Join the World Dog Foundation
Therapy Dog Program
Coming soon!
Bringing comfort, love, and paws-itive energy to those who need it most.
The World Dog Foundation is proud to offer a Therapy Dog Program to help train kind, calm, and friendly dogs to visit places like hospitals, schools, and senior homes to make people feel better.
Therapy dogs provide numerous uplifting benefits in hospitals and schools.
Here are some key points:
Emotional Support
Interacting with therapy dogs can help reduce stress, anxiety, and loneliness. Their presence alone can often provide comfort and a sense of companionship, which is particularly beneficial in environments like hospitals and schools where individuals may be experiencing heightened emotions or facing challenging situations.
Social Interaction
Therapy dogs can serve as a catalyst for social interaction, especially among individuals who may be hesitant to engage with others. In schools, for example, they can help shy or anxious students feel more comfortable and open up, leading to improved communication skills and socialization.
Boosting Mood & Morale
Therapy dogs have a unique ability to lift spirits and bring joy to those around them. Their playful antics and unconditional love can brighten the mood of patients, students, and staff alike, creating a more positive and supportive atmosphere in hospitals and schools.
Physical Benefits
Petting or interacting with therapy dogs has been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce heart rate, and release endorphins, all of which contribute to a sense of well-being and relaxation. In hospitals, these physiological effects can aid in the healing process and contribute to overall recovery.
Distraction and Relaxation
The presence of therapy dogs can provide a welcome distraction from pain, discomfort, or stressful situations. In hospitals, this distraction can be particularly valuable during medical procedures or treatments. In schools, it can help students relax and refocus, improving their ability to concentrate and learn.
Promoting Responsibility & Empathy
In schools, caring for and interacting with a therapy dog can help students develop a greater understanding of compassion and empathy towards others, including their peers and animals.
Overall, therapy dogs play a valuable role in enhancing the well-being and quality of life of individuals in hospitals and schools, providing emotional support, physical benefits, social interaction, and a source of joy and comfort.
Sabrina Clark has been training dogs since 1986 and is the owner of Balanced Obedience and Founder of the World Dog Foundation. Have fun training your own dog at your own pace with no reliance on treat bribes or a shock collar.
FAQs
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A therapy dog is a very well-behaved and gentle dog that brings comfort and happiness to people. They’re not the same as service dogs, but they do very important work like:
Visiting people in hospitals and nursing homes
Helping kids feel less nervous at school
Bringing smiles during hard times or after disasters
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Any dog that is calm, friendly, and well-behaved can train to become a therapy dog!
But first, they’ll need to pass two important tests:AKC Canine Good Citizen Test (basic manners and obedience)
Therapy Dog Aptitude Test (done by the World Dog Foundation)
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Therapy dog training helps dogs:
Listen to basic commands like sit, stay, and come
Be calm around loud noises, new people, and crowded places
Stay friendly even when touched or hugged
Handle new places like hospitals or classrooms without getting scared
How Do I Join?
You can become part of the program in two ways:
Standard Membership: $25/month
Access to our training program
Help preparing for therapy dog tests
Great for anyone who wants their dog to become a certified therapy dog
FREE Membership for Co-Owners
If you co-own a dog with us, your membership is completely free.
You’ll receive:
A Goldendoodle or Bernedoodle (our next therapy/service dog stars!)
Free boarding, free training, and free support
In return, your dog will have one litter of puppies to help raise the next generation of therapy and service dogs
After that, the dog is spayed and fully yours — no more breeding needed, and free training for life
We also have male Poodles and Doodles available for special homes experienced with stud dogs.
Why Choose the World Dog Foundation?
Based in Hawaii — rooted in local care and aloha
Decades of experience in dog behavior, training, and placement
Committed to ethical training, happy dogs, and helping people heal
Ready to join?
Become part of a community that’s changing lives — one paw at a time.
[Join the Therapy Dog Program Today →]
Or [Contact Us] if you have any questions!
What if your dog needs training to be a Therapy Dog?
6 Sessions - 60 min each for $600
This is free for dogs in the Co-Ownership program with the World Dog Foundation.
Working in a group is a fun and easy way to train and socialize your dog. Included is a private Facebook community and weekly online coaching.
You will have everything you need to succeed:
In-person coaching,
Online courses, written study guides, and
Online coaching and community.