Standards
Those interested in joining the Therapy Dog Club must be 18 years or older, possess a driver's license, have no previous criminal record, and be capable of conducting themselves in a professional manner as a representative of the Therapy Dog Club.
Anyone
interested in seeing if their dog is suitable for therapy work will be required
to attend a consultation with one of our therapy dog trainers. The trainers
will test for the proper temperament and obedience that is necessary for the
type of work that will be required of the dog. Therapy dog applicants must
have proof of yearly vaccinations and be at least one year old. Puppies less
than a year old are able to attend training as long as they are vaccinated,
but they cannot attend therapy dog appointments.
As a member of the Therapy Dog Club, members and their dogs must undergo testing and an evaluation once a year. Therapy Dog Club members must have a strong obedience background. The Therapy Dog Club requires that member's dogs have on leash obedience. On leash obedience includes the ability for the owner's dog to heel, come, stay, sit and down on command. Dogs that are lacking in obedience training can work with trainers to gain the obedience skills necessary. Once therapy dogs are in training, exposure to a variety of settings will be key in their certification as a therapy dog.
