Become a Team

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Become a Team

Costs
Four Week Course or One Day Intensive: $175 (includes first exam)

Two Hour Orientation: $75 plus 50% off first exam

Exam:
$40

Registration (2 year):
$65
$50 seniors

Download the Connecting Canines Registration Form.

Becoming a Connecting Canines certified team is a rigorous process that includes training and testing, as well as completing two supervised shadow visits with an experienced Connecting Canines handler.

In order to become a Connecting Canines certified Animal Assisted Therapy Team you will need to complete all of the following steps:

Step #1: Training
Teams new to AAT are required to take a four week (1 hour per week) course or intensive one-day seminar to familiarize themselves with the Connecting Canines program and AAT best practices. Experienced teams crossing over from other AAT organizations may elect to take a 2 hour orientation instead of the full course. All courses are for handlers with their dogs. We're sorry, but we do not offer home-study courses. We believe that there is no substitute for hands-on training with your dog.

We make every effort during the training stage to mentor handlers and their dogs through potentially problematic behavior issues (this is one reason we believe so strongly in hands-on training). Most suitable teams can train to a passing level. If we believe that you and/or your dog are not suitable for AAT for any reason, we will let you know before you schedule your exam.

Step #2: Examination
Teams that have completed the training requirements must pass a comprehensive practical and oral exam to demonstrate their suitability for working together in novel and potentially stressful environments. The exam tests basic obedience and handling skills while applying increasing pressure on both canine and handle, mimicking the types of stressors likely to be experienced during a therapy visit. While care is taken to eliminate excessive stress during the test, the exam is designed to provide realistic challenges that could elicit a reaction from the dog that would not be acceptable in a therapy setting.

Step #3: Shadow Visits
All prospective teams must successfully complete two shadow visits with an experienced Connecting Canines AAT practitioner. Your first shadow visit is performed without your canine partner so that you may observe the experienced team at work. Your second shadow visit is performed with your canine partner so that the experienced handler may assess and further educate you in a real life setting. At the discretion of the program director, experienced teams crossing over from other AAT organizations may certify by completing only one shadow visit with their canine partner.

Step #4: Registration and Payment
After completing your training, exam, and shadow visits, you must submit a completed registration form with payment. Once your registration form is processed you will receive a Connecting Canines collar tag for your dog and photo ID, at which time you will be fully insured and ready to begin visiting. Certification is good for two years.

A Note About Equipment: Restrictions on equipment are intended to enhance our training relationship with our canine partners, but they are also for the safety of those we visit. For the exam and visits dogs may wear a well-fitting fabric or leather flat collar; all fabric martingale style collar; head halter; or body harness with a buckle, snap, or quick release closure. Dogs wearing a head halter or harness must also wear a leather or fabric collar. Choke or pinch collars of any variety are NOT acceptable. You may use a 6 foot or shorter leather or fabric leash during the exam and visits. Flexi or chain leads are NOT acceptable. Equipment used for the exam MUST be worn during actual visits (e.g. if you test using a Wonder Walker harness, your dog must wear a Wonder Walker harness when you visit) and a restriction will be noted on your registration and ID. If you have questions or concerns about equipment, please talk to your instructor. We may be able to help your dog transition into safe and humane equipment over the course of training.