Therapy Dog Certification
Location For Lessons:
We will email you a list of locations a week before class starts. |
Pricing
Therapy Dog Testing
At times classes do not run 6 consecutive weeks, but will always run on the same weekday & time. It may take up to 8 weeks to complete the course. |
Class Description
Prepare your dog to take the Therapy Dog Test (TDI test) This course covers a variety of goals to make sure that your dog will be reliable and accepting across many different situations. Upon completion of this class, tests will be offered for the certification needed to work your dog in nursing homes, etc.
Requirements -
Service Dogs vs Therapy Dogs - This is not a class for service dogs. There is a difference between a service dog and a therapy dog. Service dogs are trained to stay with and aid a human handler. They must do something for their handler that the handler cannot do themselves. Example: a seeing-eye dog. These dogs do not visit with other people. The dogs are trained to pay attention mostly to the owner/handler who is in need of the service. These dogs can go into stores and other public places that other dogs cannot go. Therapy dogs are different in the sense that they are trained to do a service for others not the handler. They are there to give pleasure to other people through petting and social visits. Therapy Dog International does not allow any service dogs to be certified for therapy because service dogs are used for an entirely different purpose. Therapy dogs are not allowed in public places that other dogs are not. They can visit schools, hospitals, libraries and other facilities with the permission of the facility. The license will provide proof to the facility that your dog is fully insured and approved by Therapy Dog International.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND CLASS(s):
You have some options if you miss class, they are listed below
1. You can drop in to a future class we are holding IF IT DOES NOT BECOME FULL, for a $25 drop in fee per drop in.
2. If you are missing class due to your dog being ill or having a surgery where they need to miss a week, You should come without your dog so you can learn the lessons from that week and then practice with your dog when feeling better.
50 minutes / Week for 6 Weeks
Class Size: 8 students or less
Note: Please be aware of your schedule and the dates that class is held. We do skip dates if there is a holiday or another event. Please allow a few extra weeks in your schedule to finish your class. Meaning a 5 week class may take 7 weeks to complete.
If your dog needs to skip class because they are sick, spay/neuter or for any other reason, you can attend without the dog to get a lesson We cannot transfer you to another class or refund your class fee. If you have to miss a large amount of your class you may join a future class that does not fill by the start date. The fee will be $25 for each day that you drop into that class.
Prepare your dog to take the Therapy Dog Test (TDI test) This course covers a variety of goals to make sure that your dog will be reliable and accepting across many different situations. Upon completion of this class, tests will be offered for the certification needed to work your dog in nursing homes, etc.
Requirements -
- All dogs must be 1 year of age in order to take the Therapy Dog test.
- Dogs must not be shy, fearful or aggressive in any way towards people, children or dogs/cats
- Dogs can not bark, even in play, at other dogs or people.
- Dogs should know and hold all commands in group settings.
- Prior obedience is recommended. If you have not taken the Level I class or CGC class at Finlayson's, then a private lesson is required to make sure your dog will qualify for the class.
Service Dogs vs Therapy Dogs - This is not a class for service dogs. There is a difference between a service dog and a therapy dog. Service dogs are trained to stay with and aid a human handler. They must do something for their handler that the handler cannot do themselves. Example: a seeing-eye dog. These dogs do not visit with other people. The dogs are trained to pay attention mostly to the owner/handler who is in need of the service. These dogs can go into stores and other public places that other dogs cannot go. Therapy dogs are different in the sense that they are trained to do a service for others not the handler. They are there to give pleasure to other people through petting and social visits. Therapy Dog International does not allow any service dogs to be certified for therapy because service dogs are used for an entirely different purpose. Therapy dogs are not allowed in public places that other dogs are not. They can visit schools, hospitals, libraries and other facilities with the permission of the facility. The license will provide proof to the facility that your dog is fully insured and approved by Therapy Dog International.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND CLASS(s):
You have some options if you miss class, they are listed below
1. You can drop in to a future class we are holding IF IT DOES NOT BECOME FULL, for a $25 drop in fee per drop in.
2. If you are missing class due to your dog being ill or having a surgery where they need to miss a week, You should come without your dog so you can learn the lessons from that week and then practice with your dog when feeling better.
50 minutes / Week for 6 Weeks
Class Size: 8 students or less
Note: Please be aware of your schedule and the dates that class is held. We do skip dates if there is a holiday or another event. Please allow a few extra weeks in your schedule to finish your class. Meaning a 5 week class may take 7 weeks to complete.
If your dog needs to skip class because they are sick, spay/neuter or for any other reason, you can attend without the dog to get a lesson We cannot transfer you to another class or refund your class fee. If you have to miss a large amount of your class you may join a future class that does not fill by the start date. The fee will be $25 for each day that you drop into that class.