Therapy Dog & Handler Training

This class is designed for dog-and-handler teams interested in preparing for therapy dog work in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living communities, schools, libraries, and other community settings. 

The class focuses on real-world situations therapy dog teams are likely to encounter during facility visits and volunteer opportunities. Teams will work on: 

• Advanced people greetings 

• Body desensitization 

• Calm interaction skills 

• Handler advocacy 

• Visit etiquette 

• Volunteer and insurance coverage options 

By the end of this class, handlers will be better prepared to: 

• Understand their dog’s comfort level during therapy-style interactions 

• Practice safe and appropriate visit skills 

• Advocate for their dog during greetings, handling, and stressful situations 

• Understand basic visit etiquette in schools, healthcare settings, libraries, and community sites 

• Compare volunteering options as a Dog Alliance member or nonmember 

• Understand which visits may be coordinated by Dog Alliance and which visits must be self-coordinated 

• Prepare for therapy dog evaluations conducted by Dog Alliance, facilities, or outside organizations with their own approval process  

Completion of this class does not certify a team as a therapy dog team. It also does not guarantee acceptance by any hospital, nursing home, school, library, volunteer organization, or Dog Alliance-coordinated opportunity.