Touching Tails
Class Description: Prepare for Real-World Therapy Work
You’ll learn what makes a good animal therapy team, about the different animal- assisted therapy program options, and what’s required for participation. Your dog will learn to relax around people using medical equipment such as walkers, canes, and crutches, and to be secure in the many social and environmental challenges therapy dogs need to take in stride, such as meeting and being touched by strangers
You and your dog will be prepared for the elements of both AKC’s Canine Good Citizen Test (required by many therapy programs) and the Pet Partner Team Evaluation.
The first week of class is for people only.
Class Tuition Includes: Six: One-Hour Class Sessions and one private evaluation sessions (week seven AKC CGC or CGCA).
Evaluations are scheduled at the evaluators discretion and will be posted on the website.
How this class will benefit you at home:
Your dog will be more relaxed around unfamiliar objects and people
Your dog can achieve an AKC CGC title, which is recognized as a proof of good character for many home insurance and neighborhood organizations
Who is this class for?
Dogs of all breeds. Owners who are considering volunteering in therapy programs or want to achieve CGC/CGCA title and/or take the Pet Partner evaluation.
Dog must be one year old and not eating a raw protein diet to be evaluated for Pet Partners. If you have not previously been registered with Pet Partners, you must take the Handlers course offered through Pet Partners either online or in person before you are evaluated.
What prerequisites does this class have?
All dogs must be current on vaccinations and have negative fecal before the first class. Dogs registered for this class should be able to complete basic commands (sit, down, loose leash walking, etc.) without owners holding a treat in their hand. Reinforcing behaviors with a food reward after the behavior is fine for dogs in the class.