About this In-Person Class

Overview

Everyone who wants to become a certified Project Canine therapy handler must take our Introduction to Therapy Dog Principles class with their dog. The class will give you a basis in therapy dog fundamentals and will prepare you to take the exam. Watching you and your dog in class allows us to evaluate if you and your dog are appropriate and ready to become a therapy dog team. We'll give you written feedback after class letting you know if you're ready to proceed and what, if anything, you need to work on in order to be ready to test. You'll have six months from your class date to complete the 4-step certification process which includes taking an exam, taking Practice Lab, and completing registration.

Location: Our classes are held in Seattle’s Northgate neighborhood. We will send you the address when you register for class. Please do not put “Project Canine” into your GPS as you will be taken to our mailing address.

To sign-up for class click here.

Recommendations

Dogs one to three years of age: We recommend starting with a pre-assessment appointment as many young dogs are simply not ready to become therapy dogs. This is recommended, but not required.

Cost

$150

Please Note

This is not a dog obedience training class. If you think your dog is lacking some of the skills necessary to become a certified therapy dog, please see our overview of therapy dog skills and readiness.

Our Philosophy

We believe in humane, relationship-based training that engages a dog's mind rather than just controlling its body. Read more about relationship-based training.

Things you might want to know:

• What equipment can I use to train, test, and visit?

• How do I know if my dog is ready?

Have more questions?

• Go to our Frequently Asked Questions page.