Therapy Dog Class

Welcome to Canines for Christ of Southwest Ohio Therapy dog course information. 

Therapy Class runs for 6 weeks. The basic outline of the training that will be covered each week can be viewed below. 

Join our Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Therapy Dog Class, designed for dogs and their handlers to build strong bonds while mastering essential obedience skills and participating in community service. This class focuses on training dogs to be calm, friendly, and well-mannered in various environments. Participants will learn key CGC skills such as proper greeting behavior, loose-leash walking, and responding reliably to commands. Our experienced instructors will guide you and your dog through interactive exercises that prepare you for therapy dog certification, enhancing your dog's ability to provide comfort and companionship to those in need. Whether you're seeking to give back or simply strengthen your dog's skills, this class is a great opportunity for learning and growth.

Therapy Dog Class: Session Curriculum 

Requirements:

Dog Must be minimum of 1 years old.

Dogs must Sit, Stay & Walk with Leash 

Week 1: Introduction overview of Canines for Christ & Training guidelines

Warm-up: sit, slow dog pass through crowd

Stay: group

Figure 8, Heel Pattern, Leave it

Week 2: 

Warm-up: About turn & address friendly stranger

Stay: With Distractions 

Figure 8 with treats, Recall, Heel Pattern with treats

Discussion Topic: Grooming & Handling 

Week 3: 

Warm-up: Sit Circle

Blind Stay

Back-up, heel pattern: pass dogs

Discussion Topic: Visiting & CFC Policies & Procedures 

Week 4: 

Warm-Up

Figure 8 off Leash 

Target Training 

Discussion Topic: CFC Procedures for the Mentee & Mentor Process 

Week 5: 

U-turn

Group stay

Back up

Figure 8 on/off leash

Walking through a crowd, Target training

Discussion Topic: Visiting & CFC Policies & Procedures 

Week 6: Canine Good Citizen Testing