Therapy Dog Classes, Pet Partners Handler Workshop & Evaluation Info
Have you often thought about sharing the joy you feel when your are with your wonderful canine companion with others? Does your dog bring a smile to everyone's face that he encounters?
This program will help you and your canine partner prepare to do visits and activities. Dogs have a remarkable effect on humans based on a bond that has existed for thousands of years. Come and explore the many facets of being a team, including the skills needed to make every visit a safe and fulfilling experience. At the completion of the program, we will schedule evaluations.
THERAPY DOG SKILLS CLASS — 1 & 2 offered in 2027
Our program is split into 2 sessions to allow for those who need additional work on their skills as well as to determine if therapy dog work is a right fit for their team. These sessions are not requirements to take the Pet Partners Handler Workshop, but to help teams be as prepared as possible for taking the evaluation and be successful while visiting.
TD1 — 4 weeks
Dogs must have had basic training classes, including Family Dog Basics and Practicing the Basics or approval from the instructor.
This 4 week intensive course will work on greetings, walking, recall, handling, leave it and neutral dog exercise. We will work on the basic skills that have been learned in the family dog classes.
4 weeks - $120 + tax
Td2 — 3 weeks
(must have completed the Pet Partners Handler Workshop)
This three class session will help prepare you for the Pet Partners therapy dog evaluation. You will experience "visiting" with your dog through a variety of scenarios, including exposure to medical equipment, typical distractions, and common situations you may encounter.
3 weeks - $90 + tax
Once you successfully register with your dog, your team can join our group, Paws Cares, and the Pet Partners of South Central Connecticut community group, which may help you find meaningful volunteer opportunities that are well-suited to your team's skills and interests.
Pet Partners Handler Workshop
This is the Pet Partners required workshop, for handlers-only (no dogs) to help you learn the details Pet Partners to help you prepare to be a dog therapy team. The workshop is interactive and gives you ample opportunity to ask questions about animal assisted activities. After attending the workshop, you will be able to take the Pet Partners online, open book test at your convenience, which is a prerequisite for evaluation as a Pet Partner team.
Sunday, September 20, 2026, 9 am to 3pm
OR
A two part workshop - Tuesday, October 20th & 27th, 6 pm to 8:30 pm. Both of the Tuesday evenings must be fully attended to receive credit of having taken the workshop. No exceptions.
The cost is $90.00 +tax.
For more information or to register, please email sandy.pawsneffect@gmail.com
THERAPY DOG EVALUATIONS
JUST NEED AN EVALUATION?
Don’t need classes, and are ready for the Pet Partners evaluation? Email to: sandy.pawsneffect@gmail.com for more info.
We can schedule individual evaluations at your convenience. (They no longer need to be posted on the Pet Partners calendar.)