FOUNDATIONAL THERAPY DOG PROGRAM
For The Best First Steps In Development And Training For A Future Therapy Dog
Your puppy boards at Burrinjuck for eight weeks and is trained by a Blue Ribbon Dog Trainer.
This program is for puppies (8-16 weeks) and is the most popular program.
With advice, guidance and support to teach and instruct owners, this program essentially creates a toolbox for families to reinforce and develop what has been learnt during the eight weeks of behaviour, training and exposure.
With the opportunity to be certified as a working Therapy Dog at mature age.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM EIGHT WEEKS OF PROFESSIONAL FOUNDATION
TRAINING
The ‘Foundational Therapy Dog Program’ is designed to be an affordable and practical way for families to have a potential, working “therapy dog” The course is conducted over a duration of eight weeks. The program begins when the puppy is aged between eight weeks to sixteen weeks of age. This period of time is selected as this is the critical period of development in dogs. During this time, puppies are at an ideal stage for optimal learning and acceptance of new experiences with people, animals and environments.. The program is structured for puppies to learn the essential basics and develop a positive mind-set. They are rewarded for appropriate behaviours. The puppy is clicker trained and receives expert training, socialisation and exposure whilst boarding at Burrinjuck Labradoodles and being handled by a Blue Ribbon Dog Trainer.
On completion of the program families are required to continue to consolidate training with their puppy on a consistent and frequent basis. It is necessary for families to retain and develop the dog training skills in order to receive an accreditation through Blue Ribbon Dog Training as an active and working Therapy Dog. Accreditation is achieved through practical assessment of training maintenance when the dog is of mature age (from 18 months).
Blue Ribbon Dog Training provides resources to families to aid them in the process of continued training. Dog Trainer, Briellen Ramsay is committed to answering, guiding and making recommendations in response to any queries.