Training Pets for Alzheimer's Dog Therapy

More than 100 therapy dogs and their handlers have joined Answers for Elder's Washington Therapy Dogs group to visit senior living communities and bring joy to those with Alzheimer's and dementia. Manager Marlina Velasco-Barker joins Suzanne to talk about the process of going about training your pet to become a therapy dog. Episodes this month support the Walk to End Alzheimer's.

The group started during the pandemic. Marlina says, "There are no required prerequisites to go in for an evaluation with any organizations listed on the American Kennel Club's website, but many recommend basic obedience. They have a program called CGC, or Canine Good Citizen. There are extensions to that, one called Urban and the other is Community, and that gives more skills to learn, an essential foundation."

To collaborate or learn more about dog training in the U.S., visit watherapydogs.com. Visit alz.org/walk and enter your zip code to find the Walk nearest you to register or donate. Check out alz.org to learn more. 

Check out our affiliate podcast Alzheimer’s Speaks: https://alzheimersspeaks.com/

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