Can I train my mini horse as a therapy animal? What's required?

There are a number of things to consider. #1- a "service dog" is a dog trained to perform certain tasks to assist the handler/owner, due to a disability (either physical or psychological). examples; a person in a wheelchair with a dog who can open doors, push elevator buttons, etc. a blind person with a dog who helps them cross the street safely a dog who can sense that a person is about to have a seizure, alerts the person so they can get to a safe location a dog who senses a panic attack is about to occur and can behave so as to prevent the panic attack from happening #2 - a "service dog" as described above is different than an "emotional support" dog or "therapy" dog. These dogs provide comfort and emotional support and are not trained to perform a specific task. See this article which explains this more specifically: https://adata.org/publication/service-animals-booklet Regarding your question about riding horses, I am not sure how that would work or what exactly you would be expecting (the dog to walk along next to you and the horse?) I think the biggest concern here would be the safety of the dog and then temperament of the horse (would the dog spook the horse, which puts all 3 of you in danger). My first thought would be this is not advisable, but whether or not it is allowed is probably up to the facility in which you are riding. Generally Labrador retrievers and golden retrievers make great service dogs, though any breed can be a great service dog. A service dog is not required to be "registered" per say. See the following: https://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm https://www.ada.gov/regs2010/service_animal_qa.html#cert If you are wanting to train the dog yourself, check out this book: https://www.amazon.com/Training-Your-Own-Service-Dog-ebook/dp/B015SJ32AM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B015SJ32AM&pd_rd_r=ACG5MWKYACEVMPXV9BNT&pd_rd_w=5Umlr&pd_rd_wg=W4y6T&psc=1&refRID=ACG5MWKYACEVMPXV9BNT&linkCode=sl1&tag=rove05-20&linkId=2f897c47d415402a56122c1e082eae13 I hope that helps you. Thank you for asking PetCoach!

Rider weight should not be more than 20% of body weight of the horse. You need to find a proficient light weight teen or adult to train them, I suppose. If it was a European shetland pony 120lbs would be ok for training, but American Shetlands and minihorses are very lightly built so I think 120lbs is a bit heavy.

Hi there! I think part of the issue may be the terminology you're using, when you're trying to find someone to help. By definition, a "therapy dog" is a dog who visits hospitals, nursing homes, or other places and interacts with people there to bring them comfort. What you're describing - a dog that helps you, not members of the public - would be either an emotional support animal, or a service dog. If you're trying to make Leo an emotional support animal, you just need a letter from your doctor or mental health care provider stating that you have anxiety that is helped by having your dog with you. This allows you to have him with you in certain housing situations that may not otherwise allow pets, and may allow him to travel with you in come cases, but does not give him any other public access rights (restaurants, stores, etc.) A service dog, by definition, is trained to perform a specific task to alleviate an owner's disability. So if you're interested in working with someone to train him to do something specific to help you, you would need to find a trainer to work with who has experience training service animals. Off the top of my head, I don't know who in your area might be able to do this - but at least you know what to ask about now, when you call trainers to inquire. Best of luck! :)

Hello. Miniature horses do not need as much room as you might think. A large backyard might be fine, especially if there are a few trees for shade & some type of structure, such as a lean-to, to get out of bad weather & the wind. Research & make sure there are no potentially toxic shrubs or plants where you might put the mini. You may need to check with local zoning laws to see if this is legal, but I do know folks who have kept minis in their backyards in housing developments. I have 16 minis! Good luck & thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Emotional Support Animals are trained to help a person depending on that person's specific needs, and there is no one set rule or training program for them. Each dog is trained individually, assisting in tasks such as helping with panic attacks, anxiety, etc. These dogs are also not considered service animals in some cases, so may not have the same protections as a service animal such as Guide Dogs for the Blind. There is also no specific certification or designation for ESAs. That said, if you are interested in having an ESA, speaking with a trainer in your area that specializes in service dog training is a good place to start. They can work with you on tailoring training techniques, and get you into actual training certification programs such as Canine Good Citizen which can help teach basic obedience and social skills all service dogs should have.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If you would like to get Mandie certified as a therapy dog there are certain requirements that have to be met. There are many organizations that can help you get her certified. Dogs have to be spayed/neutered, have a negative stool test, on flea/tick and heartworm prevention and up to date on vaccinations. Most organizations are local and your Vet can likely point you in the direction of an organization to get her certified. Or the internet can be helpful. I do not see why she can't be a therapy dog and a medical alert dog for you. She probably can not be used for others as a medical alert dog. Those dogs are usually trained from puppy-hood by other non-profit organizations. I hope this helps!

Visit the PAWS Training Centers website at www.pawstrainingcenters.com. They may be able to give you guidance and information. You can also use your preferred online search engine to find certified trainers. Be sure to study local and state statutes regarding service animals as laws can and do vary.