704-266-0697 mariah@mariahhinds.com

Therapy Dog Training Charlotte NC

Prepare Your Dog to Support Healing and Joy

Our therapy dog training Charlotte NC program is crafted for dogs with the temperament to bring comfort, emotional support, and happiness to individuals in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, hospices, and other care environments. Whether you’re wondering how to become a therapy dog or seeking therapy dog certification Charlotte NC, we recommend beginning with one-on-one training tailored to your needs.


๐Ÿพ What Is a Therapy Dog?

A therapy dog is a well-mannered companion trained to support the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of others. These dogs visit patients and clients, offering calm presence and affection in settings like hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and disaster relief centers. This work is impactful and deeply rewarding for both dog and handler.


๐Ÿ“š Our Therapy Dog Training Program

Our comprehensive curriculum blends dog trainers in Charlotte NC expertise with practical experience in pet therapy environments. Whether you’re starting with basic obedience or pursuing therapy dog training near me and therapy dog certification North Carolina, weโ€™re here to guide you.

  • Foundations of good behavior for therapy work
  • Socialization with diverse people and environments
  • Focus and obedience in public and distractions
  • Teamwork between handler and dog
  • Certification readiness for organizations like Therapy Dog International

๐Ÿ“ Key Benefits

  • Learn therapy dog certification near me with local experts
  • Join therapy dog classes near me that actually prepare your team for real-world visits
  • Whether you’re exploring therapy dog training charlotte or pet therapy training near me, our goal is to equip you with the skills needed for formal evaluation and placement

๐ŸŽ“ How to Become a Therapy Dog Team

  • Select a dog with a gentle, sociable temperament
  • Begin therapy dog training through structured, individualized instruction
  • Improve public access skills and emotional resilience
  • Complete required assessments to earn certification
  • Begin visiting organizations that welcome therapy teams

If you’re exploring therapy dog certification Charlotte NC, seeking therapy dog training Charlotte NC, or just want to speak to experienced Charlotte dog trainers about therapy dog work, weโ€™re ready to help. Contact us to schedule a private session, and letโ€™s build the foundation for your rewarding journey together.

Therapy Dog Certification Requirements โ€“ Charlotte NC

Are you wondering how to become a therapy dog or looking for therapy dog training near me? Whether you’re starting your journey or preparing for the final evaluation, our expert therapy dog training Charlotte NC program will guide you every step of the way. Our Charlotte dog trainers help you prepare for official therapy dog certification North Carolina and ensure your dog is ready for real-life visits in hospitals, schools, and care centers.

Our therapy dog training covers the exact skills needed to pass the therapy dog certification Charlotte NC requirements, whether youโ€™re training for therapy dog certification near me, exploring pet therapy training near me, or simply seeking structured, reliable dog therapy training.

๐Ÿพ Therapy Dog Test Requirements

To pass therapy dog certification, with the help of certified dog trainers in Charlotte NC, your dog can easily learn these skills that your dog will need to demonstrate with the therapy dog organization that you will be volunteering through. :

  • ๐Ÿช‘ The dog must sit, stand, or lie down calmly while the owner completes paperwork with other dogs 8 feet away.

  • ๐Ÿงโ€โ™€๏ธ Your dog should lie quietly at your feet while you engage in a casual conversation or meal, even with another dog present.

  • ๐Ÿ‘‹ The dog should remain calm and content with a friendly stranger while the owner is out of sight for one minute.

  • ๐Ÿšถโ€โ™‚๏ธ Demonstrate loose-leash walking in a new environment with turns, stops, and changes of pace.

  • ๐Ÿ‘ฅ Navigate calmly through a crowd without pulling on the leash.

  • ๐Ÿ• Walk past distraction dogs without reacting.

  • ๐Ÿ—ฃ Sit-stay in a group of three or more dogs while handlers hold a conversation.

  • ๐Ÿ“ฆ Accept petting from a stranger carrying a large object after being asked, โ€œMay I pet your dog?โ€

  • ๐Ÿ— Walk past food on the floor and obey the โ€œLeave itโ€ cue.

  • ๐Ÿพ Refuse a treat from a stranger when instructed to “Leave it.”

  • ๐Ÿ“ฃ Respond to a recall command from 20 feet away, even with distractions present.

  • ๐Ÿšช Enter and exit doors or narrow passages calmly and under control.

  • ๐Ÿข Stay calm in different environments including elevators, revolving or sliding doors, and shiny floors.

  • ๐Ÿ‘ถ Remain neutral around children running, yelling, or playing nearby.

Therapy dog classes near me are conducted using only positive reinforcement tools. Dogs must be tested with a buckle collar or slip leashโ€”no corrective gear allowed. To begin therapy dog training Charlotte, your dog must be at least one year old, and handlers under 18 need a guardian present.

Our therapy dog training Charlotte NC and dog training Charlotte NC programs combine structure, expertise, and care. Whether you’re working toward therapy dog certification or interested in therapy dog training as a meaningful way to bond with your dog, we offer both private sessions and group classes.

Get started with the most trusted therapy dog trainers near me and prepare for therapy dog certification North Carolina today. Let our team of Charlotte dog trainers help you and your dog bring joy and comfort to those who need it most.