Therapy Dog Training

K-9 Kudos promotes Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD). All dogs that certify with ATD must be well-mannered, well-behaved dogs that enjoy meeting people!

It All Started When…

My kids and I (Doreen) visited nursing homes with library books for the residents to read. A therapy dog and her handler came to visit, and I noticed how happy the residents were to see the team. Now a dog trainer myself, I put my two passions together and have earned therapy dog team certifications with my 6 lb. Yorkie/Miniature Schnauzer mix, Charlie Grace (ChaCha for short) and my 60 lb. Goldendoodle, Ellie Mae.

We are determined to help as many dogs as possible become therapy dogs, allowing us to assist local nursing homes, schools, hospitals, hospice, etc. My hope is to have a network of teams join K-9 Kudos’ Therapy Dog Group where people or businesses can contact K-9 Kudos and ask for a visit for their residents, students or loved ones.

My Promise To You

As a dedicated Tester/Observer for Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD), I am committed to ensuring that therapy dogs and their handlers meet the standards of excellence set by ATD.  With a passion for promoting the well-being of individuals through the power of therapy animals, I offer comprehensive testing and observation services.

In-Facility Therapy Dog Training Program

At K-9 Kudos, we are dedicated to helping you and your dog build the skills needed for therapy dog certification. Our In-Facility Therapy Dog Training Program provides 10 private training sessions held at our training facility, ensuring a structured learning environment with personalized coaching. This program focuses on real-world scenarios, preparing you and your dog for therapy work in schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and beyond.

Program Benefits

As part of this program, you’ll receive:

✅ Online Orientation – A comprehensive introduction to prepare you for the training journey ahead.

✅ Training Booklet – A week-by-week guide to reinforce learning and track progress.

✅ Graduation Celebration – A digital graduation photo, gift, and certificate of completion to recognize your pup’s hard work.

✅ VIP Treat Bag – Includes a collapsible water dish for training sessions and outings.

What You and Your Dog Will Learn

This program focuses on key skills for therapy dog success, including:

🐾 Leash manners for controlled and polite walking in the heel position.

🐾 Proper greetings with strangers, patients, and facility staff.

🐾 Impulse control in various environments.

🐾 Socialization and confidence-building exercises.

Prerequisites

·       Your dog must enjoy being greeted and petted by strangers.  They must also be comfortable with strangers approaching them.

·       Proof of current Rabies, Distemper/Parvo and Bordetella vaccinations are required to be received BEFORE the first session.

Please contact us if you are not sure you meet a requirement OR if your dog was trained at a different facility.

Additional Perks

🎒 “I’m a K-9 Kudos Pup!” Bag – Filled with training essentials.
🐶 Freedom No Pull Harness – Designed for better control and comfort.
📸 Two Holiday Photo Sessions – Capture special moments at our Derby facility during the festive season.

This program is designed to provide you with the tools and confidence needed to help your dog become a successful therapy dog.