Therapy Dog Training Classes

Tails of Joy sponsors Therapy Dog Classes that help you and your dog prepare for the Delta Society Pet Partners® Evaluation and acquaint you with different aspects of animal assisted activity (AAA), commonly known as pet therapy.

Delta Society does not require class instruction prior to taking the Pet Partners® Evaluation. Tails of Joy offers the classes for those who want to learn more about pet therapy or who want assistance learning the required skills. Precise obedience skills are not required, however the handler must have control while visiting. All classes are taught with positive training methods.

Therapy Dog Class Prerequisites

	Handler must present proof of dog's up-to-date rabies vaccination at start of class
	Dogs must have basic obedience skills such as sit, down, stay, come
	Handler/dog team must train using positive reinforcement
	Dog must be at least ten months old before the start of Therapy Dog Class

Class Fee $150

Class fee refunds
Due to limited class size there are no refunds after class begins.

We encourage you to attend Tails of Joy meetings, which are an opportunity to talk with Registered Pet Partners, and to ask questions before enrolling in class. See Our FAQ page for commonly asked questions.

The Delta Society Pet Partners® Evaluation is not included in the Therapy Dog Classes. Tails of Joy does sponsor Pet Partners® Evaluations, part of the Pet Partners® Registration Process

Tails of Joy offers two levels of Therapy Dog Class. Most teams will start with Level I. Teams with advanced training or returning for refresher work may be eligible to enter at Level II after consultation with the trainer. Admission to Level II is at the trainer’s discretion.

Therapy Dog Classes are eight weeks long and are offered in multiple locations. For more information on class start dates and locations or to register for class contact Susan Gagnon via email at smgagnon@sbcglobal.net.

Therapy Dog Class Level I introduces skills that you and your dog as a “therapy team” need for successful Animal Assisted Activity visits. Many of these skills build on the foundation of basic obedience that your dog already knows while others may be brand new to you and your dog.

• Obedience skills with distractions
• Dog’s response in potentially stressful situations including petting from stranger, clumsy petting, group petting
• Safety skills in an unfamiliar environment, including “wait” and “leave it”
• Loose leash walking with increasing distractions

Class includes time for practicing and homework will be assigned based on each individual team’s progress with the new skills.

Therapy Dog Class Level II builds on the skills learned in the first level class with higher levels of distraction. Real-life scenarios are practiced. Handlers must purchase the Delta Society Team Training Course Manual which is available on-line at www.deltasociety.org. This manual contains the required registration forms for the Pet Partners® Registration.

• Obedience skills with increased level of distraction and duration
• New obedience skills useful in visiting situations
• Field trip to crowded area (subject to instructor’s consent)

Class includes time for practicing and homework ideas will be assigned based on individual team’s progress with the new skills.

Mentoring for New Pet Therapy Teams

At the conclusion of training, a mentoring program is available. A new member is teamed up with an established member to accompany him/her on visits. This allows the new member and his/her companion animal to become comfortable with situations that they may encounter while visiting.

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Delta Society Pet Partners®

Tails of Joy regularly sponsors Pet Partners® Evaluations, one of the steps to becoming a Registered Pet Partners® Team. You must pre-register for the evaluation by contacting Terri Carpenter. There is a $20 fee for the Evaluation that is waived for Tails of Joy members. (Tails of Joy Membership Information.) You may find other Evaluation listings on the Delta Society website.

Pet Partners Team registration process

	Completed Delta Society Registration Packet
	Pet Health screening by your veterinarian
	Pet Partners® Team Evaluation by a Delta-licensed Team Evaluator
	Fee to Delta Society

All materials must be submitted to Delta Society within 90 days of the Pet Partners® Team Evaluation. Delta Society offers a reduced fee to members of Tails of Joy, as a Delta Affiliate Group.

Delta Society determines the requirements for the Pet Partners® program. Full program information is available at their website: www.deltasociety.org

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