CANINE THERAPY CORPS Certification Test
The CANINE THERAPY CORPS Certification Test is PASS/FAIL. This means your dog must successfully complete ALL test exercises in order to become a CANINE THERAPY CORPS certified therapy dog.
In the exercises described below, you are the Handler, your dog is the Test Dog, CANINE THERAPY CORPS volunteers assisting at the practice and test are the Assistants and the person who ultimately makes the decision regarding each Test Dog's performance is the Evaluator.
Exercise 7 (coupled with Exercise 8)
Reaction to a Strange Dog (Meet and Greet)
PURPOSE: Demonstrates that the Test Dog can behave politely around other dogs at CANINE THERAPY CORPS programs.
DESCRIPTION OF EXERCISE: An Assistant and the Meet and Greet Dog, which is on-leash and in a sit-stay, are positioned approximately 20 feet from the Handler and the Test Dog. At the Evaluator's request, the Handler and the Test Dog approach the Assistant and the Meet and Greet Dog, stopping within a social distance for shaking hands (in front of the Assistant, at approximately one and a half arm's lengths). The Handler puts the Test Dog on a sit-stay and shakes hands and exhanges pleasantries with the Assistant. At the Evaluators's request, the Handler will resume walking in a path that requires the Test Dog to pass directly next to the Meet and Greet Dog at a distance of no more than five feet.
EVALUATED ELEMENTS:
- Test Dog showed no more than casual interest in and did not approach the Meet and Greet Dog and Assistant.
- Leash was loose, not taut, both on the approach and passing the Meet and Greet Dog.
Exercise 8 (coupled with Exercise 7)
Reaction to Distractions
PURPOSE: Demonstrates that the Test Dog is confident at all times when faced with distracting conditions and noises that might occur in a program setting.
DESCRIPTION OF EXERCISE: As the Handler walks the Test Dog in a direction indicated by the Evaluator, and Assistant positioned approximately 10 feet behind the Handler and Test Dog, will dorp a metal pan, crutch, can or other loud wood or metallic object.
EVALUATED ELEMENTS:
- Test Dog reacted appropriately to the distraction (whether interested, curious or startled).
- Test Dog did not panic, try to run away, show aggressiveness or bark at the distraction.
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(small dog will always be the left video, while big dog will be on the right)