Can Puppies be Therapy Dogs?
All dogs must be at least 1 year old to be evaluated for the Delta Society Pet Partners Skills & Aptitude Test.
Although few can resist cuddling a cute furry puppy, puppies are just too unpredictable (especially with those little needle teeth and razor sharp nails!) to be safe and happy therapy dogs. Puppies are also more likely to spread or catch communicable diseases.
HOWEVER; even if you have no interest in volunteering with your puppy PLEASE DO NOT WAIT TO BEGIN SOCIALIZING AND TRAINING YOUR PUPPY ASAP! START NOW!
Regardless of what goals or expectations we may or may not have for our dogs, puppy training and socialization should begin as early as possible.
Mothers set rules, boundaries and limitations for their pups right from birth and so must we to assure their happiness – always in a calm, consistent, pro-active manner – regardless of size or breed. What may initially seem adorable not may be quite problematic as they grow so make sure you are not inadvertently reinforcing undesirable behaviors. Although dogs can learn at any age, the earlier training begins the easier it will be. Your puppies' socialization with both people and other dogs during it's first 12 weeks will last a lifetime (to varying degrees depending on the individual) - for better or worse - and he or she is learning every day so it's important to socialize your puppy with strangers away from home as soon as possible. Please see What Kind of Training Does My Dog Need to Become a Therapy Dog for more information on puppy & dog training.
Although few can resist cuddling a cute furry puppy, puppies are just too unpredictable (especially with those little needle teeth and razor sharp nails!) to be safe and happy therapy dogs. Puppies are also more likely to spread or catch communicable diseases.
HOWEVER; even if you have no interest in volunteering with your puppy PLEASE DO NOT WAIT TO BEGIN SOCIALIZING AND TRAINING YOUR PUPPY ASAP! START NOW!
Regardless of what goals or expectations we may or may not have for our dogs, puppy training and socialization should begin as early as possible.
Mothers set rules, boundaries and limitations for their pups right from birth and so must we to assure their happiness – always in a calm, consistent, pro-active manner – regardless of size or breed. What may initially seem adorable not may be quite problematic as they grow so make sure you are not inadvertently reinforcing undesirable behaviors. Although dogs can learn at any age, the earlier training begins the easier it will be. Your puppies' socialization with both people and other dogs during it's first 12 weeks will last a lifetime (to varying degrees depending on the individual) - for better or worse - and he or she is learning every day so it's important to socialize your puppy with strangers away from home as soon as possible. Please see What Kind of Training Does My Dog Need to Become a Therapy Dog for more information on puppy & dog training.
Please see our list of recommend trainers
to give your puppy the best opportunity to enjoy a confident, happy life.
to give your puppy the best opportunity to enjoy a confident, happy life.
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