In Denver, therapy dog training is a serious business. The city has a high demand for well-trained therapy dogs that can provide comfort and support to people in need.
To meet this demand, therapy dog training programs in Denver focus on providing comprehensive training and support to dog owners. These programs typically include obedience training, socialization, and stress-free handling techniques.
Therapy dog training in Denver is not just about teaching your dog to sit and stay, it's about teaching them to be calm and composed in a variety of situations. With proper training, your dog can learn to navigate busy hospitals, schools, and nursing homes with ease.
By investing in a comprehensive therapy dog training program, you can help your dog become a valuable asset to the community.
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Our Approach to Training
Our training methods are guided by modern behavioral science, which is why we exclusively use reward-based methods.
Positive, force-free training is the most efficient way to teach your dog, and it's also a lot of fun for both you and your dog. This approach yields maximum results without any unintended side effects.
Behavioral science has proven that pain and coercion-based training can elicit aggression, fear, and anxiety in dogs, making many problems worse. We avoid these methods to ensure a safe and effective learning experience for your dog.
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The Biology of Canine Development
Puppies are typically too energetic and lack the focus to be therapy dogs. This is because their brains are still developing and they haven't yet learned how to regulate their impulses.
A dog's age is a crucial factor in determining its suitability for therapy work. As they mature, they'll develop the focus and calmness needed to interact with new people and environments.
Dogs that have completed obedience training have a solid foundation to begin therapy dog training. This is because obedience training helps them develop the reliability and focus needed to respond to commands.
Therapy dogs need to naturally enjoy meeting new people and must handle being petted and approached by strangers without anxiety. This is because they'll be interacting with people who may be stressed, anxious, or upset, and they need to be able to provide emotional support.
To develop strong social skills, dogs need to be socialized early and often. This means exposing them to new people, environments, and experiences to help them become confident and calm in unfamiliar situations.
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Here are some key age milestones for dogs:
By understanding the biology of canine development, we can tailor our training approach to meet the unique needs of each dog. This helps ensure they receive the best possible training to become confident, calm, and effective therapy dogs.
Our Methods
Our Methods are guided by modern behavioral science, which is why we exclusively use reward-based methods that are force-free.
Positive, force-free training is the most efficient and fun way to teach your dog - and learn right along with them.
Behavioral science has proven that pain and coercion-based training often elicits aggression, fear, and anxiety as a side effect, making many problems worse, not better.
Our training methods are proven to work for all kinds of dogs, from puppies and out-of-control adolescents to shy or reactive adults.
Reward-based training yields maximum results without unintended side effects, unlike pain and coercion-based training.
Force-free, reward-based training is the key to successful learning in both humans and dogs.
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Our Team and Process
Our team of expert trainers has a combined experience of over 20 years in dog training, including therapy dog training.
We use positive reinforcement techniques to train our dogs, which means we focus on rewarding good behavior rather than punishing bad behavior.
Our trainers are certified by organizations such as the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants and the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers.
We take a personalized approach to training, tailoring our methods to meet the unique needs of each dog and handler.
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Our Canine Members
Our Canine Members are at the heart of what we do, and we're focused on their well-being and behavior, regardless of age or breed.
We welcome dogs of all shapes and sizes, as long as they're well-mannered and enjoy meeting people. Formal obedience training isn't required, but they do need to be up-to-date on their vaccines and have a negative fecal exam in the last year.
Diet restrictions don't apply to our canine members, so whether they're on a special diet or not, it's all good. And, if the facility allows it, they can even enjoy some treats during therapy dog visits.
Kara Polansky (She/Her) – CDBC, CPDT-KA
Kara Polansky has over 15 years of experience working with dogs, giving her a deep understanding of their behavior and needs.
She's worked in a variety of settings, including boarding kennels, vet clinics, and service dog organizations, which has helped her develop a broad range of skills.
Kara shares her home with four dogs, three cats, and an ever-changing cast of foster animals who are on the way to their forever homes.
Her professional certifications include CDBC (Certified Dog Behavior Consultant) and CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge Assessed).
She's also an AKC CGC (Canine Good Citizen) Evaluator, which means she's qualified to assess dogs for their good behavior in public.
Here are Kara's professional certifications and memberships:
- CDBC (Certified Dog Behavior Consultant)
- CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge Assessed)
- AKC CGC (Canine Good Citizen) Evaluator
Our Testing Process
Our testing process is designed to ensure you and your dog have a good relationship and that your dog has the right temperament for therapy dog work. This involves handling your dog during our unique testing process.
Our testing is not a one-time event, but rather a series of visits to facilities, including two visits to a medical facility, where a Tester/Observer will monitor you and your dog in action. This provides valuable guidance and advice while observing you and your dog.
The Tester/Observer will instruct you and your dog on the art of visiting and give you feedback on how to improve. This hands-on approach helps us determine if you and your dog are ready for dog certification with our organization.
After completing the testing process, if everything goes well, the Tester/Observer will pass you and your dog, recommending you for dog certification with our organization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you train your dog to be a therapy dog at home?
Yes, you can train your dog to be a therapy dog at home, but it's recommended to seek assistance from a well-educated trainer or a formal organization for guidance and support.
What is a therapy dog used for?
Therapy dogs provide emotional support and comfort to people in various settings, such as hospitals, schools, and disaster areas. Their primary purpose is to offer affection and reassurance to those who need it most.
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