Therapy Dog Academy - 170317

So, your dog wants to be a therapy dog? This 6-week course is exactly what you need! Led by Deb—a seasoned therapy dog handler since the mid-1990s with over two decades of experience directing a major therapy dog certification and training program—this course prepares both dogs and handlers not only for certification but to excel as a therapy team. Whether you’re working toward certification or already an active therapy team looking to sharpen skills or learn new ones, this course has you covered. You’ll master essential skills like heeling and polite greetings, gain tools for safe and effective teamwork, and learn to read your dog’s body language, ensuring you can meet their needs while building a strong, rewarding partnership.

Prerequisites: Instructor approval or prior participation in a Gold Star class. This course does not result in therapy dog certification, nor does it guarantee certification. Dogs must have a solid grasp of basic obedience and be free of aggression/reactivity towards people or other dogs.

18+ | Maple Street Recreation Center

$185 with a dog / $80 without dog

Instructor: Deb Helfrich, Gold Star Dog Training

Notes:

· Dogs do not attend the first session (and the first session is usually longer than other weeks).

· This course does not result in therapy dog certification, nor does it guarantee certification.

· Dogs must have a solid grasp of basic obedience and be free of aggression/reactivity towards people or other dogs.

· Please review all class policies/restrictions (there are special policies related to Therapy Dog Academy): Gold+Star+Dog+Training+Policies.pdf (squarespace.com); class policies will also attach to your receipt for your reference.

· You will receive an email with further instructions/forms from the instructor prior to class.

Option 1: Register with your dog

This registration reserves a spot in class for one dog and up to two household members.

Option 2: Register Without a Dog

This registration is for one person, or up to two household members, who would like to attend the class without a dog. It’s ideal if your dog isn’t a good candidate for a group class, but you still want to work on training at home with support and information. This option allows you to benefit from the class even if it’s full, your dog isn’t ready for a group class, or you do not have a dog.

So, your dog wants to be a therapy dog? This 6-week course is exactly what you need! Led by Deb—a seasoned therapy dog handler since the mid-1990s with over two decades of experience directing a major therapy dog certification and training program—this course prepares both dogs and handlers not only for certification but to excel as a therapy team. Whether you’re working toward certification or already an active therapy team looking to sharpen skills or learn new ones, this course has you covered. You’ll master essential skills like heeling and polite greetings, gain tools for safe and effective teamwork, and learn to read your dog’s body language, ensuring you can meet their needs while building a strong, rewarding partnership.

Prerequisites: Instructor approval or prior participation in a Gold Star class. This course does not result in therapy dog certification, nor does it guarantee certification. Dogs must have a solid grasp of basic obedience and be free of aggression/reactivity towards people or other dogs.

18+ | Maple Street Recreation Center

$185 with a dog / $80 without dog

Instructor: Deb Helfrich, Gold Star Dog Training

Notes:

· Dogs do not attend the first session (and the first session is usually longer than other weeks).

· This course does not result in therapy dog certification, nor does it guarantee certification.

· Dogs must have a solid grasp of basic obedience and be free of aggression/reactivity towards people or other dogs.

· Please review all class policies/restrictions (there are special policies related to Therapy Dog Academy): Gold+Star+Dog+Training+Policies.pdf (squarespace.com); class policies will also attach to your receipt for your reference.

· You will receive an email with further instructions/forms from the instructor prior to class.

Option 1: Register with your dog


This registration reserves a spot in class for one dog and up to two household members.

Option 2: Register Without a Dog

This registration is for one person, or up to two household members, who would like to attend the class without a dog. It’s ideal if your dog isn’t a good candidate for a group class, but you still want to work on training at home with support and information. This option allows you to benefit from the class even if it’s full, your dog isn’t ready for a group class, or you do not have a dog.