Denver Dog Works offers three levels of therapy dog training suited to your your level of commitment. Our classes are geared towards the goal of training your dog for therapy work in a variety of settings; schools, nursing homes, hospitals, doctor's offices, etc.
What is the Therapy Dog Training Program?
Therapy Dog Training Descriptions
Beginner Visiting Dog Training Classes
For the handler and/or dog having some obedience and little or no experience with therapy dog training. Through hands-on practice, review of video tapes, study of homework sheets, and individual instructor attention, this weekly course will cover the correct methods for:
Introduction to medical equipment.
Beginner, Low Impact, Body Desensitizing.
Evaluation Steps to Beginning Assessment of dog/population match
Etiquette for visiting handlers and dogs.
Evaluation Steps to Beginning Stress Assessment for dog and handler.
How to employ articles found in every home to train for exposure to visiting situations and medical equipment.
How to choose where to visit.
Beginning therapy dog maneuvers such as head down, hold still, visit.
What level of involvement should your animal have.
Pre-requisites to enter this class:
Must be able to walk on a loose leash without dragging to see other dogs.
Dog must be at least 9 months old, or pass an evaluation by Michele Forto.
This is a one-on-one program.
It is NOT anticipated that animal / handler completing this initial course will be ready for evaluation by a national organization.
Intermediate Visiting Dog Training Classes
For the handler who wishes to learn more advanced maneuvers for their dog and polish their skills. Through hands on practice, interactive situations, review of video tapes, study of homework sheets, and individual instructor attention, this weekly course will cover the correct methods for:
More intense involvement with medical equipment and use of at home articles.
Novice, Medium Impact, Body Desensitizing.
Individual problem solving to optimize individual dog / handler team skills.
Handling difficult situations.
Introduction Steps to Reducing Stress for dog and handler
More Advanced visiting dog maneuvers such as: avoiding IV tubes, right side.
Equipment to take to visits.
Preparation for national evaluation.
Observation of actual visits.
Pre-requisites to enter this class:
Successful Completion of Beginner Visiting Dog Program.
This is a one-on-one program.
Completion of this course should have the animal / handler team ready for evaluation by a national therapy dog organization.
Advanced Visiting Dog Training Classes
The Advanced Visiting Dog Program is a continuation of situational practice needed for confident visiting.
Animal / handler teams are presented with a variety of interactive situations that simulate those encountered on visits. Individual instructor attention will help the team problem solve these situations for effective, safe visiting.
Advanced Impact, Body Desensitizing.
Assessment of dog / population match.
Prof. Standards of Practice as they apply to incorporating animals as a treatment modality.
Handling various situations dealing with different diseases, illnesses, disabilities.
Pre-requisites preferred:
Successful completion of Intermediate Visiting Dog Program
Agreement to participate in and help with upcoming therapy animal evaluations.
This eight week course is to provide the accomplished, trained team with simulated visiting situations and problems to gain confidence and a broad level of expertise.
It is anticipated that during this class, the team will actually begin visiting with an experienced team mentoring.
This is a group class. Class limited to 5.
