Empowering Lives with Trained Assistance Dogs
Professional Training for Assistance and Therapy Dogs
Our specialized programs are designed to train dogs to provide essential support and companionship to individuals with disabilities. Join us in creating a more inclusive world.
Hospital/Age Care Therapy Dogs
If you have a pet dog you are hoping to take to your local hospital or aged care facility or even if you want you and your dog to become an independent accredited team (state government approved) this is the course for you.
Visiting people within a facility as a pet therapy team can be a fantastic community service, not only helping people with their visits but also giving dog owners a great sense of doing good and meeting a wide range of interesting people.
Classes/workshops are held regularly to certify dog teams.
Workshops and certification $495
School Well Being Dogs
Our well-being school program and workshops are designed to discuss useful tips and hints and do’s and don’t of having a school therapy dog as well of course to undertake an official therapy dog test.
Many children struggle with general learning and social skills, which can be caused by any number of factors from children with specific learning disorders, to past negative experiences, to their family environment – any of these can flow on to create a child who may struggle with the school environment. This can be detrimental to ongoing learning and ostracize them from generating friends and ‘fitting in’ in group social settings.
A regular visit to a student/s in a school has shown to support students by giving them emotional support, thereby encouraging a more positive outlook about themselves, both increasing their self-esteem and self-confidence. This in turn can help with academic study and social confidence with their peers. Therapy dogs (dogs in general) are naturally ‘disarming’ and often people (not just students) are more likely to ‘open up’ and discuss their feelings with a dog being present. Dogs are commonly used in reading programs (e.g. Story Dogs where we undertake the Victorian certification) as are they are non-judgmental and have a calming effect on students and their learning. Therapy dogs can also help a struggling student social confidence with direct interactions by them handling a therapy dog and mixing with other students, with attention being shared between the dog and student. Call for more information.
Crisis Dogs
Crisis therapy dogs have been used with great success in the United States for support at mass shootings for several years and more recently in Australia at tragedies such as the Daylesford Car accident where Chilli (a trained therapy dog through CATDS) visited first responders. Support can be given at :
Car accidents
Floods
Fire
Landslides
Workplace Therapy Dogs
There has been an increasing trend in recent years for employers to implement pet-friendly workplaces in an effort to boost employee morale, decrease stresses and increase productivity. We can help alleviate company stress and liabilities by testing, as part of the certification, a dogs general obedience, and behaviour in different situations, plus toiletry behaviours and general temperament.
Personal Therapy Dogs
A personal therapy dog is a pet dog who may provide personal comfort to their owner whilst at home or in public, but excludes entering shops , cafes, restaurants etc. Your dog wearing a certified vest and have ID on you, often empowers and give participants the confidence be relaxed particularly in a public space. This is a good option for those that don’t feel they need or could pass the rigerous companion training and certification.
FAQs
Is it difficult to get my Dog certified?
It’s surprising simple and easy. Dogs will need to sit for a basic obedience and temperament test, but if your dog knows basic commands and they’re relatively calm – you’ll be fine.
How many training sessions are required?
For straight certification you will be required to attend two evening sessions, plus a session at your desired facility (we can arrange one if required). There are also training options available.
What if I fail in my attempt to become certified?
If we deem your dog (or you) are not ready, we will arm you with some training drills and you may sit for the test again at no additional cost.
How long does the certification last?
Two years then another facility visit will be required
Is it expensive?
$425 for a age care, hospitals and health care providers, $595 for schools (plus possible travel cost to visit particular facility.
What if it’s too far or difficult to attend planned classes
For an additional fee (fee will depend on location and time), full training and certification can be done at you home or facility.
How do I book and pay?
To book or to have a chat, call Alan (0411 705 686) or email alan@secretdogsbusiness.com.au, You can pay for courses via EFT (via an invoice), credit card or cash on the first training session.
Our Training Programs
Basic Assistance Dog Training
This program focuses on foundational skills such as obedience, socialization, and basic commands to prepare dogs for more advanced training.
Advanced Assistance Dog Training
In this program, dogs learn specialized tasks tailored to assist individuals with specific disabilities, including mobility support and alerting to medical conditions.
Therapy Dog Training
Our therapy dog training program equips dogs with the skills needed to provide emotional support and comfort in various settings, such as hospitals and schools.
Training Methods
Positive Reinforcement
We use positive reinforcement techniques to encourage desired behaviors, ensuring a happy and motivated learning experience for the dogs.
Customized Training Plans
Each dog receives a personalized training plan that addresses their unique needs and the specific requirements of the individual they will assist.
Experienced Trainers
Our trainers are certified professionals with extensive experience in training assistance and therapy dogs, ensuring the highest standards of training.
Ongoing Support
We provide continuous support and follow-up training to ensure that both the dog and the individual they assist can thrive together.
Success Rate of Certified Dogs
Dogs Trained Annually
Skills Mastered
Client Satisfaction Rate
Enroll in Our Training Programs Today!
Join our comprehensive training programs designed to transform your dog into a certified assistance or therapy companion. Contact us now to learn more about our methods and how we can help you and your dog achieve success.