Lay the foundation for a lifetime of learning! In this 6-week beginner class, you and your dog will learn the basics of positive reinforcement training while building essential behaviors like sit, down, stay, watch me, and recall. Perfect for dogs just beginning their training journey or wanting to touch up on their manners, this class focuses on creating clear communication and setting both you and your dog up for success.
6-Week Group Class: Therapy Dog Foundations (Public outing on week 4 and Certification exam is on week 6)
Ready to build the skills your dog needs for therapy work? This 5-week group class focuses on developing strong foundational behaviors and preparing teams for the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) evaluation.
Through structured, real-world practice, you and your dog will work on the manners and reliability needed to succeed in public environments and therapy settings.
What We’ll Cover:
• Loose-leash walking and polite greetings
• Focus and attention around distractions
• Reliable sit, down, and stay
• Calm, confident behavior in public settings
• Handling skills and real-life scenario practice
Dogs who successfully pass the final evaluation will be eligible to move forward in the therapy dog certification process, opening the door to visiting environments like schools, hospitals, and nursing homes.
Important Note:
Completion of this class does not guarantee passing evaluations or suitability for therapy work. Each dog progresses at their own pace, and eligibility depends on temperament, behavior, and consistency in training.
Take the Certification Exam
If you have already completed your training elsewhere and are ready to take your therapy dog exam, sign up here.
If you have not completed training, sign up for our therapy dog class, where the evaluation fee is included.
Infinite Possibilities Therapy Dog Certification Program is an American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized program. Teams that are certified through this program are eligible to receive AKC Therapy Dog titles.
Exam Items:
Canine Good Citizen Test
1. Accepting a friendly stranger Evaluator approaches and pretends to shake hands with handler (hands 6- 12” apart). Evaluator does not touch dog.
2. Sitting politely for petting Evaluator pets dog; dog must show no shyness or resentment.
3. Appearance nd grooming Evaluator inspects dog, combs or brushes lightly, examines ears and each front foot.
4. Out for a walk Handler takes dog for a short walk including right turn, left turn, about turn and stop.
5. Walking through a crowd Dog and handler walk close to several people; dog may show causal interest but not jump up.
6. Sit and down on cue/Staying in place Handler shows that dog can do both sit and down, then chooses a position, leaves dog and goes to the end of a 20 ft. line, and returns immediately.
7. Coming when called With dog still on 20 ft. line from Test 6, handler walks out 10 ft. and calls the dog.
8. Reaction to another dog Two handlers and dogs approach, pretend to shake hands (hands 6-12” apart), exchange pleasantries, then move on.
9. Reaction to distractions Distractions are presented; dog may not panic or show aggression.
10. Supervised separation Handler goes out of sight for 3-min. Dog is held on a 6-ft. leash by an evaluator.
Therapy Dog Specific Skills
Dog is neutral in the present of mobility aids including a cane, wheelchair, walker and mobility scooter.
Dog can remain calm at the handlers feet while the handler is engaged in conversation.
Dog can pass novel objects without reacting. Example: a balloon, vacuum, child’s toy that makes noise, etc.
Dog can go to it’s “place” and stay there for 3 minutes while the handler holds the leash.
Dog can encounter a sight and sound distraction without reacting. Example: someone opening an umbrella, opening a trash bag, etc.
Dog is able to “leave it” when walking past a dropped piece of food.
The Therapy Dog Certification may be completed using treats. However, if you would like to earn the official AKC title of Canine Good Citizen, no treats may be used.
Exam fee includes a personalized therapy dog vest, custom stickers of you dog to distribute during therapy dog work, and certification for one year.
Recertification fees each year are $85
