THERAPY DOG & CANINE GOOD CITIZEN

CGC and Therapy Dog Test Preparation Class

​This class will prepare you and your dog to take the tests for Comfort Caring Canines Therapy Dogs, Inc., and the AKC's Canine Good Citizen title.  We provide you with tips and coaching to help your team shine!

​Dogs that have trained with us and passed the Therapy Dog test are regularly visiting hospitals, nursing homes, senior centers, memory care units, schools (reading programs and counselor office), working with adults with disabilities, attending funerals, visiting local offices, colleges, and doing demonstrations at summer camps, libraries, girl scouts, township events and career days.  

What a fabulous way to give to your community!
Picture
The American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen program 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 information.
 Picture
Comfort Caring Canines Therapy Dogs Inc. (“CCC”) is a dedicated group of volunteers who share the love of their certified canine companions with others in their community. ​​Therapy dog training is a team approach. The evaluation is designed to assess your dog’s temperament and obedience, the owner's handling skills, as well as the level of “partnership” between handler and dog.  Click here to visit their official website for more detailed information.

OBJECTIVES FOR BOTH EXAMINATIONS

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.  Watch the above video!
Prerequisite:  All dogs need to have basic obedience training, and be able to perform in a group environment. ​  PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS CLASS DOES NOT TEACH THE REQUIREMENTS AND SKILLS TO PASS THE TESTS.  THE CLASS PREPARES YOU TO TAKE THE TESTS.  If you need training assistance before this class, please refer to Manners and More Level 1 and 2 and Leash and Greet classes, or private lessons.
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.  The Canine Good Citizen test will be given at the last class. The therapy dog test will be scheduled for another date and location.
​Please note that  taking this class does not guarantee that you and/or your dog will pass either test.
  • ​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 (not meeting)
  • Reaction to Distraction and Unusual Situations
  • Reaction to Children
  • Supervised Separation
  • Acclimation to wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, canes, strollers, etc.
  • Leave it  on Command ​​​​

SCHEDULE

$250.00 for six weeks
Incudes Canine Good Citizen test
​Instructor:  Leah H. Pacitto

Sundays
7:30 pm | Dec 17, 2023 - Feb 4, 2024 - no class 12/24, 12/31

Classes held at the Montgomery County 4H Center, 1015 Bridge Road, Collegeville, PA  19426,

EACH LESSON IS ONE HOUR.  THERE ARE NO MAKE UP CLASSES FOR ANY MISSED CLASSES.   ALL CLASS SALES ARE FINAL AND NON-REFUNDABLE, DUE TO WAITLISTS.  PLEASE CAREFULLY CONSIDER YOUR SCHEDULE WHEN REGISTERING FOR A TRAINING SESSION.​​
To register for classes please click on the button which will redirect you to our ProPet scheduling software.  Here you will be able to create or access your account, view the training schedules and provide online payment. ​
​​Pre-payment is required to guarantee your place in class.  While online payment is preferred, we also accept payment via cash or check.  Payments can be mailed to Dog Gone Good Dog Training, Montgomery County 4H Center, 1015 Bridge Rd., Ste. I, Collegeville, PA 19426.

Chloe is a rescue dog found tied to a tree.  She regularly visits memory care units, hospice centers, and attends funerals.  

"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

DETERMINE YOUR TRAINING

If you are unsure about which training services meet the needs of you and your dog, please click on the button below.  This is the fastest and most reliable way to guarantee your dog a spot for training. 

After the recommendation is made, you will be redirected to create an account or log in to make your booking request.  All booking requests are reviewed by our team, and within 48 hours, we will either confirm your booking or get back to you if additional information is needed.   Please allow additional response time for weekends and holidays.  

NOTE:  If you are not ready to register/book, please make a note of the recommended training for future reference.