Hi Patti, Sidney is almost five years old. I find it surprising that a home would take a chance on an un-certified dog visiting. It's taking a huge chance, both for the facility and for you. Since you don't have someone to insure you, you will want to be very careful that Gracie does not bite or scratch anyone. The skin of the elderly is very thin, so make sure nails are trimmed. Use a short (4 ft) leash; a longer leash might get wrapped around a walker, get caught on a wheelchair, or trip someone.

Always ask before you let Gracie approach a person. "Would you like to visit with my dog?" is a good introduction. If they are bed-bound, you will need to ask the staff if it is ok for you to lift Gracie and put her in the bed with the patient, and so Gracie will also have to learn to move very carefully, no jumping around. Teaching her "crawl" is a good way to move slowly while in a bed.

A very important thing is that your corgi has VERY good "leave it". It is very common that pills will end up on the floor and dogs will go after them. You need to be super diligent and keep an eye out for pills on the floor and do not let your corgi approach the pills! It could be tragic if she ate a pill.

Never let anyone besides you take the leash (and make sure she is leashed at all times). You need total control of your dog at all times. I have witnessed forgetful seniors who have been convinced that the visiting dog is THEIR dog and refuse to let the dog go. You need to be able to gently but firmly get your dog out of situations like that, and it is easier if you have the leash in your hand always.

Work on Gracie with common senior home distractions. If you have a walker you can borrow, rig it up with those tennis balls on the bottom (to keep it from sliding) and doodads dangling from the handles. Have a friend walk towards Gracie using the walker to make sure she doesn't bark or shy away. Also have a friend approach Gracie and talk loudly as many seniors tend to do. She'll want to be used to situations like this. Teach her "paws up" so she can meet a person in a wheelchair. One thing about corgis as therapy dogs is they are too short to really be petted while they are standing, and too heavy to be put in a lap. If you can teach her to put her paws up on a wheelchair tire or a person's lap, it will help.

Keep your visits short, no more than an hour. Half hour is better; it is surprising how tiring these visits are for the dogs. Sidney will come home from an hour visit and sleep the rest of the day.

OK, so ask the rules, use a short leash and never let it go, look out for pills, ask first, get her used to what she'll see and teach her proper behavior. Keep visits short. Take no chances that Gracie or a resident will get hurt. I think that covers it

HI Patti, Yes, we started with basic obedience, and then we took a 6-week therapy class. We learned how to deal with situations that could occur, and the dogs learned not to be afraid of walkers, wheelchairs or to be up on beds.  Then we had 10 supervised visits; after that we were fully certified!

Welcome Patti! What is your corgi girl's name? My Sidney is a therapy dog; we go to the library and the local universities