Therapy Dog Training
This class can start you on your journey of becoming a therapy dog team.
Teams will be introduced to skills needed to provide emotional support and comfort to adults and children in need.
Reminder: This is not a certification course, but an introduction to the skills needed.
Class Capacity
Prerequisites
- CGC earned with dog over 1 year oldÂ
- Obedience Class Completed and Passed
- Approval of both trainer and Tawn Sinclair.
Class Location
All classes are held at the Cheviot Hills Recreation Center, on Motor Ave near Pico Blvd, in West Los Angeles.
A current waiver is required for all members and for participation in our classes. Complete the WLAOTC Online Waiver.
Google Map to Cheviot Hills Recreation Center | Map of Training Class Locations Inside the Park
Questions?
Email obedience@wlaotc.com if you have any questions about this class.
Dog Safety Policy
For all of our classes it is required that dogs are to be leashed and held by a person, placed inside a crate or in an Xpen during class time. Tying dogs to fences, benches, stakes or the like is not allowed.Â
If you have any questions or concerns after reading the policy, please email us at wlaotc@wlaotc.com
| Class | Day – Time – Trainer | Session Start Date | Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pet Therapy |
What to bring to class:
- 4 or 6 ft leash
- Small blanket or mat to rest on
- Treats & treat pouch
- Water/ water bowl
- Brush/ grooming tools
Week 1
Class Discussion:
What is a therapy dog?, different therapy dog jobs, talk about different organizations, and share information on them.
Focus on Dog Behavior:
- Check/evaluate class’ baseline of calm disposition while talking
- Accepting a friendly stranger
- Review Down on Cue
Aptitude Check:
- Overall Handling
- Exuberant & Clumsy Petting
Week 2
Class Discussion:
How does your dog signal to you that they need a break?, stress signs from our dogs that we might overlook.
Focus on Dog Behavior:
- Accepting petting
- Out for a walk
- Walking through a crowd
- Reaction to a Neutral Dog
Aptitude Check:
- Hugging a Stranger
- Accepting/ Walking towards a Staggering & Gesturing Individual
Week 3
Class Discussion:
Dog grooming requirements, food restrictions for what the dog can eat/ acceptable
treats to bring, Student Questions/ Challenges
Focus on Dog Behavior:
- Reaction to Distractions
- Appearance and grooming
- Settle Duration with Distractions
Aptitude Check:
- Angry Yelling Strangers
- Two-Finger Tap from Behind
Week 4
Class Discussion:
Student Questions/ Challenges
Focus on Dog Behavior:
- Stay in place (using 10 ft long line) (& adding distractions)
- Come When Called
- Leave It
Aptitude Check:
- Crowded & Petted by Several People
- Offered a Treat by Evaluator (Accept and Decline)
Week 5
Class Discussion:
Expectations in addition to evaluation (background check, pet health verification, test/ observation forms, CGC passed confirmation)
Session Review:
Mock Therapy Dog Evaluation