Angel Paws' Therapy Dog Skills Training Courses

Sorry, this course is currently unavailable ... Please click here for our highly recommended classes!
"A good beginning makes a good ending!" - English proverb

Angel Paws' ONLY agenda is to help our candidates succeed as safe, effective, confident, relaxed & happy therapy TEAMS.
Angel Paws' dog training goal is to preserve and nurture your dog's spontaneous, natural curiosity, interest, and joy for interacting with others - while teaching the appropriate manners and building the relationship, communication and teamwork necessary to be a safe and effective therapy TEAM!  To accomplish that we highly recommend positive reinforcement training best learned from a trained and experienced positive reinforcement dog trainer for many reasons.  The following courses are taught by dog trainers who are are well trained in not only positive reinforcement dog training but in teaching people how to most effectively apply positive reinforcement techniques for basic skills, behavior modification, and sports (as indicated) - as well as the visiting process.  You will learn more about how to apply those basic skills to therapy work in your Handlers Training & On-site Training but a sold foundation of essential basic skills must come first.  Please don't try to build on quicksand.  Start working to solidify your basic skills now!
Angel Paws respects the fact that dog training is a personal choice based on many variables.  Specialized "Therapy Dog Training" is not required however the trainer you choose to work with, the method they teach, and your commitment to practice in a variety of unfamiliar locations between classes and beyond is what will help you develop the relationship necessary for therapy work.  While no specific course is required those who have completed the type of training provided in the courses recommended on this page tend to have a  greater chance of success, increase their appropriateness to visit in a wider variety of environments and increase both their dog's and their own enjoyment and longevity for therapy work.  Although we do our best to help our candidates succeed Angel Paws' Pet Partners candidates are ultimately responsible for their own basic dog training and socialization.  Candidates will receive further instruction regarding how to most effectively apply those basic skills to the visiting process during the Pet Partners Handlers Workshop, Angel Paws Volunteer Orientation & Training and on-site training.  Complimentary support and constructive feedback on socialization is also available for those who have completed at least some basic dog training.  It takes time to identify and address individual challenges and to create new habits for both animal AND handler.  See below for more details ...
Picture
Click on Image to Enlarge
PLEASE DO NOT DELAY DOG TRAINING!  START NOW!  Advance registration is required!
** Although we do our best to keep this Dog Training page current it's best to also click on the facility logo to visit their page directly & confirm information provided - Posidog classes especially fill up fast and they add new classes frequently.
ABOUT THERAPY DOG TRAINING   Many candidates would like to enroll in specialized "therapy dog training" and graduate with a therapy dog. This is understandable but not realistic.  True Therapy Dog Training is on going, on the job, in real life situations.  But a solid foundation of relaxed reliable responses to basic verbal/visual cues in a variety of social situations, a thorough knowledge of and connection with your dog must come first.  

Specialized "therapy dog training" is not necessary to lay this foundation and may even be building on quicksand.  The trainer you choose and the techniques you learn to teach your dog basic skills while socializing in a variety of unfamiliar locations will have a far greater impact on your success as a therapy team.  Consistent repetition and practice as directed by a good positive reinforcement trainer BETWEEN classes AND beyond will be what makes the greatest difference.

No dog is trained in any 1 class per week - even "Therapy Dog Training".  The time you devote to practicing what you learn in any basic class every day - working up to practicing in as many unfamiliar locations with as many strangers as possible coupled with your Pet Partners Handlers Workshop is what will develop the relationship with your dog necessary for therapy work.  Every dog is different.  Every handler is different.  And every animal/handler team's lifestyle is different.  These variables all determine where a team will begin as well as how fast they will progress.      

Please pay close attention to Can My dog be a Therapy Dog? , Does My Dog Need Special Therapy Dog Training? ,  Essential Tips for Therapy Dog Training and other related links provided to help you throughout your training process regardless of whomever you train with.  The more you understand about the requirements necessary to pass the  Pet Partners Skills & Aptitude Test the better.  You will learn more about that in your Handlers Workshop but we encourage you to take advantage of the information provided on our web site about the test to help you during your dog training.  ***  Your trainer will be happy to help you focus on your individual needs & challenges so we encourage you to know what those are and ask for help!  

You will learn more about specific Therapy Dog Handler skills in your Pet Partners Handlers Workshop prior to taking your Skills & Aptitude Test, during additional handler training and complimentary on-site training with your dog after you pass the basic Skills & Aptitude Test.

The important thing now is to assure you have the solid foundation of basic skills taught in these recommended classes!  PLEASE START NOW!  
FUNDAMENTAL DOG TRAINING SKILLS 
FOR ANGEL PAWS THERAPY TEAM CANDIDATES
I & II
Angel Paws' ONLY agenda is to help our candidates succeed as safe, effective, confident, relaxed & happy therapy TEAMS.
This dog training course for Angel Paws Therapy Team candidates is offered periodically as a courtesy depending on enrollment and trainer availability.  Any dog training fees are paid directly to trainers.  Details are subject to change.  We regret that we are not able to conduct this course as often as we would like due to the wide variety of levels of previous training, individual challenges and strengths our candidates begin with.  However there is much you can do to begin now so PLEASE DO NOT DELAY DOG TRAINING!  Start NOW!  PLEASE LET US KNOW ASAP IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN PREPARING FOR ANGEL PAWS AND CLICK HERE TO CHECK OTHER TRAINING COURSES WITH OUR  RECOMMENDED TRAINERS FOR ON-GOING DOG TRAINING CLASSES. 
Our goal is to preserve and nurture your dog's spontaneous, natural curiosity, interest, and joy for interacting with others - while teaching the appropriate manners and teamwork necessary to be a safe and effective therapy team! 
Picture
WE HEAR YOU! Good Therapy Dogs DO Think & Innovate while being themselves! In order to do that and other goals we HIGHLY recommend true Positive Reinforcement Dog Training taught by a trained professional Positive Reinforcement Dog Trainer.
This course teaches Positive Reinforcement Dog Training  The understanding & ability to effectively practice true systematic Positive Reinforcement/Clicker Training techniques with or without clickers) is required to be eligible to register for our Fundamental Skills II class only.  Fundamental Skills I, another basic course, workshop, or private lesson(s) with one of our Recommended Trainers may be required before you are eligible to participate in our Fundamental Skills II class.  "Positive Reinforcement" can mean different things to different people.  For more information about what true Positive Reinforcement/Clicker Training is Please click HERE for great information about What is Clicker Training?  and more! 
Completion of these or any other dog training courses (even "Therapy Dog Training" courses) does not  guarantee that you or your dog will pass the required Pet Partners Skills & Aptitude Test or continue on to be a safe and effective Pet Partners TEAM.  Success depends on the independent commitment, skills & aptitude of each individual animal/handler team - as a TEAM.

***  Please click HERE for great information about What is Clicker Training?  and more!

We are here to help you succeed!
however, success depends on each individual team!    

Picture
Although highly recommended, our Angel Paws Therapy Dog Training Course is not required to volunteer with Angel Paws or to become a registered Delta Society Pet Partners therapy team but candidates who have completed Positive Reinforcement Dog Training with a qualified professional find it extremely beneficial and tend to have a higher rate of success with subsequent requirements so we do offer this course as an option, depending on enrollment and trainer availability. 

Please see our other important Dog Training pages & CONTACT us A.S.A.P. so that we may help you  prepare wisely well in advance by arranging appropriate basic dog training with one of our recommended dog trainers if necessary.  Our Therapy Dog Training Equipment, Essential Tips for Therapy Dog Training is also recommended regardless of where you train.  If you have not already reviewed our Training & Registration Process page and returned both the volunteer application and "15 Questions to ask yourself if ..." .doc files please do so by clicking HERE.  (files are also provided below) This will help us, and you, decide what your next best step would be.
   
Although it is not required to have completed our Pet Partners Handlers Workshop to participate in this course, the foundation laid in that workshop may help candidates make the most of subsequent dog training.  Completion of the Pet Partners Handlers workshop IS required before taking the Skills & Aptitude Test (PPSAT).  The PPSAT must be passed within one year following completion of the Handlers Workshop  but within 3 months is recommended so it's important to start dog training ASAP.   

Dog Training Scholarships may be available for qualified candidates.  Please see our Scholarship page for more information about scholarships 
Please click HERE for great information about What is Clicker Training?  and more!
FUNDAMENTAL DOG TRAINING SKILLS 
FOR ANGEL PAWS THERAPY TEAM CANDIDATES 
 12 week Course offered in 2 segments (4 & 8 weeks, subject to change) for therapy dog candidates and their handlers planned for Monday evenings.  
***  IMPORTANT NOTE FOR PARTICIPANTS OF EITHER OF THESE CLASSES :  Often we love our dogs so much that we may have unrealistic expectations of them.  Please remember that this course, as in ALL dog training classes,  does not train dogs but trains people to practice the techniques and communication necessary to develop an on-going reliable and relaxed working relationship with their dogs so that they will be able to sufficiently  inspire confidence in safety comfort and control of their dog while visiting with others in potentially emotionally charged situations.  Practice in a variety of locations between classes is required.  It is unfair and unrealistic to expect our dogs to relax, focus & learn if we are not willing or able to take the time to practice teaching our dogs what WE learn in between classes and to socialize and train them in a variety of unfamiliar locations as soon as they are ready.  Ample free, fun exercise and mental stimulation between classes is also important.  We promise you will be forever grateful that you took the time to do so regardless of what you choose to do with your dogs in the future - and they will love you all the more for it!  Because all participants in this course share a common goal these classes may progress at a faster pace than some might tend to expect which makes the prerequisites and practice in between sessions all the more important - however the class size is kept small to allow ample individual attention.  Please see Essential Tips for Therapy Dog Training to be practiced concurrent with and dog training classes or your own private dog training.  When you are ready a pre PPSAT feedback session in a public place may be arranged if you are interested free of charge.
FUNDAMENTAL SKILLS  I   (4 weeks, subject to change)  REGISTRATION REQUIREMENT: All candidates are required to register & pay for both Fundamental Skills I & II at the price set for BOTH segments unless they are able to meet the prerequisites for our Fundamental Skills II (described under Fundamental Skills II) .

Topics covered in Fundamental Skills I include:  
  • Appropriate supplies and equipment for Therapy Dog Training
  • Basic Positive Reinforcement Dog Training Techniques (with & without clickers)
  • How to get your dog's attention
  • "Sit", "Down", "Stay", "Come" (on leash from 10' away),
  • Introduce "Off" or "Leave It", "Wait", "Heel" (or casually walk close to handler on loose leash but MUST use definitive 1 or 2 word cue NEVER used for ANYTHING else)
  • Basic understanding of PRO-Active, Assertive Leadership
  • Common canine stress signals
  • Appropriate Socialization practice
All participants of all classes are required to bring training treats (high value, smelly, soft, pre-cut to NO LARGER than the size of an M&M or eraser on the end of a pencil), something easily accessible to carry treats in and a bandanna for your dog to be reserved ONLY for training and controlled (on leash) socialization.   Please also see our  Can My Pet be a Therapy Pet?, Does My Dog Need Special Therapy Dog Training? (or what kind of training is necessary?), acceptable Equipment , Essential Tips for Therapy Dog Training pages and Contact us for pre-interview & more information  to reserve a space. 

WHERE:  This Course is held in the spacious rear annex building of Newark Heights Church of God, 1092 West Church St. (just West of 30th St.) easily accessed from Rt. 16 in Newark, OH.  
Click HERE for Google Map - also included below

Newark Heights Church of God
This  delightful facility is now available to rent for a modest tax deductible donation! 

Picture
Pastor Scott Murphy
1092 West Church Street
Newark, Ohio 43055
Phone: 740-344-8897
Email: 
www.newarkheights.org

Thanks so much to Pastor Scott Murphy for donating the use the church's Annex Building for our Therapy Dog Training Classes.  The delightful facility provides easy access from Rt. 16, excellent parking, central air conditioning/heat, and beautifully maintained wide open green spaces surrounded by towering shade trees for out door activities.  For more information contact Pastor Scott Murphy at 344.8897.
team_application.doc
File Size: 58 kb
File Type: doc
Download File
15_sa_quest.doc
File Size: 67 kb
File Type: doc
Download File
FUNDAMENTAL SKILLS II  (8 weeks, subject to change)

REGISTRATION PREREQUISITES:  Only teams who qualify for this segment will be eligible to register and pay for this segment only.   Candidates unable to meet these requirements must either register and pay for both Fundamental Skills I & II or seek basic Positive Reinforcement techniques from one of our recommended trainers.  It is anticipated that teams who have completed Angel Paws’ Fundamental Skills for Therapy Dog Teams I will qualify for Fundamental Skills II.  Our own Fundamentals I class is not required to qualify as long as candidates meet the following necessary prerequisites using a flat buckle collar or other approved equipment.  

Prerequisites include:  
  • Handler understanding and ability to effectively practice true systematic Positive Reinforcement techniques (with or without clickers.  If no clicker is used understanding and ability to appropriately use a distinct and  effective verbal marker)  
  • Dogs must be able to reliably respond to a verbal/visual cue to: sit, down & stay for 10 seconds before coming to handler from 10 feet away 
  • Handlers (if not dogs) must also have a solid start on how to effectively teach their dogs to walk on a loose leash using appropriate management and positive reinforcement techniques 

Topics covered in this Fundamental Skills II segment include: 
  • Further emphasis on PRO-active Assertive Leadership
  • Fine Tune "Leave It", "Wait", "Heel" (or walk on loose leash but MUST use 1 word cue NEVER used for ANYTHING else) with greater distractions
  • Basic Greeting & Positioning for AAI (Animal Assisted Interventions) "sit", "wait", "say Hi" or "visit" - with distractions
  • Greeting and passing a Neutral Dog  ("Heel", "Leave It" &/or "Off", "Sit")
  • Socialization techniques to practice in UNfamiliar venues
  • Desensitization to visual, auditory, touch challenges (if necessary) 
  • Exposure to & Comfort with medical equipment & unusual behavior (Desensitization if necessary)
  • How to begin, if not complete, the process of weaning off special training equipment (Gentle Leaders and no pull harnesses - GL’s to be avoided from the start if  possible)
  • Client Interaction & Alternative Positioning Techniques 
  • Pet Partners Skills & Aptitude Test Requirements
NOTE:   It is essential to remember that completion of this or any other dog training course (even "Therapy Dog Training" courses) does NOT  guarantee that you OR your dog will pass the required Pet Partners Skills & Aptitude Test OR continue on to be a safe and effective Pet Partners TEAM.  Success depends on the independent skills & aptitude of each individual team - as a TEAM - demonstrated not only during the test but beyond the test as well.  ("Team" = 1 animal & 1 handler working together as a TEAM) 
PLEASE SUBMIT:   Angel Paws Animal/Handler Team Application if you have not already done so.  This information will help us help you to the best of our ability! 
FEES/PAYMENT:      

  • Fees are based on a minimum of 6 participants
  • Fees will be reduced for more than 6 participants. 
  • Fees include individual phone and email support between classes as needed.
  • Fundamental Skills I & II (12 weeks) Fee is based on Trainer Fees
  • *** Fundamental Skills II only (8 weeks) is based on Trainer Fees (price subject to change depending on length - prerequisites described above must be met to register and pay for Fundamental Skills II only)  

    Fundamental Dog Training Skills for Therapy Team Candidates Registration 
Picture
Click on logo to go to PPG web site
Angel Paws is a member of 
The Association for Force Free Pet Professionals 
and a Full Member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers
Please CLICK HERE 
for Angel Paws team application and "15 Questions..." to receive an Angel Paws discount for these classes!
Picture
Click on logo to go to the APDT web site
Links to our Important Dog Training Web Pages

MORE HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BASIC DOG TRAINING
Please click HERE for information about our other recommended Dog Training courses

"A good beginning makes a good ending!" - English proverb

Dog training is a personal choice based on many variables.  The trainer you choose to work with, the method they teach, and your commitment to practice between classes will have a significant impact on your success.  
 PLEASE DO NOT DELAY DOG TRAINING!   Advance registration is required!