Choose a calm, friendly, people-oriented dog with stable temperament
Ensure the dog is healthy, vaccinated, and regularly groomed
Start with basic obedience: sit, stay, come, down, heel, leave it
Teach reliable leash manners and loose-leash walking
Socialize the dog to different people, environments, sounds, and surfaces
Expose the dog to wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, and medical equipment
Train the dog to remain calm around sudden movements and noises
Reinforce gentle greetings with no jumping, mouthing, or barking
Practice settling quietly beside a person for extended periods
Build tolerance for handling of paws, ears, tail, and body
Teach the dog to ignore food, distractions, and other animals
Use positive reinforcement and short, consistent training sessions
Gradually increase difficulty and duration of training tasks
Practice visiting hospitals, nursing homes, schools, or similar settings
Confirm the dog can work calmly in crowded and unfamiliar places
Test the dog’s response to stress and recovery after interruptions
Work with a certified therapy dog organization or evaluator
Complete any required temperament tests, obedience tests, and evaluations
Maintain ongoing training, health care, and behavior checks
Keep the dog clean, well-mannered, and comfortable during visits
Follow all facility rules and handler responsibilities during therapy visits