Therapy Dog Class

Therapy Dog (TD) visits are sessions where you and your dog meet people in various settings - one-on-one or in groups. CHAMP TD visits may take place in hospitals, memory care and assisted living centers, libraries, schools, colleges, and more.

Your dog will bring acceptance and joy to everyone she visits! CHAMP will work with you to arrange visit location(s) that work best for you and your dog – we want you both to be happy in your TD work!

Evaluation, acceptance, and completion of our Therapy Dog class is required of everyone who wishes to become a CHAMP TD team.

Therapy Dog Evaluation

Dogs entering the TD program should be between 2 and 10 years of age, be well-mannered, have confidence in new situations, and should be happy and comfortable when meeting new people. Veterinary records must be up to date. CHAMP does not have breed restrictions, and Rescue dogs must have lived with you for at least six months prior to being evaluated. Contact CHAMP for additional information and requirements for CHAMP TD candidates.

Your dog must demonstrate the following skills:

• Walk nicely on a leash (no pulling or dragging)
• Sit and sit/stay for 1 full minute
• Down and down/stay for 3 full minutes
• Come when called
• Please note: If your dog needs further training for these skills, please ask us about our Basic Obedience Class.

Upon passing the skills exam, your dog will be taken to by CHAMP evaluators to the training room for a brief temperament exam. Each step will be scored, and the trainers will discuss the results with you.

CHAMP Therapy Dog Classes

The full course to become a Therapy Dog team runs for 12 weeks. Classes are held on Thursday evenings and last about 2 hours.

Fees

Upon confirmation of your evaluation appointment, a non-refundable fee of 25.00 is required to reserve your spot. If your dog passes the exam, this fee is applied to the class cost of $275. Upon graduation, you will be required to purchase a CHAMP TD cape at our cost of $30.

CHAMP classes are lots of fun, and dogs are taught with positive training techniques. You’ll be amazed at how your dog will evoke happiness and joy and will lift people in need to a higher place!

For information about evaluation and class opportunities, please contact Martha at martha.pollard@champdogs.org, or call 314-485-1264, extension 305.

Thank you for your interest in sharing your time and your dog’s love with your community!