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Preparing for Therapy Dog Certification |
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The most important thing for you is to relax! Preparing for and becoming
a pet partner is a volunteer, team effort that should provide you and your canine companion with some quality time
and experiences.
The most important thing for your dog is to be friendly, trust-worthy and have a love of you and other people.
It is not necessary for your dog to hold any conformation or obedience certifications. It is important that your
dog know and follow some basic "good manners".
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| Sit |
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On the first command and stay seated with you close by and at a distance.
It's even better if he/she can stay seated with noise distractions, other people around and even dogs going by. |
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| Down |
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A must for visiting dogs. Like a sit, "down" should be kept with
a variety of distractions. |
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| Wait |
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A temporary hold of position and place. (Doors, curbs, car entering/exiting
for example) |
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| Come |
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From a distance and amid distractions. Recalling your dog may take some
work - but the effort is priceless and can be life saving. |
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In addition to these basic commands, your dog should be comfortable with one, two or even three people wanting
to pet him. During the testing, your dog may be exposed to a wheelchair and/or walker as well as simulated distractions
of raised voices, "patients" that are disoriented and perhaps "heavy" handed. Keep your hands
on your dog at all times and "assist" the patient with petting if necessary to ensure safe and careful
handling.
Prior to testing for your certification, you will have had to complete either a home study course or attended a
one day training for the "people" knowledge portion of becoming a Pet Partner. Your dog will have visited
the vet and had him complete the Pet Partner examination form. Most vets donate this visit when given the information
from Delta and are asked to do so. |
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For More Information
Or To Schedule Your Evaluation
Contact
Karen Schumacher
(208) 946-3883
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