In today’s Ask Tonya, I’m answering Samantha’s question about how to figure out therapy-dog potential before you ever sign up for a test. Cavaliers are often gentle and loving, but therapy work is about more than being a “good dog.” I start with the biggest piece: personality. Your Cavalier will be visiting with strangers, and I don’t just want them to tolerate that—I want them to be happy and truly enjoy it. We never want to force what’s in our heart onto a dog who would rather stay home with family or do other activities. Next, I talk about real-world therapy environments like schools and nursing homes—new places, loud noises, and even “scary” equipment like floor-cleaning machines. Confidence matters. I also cover practical setup issues like slippery hardwood or linoleum floors (Dexter wears ToeGrips for traction), and the training I consider essential: basic manners like sit/down/stay plus helpful skills like “nose to palm” targeting to guide your dog smoothly through crowds. Finally, I share how to choose an evaluation organization, why insurance matters, and why you should check with your intended facility first—because policies can vary on things like raw feeding, vaccines, and titers.