Preparation, not certification
Practice for an independent evaluation
The Jollytails course is designed to help teams prepare for the skills and environments commonly found in therapy work. It does not conduct the final evaluation and cannot guarantee that a team will pass. Evaluation and membership belong to whichever independent therapy-dog program the handler chooses.
The dog's welfare matters
Therapy work should be enjoyable for both partners
Dogs should at least be one year old and have lived with the current handler for at least six months. Prior training is recommended. Handlers are encouraged to honestly consider whether their dog welcomes sustained attention from strangers and remains comfortable in unfamiliar environments.
Therapy teams work together. The person intending to volunteer with the dog should be the primary handler in class.
Real-life preparation
Practice calm, social, and adaptable behaviour
- Accepting a friendly stranger and sitting calmly for attention
- Walking on a loose leash and moving through a crowd
- Responding comfortably around wheelchairs, walkers, and IV poles
- Sit and down stays
- Neutral behaviour around other dogs and ordinary distractions
- Recognizing stress and conditioning to unfamiliar objects
Equipment note
This program expects therapy dogs to work on a regular buckle collar and leash without relying on a no-pull device. A general obedience course may be a better first step if more management is needed.
Format
Six weeks with a practice evaluation
One hour each week, with a practice evaluation in the final class.