Therapy Dog Program

Therapy Dogs (TDs) are dogs who are loved on by many. They visit hospitals, living centers, schools, disaster sites, work places and more! They bring joy and comfort to everyone who engages with them.

The American Kennel Club's defines Therapy Dogs as:

"Dogs who go with their owners to volunteer in settings such as schools, hospitals, and nursing homes. From working with a child who is learning to read to visiting a senior in assisted living, therapy dogs and their owners work together as a team to improve the lives of other people." 

A Certified Therapy Dog Team is more than sharing your furry best friend with others. These special volunteer teams are Certified together, must maintain a professional image, and have successfully completed extensive training to master the skills needed for this unique job.

The Duncan School Therapy Dog Program is structured to teach TDiT (Therapy Dog in Training) strong skill sets in:

• Obedience. From foundation building to TD Certification-ready*: Completing STAR Puppy (if applicable), Canine Good Citizen, Canine Good Citizen Advanced, Canine Good Citizen Urban.
• Mastering the art of reading your dog's body language
• Becoming environmentally neutral
• Learn acceptable training tools, gear, and working image
• Advocating for your dog
• Mastering proper dog-people introduction skills
• Requirements for working in public, ethic standards
• Choosing a professional Therapy Dog Organization that is right for you

Puppy's Minimum Starting Age: 3 Months, Certifying Age: 12 Months
Handler Minimum Age: 18 years old

Course Length: 12 Months

Full Tuition: $3,480 (monthly payments accepted)

*The Team's Nationally recognized certification is completed separately. There are many to choose from. Additional expenses may be required by your chosen professional team organization to cover provided benefits; such as liability insurance.