If you and your dog are looking to volunteer in the community as an ARL TheraPets team, this class will provide additional practice before the TheraPets assessment.
Do you and your dog want to become a certified TheraPets team? Need some practice before taking the test? This class is just what you need! TheraPets Prep Class is a five week class. In each weekly session, participants will review the different exercises in the TheraPets assessment. Each session lasts about one hour. Dogs attend the first week of class.
About TheraPets Certification
Not to be confused with a service dog or emotional support animal (ESA), a TheraPet (therapy animal) is a companion pet that has been certified with their owner/handler to provide comfort to others. The TheraPets assessment can only be taken after the handler completes the TheraPets Training Workshop.
We will be covering the following behaviors required in the assessment:
Polite Greetings
Impulse Control
Distractions
Loose-leash walking
Leave it/Not yours
Targeting
Dog-dog interactions
Appropriate brushing and grooming
Visiting scenarios with real world equipment
*Bring your dog's brush or comb for the Appearance and Grooming skill.
This class meets once a week for four weeks. Participants will be required to watch the orientation video prior to coming to the first class via the link below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssUfPnvdChk&t=5s
For any issues regarding the orientation video, please contact dogtraining@arl-iowa.org or call 515-473-9131.
Items Needed
In keeping with the requirements of the test, your dog needs to have a well-fitted collar and leash. Correctly fitted body-harnesses are also allowed. Pinch collars, head halters, electronic collars and retractable leashes are not permitted. Small, bite-sized, treats in a pouch or bag.
Prerequisites
Good Manners or equivalent training is required prior to registering for TheraPets Prep Class.
Fee
This class is $150.00. Fees for classes are subject to change and are non-refundable. For more information about our refund policy, visit our Training Class FAQ page.
Does your dog consistently react strongly to humans or other dogs?
Reactive dogs have a hard time focusing on their owner during the class making it hard for them to learn and retain the information they are being taught. If you are unsure if your dog will be successful in a group training class, a Drop-In training class is a great way to see if your dog is able to learn in the busy environment our training center provides.
If you have any concerns about the behaviors your dog displays, please email dogtraining@arl-iowa.org or call (515) 473-9131.
Registration
Click on the button below and scroll to find the class date you would like to attend. You will be walked through the online registration process. Payment will be through the online registration system. No registration will be considered confirmed without payment.
