Service Description

Canines for Kindness™©-Great Dog’s new program to teach people in partnership with their dog to serve our community as therapy dog teams. We will first assess your dog and you to determine, if as a partnership, you possess the core elements needed to be safe and successful as a therapy dog team. This is an introductory class designed to prepare people and appropriate dogs to be evaluated by established therapy dog programs to gain endorsements/certifications from reputable organizations. Participants will learn specific information on appropriate temperament in dogs and effective handling skills in a human partner. Core concepts of safety, kind interactions, advocating for your dog, privacy and health requirements for dogs and their person will be addressed. THIS DOES NOT CULMINATE IN GAINING CERTIFICATION OR ENDORSEMENT AS A THERAPY DOG TEAM. It does offer you and your dog the initial training needed to seek testing with the organization of your choice. You will be provided with a list of organizations to reach out to after you finish this course. Be aware that some organizations will require you to attend additional training related to their individual programs. Participants who attend all class sessions will be awarded with documentation of completion. If you and your dog have an interest in serving our community by visiting individuals in health care, schools, mental health support and undeserved settings this may be a great new adventure for you! This course is taught by long-time therapy dog program founders, instructors, and therapy dog team members from Great Dog.