Stepping Out Therapy Dog – Program A

Program Length: About 18 months

Puppy & Dog Sourcing

• Dawgs at work will source a puppy from a reputable breeder at 8 weeks of age. You can allow us to select the puppy from scratch or you can provide us with preferences such as breed or gender.

Bootcamp Training

• The puppy will do a 1-2 month boot-camp with a certified trainer in their home upon pick up. The time frame will depend on the individual puppy and how quick they can progress through the introductory training program and how fast they housebreak.

Handler Training, Education, & Certification

• While the puppy is in boot-camp the owner/handler will work with the training team to complete our 6 week handler course. This course is required as part of the purchase to ensure the owner/handler understands the basics of canine cognition, training, and uses the same consistent training methods and cues to help ensure a higher success rate with the program.

Transitioning to the new handler

• After the puppy graduates from boot-camp and the owner/handler completes and graduates from the handler course the puppy will transition to the new handler and their home.

Care responsibilities & Supplies

• Remaining food, crate, blanket, starter toys, and training supplies including: back pack, vest, patches, leash, grab tab, collar, bait bag, treats, toy, chew, grooming pack, personalized place mat, bowls, poop bag holder (with bags), water bottle, and collapsible water bowl, will be sent with the puppy.
• The handler will be responsible for all basic needs of the dog following the transition to the owner/handler. Dawgs at Work is not responsible for provision of any further supplies including vet care, treats, food, etc. after transfer.

Additional training sessions

• They will meet [about] once a month for training at Dawgs in Motion LLC. Training lessons and their frequency will depend on the puppy’s progression in the program. This will all hinge upon the consistent daily training and work that the handler puts into the puppy. If the handler does not practice with the puppy and/or follow the instructions from the lead trainer and team the puppy will not succeed.
• The dog must pass beginner and intermediate obedience with Dawgs at Work through the training sessions before specialized therapy cues will be taught to the dog and handler.

Additional training outings and events

• The handler is required to bring the dog to DAW for scheduled socializing and training events if asked for additional training and socialization/exposure to people, events, novel sights, sounds, textures, etc. during the program. This is vital for the success of the puppy to ensure they are stable and comfortable in as many settings as possible under controlled circumstances.

Certifications & Graduation

• Dog will be Certified in STAR, CGC, CGCU, CGCA with the American Kennel Club by the end of the program and must attain these in order to graduate from the program.
  
• Dog must pass a practical working exam with the handler in order to graduate.