Therapy Dog Testing & Prep
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!
Therapy can be provided in many settings, including but not limited to airports, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, rehab facilities, mental health institutions, schools, hospitals, cancer centers, hospice facilities, and college campuses.
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 and their owners become therapy dog teams so we can fill the area 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.
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.
Our Services Include:
- A free no-obligation 20-minute Discovery Call to give guidance on becoming a therapy dog team.
- Therapy Dog Prep Class (professional training is not a pre-requisite to be tested).
- Testing and Observations are free.
Why Choose Us:
- Expertise: With extensive experience in therapy dog testing and observations, I bring a wealth of knowledge to support the success of therapy dog teams.
- Compassion: A deep understanding of the positive impact therapy dogs can have on individuals, and a commitment to fostering environments where these interactions thrive.
- Professionalism: Dedicated to upholding the standards set by the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, ensuring that certified teams contribute positively to the communities they serve.
Get Started Today:
Book a Discovery Call if you are interested in becoming a therapy dog handler with your dog. Or if you have trained elsewhere and want to set up a test date.
See below for more information on our Therapy Dog Prep Class.
Therapy Dog Preparation Class
Who this program is for:
- Pups that have basic obedience skills
(they can walk on a leash in a heel position, even with distractions)
- Owners that want to become a therapy team!
What is Therapy Preparation Class?
Prerequisites:
- Must have basic obedience skills and walk on a loose leash in a heel position.
- Must enjoy being greeted and be comfortable being petted by strangers
- Must be able to work on 4 foot leash safely around people and other dogs (we provide the 4 foot leash)
- Proof of current Rabies, Distemper/Parvo and Bordetella vaccinations are required BEFORE the first class.
Please contact us if you are not sure you meet a requirement OR if your dog was trained at a different facility.
What's Included;
- 5 – One hour classes
(The last class will be an “Out & About” session)
- 4 foot travel leash needed for therapy test and visits
At K-9 Kudos, we are dedicated to the specialized training that prepares dogs to become certified therapy dogs. Our Therapy Dog Training Program focuses not only on testing but also on equipping dogs with the skills they need to be effective and compassionate companions in a variety of therapeutic settings.
Comprehensive Therapy Dog Training
Our Therapy Dog Training Program is designed to train dogs in the specific skills required to support individuals in environments such as hospitals, schools, and nursing homes. The training covers a broad spectrum of activities, from navigating through crowded places calmly to interacting gently with various populations, including children and the elderly.
Training for Real-World Scenarios
Our primary focus is on equipping therapy dogs with the skills and temperament to provide comfort and support in a wide range of settings. We ensure that our therapy dogs are well-socialized, comfortable and confident in interacting with diverse individuals and environments. We simulate real-world scenarios during training sessions to expose therapy dogs to potential situations they may encounter during therapy visits.
Why Therapy Dog Training Matters
The benefits of therapy dogs are immense and varied. They provide comfort and joy, help alleviate stress, and can improve the overall psychological well-being of individuals they interact with. At K-9 Kudos, we focus on training dogs to harness these benefits effectively, ensuring they can make a meaningful impact on the lives of others.
Join Our Therapy Dog Training Program
If you are interested in having your dog trained as a therapy dog, K-9 Kudos offers a comprehensive pathway from basic training to certification. Our Therapy Dog Training Program will guide you through each step, ensuring that both you and your dog are fully prepared for the certification process and for the important work of a therapy dog team.
Get Started with Therapy Dog Training at K-9 Kudos
Start your journey by booking a Discovery Call with us today. This initial consultation will allow us to assess your dog’s suitability for therapy work and to discuss the training process in detail. We are committed to supporting you throughout the training and certification process, providing expert guidance and the resources you need to succeed.
Enroll now and take the first step towards making a significant difference in the community with your dog at your side. Our Therapy Dog Training Program is here to support you every step of the way, ensuring that your dog can reach their full potential as a therapeutic companion.