There are certain requirements that will vary over each state, but universally, a dog must be certified as a canine good citizen in order to start therapy dog training.  The requirements for a canine good citizen are your dog to be focused and well behaved around any type of distraction.  You can usually find classes at your local animal shelter or a dog training school.  They will know what to do to turn your dog into a good canine citizen. 

Therapy dog training can begin right after your dog has completed his certification as a canine good citizen.  Training will consist of teaching your dog how to ignore things such as hospital equipment, noises at school or anything else your dog may not be accustomed to.  Then they are trained to do simple activities and therapy with those around them who need it.  There may be cases however, where the therapy is just having the dog present.  The person benefiting from this service may only need walking with them or just simply being around them for safety. 

When you are ready to choose therapy dog training for your dog, check out the web and your local area.  There will be an organization no matter where you live who will do dog therapy training  as well as taking her out into the community doing good deeds and providing needed service.  You are also able to volunteer to help with training and even the therapy itself. You and your dog, can make a difference as a team effort helping out the community.  Contact your local organization and become involved. 

You will then find what a rewarding activity this will be and what a donation you will be making with just a simple decision to enroll your pet into  dog therapy training.  When you train your dog how to react to certain situations, you are making him more than just a pet, he will be a hero.