Therapy Dog Training and Registration
Training your dog to perform well as a therapy dog is not a difficult task. What is
difficult, however, is objectively assessing your dog's skills to determine if he is
appropriate.
Required canine skills include:
Required handler skills include:
Please remember these important points:
Prepare for testing!
Although classes are never required for a dog to be tested for therapy dog work, they
can be quite helpful, particularly for someone who is new to therapy dog work. Classes
can provide you, the handler, the opportunity to gain confidence in your abilities and
learn to objectively assess your dog's skills. Classes also allow you the opportunity to
network with other potential therapy dog volunteers under the direction of a skilled
instructor.
Therapy dog classes are taught at Clever K9s in Kaukuana by Molly Johnson, AKC-CGC
evaluator and Therapy Dogs, Incorporated tester/observer. Classes are typically held in 4
week sessions approximately six times a year. Dogs must be current on their rabies
vaccine to attend class. You may register for therapy dog classes directly through Clever
K9s.
Testing is conducted through Therapy Dogs, Incorporated, a not-for-profit organization
based in Wyoming, and takes place with a local Therapy Dogs, Incorporated tester after
class sessions are complete. The test is comprised of two parts:
(1) handler skills & canine behavior, and
(2) observations (three) in the environment in which the dog may be working.
Please visit Therapy Dogs, Incorporated to learn more about the required test and
observations.
It is also highly recommended that your dog earns his AKC-Canine Good Citizen
certificate in addition to passing the Therapy Dogs, Incorporated test. To view the AKC-
CGC testing requirements, click here. This test is conducted on a regular basis at Clever
K9s.
Once you and your dog are officially a volunteer therapy dog team, you now carry a $5
million liability insurance policy provided as part of your membership in Therapy Dogs,
Inc. Please visit their website for more details.
You and your dog need a job!
You're a team! Congratulations! Send us an e-mail indicating that you're ready to
volunteer. We will provide numerous opportunities in the Fox Valley community for you
and your therapy dog that match your skills and interests. And don't forget....
Compassionate Canines volunteers meet every other month for support, education, and
networking. Join us, won't you?
Training your dog to perform well as a therapy dog is not a difficult task. What is
difficult, however, is objectively assessing your dog's skills to determine if he is
appropriate.
Required canine skills include:
- demonstrates social skills and manners
- demonstrates ability to follow directions in the midst of distractions
- greets people politely (absolutely no jumping!)
- calmly accepts petting from strangers
- remains well-controlled and polite around other dogs
- functions well around medical equipment
- basic obedience skills (sit, stay, down, come, wait, leave it)
Required handler skills include:
- enjoys being around people
- friendly and polite
- excellent active listening skills
- ability to communicate with different populations
- understands and follows the rules of confidentiality
- remains aware of their dog at all times and is in control
- praises the dog's good behavior and redirects inappropriate behavior
- recognizes stress in their dog and is aware of ways to relieve it promptly
Please remember these important points:
- All breeds of dogs can be therapy dogs!
- It is very strongly recommended that you do not obtain a puppy with the intention
of the dog becoming a therapy dog one day. It is difficult to predict what the dog's
temperament will be at the age of two or three, even if the dog's breed is one
typically associated with having a calm, gentle nature. - Dogs must be one year of age to be tested to become a therapy dog.
- If your dog passes their therapy dog test, do not make the assumption that your
dog will be willing and eager to work in all environments. Some dogs are best
suited for work in non-medical setting, perhaps with older adults, while some may
thrive in a medical setting and be comfortable working with people of all ages. Do
not fault your dog if they are uncomfortable on particular visits. Respect their skills
and match them appropriately.
Prepare for testing!
Although classes are never required for a dog to be tested for therapy dog work, they
can be quite helpful, particularly for someone who is new to therapy dog work. Classes
can provide you, the handler, the opportunity to gain confidence in your abilities and
learn to objectively assess your dog's skills. Classes also allow you the opportunity to
network with other potential therapy dog volunteers under the direction of a skilled
instructor.
Therapy dog classes are taught at Clever K9s in Kaukuana by Molly Johnson, AKC-CGC
evaluator and Therapy Dogs, Incorporated tester/observer. Classes are typically held in 4
week sessions approximately six times a year. Dogs must be current on their rabies
vaccine to attend class. You may register for therapy dog classes directly through Clever
K9s.
Testing is conducted through Therapy Dogs, Incorporated, a not-for-profit organization
based in Wyoming, and takes place with a local Therapy Dogs, Incorporated tester after
class sessions are complete. The test is comprised of two parts:
(1) handler skills & canine behavior, and
(2) observations (three) in the environment in which the dog may be working.
Please visit Therapy Dogs, Incorporated to learn more about the required test and
observations.
It is also highly recommended that your dog earns his AKC-Canine Good Citizen
certificate in addition to passing the Therapy Dogs, Incorporated test. To view the AKC-
CGC testing requirements, click here. This test is conducted on a regular basis at Clever
K9s.
Once you and your dog are officially a volunteer therapy dog team, you now carry a $5
million liability insurance policy provided as part of your membership in Therapy Dogs,
Inc. Please visit their website for more details.
You and your dog need a job!
You're a team! Congratulations! Send us an e-mail indicating that you're ready to
volunteer. We will provide numerous opportunities in the Fox Valley community for you
and your therapy dog that match your skills and interests. And don't forget....
Compassionate Canines volunteers meet every other month for support, education, and
networking. Join us, won't you?
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| Compassionate Canines, Incorporated |
| a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization |