PLEASE NOTE: we currently have no plans to run this course again.
This course is a fun, interactive course aimed at those wishing to take their dogs into a therapy situation or visiting programme.
The course is made up of two practical training days split 4 weeks apart and some online preparatory theory work designed to help you get the most from the practical sessions.
Course Level: This course is designed to be at an introductory level and will cover the following aspects:
Course Outline:
Theory elements: (approximately 2 hours preparatory work)
- The historical development of animal-assisted interventions (AAI) and current programmes
- Canine Ethology – behaviour and how it relates to work in therapy
- Temperament and behaviour requirements for therapy dogs
- Visiting programmes in the UK
Practical elements:
(to be attended by both handler and dog)
- Basics on cue and how they relate to therapeutic situations
- Go to mat and stay there
- Approach and petting from strangers
- Don’t touch
- Coping with unusual behaviour and distractions
- Tug and Play
- Basic target training
- Permission to take a treat (gently)
Course Tutor: Practical training on this course is delivered by Nina Bondarenko, who has been training dogs for specific-purpose working roles for over 30 years. Author and illustrator of the book “Hearts, Minds and Paws”, a breeder, judge, trainer, assessor, behavioural consultant and tutor on the SCAS animal-assisted interventions in therapeutic practice course. Nina has developed an in-depth understanding of Canine Ethology, Canine Cognition and Communication, the Human-Animal Bond, and how to communicate with dogs.