therapy dog training

Therapy Dog Training at Cornish Dog School

What is a Therapy Dog?

A therapy dog is a calm, friendly, and emotionally stable dog who, alongside their handler, provides comfort and companionship to others. Therapy dogs visit hospitals, care homes, schools, and community settings to support wellbeing, reduce stress, and bring joy. Unlike assistance dogs, therapy dogs are not trained to perform specific tasks for one person—they are there to help others, simply through their presence and gentle interaction.

At Cornish Dog School, we believe that the best therapy dogs are not only well-trained, but also well-matched to the environments they’ll work in. That’s why our therapy dog programme is handler-led, carefully structured, and rooted in ethical, force-free training methods.

Becoming a therapy dog volunteer is a truly rewarding journey—for both you and your dog. As a team, you’ll bring comfort, joy, and companionship to those who need it most, whether in care homes, schools, hospitals or local community spaces. For your dog, it offers gentle social interaction, mental stimulation, and a sense of calm purpose. For you, it’s a meaningful way to give back, connect with others, and experience the deep bond that grows from working in partnership with your dog to make a positive difference. Volunteering together can become a shared adventure—one built on trust, empathy, and the quiet power of kindness.

Is Your Dog Suitable?

We welcome dogs of all breeds, ages (12+ months), and backgrounds who show:

• A calm, gentle and sociable nature
• Confidence around new people, equipment and environments
• Basic obedience and lead manners
• A willingness to engage without signs of stress, fear or aggression

Before starting, each dog and handler team must undergo a suitability assessment to ensure the welfare of the dog and the safety of those they’ll visit.

What’s Involved in Therapy Dog Training?

Our Therapy Dog Training Programme includes:

• Initial Suitability and Temperament Assessment
• Core Obedience and Control Skills (loose lead, sit/stay, settle, polite greetings)
• Environmental and Sensory Desensitisation (wheelchairs, medical equipment, sudden noise)
• Public Access Skills (vet waiting rooms, cafes, reception areas)
• Touch and Handling Tolerance
• Handler Confidence and Communication
• Mock Visits and Realistic Scenarios
• Preparation for Therapy Dog Certification or Voluntary Registration

Why Train With Cornish Dog School?

• Led by a registered Pets As Therapy (PAT) Dog Assessor
• Qualified instructors with experience in community and canine welfare
• Calm, countryside-based training location in Cornwall
• Small group sessions or one-to-one options available
• Guidance on certification and support with therapy dog registration

Whether you’re looking to volunteer with your dog in your local community or simply want to develop their skills and confidence in public, our Therapy Dog Training is a rewarding next step.

Therapy Dog Class – Fridays at Cornish Dog School

We’re excited to launch a dedicated Therapy Dog Training Class starting this September at Cornish Dog School – perfect for dog and handler teams interested in volunteering in schools, care homes, hospitals, libraries, and community settings.

Whether you’re preparing for assessment with organisations such as Pets As Therapy or simply wish to build your dog’s confidence, calmness, and people skills, this course will provide you with everything you need to get started on the right path.

Class Details

• Start Date: Friday 13th September 2025
• Time: 11:00am to 12:00pm
• Location: Cornish Dog School (venue details provided on booking)
• Eligibility: Dogs aged 6 months and over
• Trainer: Led by an accredited dog trainer and registered Pets As Therapy (PAT) Dog Assessor
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Format & Pricing

• 4-week block: £76 total (£19 per hour)
• 8-week block: £152 total (£19 per hour)

Each class is delivered in a calm, supportive group environment with limited spaces to ensure personalised guidance.

What’s Included in the Therapy Dog Training Course?

Our structured programme covers a blend of foundation skills, emotional resilience, and public access behaviours tailored for real-life therapy scenarios. Training includes:

Foundation Obedience and Manners

• Calm lead walking and polite greetings
• Settle and stay on cue
• Focus and engagement in distracting environments
• Recall and responsiveness around people and dogs

Confidence & Communication

• Approaching new people calmly and confidently
• Desensitisation to wheelchairs, crutches, walking aids, medical equipment and sound
• Neutral behaviour around sudden noises and movement
• Reading dog body language and managing emotional load

Therapy Dog-Specific Training

• Understanding the expectations of therapy dog visits
• Learning appropriate touch and interaction for vulnerable people
• Building emotional connection and trust with the handler
• Teaching simple, purposeful tasks (e.g. chin rest, “visit” cue, calm body positioning)

Volunteer Preparation

• Understanding your role as a therapy dog volunteer
• Rules, responsibilities and registration processes with UK therapy dog organisations
• Developing the skills and behaviours needed for formal assessment
• Mock therapy dog visits and scenario-based role play

Suitability Criteria

This class is suitable for:

• Calm, sociable dogs aged 6 months or older ( for classes ) 
• Handlers wishing to apply for Pets As Therapy or Therapy Dogs Nationwide
• Dogs with basic obedience who are ready to progress to the next level
• Owners looking to build their dog’s confidence and reliability in shared spaces

Please note:

• No banned breeds as defined under the Dangerous Dogs Act
• No reactive or aggressive dogs
• Dogs must be comfortable in a calm, small group setting.