It is never easy to deliver bad news. As ATD Members, it’s complicated by the fact that we are all volunteers, and we, at the heart of it all, just want to do nice things for people.  But sometimes we encounter a team, or a potential team, who is not the best fit for Alliance of Therapy Dogs. Telling them what we are seeing is daunting at best, terrifying at worst! How will they respond to what we have to say? Will they be upset? Will they retaliate? All very valid and important questions to ask yourself prior to having a difficult discussion with someone.  As an ATD Member, if you s ..read more

Therapy Dog Visits: Retesting At Alliance of Therapy Dogs, we are an international registry of certified therapy dog teams. Obtaining therapy dog certification involves passing our therapy dog certification test and following our rules and regulations at therapy dog visits. When there has been a lapse in visits, ATD members will need to complete a retest in order to maintain insurance coverage. Learn about our retesting process and how to maintain your Alliance of Therapy Dogs membership.  Therapy Dog Retesting: What You Need To Know When you become an Alliance of Therapy Dogs member; not ..read more

Dog Conformation Training & Being A Therapy Dog Both dog conformation training and therapy dog training require a handler to have patience, determination, and an understanding of their canine’s abilities and body language. A therapy dog needs to be friendly and have a calm demeanor to provide comfort to those in need, while a dog in conformation trials must display obedience and confidence. A combination of training in both areas can turn your canine companion into a well-rounded performer, no matter the setting. Best In Show The hit film Best In Show (2000) probably made you laugh but als ..read more

7 Indoor Games To Play With Your Dog Don’t let the weather ruin playtime. Bring the good times inside with these fun indoor games to play with your dog! Your canine companion needs exercise even if it’s raining or snowing. We’ve rounded up a list of games to play indoors to keep the good times rolling. Grab your dog’s favorite toys and treats, and get ready to transform your home into a canine playground. #1. Hide and Seek This classic game can keep your pup entertained and stimulated. Choose a place where to hide. This can be behind a door or a curtain. Once you hide, call for your dog. Be en ..read more

Dog Body Language – What Does It Mean? Do you ever feel confused by dog body language? You’re not alone! It’s easy to misinterpret the meaning of dog body language. For instance, you may see your pup pant and think they’re hot but really they could be feeling anxious. Awareness of canine cues like posture, facial expressions, and vocalizations, can help you respond to their comfort levels, helping to prevent misunderstandings and potential behavior problems. Observing your dog’s body language during therapy dog visits helps you to know when to intervene if your dog is stressed or when it is ti ..read more

The Importance of Therapy Dogs and the Military The importance of therapy dogs on military bases has emerged as a vital role in supporting military personnel. These furry companions not only share smiles and joy but they offer tremendous emotional comfort to those who are grappling with the complex challenges of their duties. Learn more about the positive impact of certified therapy dogs from some of our ATD members who volunteer at military bases. Why Are Therapy Dogs Important For The Military? There are several reasons why therapy dogs are important for military personnel. One of the bigges ..read more

5 Cold Weather Tips For Dogs It can be beautiful to look outside your window and see a winter wonderland waiting for you. While falling snowflakes and crystalline icicles are idyllic, the frigid temperatures that come with the season can be hazardous to you and your canine companion. So, before heading out the door for a walk, keep these five cold-weather tips for dogs in mind. 1. Bundle Up For The Cold While dogs may already have a fur coat, they may need an extra layer of warmth during frigid weather. There are a variety of winter dog sweaters and jackets you can buy for your pooch at pet st ..read more

8 New Year’s Resolutions Inspired By Therapy Dogs Start the new year off on the right paw! These eight New Year’s resolutions inspired by therapy dogs will help motivate you to set meaningful and achievable goals. After all, who better to teach us than loveable and comforting, therapy dogs? Listen Like A Therapy Dog While dogs can be vocal with barking, they can also be active listeners. Therapy dog visits often encourage individuals to open up and voice their worries and concerns. This is especially true of people that may not usually feel comfortable talking; as therapy dogs can simply sit b ..read more

Walking Your Dog At Night It’s the time of year when the days are shorter and the nights are longer. With longer stretches of darkness comes reduced visibility for pedestrians and their dogs. To keep your nighttime walk routine going throughout the winter, ATD recommends using extra caution to ensure the well-being of both you and your canine. To help give you peace of mind, here are five safety tips for walking your dog at night. Wear Reflective Gear Wearing reflective gear is essential for walking your dog at night. This could include a reflective vest, jacket, or armbands. To equip your dog ..read more

How to Spread Holiday Cheer with Your Dog Giving season is upon us! Amidst the twinkling lights, cheerful carols, and festive gatherings, the holidays are a time to give back to others. And what better way to give back to others than spreading holiday cheer with your dog? Whether it’s visiting patients in the hospital or comforting stressed-out travelers at the airport, therapy dogs are sharing smiles and joy. Plus, you will be creating lasting memories with your furry friend. Here are some more ways you can help spread holiday cheer with your dog.  Therapy Dog Holiday Visits While the ho ..read more