Steps to Certification...
How do we get evaluated and begin the process of getting certified?
There are 3 basic steps in the certification process:
Evaluations and CGC testing are held on a regular basis, as are the safety classes. Locations vary and you must reserve a testing slot in advance; the earlier, the better, as space and time are limited. To view a current schedule and register for an evaluation, safety class, or CGC test visit the "event schedule and registration" page by clicking on the link below.
STEP 1. Attend a free evaluation session and have your dog deemed to be of suitable temperament for therapy work. Provide proof of current rabies vaccination and a Canine Good Citizen Award for the dog. If your dog does not have a CGC, we can administer the test at this time or schedule the test for another date. The fee for this test is $30.
STEP 2. Attend a safety class that lasts about 2 hours. This class is for handlers only... gotta leave your baby at home.
STEP 3. A team must complete two supervised trial visits to a facility. Upon the successful completion of these visits the team will be certified. During these visits the dog and handler must meet the following standards:
YOUR DOG MUST...
1) Routinely respond to handler instructions & commands
2) Respond without the use of treats
3) Demonstrate focus on their handler
4) Respond consistently, even when distractions are present
5) Recover from a sudden loud noise in a timely fashion
6) Be accepting of wheel chairs, walkers, crutches, etc.
7) Remain calm when people make unusual motions such as staggering
8) Be accepting of hugs
9) Show no signs of extreme stress, agitation, or aggression
THE HANDLER MUST...
1) Demonstrate control of the dog at all times
2) Demonstrate a calm demeanor
3) Demonstrate the ability to spot potential hazards and problems
4) Demonstrate the ability to read a dog’s body language for signs of stress
5) Demonstrate the ability to use good judgment and consider safety first
6) Be able to handle working with adults and children that may have disabilities and sometimes terminal illness
7) Provide proper grooming for the dog.
The reward for all your hard work...
Are there any "disqualifying events"?
Yes, any type of aggressive behavior, extreme stress, or any situation deemed serious enough to warrant disqualifcation by a K9B evaluator.
What happens if our first test visit is not satisfactory?
Unless due to the situations mentioned above, we will reccomend some additional training and provide some guidelines. Your team can redo the visits when K9B and yourself feel you are ready.
After we are certified, what places can we visit?
You are free to visit any facility you want. Bear in mind that many facilities have their own process of evaluating teams that are already certified so you will have to follow their procedures. Some facilities, especially those where you will have contact with children, will require a background check. So will any correctional institutions.
We provide our certified teams with monthly newsletters that will list contact persons for various facilities and tips on how to inititate visits.
We also provide contact information for facilities that have sent us requests for visiting teams and for special community events.
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