Testing And Training Information
Start here! Attend our Therapy Dog Course
Chapter #220 hosts a Therapy Dog Course to introduce you to therapy dog work. Learn what it involves and how to prepare your dog for the Evaluation. After passing the Evaluation, join us for group visits and the "Before You Visit" class to help get you off on the right foot.
The Therapy Dog Course: Follow these steps to TDI Certification!
- Orientation - Speakers include TDI Handlers, our local TDI Evaluator, and therapy dog-program administrators from hospitals and hospices. We talk about the test and how to practice for it. Come find out what local opportunities exist for therapy dogs, and how you can get involved! See our Events page for upcoming Orientations - open to everyone and no obligation. Bring a friend!
- Practice test- We go through the test part by part, in a friendly and informal training atmosphere. This will give you a good idea of what your dog does well, and areas he may need to work on before testing. We request that you to to an orientation before attending a practice.
- Take the TDI Evaluation - submit the form at the bottom of the page and the Test Coordinator will contact you to sign you up. You MUST sign up in advance of the test. *Please note that dog/handler teams only get TWO chances to pass the evaluation. We recommend the practice test first so you can find out if there are items you need to work on with your dog. You do NOT need to sign up ahead of time for the practice tests.
- "Before You Visit" class - for new TDI teams! Tail Waggin' Tutor demonstration, advice on visiting health-care facilities, grooming tips, and a question & answer session with experienced TDI teams.
- Tag along on a visit- or sit in on a Tutor session - to see what it's like before you start visiting with your dog. We have monthly group visits where you can observe experienced handlers and start with your new therapy dog! Tail Waggin' Tutor observations are scheduled on an individual basis - contact our Visit Coordinator Ruby Houlihan for more information: hollylucy@yahoo.com
See our "Events" page for upcoming dates. It is NOT necessary to complete any of the above activities in order to take a TDI Evaluation, but they are offered for your benefit--we want you to succeed!
________________________________________________________________________
Testing: TDI Evaluations
Upcoming dates:
- 2/1/2012 - WED
- 4/4/2012 - WED
- 6/6/2012 - WED
Questions about the test? Want to sign up for a test?
Complete and submit the form below. Our Testing Coordinator will contact you.
______________________________________________________________________
If you are interested in either a TDI Evaluation or the Therapy Dog Course, please fill out and submit the form below, and we will contact you!
Thank you! Your information has been submitted successfully.
There was an error submitting the form.
_________________________________________________________________________
