Training focuses on foundational commands such as heel, sit, down, stay, recall, and appropriate behavior in a variety of environments. Throughout the program, dogs are evaluated on consistency, responsiveness, focus, and their ability to remain calm and well-mannered around people, other dogs, and everyday distractions. Certification is awarded after successful completion of training and a final obedience evaluation demonstrating readiness to progress to advanced or specialty work.
Teams pursuing Therapy Dog and K9 Service Therapy Dog Certification complete a comprehensive team based training and evaluation process. Dogs and handlers are trained together to work safely and effectively in real world environments such as hospitals, schools, law enforcement settings, and community events. Training emphasizes temperament, emotional stability, handler control, situational awareness, and professional conduct. Teams must demonstrate the ability to navigate distractions, interact appropriately with the public, support individuals in stressful situations, and operate as a calm, reliable unit. Certification is earned through supervised fieldwork and formal evaluation, confirming that both the dog and handler meet MAST® standards for safety, professionalism, and therapeutic impact.
