Therapy Dog Training

Therapy dog training is the foundation of every successful Companion Paws team, focusing on strong obedience, calm behaviour, and confidence in real-world situations. Rather than specialized tricks, therapy dogs require excellent manners, socialization, and advanced training to ensure they can provide comfort and connection in a wide range of environments.

Through a combination of professional guidance and structured skills development, handlers and dogs build the reliability and trust needed to meet Companion Paws' certification standards. The result is a well-prepared team ready to bring meaningful support, whether in personal, assisted, or visiting therapy settings.

Important: Companion Paws certified dogs are designated therapy dogs; they are not certified service dogs.

Start Certification Process Find Testing Locations

Therapy dog in a training session with its handler

Training Requirements

Therapy dog candidates should complete the following before applying for certification:

Complete obedience training
Advanced manners and behavior training
Group socialization experience
Consistent training and practice

Owner-Trained Dogs

Owner-trained dogs are warmly welcomed in our program. With the right temperament, consistent training, and a strong bond with their handler, your dog can thrive as a certified therapy dog.

After the First Assessment

Once you successfully complete the First Temperament Assessment, you will receive access to TLC's Companion Paws Skills Training—an online course featuring 23 instructional videos designed to guide you through every skill your dog needs to master before the Final Evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do therapy dogs need specialized training?

Therapy Dogs do not have specialized training. Successful obedience and advanced training is required.

What is therapy dog training?

A therapy dog is a companion dog no matter the certified designation. Professional obedience/manners training and advanced training would be the type of training suitable for a therapy dog.

How do I train my dog to be a therapy dog?

Find a local professional trainer with an excellent reputation, extensive background in training and understanding of dog behaviors. Enroll in group obedience and group advanced training sessions for a most successful outcome.

Can my dog become a therapy dog if my dog is owner-trained?

Yes, if your dog has a suitable temperament and is well trained, then absolutely. Once you pass the First Temperament Assessment and register for the second and certification part of the program, you will be given access to TLC's Companion Paws Skills Training online course, with 23 videos of Skills Training to help you master your skills and your dog's training prior to the 2nd Temperament Assessment and Final Evaluation.

Recommended Trainers Across Canada

Choose a professional trainer in your area with a proven reputation and deep expertise in obedience and advanced behaviour training. Whenever possible, we encourage group classes, which provide invaluable socialization and real-world practice for therapy dog candidates.

Please note: the trainers listed below operate as independent businesses. For direct dog training support please contact the trainer directly.