma or natural disasters. Their calming presence can help people cope with the emotional stress of these difficult situations. Volunteering with a therapy dog is a powerful way to give back to the community, offering much-needed emotional support during challenging times.
Benefits of therapy dogs
Therapy dogs provide a wide range of benefits, both emotional and physical. Research has shown that interacting with a therapy dog can reduce stress, lower blood pressure and alleviate feelings of loneliness or isolation. Therapy dogs are particularly effective in helping individuals who are struggling with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
For children, therapy dogs can offer additional emotional support, helping them build confidence, overcome fears and learn new social skills. In educational settings, therapy dogs are often used to help children with learning difficulties or behavioural issues by offering a calm non-judgemental presence. Studies have shown that children who interact with therapy dogs are more likely to engage in learning and show improved focus.
Therapy dogs in healthcare
In healthcare settings, therapy dogs play a crucial role in patient recovery. Patients recovering from surgery or serious illness often experience feelings of loneliness or depression. A visit from a therapy dog can lift their spirits, providing a distraction from pain or anxiety and encouraging a more positive outlook. Some therapy dogs are trained to assist with physical rehabilitation, helping patients regain strength and mobility through guided activities such as walking or playing.
Therapy dogs are also used in mental health care, particularly in therapy for individuals dealing with anxiety, depression or PTSD. Their presence has a soothing effect helping patients open up emotionally and engage fully in their treatment.
Conclusion: the growing role of therapy dogs in the UK
In the UK, therapy dogs are playing an increasingly important role in supporting individuals with emotional, mental and physical health challenges. Whether working in hospitals, schools, or homes, these specially trained dogs offer comfort, companionship and stress relief to those in need. If you're considering getting a therapy dog in the UK, it's important to start by assessing the needs of the individual or group who would benefit from the dog’s presence. Therapy dogs not only help individuals cope with emotional and physical difficulties but also contribute to building stronger, more compassionate communities.
Training a therapy dog requires patience, dedication and commitment to understanding the dog’s needs and behaviour. Whether you’re adopting a therapy dog through an organisation or training your own pet for this role, the impact these animals can have on people's lives is profound. In addition to the personal benefits of working with a therapy dog, the positive effects they have on others - from reducing anxiety to improving overall well-being - make it a rewarding and fulfilling experience for both the handler and the dog.