How do I get my dog certified as a therapy dog in California?

Question

We have a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. He is so well trained and never even barks ('cept for in his sleep LOL). He likes other people but is just shy. He will go up and sniff them but then runs to me when they want to pet him. He was never abused or anything, just is very shy. But with disabled people he is extremely outgoing. We had lunch with a friend of ours one day that had cerebal paulsey, he went right up to her and sat in her lap as soon as we all sat down.

We are not wanting to get him certified for visiting places with elderly/disabled/sick people though. We want to get him certified so that we can take him places such as on flights, busses, malls. Because I tend to get very nervous when traveling or in new places. Our dog helps me stay calm.

A friend of ours is the same way as me and he got his dog certified for this such thing. But it was in a different state so we want to know what's the easiest way to go about getting him certified for all of this stuff. Does he need any extra special training even tho he wouldn't be visiting elderly and such? Oh, we are in Los Angeles if that helps at all.

Answer 1

EIDT!!!!!!: Oh so you want your dog to be a SERVICE DOG



Very different. First of all there is no law that says your dog has to be certified as a Service dog. Certainly not in California.



What will assist you, if anyone-especially an airline challenges you- is having your doctor (the one who has diagnosed your anxiety disorder) sign a note saying you need the dog for your mental health.



Check the ADA laws regarding service dogs so you know your rights.

http://www.ada.gov/qasrvc.htm



If you license your dog in Los Angeles County,and it is intact you will have to meet their rules that are set out under the mandatory spay and neuter laws that are in effect.



http://www.laanimalservices.com/spayneuterlaw/intact%20dog%20license%20application.pdf





Do some google searches about traveling with a service dogs, and your rights with a service dog those will give you all the information you need.



Hope that helps.



ADD: For the answerer below- Dogs used for people with Anxiety, Bi-Polar and other disorders ARE CONSIDERED SERVICE DOGS.

Answer 2

Service Dog Training Los Angeles

Answer 3

There are a few real keys to dog training, whether you are trying to train your dog to come when called, sit, stop barking or any other behavior. Understanding their importance is critical to achieving rapid results that are long lasting and help develop the bond between you and your dog. Read more here https://tr.im/gj458



The first is simple; you must win your dogs mind. If you don’t achieve this first then you will be struggling the all the way. When I talk about winning your dogs mind what I really mean is that your dog looks to you for all the decisions. Before you do anything else watch one of the amazing video sites that show you the 5 Golden rules to establishing yourself as the pack leader. If you aren’t putting these in place then you are setting yourself up to fail. Just at the crucial point where you really want your dog to listen they will go and do their own thing. For sure your dog may play ball occasionally or even most of the time, you may even have a dog that is obedient 99% of the time, however if you want a dog who always listens to you and does as you ask then you need to win your dogs mind.



The second key to success is to motivate your dog. It is really important that you discover what it is that your dog enjoys both in terms of exercise and play but also in terms of a reward. If you can make the experience enjoyable then you will both achieve more and look forward to training.



Some dogs love to fetch, others love agility, and other dogs simply love obedience training, or swimming out into water and retrieve. At least to start with find out what your dogs love is and help them develop this, what I am saying is work with your dog. The other point to recognize is to make training enjoyable reward your dog.

Answer 4

The owner of the dog needs to know how to "operate" the dog, same way you can get into a car that's in perfect running order but if you don't know how to drive you won't have much luck making the car go anywhere. If the owner doesn't know how to maintain the training, the dog will soon become untrained again. Read more here https://tr.im/trainanydog



People seem to think that once a dog is trained, that's it. Not true. You must reinforce the dog's training every single day in some way. It's best if the owner and the dog go together to get trained. As a professional trainer once said to me "We can train any dog in 2 days. It takes longer to train the owners

Answer 5

Most dog owners want their dogs to be trained; In fact, many dog lovers, including Gary Shmerling, see to it that their pets undergo a series of effective dog training. Although they are inherently smart, not all dog breeds can be easily trained. Many owners are having a hard time training their pets with even the simplest of commands. While some dogs are fond of the training process, and the treats given, most breeds need proper guidance and consistent dog training.



Dog training can take so much of your time and effort as well as money, and of course - patience or understanding. However, your efforts will become fruitful if done the right and fun way. Training your dog need not be harsh; you can't even expect to see immediate results. But the best thing is, there are so many ways on how you can effectively and easily train your dog.



1. Information is always the key.

Be aware of the characteristics of your dog breed as such information can help you determine the kind and level of training needed. You must be knowledgeable with the basics if you want to successfully train your dog, especially if you chose to do the training all by yourself. Of course, research is your only tool in terms of gathering the right and sufficient dog training information.



2. Lengthen your patience. Give sufficient time and effort.

If you're moody and impatient, then it's best to have somebody else train your dog. Your patience and your effort are what your pet badly need. Without those two, you can't be consistent; and that's also essential for an effective dog training. You must first evaluate yourself whether you are qualified to train a dog or not so that unfavorable results can be avoided.



It is a must that you start training your dog while he or she is still young, particularly when it comes to obedience training. By doing so, you can have your dog avoid unpleasant and aggressive behaviors. Moreover, don't let your emotions spoil the process.



3. Discipline well. Be reasonable.

Learn when to reward and when to reprimand your dog's behavior, not just during the training but also when interacting with your family. Discipline the right way and do not spoil or punish your dog excessively. You can ignore or deprive your dog with some treats but should not, as much as possible, hit him/her with a stick or even a rolled magazine. Physical punishment would only result to disobedience and aggression. Efficacy can be achieved if dog training is done in a consistent manner, with care and reason.



4. Use the right resources.

Find out which dog training tools are suitable for your dog breed. Make sure you have a dog leash and collar as well as muzzles, crates and clickers. Know where and how to start with such tools.



Train on the best places. Look for a particular location wherein your dog can focus with the training; avoid distracting places like a crowded park. For starters, it is wise to do the training on your backyard; however, the location may still depend on the kind of training you want your dog to accomplish.



5. When all else fails or if you really don't have the time to successfully finish the kind of training you intend for your beloved dog, then go for the aid of a professional dog trainer. If you want the best dog training, then be prepared to make the investment.



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Answer 6

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Answer 7

Understanding how to train your dog and how to correct bad behaviours is very important. That's why I suggest to follow a good training course. There are plenty of books and training material. One online course I recommend (I like it because it has hundreds of videos) is http://www.goobypls.com/r/rd.asp?gid=572



It helped me a lot.

Cheers.

Answer 8

Well first i believe your dog needs to be completely obedience trained and be able to pass the Canine Good Citizen test through the AKC.

Click on the link below to see what your dog needs to know in order to pass the test. Has to pass all 10 requirements in order to get the award...

http://www.akc.org/events/cgc/training_testing.cfm



After your dog receives the CGC award then you can go further with it and get tested as a therapy dog. Here is a list of evaluators in California to become a therapy dog...

http://www.tdi-dog.org/HowToJoinUpcomingTests.aspx

Answer 9

A therapy dog is one who visits nursing homes, hospitals, etc. There is NO certification, that I know of, in California, that will certify your dog for what you're looking for. There are service dogs, but they are for people with physical problems. There are seeing eye dogs, which of course, help the blind.



I suggest that YOU see a professional for YOUR problems.

Answer 10

A therapy dog IS a dog certified to visit hospitals etc. You are asking about service dogs.



A service dog is legally defined as a dog that is individually trained to perform tasks that mitigate the disability of his owner. If you are not disabled or the dog is not trained to actually do something other than make you feel better by his presence, then he is not and cannot be a service dog. No certificate is going to change that.



The U.S. Department of Justice has said, "Animals whose sole function is to provide emotional support, comfort, therapy, companionship, therapeutic benefits, or to promote emotional well-being are not service animals." They (not Congress) wrote the legal definition of service animal so I suppose they should know what it means.



You can call their toll-free ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) hotline to verify:

800 - 514 - 0301 (voice)

800 - 514 - 0383 (TTY)



In California, you can get a service dog tag by swearing an affidavit at your local animal control office. You must swear that you are disabled and that your dog is trained to perform tasks that mitigate your disability. California is one of the states that has penalties for faking a service dog that include a hefty fine and/or jail time. There are also perjury penalties if you lie in the affidavit.



Now let's discuss your dog's welfare. He's shy. He should not be doing public access work even if he was trained to perform tasks. Service work is very stressful. In public, service dogs encounter people yelling because they don't want the dog in their business, children running up and grabbing, getting bumped, getting stepped on, and much much more. It simply isn't fair to put a nervous dog into those situations.

Answer 11

http://www.tdi-dog.org/



Here is the link to the Therapy Dog website. I know that you first have to get the CGC (Canine Good Citizenship) before you can even do the testing for TDI. So start with a trip to you local Petsmart and get the CGC test done. I believe that it's about $70 for the test and if you go in before hand they will give you a list of what you need to do to pass the test. Pretty simple stuff. However you said that you dog is shy. That won't fly. The dog has to show no signs of shyness.



Shyness can create fear which leads to fear biting. Not that you dog WILL do this but CAN do it. So they don't allow for shyness at all.



If you can work on his shyness and help him out then it should be a breeze.



Once you have the CGC and TDI your insurance should give you a break on your homeowners ins.



Sounds like your dog is perfect for you and helps out a lot. Good luck and you'll be happy you did it too!

Answer 12

First of all, the correct term you're looking for is service dog. A therapy dog is a dog that visits hospitals, nursing homes, etc.



Second of all, in order to even qualify for a service dog, you MUST be disabled. You must meet the legal definition of disability as outlined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (speak with your doctor to see if you qualify).



A service dog for a disabled person MUST do work or be task-trained to mitigate your disability. "Keeping you calm" is not a task and does not qualify a dog as a service dog. If the only thing you want the dog to do is keep you calm, sorry, it's not a service dog and has no business being anywhere outside of the home with you.



IF your medical professional determines that you are legally disabled, you may decide to have your dog temperament tested and evaluated by a professional trainer for work as a service dog. This is a long, expensive process that typically takes about 2 years and includes specialized training to teach a dog how to behave in public, and chances are pretty good that your dog will not cut it as a service dog. It takes a temperamentally and physically sound dog to do service work.



Contrary to what has been said, TDI and CGC will not make your dog a service dog, though they are nice to have for any pet.



It is illegal to misrepresent a dog that has not been individually trained as a service dog as such.

Answer 13

http://www.mentalhealthdogs.org/Contact-Us.html

Answer 14

First, you must meet the legal definition of "disabled". This is not a medical concern, but a legal one. A simple "doctors note" is not legal qualification of a disability. You MUST legally prove that you are disabled (cannot function individually without some type of accommodation) by your supposed condition. You have already shown that you can function, just that you are not comfortable in some situations. You will have a very difficult time claiming and proving a legitimate disability when you are already functioning adequately without accommodation.



Second, the dog must be trained in work or tasks to mitigate the life-limiting effects of the qualifying disability; the mere presence of the animal (" I feel so much better if Fluffums is here with me" ) is not a legal work or task, so the animal will not be considered a service dog and you will have no public access rights with it. A service dog does something that the handler cannot do for themselves such as seeing, hearing, balancing, alerting, and many other activities. It isn't there to provide emotional support or to keep someone calm, it is there to work, to do something that their handler cannot.



Since it does not appear from your statements that you are actually disabled coupled with the fact that your dog has had no specialized mitigating training, trying to make your dog a service dog does not seem to be an appropriate course of action.

Answer 15

This is old but since people still see it just an fyi, even if you are able to say your dog is a "emotional whatever" Airlines do not recognize this type of animal as a service animal and they will deny you the ability to travel with your pet.



Flying "high" in the sky

If you think telling them your animal is a service animal also know this. They still have rules to follow. Simple saying I have a service animal does not mean you can just walk on the plane. The animal must be able to fit under the seat or must ride in your lap for the entire flight. Even if the seat is empty next to you you are NOT allowed to put the service animal in the seat. The animal can not bark or get excited at all. If the animal is too big for your lap or under the seat it much be transported in a crate under the plane.



So as much as it may bother you or worry you to put your dog in a crate you just need to do that. They sell meds to sedate your dog over the counter that are basically doggy weed or can get some from your vet.



As far as service dogs go there is no need for training by a professional. The "regulation" not law states you can do it yourself as a owner. It's simple people pay attention here.



1. You must be disabled by regulation.

2. Your Service animal must be well mannered in public. This does not mean pass a 10 part test that shows you can shake someones hand or walk away for 5 min. It just means, no barking, no biting, no jumping (mine has a bad habit of this thanks to strangers who don't ask before petting), no pulling, and so on you get the idea. To quote Samuel Jackson in Pulp Fiction your dog just needs to, "Be Cool!"

3. Check your local State regulations (this is a regulation not a law) as to what they want from you. As stated above California they require a tag. But most people are not that smart. They will ask for an "ID" Card. There is no such thing, at least thats required and real. I got in a fight with the post office yesterday. she refused entry because I could not show her a fake ID card. After educating her she still refused entry and told me she will go home and "google" it. Whatever "it" is I guess meanwhile I will probably have her and her supervisor fired by Monday. anyways...



4. DO NOT FAKE IT. Here is what happens if you fake it. IT's actually OK to fake it at home or with your partner, when they find out they just leave you. Per the regulation it states you can train your own dog right? It also states the dog just needs to be able to replace or assist you and you ned to be disabled. Well if someone calls the cops they are just going to take you to jail or fine you. Now it goes to court and here is your problem. You have to PROVE to the judge and jury that this is a service dog. If you have a trick dog and you are disabled then go for it. Otherwise just don't fake it people. Like I said above, I was questioned and denied. If they had called the cops I would have had to prove beyond a doubt she was a service dog and while she is try expelling that to a cop.



5. Last thing is this. There are different types of dogs. A service dog is not an animal used for the blind or deaf. A blind person uses a "Guide" Dog who has different training and different requirements. A deaf person uses a "Signal" dog who also has different training and different requirements. A "Service " dog is for people with disabilities as most have stated above not gonna repeat any of that. just read their whatever.



And because we all need a glass of milk with the cookie here is the statute or whatever you want to call it just don't call it a "law'. please note since this was originally asked they have changed the regulation and it has been updated. you can see below when they adopted the new regulation. If you want to read the entire regulation then ignore the Paragraph 6 part. That is the part that states what they can legally ask and require of you.



2010 title 3 ADA. Regulation to be used and go into effect march 15, 2011.

28CFR Section 36.302 paragraph (6)



Happy Faking it people.