The Therapy Dog training class prepares teams by practicing behaviors, handling & socialization skills needed for evaluation by a national registry of therapy dogs,specifically Alliance of Therapy Dogs & Love on a Leash. The goal of this class is to prepare for volunteering at local facilities & individuals requesting therapy dog teams. Successful completion can result in evaluation by one of the therapy dog organizations. During class, dogs gain experience in a variety of settings including medical & child centered facilities and a variety of situations requesting pet therapy services.
Prerequisites: Dog is at least 1 year old and Dogs must demonstrate reliable obedience skills or Dog Therapy Instructor approval. (Jr Handler – 4H/AKC jr. handlers must be with a Parent (simultaneously). Review specifics in guidelines below.
Equipment: 4ft leash, harness & gentle leader allowed. (no prong collars) 
If possible, study the guidelines to membership for each of the 2 groups tested locally. 
​https://www.therapydogs.com/join-therapy-dogs/
http://www.loveonaleash.org
*Requirements for junior handlers vary for the national certification groups. Alliance of Therapy Dogs requires jr. handlers to be 12-17, have parent/guardian supervision and be accompanied by a certified Alliance of Therapy Dogs handler with or without a dog. Jr Handlers may accompany a T/O on a visit prior to beginning the evaluation. Love on a Leash requires teams be 16-18 & accompanied by a parent or guardian who is a certified member in good standing.