Visiting Therapy Dog Training and Assessments

Therapy Dogs UK is a national organisation that provides temperament assessments, training and certification for visiting therapy dogs. Their certified teams provide therapeutic visits to hospitals, hospices, nursing homes, schools, and other places where people can benefit from the presence of a confident, friendly and calm dog. 

Head Trainer Jo is a Trusted Trainer with Therapy Dogs UK and can help guide you and your dog on your journey to become a certified therapy dog team.

Visiting Therapy training services include:

• Initial temperament assessment of your dog’s suitability for therapy work based on their behaviour, personality and training level (£90).
• Training: guidance and support on how to train your dog for therapy work (£POA). Jo will teach you and your dog the skills that are required for therapy visits, such as walking on a loose lead, ignoring distractions, sitting calmly for petting, and being comfortable with different people and situations.
• Visiting therapy dog assessment (£90): Jo will conduct a final assessment of your dog’s readiness for therapy work. Your dog must pass this assessment to become a certified therapy dog with Therapy Dogs UK.
• Workshops 1 and 2: As well as passing the visiting therapy dog assessment, as your dog’s guardian you must complete two workshops with Therapy Dogs UK. These workshops will cover topics such as health and safety, infection control, confidentiality, consent, record keeping, and policies and procedures. These workshops are mandatory for all therapy dog teams.

Jo is passionate about being involved with such a rewarding organisation and has seen first-hand the huge benefits that therapy dogs can bring to people’s lives. Jo would love to help you and your dog join this amazing community.