Therapy Dog Training

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All dogs, purebred and mixed breeds are welcome!

Therapy Dog test
See training schedule for the Therapy Dog class and Therapy Dog Test dates / times.

Sirius K9 Training has developed a program that stresses responsible pet ownership and basic good manners for the handler and their dog for use in stressful environments. Our program is designed to help dog owners prepare for the use of their dogs as therapy dogs able work in various places such as nursing homes, hospitals and schools, as well as work with the mentally and physically handicapped.

The purpose of the Therapy Dog is to bring happiness and cheer to people who need something to hold and love. Pet visits often trigger memories of animals they used to own. They increase emotional well being, promote healing, and improve the quality of life for the people being visited and the staff that cares for these people. Dogs have been effective in reaching people and children who have become socially withdrawn or feel alone in their current struggles. The regular visits also give patients and residents something to look forward to.

To receive a Therapy Dog Certification for your dog, please review the following test items that you as a handler and your dog will be responsible for before becoming certified. You do not need to sign up for this test, just show up! Cost: $10. / $20. if you also need the CGC (AKC Canine Good Citizen) certification on your dog. (If your dog hasn’t been CGC certified, it is mandatory to test for this as well.)

Instructor: Caroline Haldeman

Next TDI (Therapy Dog International) Test Date: TBA.

Test Requirements:

Dog must be one year old at the time of test/certification

Flat collars only (buckle or clip snaps in nylon or leather.)

NO remote collars, choke chains, fur savors, prong / pinch collars, haltis, or harnesses can be used during the test

Proof of current vaccinations, rabies certificate, and a city dog license

Dog comb or brush

20' - 30' long line, 5' - 6' leash, and a 2' traffic lead

Helpful hint: Walk or exercise your dog before the test (at least 1/2 an hour before the test.)

Prerequisite: Handlers must be at least 12 years old. Owner must provide proof of current vaccinations. You must sign up for this class on our website and the class must be paid for in advance to reserve a spot. All dogs attending must be able to pass our Basic Obedience test. Following the last class, a TDI therapy dog test will be administered for those teams that would like to test. A separate nominal fee will be charged by the TDI evaluator if a team elects to be tested. Dogs must be at least 1yr old to test.

Items on the test include:

Test Item 1: Initial Meeting - The dog is seated at the handler's left side. The evaluator approaches the dog and handler and stands facing the team from a distance of about 4 feet. The evaluator approaches and enthusiastically greets and touches (handshake, pat on the arm, etc) the handler. The evaluator asks the dog's name, loudly repeats the dog's name, and then circles the dog and handler. The evaluator inspects the dog, petting the dog and touches ears, mouth, paws and tail. The evaluator may hug the dog.

Note: This portion of the test is the ideal time for the evaluator to examine the dog for cleanliness, grooming, health, parasites and proper weight. The evaluator should nicely and diplomatically point out potential health problems, excessive weight, and other issues and make helpful suggestions.

Test Item 2: Cane/Awkward Stranger - The dog is seated at the handler's side, the evaluator approaches with the cane moving erratically with hunched posture, while speaking in an odd voice. The evaluator pats the dog on the head and body and bumps the dog gently with the cane.

Test Item 3: Socialization - Groups of people (2-5) stand in a gathering. If possible dogs (1-2) are present with the group of people. Medical equipment (wheelchair, walker, cane and crutches) is present during this test. The dog and handler walk together with a loose lead threading through the group of people. The dog may be on either side of the handler. The group of people mill around and quietly talk to one another. Creating their own heeling pattern, the dog and handler make right, about and left turns while meandering through the gathering of people. The dog and handler wander casually through the crowd three times.

Test Item 4: Food Refusal - The dog is seated next to the handler facing the evaluator. The evaluator drops a piece of food on the floor. If possible dogs (1-2) are present with the group of people. The evaluator instructs the handler to walk past the food with the dog at the handler's side. The handler and dog then turn and while walking back, pick up the piece of food.

Test Item 5: Walker - While the dog is seated at the handler's side, the evaluator approaches noisily with the walker. The evaluator pats the dog on the head and body and bumps the dog gently with the walker.

Test Item 6: Training - The handler positions the dog to the left and faces the evaluator. This test is performed with the use of a 20' long line. The handler replaces the leash with the long line and drops the long line to the ground.

Sit: The evaluator asks the handler to sit their dog. The handler may give more than one command and coax the dog into position. The handler must not force the dog down into a sit with their hand.

Down: The evaluator asks the handler (lie) down their dog. The handler gives the dog the command to down. The handler may use more than one command. The handler must not force the dog into position with their hand.

Stay: The evaluator asks the handler to tell the dog to stay (from either a sit or a down - handler preference). The handler gives the dog the command to stay, walks to the end of the long line and waits for the signal to return. The handler returns to the dog. The dog should remain in place while the handler returns to the dog at a normal pace. The handler may tell the dog to stay more than once and if necessary, back away from the dog telling the dog to stay repeatedly. The handler may take a fair period of time, give the dog more than one command to stay and reposition the dog a few times, if they break the stay.

Come: The evaluator asks the handler to tell the dog to stay (from either a sit or a down - handler preference), walk out to the long line and after a signal from the evaluator, call their dog. The handler gives the dog the command to stay, walks to the long line, turns and after the signal, calls the dog to come. The handler may use more than one command.

Test Item 7: Canine to Canine Interaction - Two handlers and their dogs approach each other from a distance of about 15 feet, stop speak to each other, turn and line up facing the same direction and walk forward for about 10 feet.

Test Item 8: Crutches - While the dog is seated at the handler's side, the evaluator approaches with the crutches, as if disabled. The evaluator pats the dog roughly on the head and body and bumps the dog gently with a crutch.

Test Item 9: Human to Canine Interaction: Stability - A group of people (2-5) stand in a gathering. If possible dogs (1-2) are present with the group of people. Medical equipment is not present during this portion of the test. The handler and dog team is exposed to the following diversions: The dog and handler walk together with a loose lead threading through the group of people. The dog may be on either side of the handler. A metal bowl is dropped behind the dog and handler. People are loudly laughing, talking and slapping each other on the back. One of the evaluators runs. An evaluator shouts loudly at another evaluator simulating an argument. An umbrella is opened and closed.

Test Item 10: Working with other Therapy Dogs - An evaluator/test dog team approaches the handler and dog. The handler and dog are positioned with the dog seated at the handler's side. The evaluator/test dog positions themselves the same way, but facing the handler and dog situated about 5 feet apart. The two teams hold this position for 10 seconds. The handler/dog team holds their position and the evaluator/test dog team swing around so they line up along side the team being tested (as if doing long sits). The teams hold this position for 10 seconds.

Test Item 11: Wheelchair - The handler and dog approaches the wheelchair from a distance of about 5 feet. The handler leads the dog up to the wheelchair and encourages the dog to interact with the evaluator. The evaluator gently pets the dog and bumps the dog with the wheelchair.