Our Certification Process

Our Certification Process

Membership Requirements

To become a member of SWCTDA:

• The handler and dog must be trained in the necessary skills required for therapy work.
• You and your dog must pass an evaluation conducted by a SWCTDA-approved evaluator.
• There is a $25.00 yearly evaluation or recertification fee.
• New members will be required to purchase their dog’s vest and ID.
• Members are encouraged to purchase personal SWCTDA attire.

Training Information

Training can be completed at a location of your choice, provided the trainer is approved by SWCTDA. We currently recommend the following trainers:

• Cynthia Hershman, Fort Atkinson, WI (920-723-1715)
• Cathy Cline, Dawg Zone, Janesville, WI (608-756-3545)
• Cindy Brosig, Operation H.E.E.L., Marshall, WI (cindy.brosig94@yahoo.com)
• Petsmart, Janesville (608-302-4814) or Delavan, WI (262-740-0011)
• Janesville/Beloit Kennel Club, Janesville, WI (608-752-4485)
• Forest Hills Training Club, Loves Park, IL. (815-633-2350)
• Petco, Janesville, WI (608-741-1534)

If you have a different trainer in mind, you're welcome to submit their name for review and potential approval. Already trained? If your dog has already acquired the necessary skills, you may be eligible to test out of formal classes.

Basic Training Requirements

While the above trainers may have different names for their classes, the basic classes should include:

• Basic / Beginning Obedience
• Intermediate / Environmental Obedience
• Canine Good Citizen (CGC)

Additionally, the trainer should prepare you and your dog for the Therapy Dog Certification test (next item) performed by our designated Evaluator.

Benefits of Joining SWCTDA

By becoming a member, you’ll enjoy:

• Insurance coverage during your therapy visits.
• Inclusion in a registered organization listed with the AKC Therapy Dogs program.
• The ability to independently schedule your own therapy visits.
• Access to group-requested visits shared with all members.
• Ongoing support for you and your dog.
• Opportunities to meet fellow therapy dog owners and their dogs.
• A sense of camaraderie within a like-minded, compassionate group.
• Access to educational / training workshops hosted by the organization.

To become a certified member of the Southern Wisconsin Canine Therapy Dog Association, you must pass the training classes from the trainer you’ve selected. Once you have completed the training, you will need to complete the Therapy Dog Certification Test outlined below. Therapy Dog Certification testing will be available multiple times during the year.

The testing site for the Therapy Dog Certification will be determined by the evaluator. The testing will be on a pass/fail basis. If the handler/canine fails any part of the test, they will need to retake the test.

Therapy Dog Certification Test

The Therapy Dog Certification Test consists of the following:

1. Greeting a stranger

   Canine and handler will be walking when a stranger approaches to engage the handler in conversation. The canine should not hide or cower behind the handler, show aggression, or jump up on the stranger. Canine could remain standing or be placed in a sit or down. Canine should be open to petting by the stranger.

2. Greeting a Stranger with a canine

   Canine and handler will be walking when they are approached by a stranger with a canine. Handler should have control of their canine at all times. Stranger will engage handler in short conversation. Canines can meet but should then be separated. Canines can be placed in sit or down.

3. Obedience

   Handler puts the canine in a down and gives the "wait" command. Handler walks 15-20 feet away. Canine should stay down until handler returns to the canine.

4. Handler Gives Canine Verbal Commands to Sit and Down

   With the canine at the handler’s side, handler gives canine the command to sit. Once in a sit, handler gives the command to down.

5. Reacton to a loud noise

   While the handler and canine are walking, a loud noise is heard. Canines can acknowledge the noise but not react to it. Canines should not overly react to the noise, for example no barking or cowering. Canine and handler should continue walking as if nothing happened.

6. Long Down

   Canine placed in a down position and should remain down for at least two minutes. If the canine gets up the exercise starts over.

7. Entering a Crowd of People

   Canine and handler walk into a crowd of 4 or more people and mingle comfortably, occasionally chatting with someone before leaving. Canine should not make contact with any person in the crowd.

8. Entering a Crowd of People, one with a Canine

   This exercise is the same as number seven (7) except one member of the crowd has a canine. Looking for the canine to be obedient to the handler and ignore the canine in the crowd.

9. Obedience with a Different Handler

   Handler hands the canine off to another handler then leaves out of sight. Looking for the reaction of the canine to the new handler.

10. Reaction to a passing bicycle or skateboard

    Handler and canine are walking in obedience when a bicycle, skateboard or similar object passes by. The canine should not get aggressive or cower from the object.

11. Leave It

    Handler and canine walk past food or treats on the ground. Canine should not lick or eat the food.

12. Walk, sit, down & turn

    Handler and canine walk and canine responds when handler moves in different directions. Distractions are present such as crutches, health care equipment, loud noises, yelling and person yelling. Canine should obey the commands and ignore the distractions.

    Canine and handler must pass all 12 exercises to become Certified.