Therapy Dog Training Class
Tails of Joy sponsors Therapy Dog Classes that help you and your dog prepare for animal assisted activity (AAA) commonly known as pet therapy. These classes will acquaint you with different aspects of pet therapy and help you develop the team skills required to pass the aptitude and skills portions of the Intermountain Therapy Animal or Pet Partners® evaluation, part of the registration process.
While the Intermountain Therapy Animals and Pet Partners® programs are similar, you should review the prerequisites of each program, including Pet Partners' raw feeding policy, to determine which program best meets your needs.
Tails of Joy Therapy Dog Classes are for those who want to learn more about pet therapy or who want assistance learning the skills required to make a great therapy team. Precise obedience skills are not required, however the handler must have control of their dog while visiting, including a reliable sit, down and stay. All classes are taught with positive training methods.
For more information on therapy dog classes or to register for a class contact Susan Gagnon (tedsuedoghouse233@yahoo.com) via email.
Therapy Dog Class Prerequisites
- Handler must present proof of dog's up-to-date rabies vaccination at start of class
- Dogs must have basic obedience skills such as sit, down, stay, come
- Handler/dog team must train using positive reinforcement
- Dog must be at least eighteen months old before the start of Therapy Dog Class
Therapy Dog Class Level I introduces skills that you and your dog need as a “therapy team” for successful Animal Assisted Activity visits. Many of these skills build on the foundation of basic obedience that your dog already knows while others may be brand new to you and your dog.
Instruction includes:
- Obedience skills with distractions.
- Dog’s response in potentially stressful situations including petting from a stranger, clumsy petting, and group petting.
- Safety skills in an unfamiliar environment, including “wait” and “leave it”.
- Loose leash walking with increasing distractions.
- Class includes time for practicing and homework is assigned based on each individual team’s progress with the new skills.
Therapy Dog Class Level II builds on the skills learned in the first level class with higher levels of distraction. Real-life scenarios are practiced.
Instruction includes:
- Obedience skills with increased level of distraction and duration
- New obedience skills useful in visiting situations
- Field trip to crowded area (subject to instructor’s consent)
- Class includes time for practicing and homework ideas are assigned based on individual team’s progress with the new skills.
Class fee refunds
Due to limited class size there are no refunds after class begins.
We encourage you to attend Tails of Joy meetings, which are an opportunity to talk with registered therapy team handlers and other TOJ volunteers and to ask questions before enrolling in class.
Class Locations / Start Dates
Classes are regularly offered at Tails-U-Win and at other locations based on student interest. Email instructor for more information.
Tails-U-Win, Manchester:
Saturday: TBA
Level I at 9AM
Saturday: TBA
Review Class
Instructor: Susan Gagnon
Email:
tedsuedoghouse233@yahoo.com
Berlin
Contact instructor for next class info
Instructor: John Jalbert
Email: johnjalbert11@gmail.com