Therapy Dog Testing Requirements

Dogs must test in a flat buckle collar or non-corrective harness, using a six foot leash. You may not use any corrective training collars, corrective harnesses or corrective head halters.

 

A dog that has bitten a human cannot be tested.

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Dogs and handlers must appear well groomed and in good health to test.

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Any dog judged by the evaluator to have a poor temperament, bites or growls at a human or other dogs, soils, females in season, excessive barking or whining will not be tested or allowed to finish the test, and will be an immediate fail.

 

Only dogs one year of age or older will be certified.

 

Dogs With A Purpose Therapy Dogs will not test or certify dogs that are registered as a Service Dog. A handler with a Service Dog may test a pet dog. The service dog has to test alongside the pet dog.

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No treats or treat bags are allowed in the testing area.  You may use treats to work with your dog prior to the test, but not in the testing area.

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In order to test you must provide current Rabies Vaccination paperwork. Tags are not acceptable. A copy of your Vet bill will be accepted. Please bring a copy as we will need to keep this on file.

 

The following will be required to maintain certification:

1. Annual check- up with a licensed Veterinarian

2. Rabies Vaccination   No titters will be accepted

3. Yearly Fecal Exam with negative results

4. Dogs must be tested annually for heartworm disease 

5. Vaccinations for the following must be up to date: Distemper, Hepatitis, and Parvo virus. 

 

Any handler (guest /family members) who behaves or presents themselves in an unruly, disruptive, or an unprofessional manner will not be allowed to complete the test.

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All dogs that test must have passed the AKC CGC Canine Good Citizens Exam.

 

All dogs must pass the pretest before final testing. 

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