Denis
10-21-2007, 09:08 PM
Today I registered Denis and I for Pet Therapy class. The class will start 11/26. The trainer is Becky Bishop. I'm excited. The following is description of the class.
Seattle's Best Pet Therapy [Therapy Test Prep]
Class size is limited to 8 dogs. Dogs under 9 months must have prior approval.
Prior to enrolling in this class your dog must meet a certain standard. They must be able to "sit", "down", have a "three-second stay" on leash and show NO aggression toward other dogs. You are expected to maintain control of your dog at all times. Your dog should be at least 9 months of age. Dogs under 9 months must have prior approval before registering. Most dogs come into pet therapy class having had at least two obedience classes but it's not required. Many people have older dogs or they trained their own dogs. If you have questions about your dog's ability to succeed, you're just not sure if he is ready, or your dog is less than 9 months of age, please email us so we can discuss it further. If your dog pulls on the leash, we can help you with that issue.
The instructors of the course are all registered Delta Society Pet Partners and have extensive histories of volunteer time in pet therapy for many years. Several are pet therapy evaluators. This course will help you prepare for Delta Society's Pet Partner evaluation. Each week we will practice the elements of the therapy dog evaluation. For example, we will practice one of the hardest elements every week: the "meet-and-greet." (Meeting another person who has their dog at their side while your dog is at your side.) Starting the first day of class we will evaluate you and your dog so we can uncover your team's (you and your dog's) weakest skill which, once identified, will give you a better idea of where to focus your time. You will receive a copy of the Delta Society therapy evaluation during the first class so you will know everything involved in becoming a registered Pet Partner. Our in-class sessions are not "real" evaluations - they're just practice. So don't get nervous. Just relax and have fun with this class!
For those who wish to continue with therapy dog training, you may purchase a therapy dog training vest for your dog. Your dog can wear the vest in public while he's being trained. I find the vests to be valuable tools while training in public places. Your dog must be at least one year old to take the Pet Partner evaluation - that's a Delta Society requirement, not a CLASS requirement. We will offer an evaluation date after the class session ends. There is no charge to class members for a Pet Partner evaluation. When time allows, we also try to fit a field trip into the class schedule but you are encouraged to go out on your own and put your dog in social situations, practicing what you learn in class.
Your Pet Partner evaluation is included with class. We prepare for the evaluation for 4 weeks, we evaluate week 5. We find it best if you're evaluated right away but we realize that some people or dogs just aren't ready and want to practice. If you wish to schedule an evaluation time that is outside the offered class evaluation times, you may do so. There is no charge if we evaluate you and your dog within 90 days of your class. Should you pass the 90 day period, the cost of evaluation with us is $25.00. Being a registered Pet Partner with Delta Society will give you the added benefit of one million dollar's worth of liability insurance when you are volunteering with your dog. Please consider ordering your Pet Partner Team Training Course (Home Study) book from www.deltasociety.org. This book has all of the necessary materials and educational information you need to help you and your dog be successful. You will need it before the end of your Seattle's Best Therapy Dogs course.
Seattle's Best Pet Therapy [Therapy Test Prep]
Class size is limited to 8 dogs. Dogs under 9 months must have prior approval.
Prior to enrolling in this class your dog must meet a certain standard. They must be able to "sit", "down", have a "three-second stay" on leash and show NO aggression toward other dogs. You are expected to maintain control of your dog at all times. Your dog should be at least 9 months of age. Dogs under 9 months must have prior approval before registering. Most dogs come into pet therapy class having had at least two obedience classes but it's not required. Many people have older dogs or they trained their own dogs. If you have questions about your dog's ability to succeed, you're just not sure if he is ready, or your dog is less than 9 months of age, please email us so we can discuss it further. If your dog pulls on the leash, we can help you with that issue.
The instructors of the course are all registered Delta Society Pet Partners and have extensive histories of volunteer time in pet therapy for many years. Several are pet therapy evaluators. This course will help you prepare for Delta Society's Pet Partner evaluation. Each week we will practice the elements of the therapy dog evaluation. For example, we will practice one of the hardest elements every week: the "meet-and-greet." (Meeting another person who has their dog at their side while your dog is at your side.) Starting the first day of class we will evaluate you and your dog so we can uncover your team's (you and your dog's) weakest skill which, once identified, will give you a better idea of where to focus your time. You will receive a copy of the Delta Society therapy evaluation during the first class so you will know everything involved in becoming a registered Pet Partner. Our in-class sessions are not "real" evaluations - they're just practice. So don't get nervous. Just relax and have fun with this class!
For those who wish to continue with therapy dog training, you may purchase a therapy dog training vest for your dog. Your dog can wear the vest in public while he's being trained. I find the vests to be valuable tools while training in public places. Your dog must be at least one year old to take the Pet Partner evaluation - that's a Delta Society requirement, not a CLASS requirement. We will offer an evaluation date after the class session ends. There is no charge to class members for a Pet Partner evaluation. When time allows, we also try to fit a field trip into the class schedule but you are encouraged to go out on your own and put your dog in social situations, practicing what you learn in class.
Your Pet Partner evaluation is included with class. We prepare for the evaluation for 4 weeks, we evaluate week 5. We find it best if you're evaluated right away but we realize that some people or dogs just aren't ready and want to practice. If you wish to schedule an evaluation time that is outside the offered class evaluation times, you may do so. There is no charge if we evaluate you and your dog within 90 days of your class. Should you pass the 90 day period, the cost of evaluation with us is $25.00. Being a registered Pet Partner with Delta Society will give you the added benefit of one million dollar's worth of liability insurance when you are volunteering with your dog. Please consider ordering your Pet Partner Team Training Course (Home Study) book from www.deltasociety.org. This book has all of the necessary materials and educational information you need to help you and your dog be successful. You will need it before the end of your Seattle's Best Therapy Dogs course.