Service Dogs
Service dogs are specially trained to perform specific tasks to assist individuals with disabilities. These tasks can include guiding the visually impaired, alerting the deaf to sounds, pulling a wheelchair, or fetching items. Service dogs are legally recognized under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and are granted access to public places, including restaurants, stores, and public transportation, to accompany their handlers.
Understanding the Difference Between Therapy Dogs and Service Dogs
While both service dogs and therapy dogs provide invaluable support, their roles, training, and the legal protections they have are quite different.
Therapy Dogs
Therapy dogs are trained to provide comfort and emotional support to people in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and other facilities. They are not trained to perform specific tasks for one individual but rather to offer general therapeutic benefits to many people. Therapy dogs do not have the same legal protections as service dogs and typically do not have access to public places unless invited as part of a therapy program.
Encouraging Interaction
These dogs foster social connections and communication, particularly beneficial in therapeutic and educational environments.
Emotional Relief
They help reduce stress, anxiety, and feelings of loneliness, providing a comforting presence.
Physical Health Benefits
Interaction with therapy dogs can lower blood pressure, decrease stress hormones, and promote overall relaxation.
THE BENEFITS OF THERAPY DOGS
TRANSFORMING LIVES
THROUGH THERAPY DOGS
At K9 Nation, we recognize the incredible influence therapy dogs can have on individuals’ well-being. Our training program is focused on creating therapy dogs that excel in offering comfort, support, and healing. Trained in techniques like deep pressure therapy, our dogs assist those with anxiety, PTSD, and other conditions, fostering a powerful bond that brings security and companionship.
Our thorough training ensures each therapy dog is prepared for real-world scenarios with grace and reliability. From staying calm in high-stress environments to mastering tasks that provide emotional and physical support, our dogs make a significant difference. At K9 Nation, we are dedicated to enhancing quality of life through the dedicated work of our therapy dogs.
DEEP PRESSURE THERAPY IN ACTION
Steve receives deep pressure therapy from one of our specially trained therapy dogs. This technique is just one example of how our dogs are prepared to provide comfort and support in real-world scenarios.
OUR THERAPY DOG TRAINING PROGRAM
At K9 Nation Training Center, we focus on developing the essential qualities of a successful therapy dog:
THERAPY DOGS: BRINGING COMFORT, JOY, AND SUPPORT.
WHAT IS A THERAPY DOG?
Therapy dogs are trained to provide emotional support and comfort to people in need. Unlike service dogs, which perform specific tasks for their owners, therapy dogs are valued for their gentle nature and ability to connect with a wide range of individuals. They are often found in places like hospitals, nursing homes, and disaster areas, offering a calming presence and boosting morale.
Calm and Gentle Behavior
1
We train dogs to remain composed and gentle in various environments, ensuring they can handle different situations with grace.
Social Skills
2
Our program includes exposure to diverse settings and people, helping dogs become adaptable and comfortable wherever they go.
Reliability
3
Training to ensure therapy dogs perform consistently and reliably, providing dependable support in every situation.
Strong Obedience Foundation
4
We emphasize basic obedience and control, ensuring that therapy dogs are well-behaved and responsive to commands, even in busy or high-stress environments.
Empathy and Responsiveness
5
Fostering a natural empathy in dogs, allowing them to sense and respond to the emotional needs of the people they interact with.
ENROLLMENT
REQUIREMENTS
We have specific criteria to ensure the success of our therapy dog teams:
Temperament & Health
Dogs must have a friendly, patient, and calm temperament, be in good health, and be up-to-date on vaccinations.
Pre-Training Assessment
We assess each dog’s suitability for therapy work, including a review of their obedience skills.
Owner Commitment
Owners must be willing to participate in the training process and volunteer their time with their dogs.
SUPPORT &
FOLLOW-UP
Regular Check-Ins
We schedule consistent follow-ups to monitor progress and address any new challenges that may arise. These check-ins ensure that both the therapy dog and their handler are continuously supported and thriving.
Additional Training Sessions
Our support doesn’t end with initial training. We offer supplementary training sessions to reinforce skills and address any specific needs that develop over time. This helps maintain the high standards of behavior and effectiveness in therapy work.
Expert Trainer Access
Clients have access to our experienced trainers for advice, troubleshooting, and guidance. Whether it’s through phone consultations or in-person visits, our trainers are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure the ongoing success of our therapy dogs and their handlers.