Prep for Therapy Dog Test

Discover the incredible power of therapy dogs! These four-legged heroes team up with their owners to bring comfort and support to those in need. From hospitals to schools, nursing homes to courtrooms, they make a difference in the lives of everyone they visit. Some of them even specialize in providing vital support to paramedic teams. Join the therapy dog revolution and experience the joy they bring to countless lives.

Conducted over two sessions, session 1 is on Feb 11th  and session 2 will follow on Marh 3rd  2024 (we have March 31st as a bad weather date just in case 😉), this workshop is for you if you:

• Desire for you and your dog to work as Therapy Dog Team
• Want to improve you general obedience, (YES you can use the course for this too!!).
• Want to take a CKC CGN test in the near future (courses are very similar)

While there are many organizations out there, we recommend using Therapeutic Paws for Canada (TPOC) as your guide. They have a wealth of experience and valuable resources to help you on your testing journey. Let's get started together! You can visit the TPOC website here for more details on their evaluation criteria. For comparison purposes, here is the link to the St John’s Ambulance evaluation criteria. TPOC and St. John’s Ambulance are the two largest organizations for therapy dogs in Canada.

Join us for the first session of our workshop, led by an experienced dog evaluator and active member of TPOC in Ottawa. Together, we will explore the key parts of the test and receive personalized guidance and training on how to improve with your pup. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your skills and build a stronger bond with your furry friend.

The workshop will cover the following areas (in practical or discussion form) that cover the twelve (12) key areas on which you will be evaluated:

1) Introducing the Team to the Evaluator – Team will introduce themselves to the Evaluator, dog must remain calm. Evaluator will examine the dog looking for a calm, stable attitude, and good grooming

2) Walking as a Therapy Dog – Team will walk a specific “L” course that includes turns and a distraction of a plate of cookies. Dog must walk in a controlled, mannerly fashion while on a loose leash and the handler must maintain control as the dog passes the cookies.

3) Milling Crowd – The Team will walk among moving pedestrian traffic with the dog on a short leash Dog should not interfere with the pedestrians but may display interest in the movement

4) Patiently Sitting for Petting – The dog may be in a sit or stand beside the Handler. The Evaluator will ask if they can pet the dog.  Evaluator will then pet the dog, exaggerate a hug over the top of the dogs body, then walk around the Team in a tight circle and return to the front.  Dog may show no more than mild interest in the movement of the Evaluator.

5) Praise/Interaction – The Handler will play with their dog to get them excited using verbal praise, petting, playing with a toy and/or favourite trick. The Evaluator will signal to the Handler to calm the dog.  The dog should obey the Handler’s command

6) Reaction to Other Dogs – Teams will greet each other for one on one introductions. Dogs will be on the Handlers left side.  Handlers will approach each other for introductions, remaining an arm’s length away from each other.  The dogs may sit or stand next to the Handler.  Once introductions are completed Handlers will move forward, passing each other.  Dogs should remain relaxed, polite and courteous showing slight interest in the other dog.

7) Visiting a Stationary Crowd (Part 1) – Exercise will involve brief visiting scenarios arranged in a circle that include walkers, canes, crutches etc. Team will walk the inner circle of volunteers with the dog closest to the volunteers.  Handler and dog should interact with volunteers appropriately.  Volunteers will touch and stroke/pet the dog if the dog stops to visit.

8) Visiting a Stationary Crowd (Part 2) – Visiting an Alzheimer’s Patient – Team will interact with a Volunteer playing the role of an Alzheimer’s patient. Dog may sit or stand and must be comfortable with sounds and movements.

9)Visiting a Stationary Crowd (Part 3) – Advancing Crowd – Team will be in the middle of the circle (see Exercise #7). Dog will be in a sit.  The crowd will advance to the dog, calling its name and reaching out to greet it in a friendly manner.  Handler must remain in control of the dog and the dog must remain calm and respectful

10)Wheelchair Visit and Distractions (Part 1) – Approaching Wheelchair – While seated in a wheelchair, the Evaluator will approach the Team excitedly from behind and ask to pet the dog. The Team will the turn around to face the approaching Evaluator. Small dogs will be placed in the Evaluator’s lap.  For large dogs, the Evaluator will place their arm over the withers of the dog in a relaxed manner.

11)Wheelchair Visit and Distractions (Part 2) – Treats – The Evaluator will ask the Handler if they may give the dog a pre-determined treat. The dog may refuse the treat however, should the dog take the treat, it must be gentle and at no time use its teeth, snap or lunge for the treat.

12) Wheelchair Visit and Distractions (Part 3) – Noise and Excited Child – While Team is visiting with Evaluator, an assistant will drop metal bowls or a bag of cans making a loud noise. Dog may acknowledge the noise and startle but should recover quickly. Upon a signal from the Evaluator, an excited child will run up to the Evaluator and ask to meet the dog. Again, the dog should remain calm and greet the child in a respectful manner.

The program is not competitive, you are marked and evaluated as individuals.

Join our two-part workshop designed to help you prepare for an evaluation. On Feb 11th, you'll have the chance to go through each item on the evaluation sheet with an instructor. Get valuable tips, training, and answers to your questions.

Plus, you're invited to join our After Skool Club activities to practice and enhance your obedience skills. The evaluation focuses on good manners and impulse control, which can benefit all dogs. In the second session, you'll review your progress and simulate a mock evaluation.

And here's the best part - bring a friend along for a great day out! You can also support each other in training during the period between workshops. Start improving your performance today!

Pre-Requisties:

• Dogs must be able to work with other dogs in the room (on leash)
• Please note dogs should be on flat buckle collars or harnesses and have a 4-6 ft leash
• (No shock, e-collar, choke, prongs, martingales, slip leads, head halti or flexi/extendable leads).
• Dogs must be over 6 months
• Proof of full vaccinations including Bordetella must be submitted to secure place (even once ticket is purchased).
• Dogs should have a good level of basic obedience

Note: The test is not part of this workshop, the workshop is provided independently from testing organizations.

Instructor: Nancy Trus is one of our fantastic instructors, Nancy has been working with animals all her life and has over 20 years experience in teaching K9s. Her passion is therapy dogs, she is an active member of Therapeutic Paws of Canada. She regularly teaches Obedience skills at all levels and includes Rally Obedience!

Cost $120 Working Spot (4 hours of training) $60 Audit Spot (no dog) (4 hours of training) $40 Audit Spot (no dog) (2 hours of training)