Assessing Dogs for Therapy Work

In this webinar I will talk about assessing dogs for working in a therapy setting. There are three main zones that an assessor will be concentrating on, training, temperament and the handler. Yes, it’s not all about the dog, the work they are doing involves the handler as well, it’s a team. You have limited time during an assessment, so you must hone your skills to read dogs and people.

We will also talk about the application process and requirement of the dog assessor. It may not pay well or be a large part of the dog trainers work, but its rewarding in such that the ones that pass go on to help so many. As a trainer it will develop your skill set

Learning Objectives 

 What is required of a therapy dog assessor

 How you can help

 What is a therapy dog

Assessment...no crystal ball, but there is a process

Coping with failure...not yours

About The Presenter

Hillary Paull

K9 Potential

Long standing animal lover and professional dog trainer for 10 years Hilary has had many animals, dogs, cats, alpacas and cows, and gets the chance to train horses and birds at times. Hilary likes to challenge herself by taking on clients behaviourally difficult dogs. Currently therapy and service dog training is her other special interest, along with ongoing education and cooperative work relationships. Hilary is a dog assessor for Story dogs, and also serves on the panel to assess applications from trainers to be Story dog assessors. Hilary also has a history of volunteering with her own dogs in therapy setting.

Hilary’s professional qualifications and memberships include:

• Diploma in Canine Behaviour Science and Technology (2019)
• Certificate in Dog Training and Behaviour (2010) from the National Dog Trainers Federation
• Fear Free Certified Trainer 2019
• Dog assessor for Story dogs
• MindDog preferred trainer
• IAABC International association animal behaviour consultants
• Member of Pet Professional Guild (PPG)
• Member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers
• Member Behaviour Education Network (BEN USA)