Ventura Pet Wellness & Dog Training Center

Becoming A Therapy Dog

Therapy Dog Information:

Becoming a therapy dog depends on the organization you are working through. Each therapy dog organization has its own requirements and tests that the dog must pass before being approved. There is a listing on the AKC website at https://www.akc.org/sports/title-recognition-program/therapy-dog-program/therapy-dog-organizations/ of the therapy organizations that are approved through the AKC such as "Love on a Leash, Therapy Dog International or Pet Partners". Most dogs must be at least 1 year old, have completed a basic obedience class (Good Manners) and passed their CGC test before they can be evaluated by the therapy dog organization.

You may find this comprehensive guide on Therapy dog breeds helpful and you can find it here: https://yourdogadvisor.com/therapy-dog-breeds/

At Ventura Pet Wellness & Dog Training Center we require you to complete both Good Manners 1, Good Manners 2A & Good Manners 2B before moving forward with the instructors approval to our CGC (Canine Good Citizen) class.

Good Manners Class Includes: This class focuses on beginning obedience. Everything from sit and down to loose leash walking, leave-it, drop-it & more! We also incorporate a little agility fun into every class! The perfect opportunity to learn with your dog and have some fun!

Good Manners 3/ Canine Good Citizen Class (CGC):

This 6-week program is $175 (This includes the CGC Testing Fee)

Dogs of all ages are welcome, must be on current vaccines.

CGC Prep and Class:

In this 6-week program we will cover the 10 test items which comprise the AKC Canine Good Citizen Test. To see skills required for the CGC Test please visit akc.org. The 6-week program includes 5 weeks of training followed by the CGC Test which will be held on the final day of class. (There will be no practice time on the final day of class)

REQUIRED PREREQUISITES: Good Manners 1 & Good Manners 2

Becoming A Service Dog

Service Dog Information:

Please see the "Characteristics of a Good Service Dog" handout that will include all information in regards to becoming a Service Dog.

You may also find additional information at

www.iaadp.org and http://www.servicedogiq.com/about.html. or https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/service-dog-training-101/

This will go over the minimum training standards, different types of service dogs as well as how long it will take to train your dog before taking the Public Access Test.

In this article you will find helpful information on the different types of service dogs: https://yourdogadvisor.com/types-of-service-dogs/

Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) Plane Requirements

The ACAA recently changed the laws surrounding assistance dogs on planes, as of I think January of 2021.

Only service dogs who have been fully trained to perform tasks that mitigate their handler's disability are permitted to fly against an airline's policies. Prior to flying, a disabled individual traveling with their service animal must submit an attestation statement to verify the dogs' training and suitability as a service dog -- as well as reminding people of the $5,000 penalty of misrepresenting a dog as a service dog.

A quick overview of the new law can be seen here: DOT Statement on Service Animals

Some airlines may have policies that allow a pet on board for a fee, but none are required to under the new ACAA law.