Positive motivational methods of training such as food, praise, and toys are
used as methods to teach the dogs various commands. The Level 1 (Basic) class
is a beyond basic manners class which includes Sit, Down, Stay,
Come, Heel, Wait, Automatic Sits while heeling, and fun stuff like the
tunnel, tire jump, and walking through cones. This class will also introduce
our canine friends to wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, and other items needed
in preparation for pet therapy work.
The following services are offered:
Therapy Dog Level 1
"Basic" |
A beyond basic manners class for dogs who are 3 months of
age or older and owners who have an interest in
teaching their dog
obedience or therapy dog work. Includes Sit, Down, Stay,
Come, Heel, Wait, Automatic Sits while heeling, and fun stuff like the
tunnel, tire jump, and walking through cones. This class will also introduce
our canine friends to wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, rolling IV posts, and other items needed
in preparation for pet therapy work.
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Therapy Dog Level 2
"Advanced" |
This class focuses on distraction work,
continuing with an emphasis on therapy dog work and certification, as
well as the AKC (American Kennel Club) CGC (Canine Good Citizen) test.
ALL DOG AND HANDLER TEAMS MUST HAVE COMPLETED A BASIC OBEDIENCE CLASS AND BE
PRE-APPROVED BY INSTRUCTOR.
Level II dogs must be COMPLETELY basic obedience trained, and perform
commands correctly WITH light distractions prior to joining a Level II
class. Level II is not a training class. The dog
must have a full 5 minute sit and down stay with the owner at the end
of a 6 foot lead, around light distractions. The dog must respond to
sit, down, and have a reliable recall and a return to heel on the
first command with no assistance from the owner, other than one verbal
command or hand signal. The dog must know heel position, and be able
to heel on a lose lead with automatic sits.
If the dog and handler don't have a respectful working relationship,
and if the dog doesn't have all of the above, the team will fall
behind very quickly in the Level II class.
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Therapy Dog Level 3
"Certification" |
This class assists students (handlers and
dogs) through the requirements for Therapy Dog certification. 10 hours
of supervised pet therapy visitation is required for graduation.
Four to five of the weekly classes may last as long as 2 plus hours. Graduation
is the actual CGC-Therapy Dog certification test. ALL DOGS MUST HAVE
COMPLETED A BASIC OBEDIENCE CLASS, LEVEL 2 (ADVANCED), AND BE PRE-APPROVED
BY INSTRUCTOR.
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If you are truly interested in
helping your animal companion with one or many behavioral problems, contact
us to
arrange a consultation. Fee schedule available upon request.
For
information on scheduling a training session for you and your companion, or
information on group and Therapy Dog classes, please contact us:
classes@southerncharmschool.com
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