Est 2016
Therapy Dog Training
in Reigate and Surrounding areas
Therapy Dog Training in Reigate and surrounding areas
Therapy dogs bring comfort, joy, and healing to those who need it most in our society, one waggy tail at a time! At Surrey Canine Corner we help dog owners train their pet dogs to become certified therapy dogs with various charities. Our training helps dogs and their owners prepare for meaningful roles in schools, hospitals, care homes, workplaces, and more.
Over the years, studies have consistently highlighted the significant benefits of including dogs to support mental health, well-being, and confidence. If you own a dog and are looking for a way to give back to your local community, work with us to see how you and your dog can make a real difference in people's lives.
The positive impact of therapy dogs on the lives of others in undeniable. Contact us today and see how we can help you on your journey to becoming a certified therapy dog team.
What is a Therapy Dog?
A Therapy Dog is typically a much loved pet belonging to a volunteer who dedicates time to visit various establishments or communities to provide comfort and companionship. These dogs play a crucial role in Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) or Animal Assisted Activities (AAA), where their presence helps improve mental, physical, social, and emotional functioning for those who need a helping hand.
The Role of Therapy Dogs
Before becoming therapy dogs, all dogs must undergo temperament assessments to determine their suitability, and training to prepare them for specific roles.
Their assignments can vary widely, including:
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Schools: Helping children with reading and offering emotional support.
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Autistic Adults and Children: Providing companionship and reducing anxiety.
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Hospitals and Elderly Care: Bringing comfort and joy to the sick or elderly.
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Workplaces: Assisting in corporate wellness programs to alleviate workplace stress.
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Clinical Environments: Helping people overcome phobias of dogs (working alongside clinical professionals)
Therapy dogs are trained to be versatile and adaptable, making them valuable assets in many different settings.
Where You Can Find Therapy Dogs
Therapy dogs are associated with a broad range of establishments. While they are commonly seen in schools and residential homes, their presence is also increasingly requested in hospitals, hospices, and even prisons. These visits are not only therapeutic for the individuals they interact with but also deeply rewarding for volunteers and their dogs.
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Training
How it works.
1.
Initial Assessment
We will conduct a home visit to meet you and your dog, learn about your goals as a therapy dog team, and assess whether your dog is suitable for this role.
2.
Training
Together we will create a customised training plan to prepare you and your dog for your roles as a therapy dog team.
3.
Preparation for working Role
No matter which charity or organisation you choose to work with, we can assist you with your application and help you prepare for the assessment.
PRICING:
Initial temperament assessment:
£75 (1-1.5 hour)
This will involve meeting you and your dog to assess whether your dog is suitable for taking on a role as a therapy dog. Please note if we deem your dog unsuitable at the assessment, we will not be able to proceed with training for the role as a therapy dog. However further training can still be booked to help with anything that you feel you need help with if any issues come to light.
Training:
£75 per session (1 hour)
£350 for a block booking of 5 sessions.
The training will focus on preparing your dog for their specific role, ensuring they are comfortable in various situations. We will practice in real-life, dog-accessible scenarios and locations to ensure your dog is well-equipped for work of this nature.
There is no fixed number of training sessions required. During the initial assessment, we will provide guidance on what we believe is a realistic plan to help your dog reach the necessary level to become a therapy dog.
Some of our dogs
About
Becki is a qualified dog trainer who specialises in preparing dogs for working roles with people in public spaces.
She is on the Board of Trustees for the Assistance Dog Assessment Association and has been a therapy dog handler and trainer for both the Cynophobia Clinic and DHC talking therapies (Dorking Healthcare - NHS) to help those people who struggle with a severe phobia of dogs.
She has assessed multiple dogs to assist in therapy dog work, but has most frequently worked with her (now retired) rescue lurcher Olive to help others.
Becki Gude is a fully qualified, professional dog trainer and assistance dog assessor. She is a registered instructor for the ABTC and a full member of the Professional Association of Canine Trainers.
