Therapy Dog Certification Program

This 12-week Therapy Dog Program is designed to prepare suitable dog-and-handler teams for therapy dog work in controlled public and institutional environments (e.g., hospitals, schools, long-term care, community events).

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This is not service dog training. Therapy dogs do not have public access rights and must work under handler supervision, invitation, and organizational approval.

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The program emphasizes:

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• Temperament, stability, and predictability

• Handler professionalism and advocacy

• Calm, neutral behaviour in public-facing environments

• Ethical placement and deployment readiness

Dogs must be 1 year or older before certification. Younger dogs may participate and certify at 1 year or older. 

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***All dogs must pass a temperament assessment prior to enrolment.***

Temperament Test Structure

• Conducted on scheduled assessment days

• 4 assessment dates per month

• Dogs assessed individually (no group testing)

Temperament Test Evaluates:

• Human sociability (neutral, friendly, non-intrusive)

• Dog neutrality (no reactivity)

• Environmental confidence

• Noise and movement resilience

• Handling tolerance (ears, feet, body)

• Recovery after stress

• Absence of fear, aggression, or avoidance behaviours

Outcome:

• Pass → eligible for program enrollment

• Defer → specific training recommendations provided

• Fail → not suitable for therapy work (referral to alternate training)

• Duration: 12 weeks

• Schedule: 1 session per week

• Homework: Weekly structured assignments (required)

• Attendance Requirement: Minimum 10 of 12 sessions

• Milestone-Based Progression: Dogs must meet standards before advancing

• Flat collar 

• 4–6 ft leash (no retractables)

• Treat pouch

• Official Nordik K9 / Watch My 6 Therapy Vest (mandatory): included in price

  • The vest is not cosmetic. It signals working status, professional conduct, and organizational accountability.