We are now offering Therapy Dog Preparation and Certification through Therapy Dogs United (TDU) – therapydogsunited.org. TDU requires its members to take and pass the American Kennel Club’s CGC (Canine Good Citizen) test prior to taking TDU’s test.
The 6-week CGC preparation Course starts on Saturday, September 6th at 1:30 pm. The class will culminate in the Canine Good Citizen test. To register now: Call: 610-750-6868, or Email: registration@awesomedawgs.com
The 6-week Therapy Dogs United Preparation Class begins the following session (beginning the week of October 25). The TDU test will be offered on the last day of class.
THERAPY DOG PREPARATION CLASS
Do you think your dog has what it takes to become a Therapy Dog?
If so, Awesome Dawgs can provide you with the opportunity to discover your dog’s potential.
Our Therapy Dog Preparation Group Training Class will help you and your dog prepare for evaluation by practicing the skills necessary for therapy work. Mary Jo Carabello, the class instructor, is a certified evaluator for Therapy Dogs United (TDU) and the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) award.
To be eligible for TDU certification, dogs must be at least one year old and have achieved their CGC award *.
The CGC test evaluates basic obedience skills. The TDU test ensures that your dog can remain calm in difficult, distracting and stressful situations, as well as work in a group with other dogs. You can expect your dog to be exposed to a variety of distractions (sights, sounds, and situations) that a therapy dog volunteer will experience out in the field. Examples are wheelchairs, walkers, medical equipment, children and other dogs. The class will include at least one visit to an assisted living facility.
The Therapy Dog Preparation class offers intensive training in all components of the test so you and your dog can feel confident going into your evaluation.
The official evaluation is offered at the end of the session for teams who are interested in completing their TDU certification.
CANINE GOOD CITIZEN
Want a well-mannered dog who’s welcome wherever you go? Our CGC class focuses on building everyday life skills while preparing you and your dog for the AKC’s 10-step Canine Good Citizen test. It’s a great next step for dogs with some prior training who are ready to strengthen their good behavior.
In this class, your dog will practice:
- Walking politely on leash
- Greeting people and dogs calmly
- Staying focused around distractions
- Sitting and staying when asked
- Handling brief separations
- Remaining well-behaved in everyday situations
>> Read more about AKC’s Canine Good Citizen.
Whether you’re aiming for CGC certification or simply want a more reliable companion, this class provides the guidance and practice to help your dog succeed.
The CGC test is offered during the final week for teams who are ready, and is required for dogs wishing to continue with the Therapy Dog evaluation and certification.
