Is there a list of what they need to learn?

[Jane Smith]

I was informed that I do not have to put my doodles through an actual 6 week training course to become therapy dogs, but that i can train them on my own and then just have them tested.  I am unable to find a list on what I need to teach them.  Can anyone help me?

[Jennifer and "Cooper"]

Hi.  I think each testing organization tests for the basically the same things but since Cooper is certified through Therapy Dogs International, I can only speak for what I know about them.  Their website has a brochure which explains each of the items that the dog will be tested on.  On their website click "Testing Requirements" on the left hand side and then "Testing Requirements Brochure" in the first paragraph.  We never took any formal classes.  I just trained Coopoer on my own and he passed on the first attempt.  Hope this helps.  Good luck.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Yes, and you can also search YouTube and you'll be able to see the actual testing videos which may also be helpful.  I took the class, and the primary advantage was our instructor was able to get us into facilities where we would ultimately be "working" for our practice sessions.  I found that working with Guinness in the environment where he would do his therapy work was invaluable.  You may be able to work out a similar scenario on your own.

[Jane Smith]

Thank you!  That's exactly what I was looking for.  The Delta Society does not have this on their site.  Or that I could find anyway. 

[Clifford, Cloud, Jake..and Kim]

Make sure whichever organization you decide to certify with offers tests in your area.  Lucy and Sophie (Lucy and Sophie's Mom) are certified with Delta Society so she might be able to tell you if anything is different.

[Jane Smith]

Actually Delta is big here in Tucson, and not so much TDI, so hope someone adds more info for me.

[Phyllis & Duffy]

I'm looking into this for Duffy.  I found a site today that is here in Houston, but it has all the guidelines listed.  Go to www.faithfulpawshouston.com.   Tucson is my home, just got back from there too.  Sat next to a young man on the way there that just got a labradoodle.  I told him all about this site, hope he joins.

[Beverley S. LaLonde]

Yes Harlee and I go to Montessori School, St. Ignatius, Title One soon. Go to Delta Society and they have all on line actually in picture form showing you what they have to do. Much easier then when we did it. Bev & Pack.

[Adina P]

Did you ever find this info?  Delta does have it on their site, but it's kind of hard to find what you need on their site.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

In case anyone else is looking for them, here is the link to the exam requirements:

http://www.deltasociety.org/page.aspx?pid=264

Just scroll down to the Skills Test and the Aptitude Test

[Thom, Aureo & Bowie]

First decide which group you want to associate with. Once you have that information, go to their web page. All have the requirement posted and you can get the info from them.

[Cathy Gertner]

I have been invovled with Pet Therapy for 3 years with my goldendoodle, Rackley. I trained her myself mostly. We did do puppy class and then Obedience 1 . We are registered with Therapy Dogs INC. ( www.therapydogs.com) .You can go to their website and view exactly what is required of your pup. I am a tester/observer in Florida and also in GA. If you EVER anticipate moving. you might want to get registered with a NATIONAL group as opposed to a local group. I do pet therapy in Florida and in Georgia. We visit hospitals, nursing homes. assisted living facilities, schools for special needs kids and adults, greif support groups and libraries. You dog basically needs to LOVE people, but they all do not have to go to the same facilities. Not all dogs like elevators and they do not go where elevators are located. They can still be very good therapy dogs. If they are going to be with kids, TDInc requires that they be observed with kids during the testing process. Not all dogs love kids. There is a place for any dog that is well behaved and has a owner who is willing to work with their dog. Feel free to email me with any specific questions. [e-mail]

Good luck on your journey. I LOVE PET THERAPY!!

Cathy