Step 3: Practice Lab

About Practice Lab

Overview

Practice Lab is Step 3 of our 4-step process. It’s a 3-hour class in-person class, during which you will observe and practice the types of interactions you might encounter in a real therapy dog visit. Many handlers tell us it's the most important part of their training. You will work with experienced teams and instructors to learn how to manage the often unexpected complexities and challenges of therapy dog visits and learn best practices for visit facilitation. Drawing on the real-life experience, we'll expose you to some of the more challenging situations you're likely to encounter when visiting with your dog. There will be plenty of time for feedback and questions during this fun, interactive learning experience.

Location: Practice Lab is held in Seattle’s Northgate neighborhood. We will send you the address when you register for Practice Lab. Please do not put “Project Canine” into your GPS as you will be taken to our teeny tiny mailbox.

Prerequisites

You and your dog must have passed the exam and have Project Canine permission before registering for Practice Lab.

Cost

$40

Our Philosophy

We believe that ongoing mentoring creates confident, safe, effective teams.

Maylie Golden Retriever visiting at our Bow Wows and Books reading program.

 
 
All of my training in the coursework with you and your Project Canine team came right into action. I was amazed at how many of the practical situations we acted out in class came to fruition. And Kip and I were ready for them! I felt completely ready and able to handle each new experience with a resident, and truly enjoy one another.
— Certified therapy dog handler, Jessica
I  am amazed that some of the scenarios you talked about in the pet therapy class about visiting have happened, so I felt prepared. Thank you!
— Certified therapy dog handler, Stacy