Rockford Dog
Prior to testing with a reputable Therapy Organization,
your dog does not need to have any special titles from the AKC organization or any other group.
Whether your dog is a mixed breed, a rescued pure bred or a titled pure bred dog - all are welcome to become Therapy Dogs. However, if you and your dog do get certified as a Therapy Dog Team, check out the www.akc.org site. You can earn titles for your visits at locations no matter if it is a mixed breed, rescued pure bred or titled pure bred dog. Plus, you can be grandfathered in to get a "Canine Good Citizen" title upon certification!
How do you get an AKC number for your dog?
Mixed Breed Dogs: AKC Canine Partners number will be given to you upon signing up your pup.
Rescue Pure Bred: AKC Purebred Alternative Listing or PAL number is given
Papered/Titled Pure Bred: AKC Paperwork is already on file from your reputable breeder. You can ask them about the number your dog was assigned.
So what is a Therapy Dog?
-A Therapy Dog is part of team that brings comfort, solace and peace of mind to others. It is not a "Service Dog" nor an "Emotional Support Animal". Those 2 designations are for the dog to provide a service or support to their owner only.
-Your pup must be at least 1 year old, enjoy meeting with other people and traveling in your vehicle. They should not be aggressive, bark or be fearful when traveling, meeting new people or other dogs that may be in the area.
-If your dog enjoys the above, you need to be working on your obedience training. Your dog should walk calmly beside you and either stand or sit next to your when you stop. They should keep pace with you and not forge ahead or pull on the leash. You 2 are a team and this needs to be visible. Why? So your dog will not pull you over or down on a slick surface, snow or ice. We don't need either of you to get broken upon falling. Your dog should wait at a doorway threshold so you can verify there is no one coming through that you may disturb. You and your dog are the guests. The staff, clients or students and family are to be respected on each site. Not everyone is a fan of dogs. That's okay, you have no idea what they have gone through in their life and you have no place to judge.
-Find a reputable Therapy Dog Organization (check www.akc.org) and review each one you think is tailored to fit you 2 as a team. These organizations should provide you with insurance in case there is an incidence at a location. [NOTE: Please watch they "pay for play" internet therapy sites that will trade you a certificate for a fee. These are not reputable and will not be acceptable by any facility. Make sure the organization will test you and your dog to insure that all safety protocols have been met.]