therapy dog training

$275+hst = $310.75/8-wk

This fun and positive-reinforcement based eight week course teaches both you and your dog the skills necessary to become a therapy dog team. The majority of your classes will be held at our Training Centre with the exception of two that will be held at a local nursing facility for hands-on experience and practical testing with residents of the facility. This program will prepare you to successfully complete the unique, original and thorough Therapy Dog Test that will be presented throughout the program. Your class fee includes; a clicker, training schedule & outline, and a harness for your dog.

Owners should wear comfortable, rubber soled footwear.

Exercises

Role playing exercises
Walking on loose leash
Greeting people and other dogs politely
Walking through a crowd
Teach "leave it"
Prompt recalls with distraction
Sitting politely for petting and grooming
Sit and down on command and hold the position until released
Familiarization with hospital equipment
Working around loud noises, food, toys and other distractions
Acclimation to infirmities such as uneven gait, shuffling, heavy coughing, wheezing, falling, etc.
Supervised separation
Appearance and grooming
Additional Topics

Stress and calming signals in dogs
Tellington touch relaxation exercises

Prerequisite

Delightful Dog's Level Two Training Class or Equivalent (call to confirm).
Dog must be one year of age at the start of the course and be living with the handler for at least six months.
All vaccinations must be up to date and proof brought to the first class.
Dog must be wearing an up to date license and rabies tag.
Handler must bring proof of an up to date yearly physical including fecal test.
Dog must arrive on no longer than a six foot leash and buckle collar.
Appearance and grooming must be up to par.
Dog must be spayed/neutered.
Handlers must be atleast 18 yrs of age. Handlers under 18 years of age must have adult accompaniment.

Pre-registration and payment required 1 month prior to class start date. Maximum class size of 6 dogs.

Please read disclaimer before enrolling.

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Some photos of Therapy Dogs in training

Darby & Carol Cooper enjoying Darby's Surprise Birthday Party that Sunnyside Nursing Home held for him.

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*All prices and course descriptions are subject to change without notice*

The Rewards:

Hi, Sylvia,

I attached the pictures we took in the therapy dog class yesterday.

Rocky and I learned a lot of things in this class and it was very fun. Though I still remember that first class when we walked into the class room, everyone in the class looked so well behaved, but Rocky seemed to want to say hi to everyone and I really was not sure that we will be able to make through the class.

However Rocky seemed to start picking up the concept of the class and the meaning of the harness from the second class. I feel that the bond between Rocky and myself is greater, understanding him better. That is the most beneficial thing I got from this class.

I will keep update to you about the nursing home we will visit.
Thank you so much, Sylvia. Your therapy dog class is so COOL!

Take care,
Momo
(Rocky - Yellow Labrador Retriever)

 

 

Hi, Sylvia,

Just wanted to report on a very successful visit at the hospital last night. Aside from vacuuming up muffin crumbs in every room, Chili was a star! Very calm and relaxed, doing her "froggie pose" while we chatted with patients. The volunteer coordinator says some of the patients are still talking about our visit days later, so I know we are doing some good.

Thanks for all your help and support throughout the Therapy Dog program. It sure gives me a good feeling knowing I can (with Chili's help) bring a little sunshine into some lonely people's lives.

Jan & Chili

 

Hi Sylvia,

Our training classes covered any situation Darby and I have encountered so far (wk 2:
half a sandwich left in an unexpected place!)and de-sensitization to wheelchairs, canes, walkers, etc. was invaluable because he is always mobbed by any number of people all at once as they're getting off the elevators, many using one of these aids and he doesn't even notice. Relatives bring other dogs to the Home and Darby looks at them but that's all....just as we were taught (although he did get to meet Joey a big black Lab after his "shift" last week!) I know we'll have an unusual situation to deal with at some point but I have confidence in both of us now and know that we can handle whatever comes our way(but I will be sure to share THAT with you!)

Much of the success has to do with the dog's instincts too but Darby is just a 14 mo. old Golden and without a Therapy dog Training class, he would not have been ready to do this work for a few more years..until he is less excitable. Seeing the joy he brings to so many people now, that would have been such a lost opportunity.

When I watch Darb gently nuzzling people as they sit motionless in wheelchairs and can't move their hands to pet him; when I watch him softly lick the knuckles of a bed-ridden patient who can't open her clenched hands and I see her eyes open wide at the sensation and see a faint smile on her lips; when Darb rubs his head beneath the stilled hand of a resident who is not as responsive as usual today and has stopped petting him, when Joe (who "polishes" the same table on his floor for hours every day and who does not respond when spoken to)when he slowly looks up and smiles because Darby has come to see him....those are the times when I can't imagine not having the opportunity to share this wacky but very well trained dog with these people.

So, thanks for the training Sylvia.

Cheers!
Carol
& Darby (Golden Retriever)

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Disclaimer: A 'Therapy Dog' is not a 'Specials Needs Assistance', 'Service Dog' or 'Guide Dog'. Graduates of the Delightful Dogs 'Therapy Dog Training Program' program will be certified by Delightful Dogs as 'Therapy Dogs', meaning these dogs have been trained by their owner/handler to ensure the sound temperament, proficient training skills and reliable behaviour that is required for visiting the elderly and/or disabled. If you are looking for a program to train your dog for 'Special Needs Assistance' or 'Guide Dog' work, please contact National Service Dogs, Canada Dog Guides or other associations that will help you meet these needs. Any graduate of Delightful Dogs claiming accreditation for Special Needs Assistance, Service Dogs or Guide Dogs, is doing so without support or recognition of Delightful Dogs. Delightful Dogs denies association with any such dog and will not be held responsible for any associated problems.

For more information on Service/Guide Dogs, visit the following;

Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides

National Service Dogs