Now Enrolling for Spring 2025

Spring 2025 Training Sessions: Enroll Now with USA Therapy Dogs!

Are you ready to embark on a journey of compassion and connection? Join USA Therapy Dogs for our Spring 2025 Training Sessions and become part of something truly special.

Here's why you should enroll:

1. Expert Guidance: Our training sessions are led by experienced professionals who are dedicated to helping you and your dog become a certified therapy team.

2. Comprehensive Curriculum: From mastering essential skills to understanding the nuances of therapy dog work, our program covers everything you need to know to make a meaningful impact.

3. Hands-On Experience: Get real-world experience through fieldwork in hospitals, nursing homes, children’s centers, and more. Gain the confidence and skills needed to bring comfort and joy to those in need.

4. Supportive Community: Join a community of like-minded individuals who share your passion for making a difference. Connect with fellow handlers and share your experiences and insights.

5. Easy Enrollment: Simply visit our website, fill out the necessary forms, and submit your application. Our team will guide you through the process every step of the way.

Don't miss this opportunity to make a positive impact in your community. Enroll in our Spring 2024 Training Sessions today and discover the transformative power of therapy dog work with USA Therapy Dogs.

Together, we can make a difference—one wagging tail at a time."

First class: Monday, February 24, 2025

Class Location:

Independence Township Senior Community Center | 6000 Clarkston Rd. Clarkston, MI 48348

13 weeks total – we will meet 12 consecutive classes for instruction, Week 13 is graduation.

Mondays | 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm

A.K.C.-C.G.C.A (Advanced Canine Good Citizen) Test and USA Therapy Dogs, Inc. Training Program

As part of the USA Therapy Dogs, Inc. training program, dogs and their owners focus on mastering the essential skills required to pass the prestigious A.K.C.-C.G.C.A. (Advanced Canine Good Citizen) test. This test, recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), is a core part of our certification process and ensures that therapy dog teams are well-prepared to visit facilities, offering comfort and support to those in need.

During our 12-week training program, dogs and handlers work on mastering key skills such as:

• Walking on a loose leash without pulling, even in environments with distractions.

• Obeying commands like sit, down, and stay while remaining focused in busy settings.

• Interacting politely with strangers, facility staff, and other dogs without aggression or fear.

• Maintaining calmness and composure in public spaces such as hospitals, nursing homes, and schools.

The C.G.C.A. test is crucial in the certification process, demonstrating that a dog is well-behaved, adaptable, and can provide safe and reliable companionship in therapy settings. Passing this test is essential for certification, allowing the handler and dog to officially visit facilities as part of the USA Therapy Dog team.

Training Program Fees:

• 1 Handler/1 Dog: $250

• 2 Handlers/1 Dog: $350

• Current Member with 1 New Dog: $150

• 1 New Handler with a Current Dog: $175

If a dog does not pass the C.G.C.A. test, a retake will be required to ensure the dog meets the required standards. Retake fees cover additional training and resources, helping handlers and their dogs improve their skills. The retake fees are as follows:

• Retake Fee for 1 Handler/1 Dog: $200

• Retake Fee for 2 Handlers/1 Dog: $300

The retake fee includes the cost of re-enrollment, extra training sessions, and time dedicated by our trainers to ensure that the handler and dog meet the necessary standards for certification. Without successfully passing the C.G.C.A. test, handlers and their dogs will not be permitted to visit facilities as an official USA Therapy Dog team.