Here is a checklist of basic questions concerning information on therapy dogs that your answer should be a resounding "yes" to before you go any further. The main one being: Is your German Shepherd happy to be around people? Ascertain if your dog needs any special training before doing therapy work.

Some dogs automatically have what it takes and that includes being well behaved, well socialized and in good health. You and your dog should start out by joining a professional organization such as Therapy Dogs Inc. or perhaps a local organization, which provides loads of support, instruction, insurance and other services needed by owners of therapy dogs.

Another issue to consider is that many facilities might prefer that your German Shepherd is first registered with a professional organization before allowing you to interact with their residents/patients.

Contact hospitals, nursing homes, retirement residences, hospices, schools and any other special needs center in your area that could benefit from and welcome therapy dogs. Find out how to go about applying. If you can, tour the facilities and get to know the staff and residents first, find out how receptive they would be to visits from a therapy dog and most importantly, whether or not they require your dog be certified.

Next, bathe your dog close to the time of each visit, make sure his coat is free of parasites, brush his teeth and trim his nails. Brush and comb your dog immediately prior to each visit. Last but not least, make sure your dog is current on all it's vaccinations before making therapy visits.