Comparison of Therapy Dog Certification Tests
- Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Test
- Overview:
- Offered by the American Kennel Club (AKC), this is often considered a foundational test.
- Focuses on basic manners and obedience, such as “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and remaining calm in public.
- Pros:
- Widely recognized and respected as a starting point for therapy dog training.
- A prerequisite for many advanced therapy dog certifications.
- Cons:
- Does not evaluate a dog’s response to the specific stressors or equipment they might encounter as a therapy dog.
- Best For:
- Beginners or as a stepping stone to more specialized certifications.
- Overview:
- Therapy Dog (TD) Evaluation (Therapy Dogs United – TDU)
- Overview:
- Focuses specifically on therapy dog scenarios, such as exposure to distractions (wheelchairs, medical equipment) and working alongside other dogs.
- Pros:
- Tests practical, real-world skills required for therapy dog work.
- Provides a good evaluation of the dog’s temperament in stressful or medical settings.
- Cons:
- Certification is tied to Therapy Dogs United, which may not be as universally recognized as larger organizations like the AKC or TDI.
- Best For:
- Teams planning to work with Therapy Dogs United or seeking practical, scenario-based evaluations.
- Overview:
- Therapy Dogs International (TDI) Temperament Evaluation
- Overview:
- Known for its rigorous temperament testing, especially around people using medical equipment.
- Includes unique exercises, such as “Leave-It Part Two,” to assess impulse control.
- Pros:
- TDI is a highly respected organization with nationwide recognition.
- The evaluation emphasizes a dog’s behavior in real therapy settings, ensuring they’re well-suited for complex environments.
- Cons:
- Slightly more demanding than other tests, which may not suit all dogs.
- Best For:
- Teams aiming to work in high-pressure settings or with organizations that prioritize rigorous evaluations.
- Overview:
- Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD) Certification Test
- Overview:
- Includes a background check, a handling portion, and supervised interactions with strangers or residents.
- Pros:
- Focuses on the handler-dog partnership, ensuring both are competent in therapy scenarios.
- Well-recognized by hospitals, schools, and therapy facilities.
- Cons:
- Less emphasis on advanced obedience skills compared to the TDI evaluation.
- Best For:
- Teams looking for a comprehensive but not overly demanding certification process that is accepted by many facilities.
- Overview:
Most Professionally Viable Certification
The Therapy Dogs International (TDI) certification is often regarded as the most professionally viable option for several reasons:
- Nationwide Recognition: TDI is well-known and accepted across various institutions, including hospitals, schools, and senior care facilities.
- Rigorous Testing: It evaluates key therapy dog skills, including temperament and behavior in medical or high-stress settings.
- Professional Standards: The inclusion of unique exercises like “Leave-It Part Two” demonstrates the high expectations for both dogs and handlers.
