Certified therapy dog, Kiana, helping young readers achieve confidence with their reading skills

Certified Therapy Dogs

Thinking about doing therapy work with your Bernese Mountain Dog?

If your Berner has a temperament you think is well-suited to therapy work, participating in a community dog therapy program might be for you! Not to mention the bonding and teamwork you'll achieve with your Berner. Bernese Mountain Dogs are generally gentle giants, and bring a smile to everyone's face.

You'll want to have a dog that's eager to please, but not too eager for attention. This type of work requires tremendous teamwork to ensure therapy sessions are a success.

Learn More

There all all types of places you can visit as a therapy team including (but not limited to) hospitals, schools, senior homes, and many other places!

Many organizations certify pet therapy animals. Pet Partners is most common in Alaska. Please use the link below to learn more.

Pet Partners

Assistance Animals

Basic Requirements for Therapy Dogs

At least 12 months old
You must have owned the dog for at least 6 months
House trained-no waste during therapy sessions
Current on all vaccinations. Titres are NOT accepted.
No raw diets
No history of aggression or injuries to people or animals
Good obedience skills including sit, down, stay in place, loose leash walk, heel, come when called, leave it, etc.
Welcomes interactions with strangers (does not shy away)
Comfortable wearing required equipment
No licking, jumping, or inappropriate behavior.