Idaho Paws for Effect

(Now relax, take a deep breath!) 

You've met all the above requirements, it's time for someone to assess your dog and you. This is done at a test, by someone called a Tester/Observer (T/0). T/O's are approved representatives of the registering organization Therapy Dogs Inc.

All T/O's can test you individually. No one should ever ask you for payment of any kind to test and observe you and your dog for registration. Upon successfully passing testing & observations, you will then submit an annual membership fee to a registering organization.

 

There are several of us in Ada County, that like to work as a team. We test applicants in a group, four times a year. It gives us a better opportunity to assess a dog's behavior around other dogs and crowds. The people have a good time, and get to meet the other "newbies" in town. They've told us the camaraderie puts them at ease, they don't feel so "in the spotlight". 

We will always offer you the individual testing option. 

TEST? YIKES! Nah, it's not scary at all. It is a test of basic obedience and leash behavior.   We also assess the dog's sociability, how it reacts to strangers, other dogs, and weird stuff! (Don't worry..."weird stuff" is walkers, canes, a wheelchair...) 

I tell everyone to think PAWSitive that they'll pass. I don't have any scientifically determined numbers, but I'd say 90% of the people I've been involved with testing have been successful. I've been involved in the testing of nearly 600 dogs!

Yes, it's possible to not pass. If a dog shows any aggression, becomes too withdrawn, or really isn't as perfect as the handler thinks... we recommend some training and invite them to try again. There is no limit to how many attempts can be made!

You pass the test...next you'll go on 3 chaperoned dates!

Once you've completed the test, your T/O will set up three dates with you and your dog. 

Again, this is at no cost to you.

You and the pup need to be observed in action. We have predetermined facilities in the area that allow us to bring in unregistered teams for this purpose. We make every effort to set up your observations at a facility close to where you live.

Once you've completed your 3 observations, we hug you, hug the dog, maybe hum a few bars of Pomp and Circumstance, and wish you luck.

 

You then mail all of your paperwork, along with a check for annual membership, to the registering organization for their final approval.

Then you wait... you cannot visit  until you receive all the necessary proof of membership. It can take from 1 1/2 - 6 weeks.

 

If you have a facility in mind that you're going to be visiting at, you can use this time to contact their volunteer director and take care of all the necessary steps for joining their volunteer program.  

I told you we wished you luck... sadly,that used to be the end of it. You were left by yourself to search for a program to join. Not anymore! Now you can return to this site and find all the ones we know about, right here in one spot. You're welcome!

REGISTRATION FEES:

Remember, there is no cost to you for the testing and observations. Fees do not apply until you have successfully completed the process and are ready to be registered.


New member, 1 time set-up fee:          $10 each

plus...

1 dog with: 1 handler                           $30 a year

 

Each additional handler w/the same dog       $10 a year

 

YES a husband/wife, parent/teen etc., can both register with the same dog at the same time!

 

Existing member registering

another dog:                                       $10 a dog per year  

 

 

• Giesen, Brad                   Meridian                        bradgie@earthlink.net