Pet Therapy Visitation Preparation Classes

Are you unsure about which class to take at the Gas City Dog Club? The following is a comprehensive description of each type of class offered at our club. Ranging from basic obedience to specialized courses like agility or scent work, there's a lot for your dog to learn!

Important notes regarding all classes

Pet Therapy Visitation Preparation Classes

When?

Next Session: Sunday, September 15, 2024

Saturday – no class this session

Sundays - 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Classes continue until the instructor is confident that the teams are well prepared for the formal Team Evaluation.

Description  

This series of classes are offered to prepare dog and handler teams to qualify for the team evaluation to become registered as a Pet Therapy Team.  The course content is based on the evaluation criteria of Pet Partners™ or other Pet Therapy Registries but will also be of assistance for anyone training their own service dog. For more information regarding the Pet Partners™, visit their website www.petpartners.org

Prerequisite:

  • Immunizations must be up to date
  • Dogs must have completed an introductory obedience course or have the equivalent skills
  • Dogs must be of sound body, good temperament and have good joints and muscle tone.
  • Owner/handlers must be willing to complete a course of study and undergo a Pet Partners™ team evaluation to be registered as a Therapy Team

Cost: No charge

Lessons Covered:

In addition to the solidification of basic skills, specific Pet Partners™ team evaluation criteria are included:

SKILLS TESTING:

  • Accepting a friendly stranger
  • Accepting petting
  • Appearance & grooming
  • Out for a walk
  • Walk through a crowd
  • Reaction to distractions
  • Sit on cue
  • Down on Cue
  • Stay in place
  • Come when called
  • Reaction to a neutral dog

APTITUDE TESTING:

  • Overall handling
  • Exuberant and clumsy petting
  • Restraining hug
  • Staggering, gesturing individual
  • Angry yelling
  • 2-fingered tap
  • Crowded and petted by several individuals
  • Leave it
  • Offered a treat

Next Steps to Pet Partners™ Registration: 

  • Successfully complete a Pet Partners™ handler’s course with written evaluation
  • Successfully complete a Pet Partners™ team evaluation
  • Complete Pet Partners™ registration process
  • Serve the community by becoming a Pet Partners™ Therapy Team volunteer

Thank you! Your submission has been received!  Class registrants will be contacted by phone the week before classes start to confirm course details.
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When?

Next Session: Sunday, September 15, 2024

Saturday – no class this session

Sundays - 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Classes continue until the instructor is confident that the teams are well prepared for the formal Team Evaluation.

Pre-Registration Not Required

Registration Fee: $10.00/drop-in session or $100 for a12-session punch card

NOTE:  In order to provide the best possible experience for dog and handler, the Gas City Dog Club reserves the right to control the number of dogs present in the training room during the drop-in session.

Other Classes

Important Notes Regarding All Classes

The following points apply to all classes offered at the Gas City Dog Club.

For more information, please call (403) 528-DOGS(3647). You can also call Sterling Hinch at (403) 526-6779. Please leave a message if not answered right away.