Therapy Test Requirements

• Dogs must be at least 1 1/2 years old (18 months) on day of testing and handlers must be at least 18 years of age.
• Dog must have lived with the handler for a minimum of 6 months and have their Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification prior to testing.
• Dogs are to wear a Scruffy Guider Collar while testing.
• Rabies, Bordetella, and Distemper must be up to date (in accordance to Misty Pines vaccination policy).
• Dog and Handlers must attend 3 Misty Pines Obedience Classes prior to testing, which may be any combination of: Therapy Dog Preparation Class, Level One, Level Two and/or Multilevel.
• Handlers must obtain their own liability insurance through their home owners and proof of coverage must be presented prior to testing.
• Dogs with a bite history and females in heat are not permitted to test.
• This is a Pittsburgh based Therapy Dog program, and teams are only certified to visit facilities located in and around the Pittsburgh area.
• Once tested and certified, dog and handlers must attend 3 Misty Pines Obedience Classes annually to keep their MPTD Certification. As well as keeping vaccinations up to date and maintaining proof of insurance coverage. If not then the team will need to retest to be recertified.

Additional Requirements for the test: Dogs must wear a Scruffy Guider Collar. Handlers may use encouragement and praise throughout the test. Food treats and toys of any kind are not permitted. Reasons for immediate dismissal from the test include; defecating or urinating during testing, growling, snapping, biting, or any such attempts.

What is a Therapy Dog?

A Therapy Dog is a dog certified to visit hospitals, nursing homes and other institutions whose patients or resident would benefit from a therapy dog. Therapy Dogs increase emotional well-being, promote healing and improve the lives of those visited. A dog needs to be social and friendly with other dogs and people. A Therapy Dog must know basic obedience commands and be under control at all times while visiting.

How can my dog and I prepare to become a Therapy Dog team through the Misty Pines Pet Company Training Program?

We provide several ways for you and your dog to learn, work towards and pass the Therapy Dog Test. Feel free to call or email us for any additional information. We are here to help you and your dog achieve your goals.

Where do I start?

Step 1: Sign up for an Orientation

Step 2: Attend group training classes. Puppy Class, Multilevel, Level 1 and Level 2 are designed to teach (or improve) the required obedience skills.

Step 3: Attend our monthly Canine Good Citizen (CGC)/Misty Pines Therapy Dog (MPTD) Prep Classes. This class is offered on the second Saturday of every month at 8:00 a.m. and is designed to familiarize potential teams to testing criteria. Please follow the link to read more about the class and to sign up! Therapy, and CGC Prep Training.

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What other Therapy Dog training options are available?

1. Private Lessons with one of our CGC/MPTD Evaluators
2. 2-Week Boot Camp
3. Daycare Training