Therapy Dog Training — Kiln, Mississippi

Prerequisite: Completion of both In-House Obedience and Emotional Support Dog programs

Therapy dog visiting and comforting a hospital patient

Advanced Certification Program

From Personal Companion to Community Hero

Building on the rock-solid obedience foundation from our core program and the deep, attuned focus developed in our emotional support training, many exceptional dogs are ready to take the next inspiring step: becoming certified therapy dogs.

While emotional support companions provide unwavering comfort to their specific handler amid life's challenges, therapy dogs extend that gentle, calming presence to brighten the days of many—offering affection, joy, and emotional uplift in hospitals, schools, nursing homes, libraries, and community settings.

Our advanced therapy dog pathway refines social skills for handling unfamiliar people, and prepares your dog (and you) for rewarding volunteer visits as a team—turning your well-mannered partner into a community hero that spreads healing one gentle interaction at a time.

Prerequisites for This Program

Therapy dog training requires completion of both our in-house obedience program and our emotional support dog program.

View Obedience Details View Emotional Support Details

Advanced Therapy Dog Training Phases

Building on your dog's completed foundation programs.

1st Additional Phase (Days 50-61)

In this phase your dog will be brought to numerous public places or in-house environments to ensure that their attention is focused on the handler even amongst major distractions. The goal is that the dog is there for support of the handler. There will be a team session at the end of this stage.

2nd Additional Phase (Days 61+)

In this phase your dog will learn that they are allowed and expected to engage with people on command without any rough housing. This phase is critical to complete the program and will require that you do 2 sessions off site with the handler to ensure that you truly understand all of the commands in a real life situation.

What Makes Our Therapy Dog Program Special

Builds directly on your dog's completed obedience foundation and the deep handler focus from our emotional support program, preparing them for broader, multi-person interactions.

Refines advanced socialization skills to handle diverse people—including children, elderly, wheelchair users, and those with medical equipment—while staying calm and non-reactive.

Emphasizes gentle handling tolerance, accepting petting, hugs, and close contact from unfamiliar people without jumping or overwhelming.

Gives your dog a sense of purpose and enjoyment by uplifting the spirits of many people in your community.

Prepares your dog to go almost anywhere that they are allowed.

Program Benefits

Free 1-on-1 Tune Up/Problem Solving Sessions for the Lifetime of the Dog

After they complete this course

Our Client Handler Sessions Do Not Have Time Limits

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the prerequisites for therapy dog training?

To enroll in our therapy dog program, your dog must have completed both our 49-day board and train obedience program and our emotional support dog training program. This ensures the necessary foundation is firmly in place.

Where can a certified therapy dog visit?

Therapy dogs can visit hospitals, schools, nursing homes, libraries, rehabilitation centers, and many other community settings. Our program prepares your dog to handle diverse people and environments calmly and reliably.

How is a therapy dog different from a service dog?

A service dog is trained to perform specific tasks for one person with a disability and has public access rights under the ADA. A therapy dog provides comfort to many people in approved settings through volunteer visits and does not have the same public access rights.

How long does the therapy dog program take?

The therapy dog training adds approximately 3 additional weeks on top of the emotional support program, which itself follows the 49-day board and train. The full pathway from start to therapy dog certification is roughly 13+ weeks depending on your dog's progress.

Have Questions?

We're here to help you and your dog. Reach out to us today.