1. ACCEPTING A FRIENDLY STRANGER

  This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach it and speak to the handler in a natural, everyday situation. The Evaluator and handler shake hands and exchange pleasantries. The dog must show no sign of resentment or shyness, and must not break position or try to go to the Evaluator.

2. SITTING POLITELY FOR PETTING

This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to touch it while it is out with its handler. The dog should sit at the handler’s side as the Evaluator approaches and begins to pet the dog on the head and body only. The dog may stand in place to accept petting. The dog must not show shyness or resentment.

3. APPEARANCE AND GROOMING

This practical test demonstrates that the dog will welcome being groomed and examined and will permit a stranger, such as a veterinarian, groomer, or friend of the owner, to do so. It also demonstrates the owner’s care, concern and sense of responsibility. The Evaluator inspects the dog, then combs or brushes the dog, and lightly examines the ears and each front foot.

4. OUT FOR A WALK (WALKING ON A LOOSE LEASH)

This test demonstrates that the handler is in control of the dog. The dog can be on either side of the handler, whichever the handler prefers. There must be a left turn, a right turn and an about turn, with at least one stop in between and another at the end. The dog need not be perfectly aligned with the handler and need not sit when the handler stops.

5. WALKING THROUGH A CROWD

This test demonstrates that the dog can move about politely in pedestrian traffic and is under control in public places. The dog and handler walk around and pass close to several people (at least three). The dog may show some interest in the strangers, without appearing overexuberant, shy or resentful. The handler may talk to the dog and encourage or praise the dog throughout the test. The dog should not be straining at the leash.

6. SIT AND DOWN ON COMMAND/STAYING IN PLACE

This test demonstrates that the dog has training, will respond to the handler’s commands to sit and down, and will remain in the place commanded by the handler (sit or down position, whichever the handler prefers). The handler may take a reasonable amount of time and use more than one command to make the dog sit and then down. When instructed by the Evaluator, the handler tells the dog to stay and walks forward the length of a 20-foot line. The dog must remain in place, but may change position.

7. COMING WHEN CALLED

This test demonstrates that the dog will come when called by the handler. The handler will walk 10 feet from the dog, turn to face the dog, and call the dog. The handler may use encouragement to get the dog to come. Handlers may choose to tell the dog to "stay" or "wait," or they may simply walk away, giving no instructions to the dog as the Evaluator provides mild distraction (e.g., petting).

8. REACTION TO ANOTHER DOG

This test demonstrates that the dog can behave politely around other dogs. Two handlers and their dogs approach each other from a distance of about 10 yards, stop, shake hands and exchange pleasantries, and continue on for about 5 yards. The dogs should show no more than a casual interest in each other.

9. REACTIONS TO DISTRACTIONS

This test demonstrates that the dog is confident at all times when faced with common distracting situations, such as the dropping of a large book or a jogger running in front of the dog. The dog may express a natural interest and curiosity and/or appear slightly startled, but should not panic, try to run away, show aggressiveness or bark.

10. REACTION TO MEDICAL EQUIPMENT

The dog should be tested around medical equipment (such as a wheelchair, crutches, cane, walker, or other devices which would ordinarily be found in a facility) to judge the dog’s reactions to common health care equipment. At the discretion of the Evaluator, this test may be included in any of the following portions of the test: 2,3,5 or 9.

11. LEAVE IT

The handler with the dog on a loose leash walks past food on the ground (placed within a distance of three feet) and, upon command, the dog should ignore the food.

12. ACCLIMATION TO INFIRMiTIES

This test demonstrates the dog’s confidence when exposed to people walking with an uneven gait, shuffling, breathing heavily, coughing, wheezing or other distractions which may be encountered in a facility.

13. SUPERVISED SEPARATION

This test demonstrates that a dog can be left with a trusted person, if necessary, and will maintain its training and good manners. Evaluators are encouraged to say something like, "Would you like me to watch your dog?" and then take hold of the dog’s leash. The owner will go out of sight for three minutes. The dog does not have to stay in position but should not continually bark, whine, or pace unnecessarily, or show anything stronger than mild agitation or nervousness.

14. SAY HELLO

The TDI Certified Evaluator will test the willingness of each dog to visit a person and that the dog can be accessible for petting (i.e., small dogs can be placed on a person’s lap or can be held, medium and larger dogs can sit on a chair or stand close to the patient to be easily reached).

Testing Sites

It was a fun process for us.

I recently had my now late mom in the hospital for long stretches on and off. She was so pleased when the therapy dogs came by for their visits. I saw many people who did not have any  family or friends visiting other than these dogs and their owners. I know it brought her so much pleasure and chatting about the dogs with the owners made them feel better because they were not thinking about why they were in the hospital. Even for me I was there everyday all day and it was fun seeing them. Seeing her face light up and her anticipation of the hairy visitors. She was always proud to tell them about our dogs and how my boy is a great champ and a therapy dog too. It was a lighter moment we did need.

I hope you enjoy this experience as much as we did.

In most cases pre-registration is required I suggest contacting them well before the date of testing. If the time has run out give them a call as they are active in this they may be able to suggest alternate testing sites. Also contact Therapy Dogs International. There is another group called the Delta Society that also does testing. You can also call local hospitals who have therapy dogs visitors you n\may be able to find more info for your area that way.