Therapy Dog Training
Since its founding, the HVHS Visiting Pet Program has been blessed to have wonderful trainers and instructors work with our volunteers and their dogs for improved handling skills, safety, and effectiveness.
Basic
obedience training is the foundation of therapy work, for even the friendliest
dog needs good manners. Therapy dogs have to know how to walk politely, accept
treats gently, sit or lie down on command, and respond to simple instructions.
The first half of the therapy dog test (more properly called the Delta Society Pet Partners® evaluation) is much like the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen or CGC test. The two are not identical, but most of the exercises are the same. Taking a group training class that includes the CGC test is good preparation for the first half of the Delta evaluation.
But there is more to therapy work than being able to pass an obedience test, which is why the second half of the evaluation is an aptitude test. And throughout the evaluation, the handler is being tested as much as the dog is.
Our best
recommendation for dog owners who are interested in pet therapy is to work with
a trainer who has therapy dog experience and who understands how this activity
works.
All of the following are or have been Delta Society Pet Partners, instructors, or evaluators, and all have been or are active members of HVHS Visiting Pet program. If you are interested in a private consultation to determine ahead of time whether your dog is suited to therapy work and what you and your dog need to learn or practice, or if you would like to sign up for group classes that will help you get started, the following trainers (who are listed alphabetically) can help you and your dog reach your goals.
Lisa Edwards, Three Dogs Training, Carmel, NY
Email lisa@threedogstraining.com
Phone 845-228-2546
Sue Lavoie, Positive Puppy Training, West Milford, NJ
Email info@posipup.com
Phone 973-208-9380
Stacey Samela, A Few Good Dogs, New York and New Jersey
Email AFewGoodDogs@aol.com
Phone 845-365-3655
Nancy Strouss, People Training for Dogs, Nyack, NY
Email PTFDogs@aol.com
Phone 845-358-5121