Therapy Dog & Handler Training

Build the calm, friendly skills to serve your community as a Therapy Dog team.

Description

This advanced, hands-on course builds the calm, friendly skills therapy teams use on real visits to hospitals, schools, libraries, and senior communities. Across 6 one-hour sessions (three on campus and three in a school, library, or retirement home setting), you’ll work on:
 

  • Reading your dog’s body language and responding calmly

  • Polite greetings with all kinds of people

  • Four-on-the-floor near counters, tables, and beds

  • Calm behavior around medical equipment (wheelchairs, walkers, IV poles)

  • Working with children one-on-one and in groups

  • Comfort around groups of unfamiliar adults

  • A few simple, smile-making tricks

  • Settling on a mat with a stay

  • Safe, polite elevator manners

  • Focus and control near other dogs

  • Loose-leash walking through busy, distracting spaces

 
It is required to take the AKC Canine Good Citizen course first to ensure that your dog is comfortable in new environments, behaves well around people, and remains calm when petted or hugged. If you have an Evaluation or title from another facility, please Contact Us.
 
If your dog is new to group training, please enroll in Beginner Dog Obedience & Manners. If you need further guidance on which course to select, please contact us.

Prerequisites

The Temperament of the Ideal Therapy Dog:  Therapy dogs must enjoy meeting people of all ages, races, and sizes.  They must enjoy petting and hugging by strangers.  Therapy dogs must be able to focus on you when other dogs are nearby.  

Age of Dog:  1 year or older when class starts
 
Prerequisites:  Passes the AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluation or instructor approval.