THERAPY DOG & CANINE GOOD CITIZEN

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   I am an approved AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, which allows me       to test for the AKC S.T.A.R.R. Puppy program, Canine Good Citizen,
   AKC Community Canine (the advanced level of CGC), Urban CGC and
   Trick Dog.   See the testing date schedule below.

   
   VISIT THE PHOTO GALLERY TO SEE RECENT 
  CERTIFICATION  RECIPIENTS!!!! 
​   I AM SO PROUD OF THEM!

CGC and TDI Test Preparation Class

​This class will prepare you and your dog to take the tests for Therapy Dog International and the AKC's Canine Good Citizen title. Dogs that have trained with me and passed the Therapy Dog test are regularly visiting hospitals, nursing homes, memory care units, schools (reading programs and counselor office), working with adults with disabilities, attending funerals, visiting local offices, and doing demonstrations at summer camps, girl scouts, township events and career days.
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PictureJennifer and her dog Daphne - Canine Good Citizen Certified
THERAPY DOG - The therapy dog test will earn you certification through Therapy Dogs International and will give you the necessary tools to start visiting hospitals, nursing homes, and other facilities with your dog to bring joy to residents and patients.  (Dogs must be at least one year of age).  Click here to visit their official website for more detailed information.

CANINE GOOD CITIZEN - The American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen program is is open to dogs of any age and breed (including mixed), and is recognized as the gold standard for dog behavior. In CGC, dogs who pass the 10 step test can earn a certificate and/or the official AKC CGC title. Dogs with the CGC title have the suffix, "CGC" after their names.  Click here to visit their official website for more detailed information.
CLASS OBJECTIVES - included for both examinations.    Each week, we will practice different test requirements, which will let you know what to expect, and be aware of the items that may need some practice.  This process can be a bit overwhelming and stressful, so we keep it fun!  Different volunteers participate each week to act as patients in the hospital or nursing home and children playing, to help you prepare for the test and future visiting.  Some of the volunteers should be nominated for Oscars!
  • ​ENTRY TABLE ​(Simulated as a Hospital Reception Desk) 
  • Entering a Door to Visit a Facility
  • Accepting a friendly stranger
  • Sitting Politely for Petting
  • Visiting with a Patient
  • Appearance and Grooming
  • Out for a Walk (walking on a loose lead)
  • Walking Through a Crowd - Getting Around People
  • Sit/Stay and Down/Stay on Command
  • Staying in Place
  • Coming When Called
  • Reaction to Another Dog - Meeting Another Dog
  • Reaction to Distraction and Unusual Situations
  • Reaction to Children
  • Supervised Separation
  • Acclimation to infirmities (Wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, canes, etc.)
  • Leave it  on Command 


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Prerequisite:  All dogs need to have basic obedience training, and be able to perform in a group environment. ​  Please refer to the Manners and More class page for basic command training requirements.
 $180.00 for six weeks
​Limit:  5 dogs

Tuesdays
- February 26 - April 2 @ 7:30 p.m. (FULL)

Sundays
- April 14 - June 9 @ 7:30 p.m.
(off 4/21, 5/12, 5/26) (3 spots left)

New dates being added at the end of today 1/21/19.   If you are interested in taking this class, please send me an email and I will put you on the list.


Please note that taking this class does not guarantee that you and/or your dog will pass either test.
​Pre-payment is required to guarantee your place in class.  You are not required to pay via the online option but it is available for your convenience.  I also accept checks and cash. 

ALL CLASSES HELD AT THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY 4H CENTER, ROUTE 113, SKIPPACK
Dates
"Chloe went to do Pet Therapy this morning.  How she blesses people!

I will never not laugh at all three of us walking into a room and the resident only sees Chloe.  Their faces light up and they forget they are hurting or were sad, and a smile takes over their face!

What an incredible blessing to be able to be part of the team.  Thank you again for helping us make that a reality!"

                                         Marian Sminkey
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Renn & Marian and their dog Chloe - TDI Certified

Canine Good Citizen Testing Dates and Information

All testing is performed at the Montgomery County 4H Center in Skippack. 
AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator No. 96008

Tuesday, April 2, 2019 @ 7:30 p.m.

​If you are interested in taking the test, please contact me.