Therapy Dog Training
Therapy Dog Training in Oklahoma City
Prepare Your Dog for Therapy Work in Schools, Hospitals & Community Programs
At Big Friendly Dog Training, we help dogs and their owners prepare for meaningful therapy dog work throughout the Oklahoma City area. Therapy dogs provide comfort, emotional support, and positive interaction in environments like schools, hospitals, libraries, and community programs. Our training focuses on building the calm temperament, reliable behavior, and communication skills needed for success in these settings.
Using our cynopraxic, relationship-based training approach, we prepare both the dog and handler to work together as a confident, effective therapy team.
What Is a Therapy Dog?
A therapy dog works with its handler to support others in structured environments. Common settings we train therapy dogs for are:
• Schools and reading programs
• Hospitals and rehabilitation centers
• Nursing homes and assisted living facilities
• Counseling and mental health programs
• Community outreach events
Therapy dogs must be calm, social, and reliable, even in busy or unfamiliar environments.
Benefits of Therapy Dogs in Schools
Therapy dogs can make a powerful impact in Oklahoma City classrooms. They help students with:
• Reduce stress and anxiety in students
• Improve focus and classroom engagement
• Support reading confidence in young learners
• Encourage positive behavior and emotional regulation
• Create a calm and supportive learning environment
For many schools, therapy dogs become an important part of student support and classroom culture.
Therapy Dog Training for Schools & Educators
At Big Friendly Dog Training we work with teachers, counselors, and school staff in Oklahoma City who want to safely integrate a dog into the classroom. Our program helps create therapy dog teams that can confidently handle:
• Groups of children with varying energy levels
• Loud hallways, bells, and classroom noise
• Sudden movements and distractions
• Classroom routines and transitions
Dogs also learn to settle calmly during lessons, reading time, and structured activities.
Skills Your Dog Will Learn
Therapy dogs need more than basic obedience. Training focuses on real-world behavior and impulse control. Key training skills include:
• Calm greetings with strangers
• Loose leash walking in busy environments
• Settling quietly during activities
• Confidence around noise and movement
• Comfort with wheelchairs, walkers, and crowds
These skills ensure your dog is safe, predictable, and comforting in any environment.
Certification Preparation & Is Your Dog a Good Fit?
Dogs best suited for therapy work typically:
• Enjoy meeting new people
• Stay calm in busy environments
• Have a friendly, stable temperament
• Are comfortable with handling
We’ll help you determine if therapy work is the right fit during your consultation.
We help prepare therapy dog teams for common evaluations, including:
• AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC)
• Advanced Canine Good Citizen (CGCA)
• Therapy dog temperament evaluations
Our goal is to ensure you and your dog are confident and fully prepared for real therapy work.
Start Your Therapy Dog Training Journey
If you’re ready to prepare your dog for therapy work in Oklahoma City schools, hospitals, or community programs, we’re here to help.
Private in-home dog training • Board and train programs • Puppy training • Behavior modification
Contact us today to schedule your training consultation and get started!
Professional Dog Training in Oklahoma City
Big Friendly Dog Training proudly serves dog owners across the Oklahoma City metro area, including:
Oklahoma City • Edmond • Moore • Yukon • Norman • Mustang • Midwest City • Del City • Choctaw • Harrah • Bethany • Warr Acres • Nichols Hills • The Village • Piedmont • Deer Creek • Tuttle • Newcastle • Blanchard • Shawnee • Surrounding OKC communities
Our programs are designed to help dog owners build calm, reliable, well-behaved companions through structured training and clear communication.
Office Hours:
Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm EST.
Training Hours:
Weekdays, Weeknights and Weekends by appointment only.