How long is my certification valid?
Certifications are good for two years at which point you must retest and reregister. You will not be required to complete additional shadow visits unless there is some question about your work in the prior two years or we see something in your renewal exam that indicates we need to see more from you and your dog.
I would like to do AAT, but I'm not sure my dog is suitable. How do I find out?
Most people ask this question because they are concerned about the
skills (obedience) portion of the exam. But those are behaviors that
most dogs can learn. When considering AAT it's more important to think
about who your dog is than what he knows. Good therapy dogs enjoy being
with people, have a strong relationship with their handlers, and can
remain calm and responsive under stress. If your dog is shy, fearful, or
just not interested in interacting with people other than you, he's
probably not going to enjoy therapy work. Beyond that, there's a lot of
latitude in finding the environment that best fits your dog's unique
personality. Some dogs are true Jacks of all Trades, while others do
best visiting with particular populations in particular settings. If
you're still not sure after reading this, one of the best ways to
determine if your dog is cut out to be a therapy dog is to attend one of
our classes. At the very least, you'll brush up on some basic skills
and deepen your relationship. You might be surprised to discover what
your dog is capable of. And, of course, feel free to contact us with
questions about your dog. We're happy to help you figure out if AAT is
the right fit for you and your canine partner.
What obedience skills will my dog have to know for the test?
In order to pass the test your dog should know how to walk on a loose
leash, come when called from 6 feet, sit, down, and stay. That said, we
recognize that some dogs have physical issues that make some skills
difficult. As long as a physical impediment does not present a danger to
a person being visited (for instance a hip issue that causes your dog
pain), our exam can accommodate some variation in skill level. Keep in
mind, too, that the skills portion of the exam is not an obedience
trial. While he does have to demonstrate that he understands and can
perform certain skills in a novel situation, it's okay for you to
encourage your partner and his responses don't have to be obedience
level snappy.
My dog cannot do some of the things on the test. What should I do?
First of all, remember that skills can be learned. If you are concerned
about some of the obedience items on the exam, generally speaking these
are behaviors that we can help you teach your dog. However, if you are
concerned about some of the stressors on the exam, this might reflect a
temperament or relationship issue that is somewhat more complicated to
work on. Sometimes working on your relationship with your dog to build
your teamwork and communication and her focus and confidence is enough
to help your dog deal with the types of stressors you are likely to
encounter in a real life visiting situation. Skills and relationship
building are both issues we can begin to address through training, so we
encourage you to sign up for a class. Some dogs, however, are just not
temperamentally suited to the kinds of stresses that AAT entails and
those dogs will be happier and safer with other jobs to do.
What kind of collar and leash can I use for the test and while visiting?
We want you to feel comfortable working with your dog while maintaining
the safety of those you visit. For this reason we do not allow any type
of choke style collar or pinch collar. You can use a well-fitted flat or
leather collar, an all fabric martingale style collar, a body harness
(front or back attachment) with a buckle, snap, or quick release
closure, or a head halter. If you choose to work in a harness or head
halter, your dog must also wear a flat collar with his Connecting
Canines collar tag attached. Flexi leads and leads made out of chain
are not allowed. Leashes must be fabric or leather and no longer than 6
ft. Your examiner will note the equipment you use for your exam and you
will be required to visit in that equipment as well. For instance, if
you test in a front snap harness, you must visit in a front snap
harness.
Does my dog have to wear a vest while visiting?
We do offer lovely purple tie dyed vests with the Project Canine logo,
but we do not require dogs to wear vests while visiting. All teams are
issued a photo ID and collar tag upon registration and we do ask that
you wear those so they can be seen. While a vest can be a powerful cue
to your dog as well as a nice identifier that can help with access to
places where dogs might not usually be welcome, it can also get in the
way of the tactile experience of being with a dog. Afterall, a vest
covers prime petting territory. Some of us choose put our dog in a vest
while entering and exiting a building, but remove it during the actual
visit. We leave the decision of whether or not to wear a vest up to you
with the caveat that some places you visit might have vest requirements
that you will need to adhere to.
Can my dog wear clothes or a costume while visiting?
Yes, as long as they are safe for your dog and those you visit. We trust
that you will be sensitive about any religious, cultural, pedagogical,
or philosophical when choosing clothing for your dog. Some organizations
may have policies prohibiting clothing or costumes, and you should make
yourself aware these prior to any visit for which you would like to
dress your dog. The best approach with clothing is to ask your contact
person at the organization where you visit well in advance. If you are
uncertain about whether clothing is appropriate, the safest bet is not
to dress up. Afterall, people are thrilled just to be with your dog.
Do you accept titers for proof of vaccination?
Washington State mandates a current rabies vaccine for all canines. We accept titers for all other vaccines.
What breeds of dogs do you accept into your program?
We do not discriminate against breeds or breed mixes. We have dogs of all varieties in our programs, including "bull" breeds. We believe in the efficacy of our training and examination process, and we stand behind our teams. If your dog is not suitable to become a Connecting Canines AAT team at this time, it is because of his individual temperament or skill level, not because of his breed.
I live in Canada. Can I test to become a Connecting Canines team?
Yes, our insurance now covers teams in Canada. Please contact us for more information about certification for Canadian teams.
I live outside of the Puget Sound region. Can I test to become a Connecting Canines team?
While we do have several teams who completed their requirement in the Seattle area and then moved to other parts of the country, we do not currently have certified instructors and examiners outside of the Puget Sound. We are doing our best to grow while maintaining the high standards we have set for training, screening, and supporting our teams. If you are an organization (for example a dog club) with a scheduled event, we might be able to travel to you to conduct training and testing. Please contact us to discuss possibilities.
Is Connecting Canines AAT certification recognized by other organizations?
Yes! Our Connecting Canines AAT certification is recognized by other specialty therapy organizations including R.E.A.D. (Reading Education Assistance Dogs) and NAACR (National Animal Assisted Crisis Response). We are also recognized by the American Kennel Club for its new Therapy Dog (ThD) title. Please let us know if you need documentation about Connecting Canines for another organization.
