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  The Total Package: Therapy Dog vs. Service Dog

  Sep 16, 2024

  The Total Package: Therapy Dog vs. Service Dog

  Introduction:

  Hello, dog lovers! Rick Pedersen here from Rising Starr K9. Achieving the "total package" in therapy or service dogs involves rigorous training, a specific temperament, and a clear understanding of their roles. Here, we'll explore the differences and requirements for therapy and service dogs, helping you understand what it takes to train these exceptional canines.

  Understanding the Roles

  Service Dogs:

  • Definition: Service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities, including physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disabilities.

  • Legal Protections: Service dogs are covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and can access public places where pets are typically not allowed.

  • Tasks: Includes guiding visually impaired individuals, alerting deaf individuals, pulling wheelchairs, alerting and protecting a person having a seizure, and calming a person with PTSD during an anxiety attack.

  Therapy Dogs:

  • Definition: Therapy dogs provide comfort and affection to individuals in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and disaster areas. The ADA does not cover them and do not have public access rights.

  • Roles: These include visiting patients in hospitals, aiding in therapy sessions, and comforting individuals in distressing situations.

  • Certification: Often certified by therapy dog organizations that set standards for behavior and health.

  Temperament and Training

  Temperament:

  • Service Dogs: Must be calm, focused, and unreactive to distractions. They should be able to work in various environments and remain undisturbed by loud noises or bustling crowds.

  • Therapy Dogs: Must be friendly, patient, and comfortable with being handled by strangers. They need to enjoy social interactions and have a stable temperament.

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  Training:

  • Service Dogs: Training can take 18-24 months, including basic obedience, public access skills, and task-specific training. They must perform tasks reliably in all environments.

  • Therapy Dogs: Training focuses on basic obedience and ensuring the dog is comfortable in various therapeutic settings. They need to pass evaluations by therapy dog organizations.

  Certification and Legal Considerations

  Service Dogs:

  • Certification: While the ADA does not officially recognize service dogs, many organizations offer training programs that document a dog's training and abilities.

  • Legal Rights: Service dogs can accompany their handlers in all public places, including restaurants, hospitals, and public transportation.

  Therapy Dogs:

  • Certification: Therapy dogs are usually certified by organizations like the Alliance of Therapy Dogs or Therapy Dogs International. These certifications ensure the dog meets specific behavior and health standards.

  • Public Access: Therapy dogs do not have the same public access rights as service dogs. They are only allowed in facilities where they provide therapy services with permission.

  Conclusion

  Achieving the "total package" for a therapy or service dog requires understanding their distinct roles, temperaments, and training needs. Service dogs assist individuals with disabilities and have extensive legal protections. In contrast, therapy dogs offer comfort and support in therapeutic settings without the same level of public access.

  For more detailed tips and professional dog training services, visit our Rising Starr K9 Blog and stay connected with us on Facebook. Let’s work together to train exceptional therapy and service dogs that make a significant difference in people's lives!

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