Our unique Therapy Dog Training Course prepares both the dog & owner/handler to become a registered Pet Partner through Delta Society! Delta Society is the only national registry that requires volunteer training and screening of animal/handler teams. Delta Societys Pet Partner Teams are able to assist in Animal-Assisted Activity and Animal Assisted Therapy programs. Teams can visit participating animal programs in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, schools and other facilities.
After graduation, we will help you connect with local facilities in your area.
Our Therapy Dog Training class focuses on preparing the handler and dog for the therapy environment. We will work on skills that include working around medical equipment, unpredictable circumstances, loud noises, distractions, medical scents & even have mock visits!
Prerequisite For Dogs: For dogs over 1 year & with owner for at least 6 months. Current Vaccines, This is an advanced-level course and all dogs should have their AKC Canine Good Citizen title within past 2 years. Please note: dogs that have been trained for any type of bite work cannot enroll.
Prerequisite For Handlers/Owner: Handler must be at least 10 years old to become a Pet Partner.
Class Details: 6-1hr classes, plus 1 Pet Partner evaluation & Delta Societys Pet Partners Team Manual (Manual value $42)
The price of the class also includes a Delta Societys Pet Partners evaluation and a Pet Partners Team Manual (required to become a Pet Partner).
Topics Covered: Determining stress and calming signals in your dog, ethics, liability, handling difficult situations, animal health & safety, interacting with special people, local therapy locations & joining a therapy dog group!
Commands/Skills Taught:
- Accepting a friendly stranger
- Accepting petting
- Appearance & grooming
- Out for a walk
- Walk through a crowd
- Reaction to distractions
- Sit/Down/Stay/Recall/Leave It/Offer a treat
- Animal passed to 3 strangers (small dogs)
- Animal placed on lap or table (small dogs)
- Reaction to neutral dog
- Overall examination
- Clumsy petting
- Restraining hug
- Staggering & gesturing
- Angry yelling
- Bumped from behind
- Crowded & petted by several people
- Proactive Handler/Owner
As a Registered Delta Society Pet Partner, you will receive:
- Delta Society Membership and Interactions Magazine
- $1 Million primary liability insurance
- Identification badge & collar id tag
- Referral to facilities searching for Pet Partner teams
- Exclusive offers to Pet Partners accessories
- Opportunity to network with other Pet Partner teams
- Support from the Delta Society office
- Membership to Toledo Therapy Dogs
Tentative 2009 Class Start Dates:
Wednesday January 7th 6pm & 7pm
Thursday April 16th 6pm & 7pm
Monday September 14th 6pm & 7pm
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