How to Train Your Dog to Help Others
In this course, learners will be instructed how to prepare their dog to be a therapy dog.
Ms. Wendy
Average rating:
4.8
Number of reviews:(78)
What's included
5 live meetings
4 hrs 10 mins in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. Students will practice with their dogs the commands we learn in class at home individually. The students should practice at least 15 to 20 minutes per day with the dog.Assessment
The learners will be assessed informally by observation by the teacher. If dog teams are doing commands incorrectly, the teacher will model and reteach the correct procedures to do commands. In addition, there will be a practice therapy dog test on the last day of the class in which teacher will model skill and learner and dog will practice.Class Experience
Have you ever petted a dog when you were upset and felt immediately better? Spending time with a therapy dog has a positive effect on people's pain and distress. Further, the presence of an animal can significantly increase positive social behaviors in people with emotional needs. In this class, learners will prepare their dog to help others. They will learn strategies in teaching their dogs to be calm, obedient and well mannered. Also, learners who have an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) or service dog will learn how to keep them calm when in public situations. In this 5-week class, I will instruct learners how to teach their dogs skills based in therapy dog training and good canine citizen guidelines.
Learning Goals
Students will learn how to train their dogs how to be able to pass a therapy dog test or good canine citizen test. Students will receive instruction about the difference between therapy dogs, service dogs and emotional support animals. We will use posit
Syllabus
5 Lessons
over 5 WeeksLesson 1:
Introduction to Therapy Dog Work and importance of socialization.
My Lesson is about the importance of therapy dog work. We will be learning to socialize our dogs and the command sit-stay. 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
"Sit/Stay and Stand/Stay" command with duration. On Leash Heeling, "Leave it"
My Lesson is about teaching my dog the command sit/stay with duration, on leash healing and leave it command. 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
"Sit – Stay" with distractions. "Leave it" We will introduce medical equipment.
My Lesson is about teaching my dog to sit-stay with distractions. Leave it, part 2. We will also explore dog's reaction to medical equipment. 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
"Recall." "Down stay" command. What to expect on a therapy dog visit.
My Lesson is teaching my dog to come when called and to down-stay. We will discuss what happens on a therapy dog visit. 50 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Not all dogs are suitable therapy dogs or have the temperament to pass a CGC test or therapy dog test. They are unpredictable and may not always perform desired commands. Space is needed to do training. This class is not a guarantee for your child and dog to pass any therapy dog test of CGC evaluation. Also, an important note is that a therapy dog certification and Canine Good Citizen test has to be done in person and students will have to find an evaluator in their area.
Supply List
Dogs should have basic training previous to this course. The dogs should be able to sit, stay, come when called, leave it and loose leash walk. Dogs must be at least 1 year old to be certified for therapy dogs. Various therapy dog organizations do accept junior handlers but a guardian or parent must accompany them on their visits. Learners will need their own dog and delicious dog treats to participate in the class.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
California Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
2 Degrees
Master's Degree in Education from Walden University
Bachelor's Degree in Music or Theatre or Arts from Cal State University of Fullerton
I have been using my dogs as therapy dogs for 10 years. I am a Certified Dog Trainer, an AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Evaluator and tester observer with Alliance of Therapy Dogs and Independent Therapy Dogs. In addition, I have trained and certified five therapy dogs of my own. Reviews
Live Group Class
$40
for 5 classes1x per week, 5 weeks
50 min
Completed by 6 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-17
6-10 learners per class
