The Therapy Dog Training Program at CCDTC consists of a six week course designed to help owners to learn about taking their pets to nursing homes, hospitals and other facilities.  CCDTC is unique in offering this type of Program.   This class is a step toward taking the required testing and certification with various therapy groups.  

The focus of this class is to help prepare the handler and dog for the therapy environment.  Skills include:

• Leash handling
• Walking calmly on a leash
• Working around medical equipment
• Exposing the pet to loud noises, food, toys, and other distractions
• Appropriate greeting behavior
• Etiquette for visiting handlers and dogs

Topics covered will include stress and calming signals in dogs, infection control, medical ethics, and general liability.  We will also discuss the differences between therapy dogs and service dogs.

 
Please note that none of the therapy groups allow training collars.   For this class you can use a properly fitting martingale, or buckle (snap closure) collar, or harness.

Prerequisites for taking the Therapy Dog Class at CCDTC involve the following:

• Successful completion of an Advanced Family Pet Class at CCDTC with instructor’s recommendation/evaluation.
• Or, similar training experience with instructor’s recommendation/evaluation.
• Or, Canine Good Citizen Certification with instructor’s recommendation/evaluation.