Train your dog to bring joy and comfort to children and adults in need. This class covers the skills your dog needs to pass the main therapy dog tests.
- Prerequisite Advanced Home Obedience, successfully completed, or instructor permission
- Length 6 weekly 90-minute classes
- Prepares for Pet Partners, Reading with Rover, Therapy Dogs International and Alliance of Therapy Dogs tests
- Packages Package credits can’t be used for this class
Bring your dog to the first class. Please come with your dog and your current training equipment in week 1. Because this is a 90-minute class, package credits can’t be applied to it.
Why train with us
There’s nothing like seeing your dog bring joy, love and happiness to a child or adult in need. Dogs can communicate without words, help with therapy and rehabilitation, and fill a lonely life with love and companionship.
Several organizations offer therapy dog classes. Ours are different because our instructors are certified Therapy Dog handlers who love therapy work, so we take therapy dog training seriously. We know hospitals and nursing homes, and we know how careful and controlled your dog must be there.
What your dog learns
Calm around equipment
Careful, controlled behavior around expensive monitoring equipment.
Gentle with people
Safe manners around people who may be fragile.
A good impression
Not every patient, or administrator, is comfortable around dogs. Every therapy dog leaves a lasting impression on everyone it meets.
Ready for the test
The skills needed to pass the therapy dog tests listed below.
Is this the right class for my dog?
Therapy Dog Prep is for dog and handler teams. It’s probably for you if:
- Your dog has successfully completed Advanced Home Obedience, or you have the instructor’s permission.
- Your dog has basic obedience skills and a desire to interact with people.
- You want to pass a therapy dog test with one of the organizations below.
Therapy dog tests this class prepares you for
- Pet Partners (Delta Society)
- Reading with Rover. Our Therapy Dog classes with Mary Stratton meet the Reading with Rover requirement and are on its approved list of classes.
- Therapy Dogs International
- Alliance of Therapy Dogs (Therapy Dogs Inc.)
Upcoming Therapy Dog Prep classes
November 2026
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HO5 Therapy Dog Prep
See the full class schedule · Questions? Send us a message.
Nothing on the schedule? Fill out the wait list form and we’ll let you know when the next class opens.
Also consider: Canine Good Citizen
The AKC Canine Good Citizen title is the basis for therapy dog training and certification. CGC Preparation also introduces walkers and wheelchairs.
Not ready yet?
Start with Advanced Home Obedience, or ask the instructor whether your dog can join. Send us a message.
