Paws’itive Teams
Voice:(858) 279-7297
Fax:(858) 279-7296
paws@pawsteams.org
San Diego, CA

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Therapy Dog Prep School

Most therapy dogs are personal pets, who accompany their owners to a variety of facilities such as skilled nursing homes or hospitals. Many therapy dog visits require very simple skills from the dog. The dog doesn't have to know a lot of commands or even perform tricks. A dog that lies quietly on a bed beside a patient can lower that person's blood pressure and reduce the sensation of pain. In some settings, soft warm eyes gazing up at a person are all it takes to work magic. Volunteering with your dog can be a family project too!

Click Here to learn more about registering for a class.

Our fun but serious 6-week course includes activities which will prepare both you and your dog for involvement with animal-assisted therapy programs. This class is not designed to certify teams but rather to give both handler and dog the tools to become effective therapy teams and to be better prepared for tests conducted by the various programs. We spend time in each class in helping you identify the best therapy program for your needs then guide you in this process.

Our Classes Include the Following

Instruction and practice with successful therapy dog commands.
Discussion of techniques for effective interaction between visiting teams and patients.
Distribution of a Directory of current therapy dog programs in San Diego County.
Fascinating insights into the learning abilities of canines and how to augment this learning process.
Identifying scarf for your dog and a certificate award of class completion.
Assistance in helping you identify the most appropriate therapy dog program for your interests.
Guest appearances by experienced therapy dog handlers to assist in role playing, share personal experiences, and facilitate hands-on visits with residents.