This fun and interactive two and a half day course caters to social service/healthcare providers who have been placed with PROFESSIONALLY trained dogs, and to professional dog trainers who work with people with disabilities.  Participants will learn activities that require advanced training including animal assisted education, animal assisted therapy, courthouse, and assistance dog placement.  Activities will be functional & measurable, and will cater to all ages and abilities, in a variety of settings. Techniques & activities will complement goals areas including productivity & leisure exploration, sensory & perceptual processing, neuromusculoskeletal & motor functioning, cognitive integration & psychosocial components. Attendees will explore considerations related to client selection/screening, dog and handler (social service or healthcare provider) skill level.  Program development considerations will include proposed minimum standards of practice, documentation, funding, program precautions and animal welfare.  Professional dog trainers, parents, and social service/healthcare professionals are invited to bring dogs with solid social skills and advanced obedience. Let’s all learn together and train together!

Space is limited to 8 participant/dog teams.  Contact Dogwood for more information and registration.