Therapy dogs.

What does a therapy dog do?

A therapy-dog team shares friendly, planned visits with other people. That might mean a quiet reading visit, time with residents in a senior community, or another setting arranged through a visiting program.

The dog and the human are a team. The human manages the interaction, notices when the dog needs support, and keeps the visit comfortable for everyone. A dog’s enjoyment matters as much as their manners.

Therapy work differs from disability-related task work by a service dog. Therapy-dog status alone does not create ADA public-access rights. Read the ADA’s explanation of service animals.

Would your dog enjoy this?

Evaluate the individual dog, not a breed stereotype. A wonderful family companion may prefer familiar people and quiet routines. That is a good life, too.

Source: Pet Partners program requirements.

Build useful foundations first.

Start with skills that make ordinary life easier. You can practice well before deciding whether formal therapy work is the right goal.

• Walk and pause together. Practice moving on a loose leash, stopping, and waiting comfortably.
• Settle near your person. A familiar mat can help you practice restful moments in suitable places.
• Greet with room to choose. Keep greetings brief. Let your dog approach rather than pulling them toward someone.
• Respond to familiar cues. Practice coming back, leaving something alone, and reconnecting with you.
• Explore gently. Introduce new surfaces, sounds, and equipment at a distance where your dog can stay comfortable.

Our dog body-language guide is a useful place to start.

From early learning to registered team.

Choose a therapy-animal organization before planning formal evaluations. Its rules determine eligibility, handler education, health screening, testing, registration, and visit policies.

1. Read the organization’s requirements.

   For example, Pet Partners evaluates dogs from one year of age and requires at least six months living with the handler. Those are that organization’s requirements, not a promise that every dog will be ready then.

2. Prepare both ends of the leash.

   Build the dog’s everyday skills and complete the organization’s handler education. Learn how to guide visits and advocate for your dog.

3. Complete its evaluation and registration process.

   Pet Partners uses a team evaluation that simulates a visit, along with other registration requirements. Training classes alone do not register your team.

4. Choose suitable visits.

   Start with settings and interactions that suit your dog, follow the host organization’s policies, and keep checking whether your dog is enjoying the work.

Source: Pet Partners eligibility requirements.

Source: Pet Partners’ path to registration.

Common therapy-dog questions.

Finding a starting point near Minneapolis.

If you would like help with the everyday skills in this guide, your starting point depends on your dog’s age, comfort, and experience. Our Certified Dog Life Coaches each bring more than 20 years of experience.

• Puppy classes introduce young puppies to learning and social experiences.
• Life Skills classes build communication and everyday manners.
• In-home puppy training offers individual help with puppy routines; private behavior support helps when fear, reactivity, or other concerns need attention.

Classes meet at 14500 Martin Dr, Suite 1500, Eden Prairie. Private training serves Minneapolis and nearby western and southwestern suburbs, including Shakopee and the Lake Minnetonka communities. See in-home service areas.

Questions about therapy-dog foundations or where your dog might begin? Jeannie can help you find the right starting point.

Keep learning.

• Canine Good Citizen: skills and testing
• Emotional support dogs: roles and everyday life
• Foundations: understanding dogs