Become an AATS MA Therapy Dog Team!
If you would like to utilize a therapy dog in a professional environment or are interested in visiting facilities with your own dog, it is critical to receive the proper training. Students of the AATS MA Therapy Dog Team Program can expect to graduate with a sense of confidence, knowing that they've been well-prepared to enter various scenarios and situations. Phase I focuses on mastering obedience cues with distractions in various public locations. Phase II allows therapy dog teams in training to shadow with a certified therapy dog team on real therapy dog visits.
Prerequisites:
1. AKC STAR Puppy
2. Intermediate Obedience
3. AKC Canine Good Citizen
See Dog Training page
AATS MA Therapy Dog Handler Lecture $100.00
This four hour seminar acquaints the novice with therapy dog work. Discussion includes a brief history of animal assisted interventions, animal assisted therapy vs animal assisted activities, different types of facilities, clientele, and visits, basic canine behavior and characteristics, and insurance considerations. The Public Access Test, which is required for all service dogs, is explored so handlers understand the roots of the AaTs Final Evaluation and what is expected to become a Credentialed AaTs Therapy Dog Team. Very informative!
Handlers only, no dogs.
Handlers only, no dogs.
AATS Therapy Dog Team Training $400.00
Phase I: Obedience
This is a weekly class that prepares handlers and their dog for the AATS Final Examination, which includes foundations of the Public Access Test, AKC Canine Good Citizen Urban, and Canine Good Citizen Advanced. This comprehensive training ultimately prepares the therapy dog team for both the expected and unexpected aspects of therapy dog work. Additionally, the AATS Final Examination exposes dogs to wheelchairs and walkers, restrictive hugs, petting from children, and exposes dogs argumentative and loud environments. All classes take place in community settings, with at least one class partnering up with a current AATS MA Therapy Dog Team during a real therapy dog visit. The class generally runs for six weeks, but an additional week may be added if more practice is needed.
Phase II: Shadowing
Therapy Dog Teams in Training will now put their skills to work during real therapy dog visits with a mentor AATS MA Therapy Dog Team. Teams in Training will register for four visits at different locations with different mentors to create a well-rounded, prepared, and confident team. These real-world applications, partnered with an experienced mentor, are critical to create polished and professional human and canine partners.
Lecture $100 + Training Classes (Phase I & II) $400 = TOTAL $500
Approximate training time is 6+ weeks depending on handler's schedule. Teams have the ability to achieve AKC CGCA/CGCU when they take the AATS MA final examination! Recertification every 2 years to ensure team is working together effectively.
