Therapy Dog Training Program

Service Description

By the time you complete our training program, your dog will be fully prepared to take the certification test through any external therapy dog organization and be ready to start bringing joy to those who need it most! *Program Structure* 1. Initial Consultation & Temperament Evaluation - Duration: 1 Hour - This consultation includes a detailed assessment of your dog's temperament, current skills, and suitability for therapy work. - We'll develop a personalized training plan to help your dog meet therapy standards. 2. Obedience & Behavior Training - Duration: 1 Hour per session. - Basic Commands - Ensuring your dog is proficient in commands like sit, stay, down, come, and leave it. - Calm Behavior - Training your dog to remain composed in noisy, high-stress environments. - Gentle Interactions - Teaching your dog to approach and interact respectfully with various individuals, such as children and patients. - Distraction Training - Preparing your dog to maintain focus amidst distractions like loud noises or medical equipment. - Polite Socialization - Refining your dog's manners around strangers and other animals. - Long-Period Settling - Training your dog to patiently settle for extended periods during therapy visits. Handling Medical Equipment - Familiarizing your dog with medical devices like wheelchairs and walkers to ensure comfort around them. 3. Real-World Training & Socialization - Duration: Varies - Your dog will be trained in real-world environments, to simulate the therapy settings they'll be working in. - This includes practicing therapy visit protocols and desensitization to public environments. 4. Mock Therapy Dog Certification Tests - Duration: 1 Hour - We conduct mock certification tests to ensure your dog is fully prepared. - These tests simulate real evaluations and include assessments of your dog's response to people, unpredictable situations, and basic commands. 5. Final Evaluation & Certification Preparation - Duration: 1 Hour - This final evaluation reviews your dog’s readiness for therapy work. - You'll receive personalized feedback and a detailed plan to ensure your dog is ready to pass the certification exam. After completing our program, your dog will be prepared to immediately pursue certification through these organizations, or others, such as: - Pet Partners - Alliance of Therapy Dogs - Therapy Dogs International (TDI) These organizations specialize in certifying therapy dogs and are recognized internationally.