Therapy Dog Certification
Location For Lessons:
Locations will vary. Some will be at the training location, Canine Strong- 2nd Floor-248 Sheep Davis Rd Unit 7, Concord NH 03301 Others will be downtown Concord NH & local nursing homes. |
Therapy Dog Information Session: "Is My Dog Ready for Class?"
Date: Sunday, December 28th-CANCELLED DUE TO NO SIGN UPS Time: 10:00 AM Cost: $20 Join us for an informative session where you can learn about our therapy dog course, ask any questions, and determine if your dog is a good fit for therapy work. Whether you're wondering if your dog is ready for training or if therapy work is the right path, this drop-in session is the perfect opportunity to get answers. We look forward to helping you assess your dog's readiness and suitability for our therapy dog program! 2026 Class Pricing
At times classes do not run 12 consecutive weeks, but will always run on the same weekday & time. It may take up to 8 weeks to complete the course. Class time may also change due to what works for visiting the Nursing Homes. |
Class DescriptionTherapy Dog Preparation Course
Get your dog ready to take the Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD) Certification Test or Therapy Dog International Testing. This comprehensive course focuses on developing the skills and reliability your dog needs to remain calm, friendly, and well-mannered in a wide range of environments.
Throughout the program, you and your dog will participate in sessions held at our training facility, an in-town location, and local nursing homes to ensure real-world experience. After completing the course, participants will have the opportunity to take both a practice test and the official ATD certification test at our training location. Mary is able to administer an alternative membership test to those that are not within 40 miles of a Volunteer Tester/Observer. Those who choose to test through TDI can find a tester through their website (tdi-dog.org/default.aspx) and testing dates. If we are holding a testing session at out location we will inform you. For ATD You can visit this website to see if you are within 40 miles of a Volunteer Tester- portal.therapydogs.com/members
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.
Temperament/Training - Your dog's program can be terminated due to your dog's behavior or temperament without a refund. Dogs who are out of control can cause chaos within the group. They can also cause injury to residents in the facilities. It is up to the owner to know their dog's temperament and training skills before signing up for this class. We strongly recommend a private lesson or join one of our information nights with your dog when they are held.
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 12 Weeks
Class Size: 8 students or less
Note: Please be aware of your schedule. We do skip dates if there is a weather, holidays or another event. Please allow a extra weeks in your schedule to finish your class. Please be Flexible on Sundays through April of 2026.
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. If your dog is deemed inappropriate in temperament or behavior your program may be terminated for the safety of others, and class is non-refundable.
Get your dog ready to take the Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD) Certification Test or Therapy Dog International Testing. This comprehensive course focuses on developing the skills and reliability your dog needs to remain calm, friendly, and well-mannered in a wide range of environments.
Throughout the program, you and your dog will participate in sessions held at our training facility, an in-town location, and local nursing homes to ensure real-world experience. After completing the course, participants will have the opportunity to take both a practice test and the official ATD certification test at our training location. Mary is able to administer an alternative membership test to those that are not within 40 miles of a Volunteer Tester/Observer. Those who choose to test through TDI can find a tester through their website (tdi-dog.org/default.aspx) and testing dates. If we are holding a testing session at out location we will inform you. For ATD You can visit this website to see if you are within 40 miles of a Volunteer Tester- portal.therapydogs.com/members
Requirements -
- All dogs must be 1 year of age in order to take the Therapy Dog test.
- There is a required background check for Alliance of Therapy Dogs. Please visit the website to review: www.therapydogs.com/alliance-therapy-dogs/ There is no background checks for TDI.
- Dogs must not be shy, fearful or aggressive in any way towards people, children or dogs/cats
- Dogs cannot 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. You may book a private lesson prior to signing up for class to ensure your dog is a good fit. There are no refunds if you sign up for class and your dog is not a good fit for therapy dog resulting in your class program termination.
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.
Temperament/Training - Your dog's program can be terminated due to your dog's behavior or temperament without a refund. Dogs who are out of control can cause chaos within the group. They can also cause injury to residents in the facilities. It is up to the owner to know their dog's temperament and training skills before signing up for this class. We strongly recommend a private lesson or join one of our information nights with your dog when they are held.
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 12 Weeks
Class Size: 8 students or less
Note: Please be aware of your schedule. We do skip dates if there is a weather, holidays or another event. Please allow a extra weeks in your schedule to finish your class. Please be Flexible on Sundays through April of 2026.
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. If your dog is deemed inappropriate in temperament or behavior your program may be terminated for the safety of others, and class is non-refundable.