Welcome to Our Therapy Dog Training Program
Empowering Compassionate Canine Teams
Overview:
At Wag Workshops, we’re dedicated to nurturing the bond between dogs and their owners, transforming them into exceptional therapy teams. Our Therapy Dog Training Class is a unique opportunity for dog owners to embark on a rewarding journey towards becoming a certified therapy dog team. This program is meticulously designed to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for therapy dog services.
Part 1: In-Person Foundations Building
Weeks 1-3: Hands-On Skill Development
Key Aspects:
Therapy Dog Roles & Environments: Dive into the world of therapy dogs. Understand their roles in various settings like hospitals and schools.
Temperament Assessment: Assess if your dog exhibits traits like calmness and friendliness, crucial for therapy work.
Basic Training & Commands: Master essential commands and behaviors for therapy dogs, ensuring they respond well in different scenarios.
Socialization & Interaction: Learn how to socialize your dog in diverse environments, preparing them for real-world interactions.
Mock Therapy Sessions: Engage in simulated sessions to experience the nuances of therapy dog work.
Health and Grooming: Maintain high standards of health and grooming, crucial for a therapy dog’s presentation and hygiene.
Part 2: Online Certification and Practice Guide
Week 4: Path to Certification
Module Highlights:
Certification Pathways: Guidance on reputable programs like the Alliance of Therapy Dogs.
Maintaining Certification: Information on keeping your therapy dog certification active.
Therapy Dog Visit Coordination: Learn how to leverage our coordination program for scheduling visits post-certification.
Learn About Your Instructor
Mary Owens
Mary Owens has been training and showing dogs for over 20 year, and she competes regularly in AKC Rally, Obedience and Conformation with her Golden Retriever. She enjoys working with people and their dogs that want to know how they can use positive training and a “work is play approach” to develop focus, motivation and confidence. Whether it is walking calmly on a loose lead in a distracting environment or retrieving a frisbee (and bringing it back), she loves to see dogs and their owners becoming an engaged and enthusiastic team that is happy and confident. In addition to competing, Mary and her dog, Romeo, love working as a therapy dog team in Calvert County schools.
Join the Wag Workshops Community
Making a Difference One Paw at a Time
Why Enroll?
Free Training: We offer this training class for free, acknowledging the vital need for more therapy dog teams.
Expert Guidance: Our seasoned trainers provide personalized support throughout the training process.
Community Impact: Post-certification, join our Therapy Dog Visit Coordination Program to maximize your contributions to local businesses and communities in need.
Recommended Enrollment Steps
Enrollment Steps:
Register Online: Fill out our registration form with the link on this page to secure your spot in the next session.
Attend the In-Person Training: Participate in our comprehensive three-week in-person training.
Complete the Online Module: Finish your training with our online certification guidance module.
Become Certified: Pursue certification through a recognized program and join our therapy dog coordination network.*
*Please note that only certification is required to join our coordination network. No classes are required.
Sign up for Dog Training Class!
Join us at Wag Workshops and transform your pet into a beacon of comfort and joy for those in need. Enroll now in our Therapy Dog Training Class and start your journey towards becoming a certified therapy dog team. Together, let’s make a lasting impact, one visit at a time.
Our upcoming classes are full. We offer our class 2xs per year, in the Fall and Spring.
To be notified when our next class is posted, follow us on Facebook or sign up for our monthly newsletter.
Mondays at 6:30pm
April 15 – April 29 in-person
May 6 online
Instructor: Mary Owens
Location: Dunkirk Volunteer Fire Department, 3170 W Ward Rd, Dunkirk, MD 20754