Training Your Boston Terrier to Be a Therapy Dog

Are you the proud owner of a Boston Terrier and are considering training them to become a therapy dog? Therapy dogs are known for their ability to bring comfort and joy to people in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and other settings. With their friendly and outgoing nature, Boston Terriers can make excellent therapy dogs. In this blog post, we will cover the steps you can take to train your Boston Terrier to be a therapy dog.

1. Assess Your Boston Terrier's Temperament

Before embarking on therapy dog training, it's important to assess your Boston Terrier's temperament. Therapy dogs need to be calm, well-behaved, and enjoy being around people. If your Boston Terrier tends to be anxious or aggressive, therapy work might not be the best fit for them. However, if your dog is sociable, obedient, and enjoys meeting new people, they may be a good candidate for therapy dog training.

2. Basic Training

Prior to specialized therapy dog training, your Boston Terrier should have a solid foundation in basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, and walking on a loose leash. These commands form the basis of good behavior and will be crucial during therapy visits. Consistency, positive reinforcement, and rewards are key during this training phase.

3. Expose Your Dog to Different Environments

Introduce your Boston Terrier to a variety of environments and situations to help them become more comfortable and adaptable. Take them for walks in busy areas, allow them to interact with different people, and expose them to common noises they may encounter during therapy visits. The more experiences your Boston Terrier has, the more confident they will be during therapy sessions.

4. Socialization and Desensitization

Therapy dogs must be well-socialized and comfortable interacting with people of all ages, including children and the elderly. Arrange playdates with other friendly dogs and expose your Boston Terrier to children and individuals with mobility aids or medical equipment. Gradually increase the level of interaction and monitor their reactions closely. Positive experiences will help shape their behavior and build their confidence.

5. Specialized Therapy Training

Once your Boston Terrier has mastered basic obedience and social skills, you can enroll them in specialized therapy dog training classes. These classes will focus on teaching your dog specific skills such as remaining calm in stressful situations, staying focused amid distractions, and responding appropriately to different types of people. A professional trainer will guide you and your dog through these techniques, ensuring both of you are equipped for therapy work.

Remember that training takes time and patience. Every dog progresses at their own pace, so be sure to celebrate small victories along the way. With the right training and guidance, your Boston Terrier has the potential to make a positive impact as a therapy dog.

For more information on this topic, see Lacy's book Boston Terrier Training Triumphs.