Therapy Dog Training

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• See the Rolling Meadows Park District Registration site for more information on group Therapy Dog classes. Class location may vary.
• For further information and scheduling inquiries regarding Private classes, please contact mast.programdirector@gmail.com.

• Handler education for hospitals, VA events, seminars, and crisis response
• Dog socialization—working independently and in groups
• Obedience with multiple handlers (Heel, Sit, Down, Stay)
• Field training with distractions such as food, noise, wheelchairs, walkers, and hospital beds

• 5–6 ft leash (leather preferred)
• Training collar (available for purchase)
• Up to date handler Flu vaccination
• Up to date dog vaccinations and recent fecal exam
• A “Pup Go-Bag” containing dog waste bags, paper towels, cleaner, and a hand-size bottle of sanitizer

Over these 13 weeks you and your dog will:

Evening 1: Handler/Dog Paperwork and Introductions

Evening 2-12: Obedience Training

• Dogs will practice working with various handlers and master essential commands such as Heel, Sit, Down, and Stay.
• Your dog will learn to operate both independently and as part of a group, interacting with different people, environments, and objects.

Evening 13: Final Obedience Exam

Following these 13 weeks, you and your dog are “In Training” status. You will be required to participate in field trips and “chaos” events (busy public events such as restaurants, athletic events, etc) and assessed during those events before receiving official certification. All handlers must bring a “Pup Go-Bag” to every visit. These should include:

• Your Event ID with a copy of your vet form, flu record, and a copy of the annual insurance.
• A hand‑size bottle of sanitizer to keep hands fresh
• Dog waste bags
• Cleaning wipes and a handful of paper towels sealed in a zip‑lock bag—perfect for quick liquid clean‑ups
• Dog bowl for hydration breaks
• Narcan (only if trained and certified to use)
• Additional items like personal face masks, basic first aid kits are good to consider including as well