How to Register a Therapy Dog

If you're thinking about turning your Pit Bull into a therapy dog, you'll want to make sure that you follow all the guidelines and regulations. You want to make sure that your dog shows the true colors of the breed. You want yoru dog to be a mascot, as when people see well-behaved and friendly Pit Bulls out in public, they see one more reason to allow these dogs their rights as pets.

Because Pit Bulls are very loving, intelligent, and people pleasing dogs, they make great therapy dogs. Although, not all Pit Bulls are ready to walk into a nursing home or into a hospital with sick children, there are many that who have the ease and temperaments to make perfect therapy dogs.

If you think that your dog is one of those dogs who will be calm, perform fun tricks, and entertain and ease people, then you'll definitely want to consider turning him into a pet therapy dog.

You'll first want to contact a local dog trainer who can perform a "Canine Good Citizen" test on your dog. Basically, the dog will need to know basic obedience, like sit, lay down, and stay. If you are having trouble finding someone, you can check out the Delta Society website to find someone locally who can certify your dog with a CGC certification.

Once your dog has earned his CGC certification, you'll want to have him pet therapy certified. The Delta Society, or another pet therapy program like Therapy Dogs International or The Foundation for Pet-Provided Therapy, will need to certify your dog for therapy.

Once your dog has been certified, wait for the proper badges and vests to come in the mail, and you're ready to take your dog to hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and hospice centers.

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