Introducing a therapy dog into your home is not simply adding a pet into your current household; it is making a deliberate effort to ensure that the dog and other family members receive and provide optimum care. When your therapy dog is around to support your family members or those you will be taking it to, provide a good home setting for your pooch.
Well, let us explore the following tips on preparing your home to welcome a therapy dog and further assess the well-being of everybody in the house.
Designate a Safe Haven
Select a clean, low-traffic zone of your house where the therapy dog shall spend some time without intermission. This can be a corner in the living room, a small space in the bedroom, or even a single room. Therefore, a dog bed or an adequately sized crate with comfortable cushioning should be given to the dog to ensure it has a comfortable and safe place to lie down.
Dog-Proof Your Home: This requires adhering to safety from electrical wires, poisonous plants, and sharp objects that are likely to cause harm if accessed by the dog. Some changes can be made: keep cleaning products, medicine, and other things the dog cannot reach.
Establishing Training Zones
Dedicated Training Area: You should also ensure a dedicated space for conducting the training sessions. This space is free from any form of interruption and as spacious as might be required to deliver commands and practice other forms of exercises. This makes the dog remain positive in a suitable learning environment; you can learn more about this here: https://www.therapydogtraining.co.uk/familytherapydog.
Organized Supplies: A folder with training treats, toys, leashes, and other supplies should be kept neat and clean, and all the necessary items should be stored in it. Ideally, when heading outdoors for a training session, one should carry several tools to ensure you are not caught unprepared in an impromptu training session.
Implementing a Routine
Consistent Schedule: Feed, walk, train, and play with your dog at specific intervals by developing a schedule that will apply daily. Consistency assists in establishing stability along with boundaries, which the dog will acknowledge and approve. Finally, the dog’s health needs should be properly cared for, particularly through physical exercise and stimulation.
Exercise and Play: There should be a play space and an exercise space, and they should be beside each other, inside and outside the home. Not only can physical activity help any dog maintain good health, but it also executes helpful behavior patterns.
Considering Health Needs
Vet Visits: Take your pet in for a monthly or bi-monthly check-up, and ensure vaccinations are up to date, flea and tick control is implemented, and any other health regulations have been met. Your dog’s physical and mental health must be achieved to be the best therapy dog.
Besides meeting your therapy dog’s basic needs to make them comfortable, you also increase their readiness to offer the support they have been trained to offer. Applying these recommendations, you can achieve the effective functioning of a therapy dog in a home environment, which will be useful and pleasant for you and the pet.
