Certification Testing

Alliance for Therapy Dogs

Jim is an approved tester/observer for the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. After you have completed required training, either through For Paws or another organization or on your own, Jim can test and observe you and your dog to become certified as a Therapy Dog through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs.

Alliance of Therapy Dogs is a national therapy dog registry with 14,000+ members in the US, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Territories and Canada.

It is a goal of ATD to provide registration, support, and insurance for members who are involved in volunteer animal assisted activities. These activities include, but are not limited to, visits to hospitals, special needs centers, schools, and nursing homes. Their objective is to form a network of caring individuals who are willing to share their special animals in order to bring happiness and cheer to people, young and old alike.

Qualifications for ATD begin with a friendly dog, any breed or mix, and an owner/handler who has a desire to share it with those who are no longer able to own a pet, or are in a health facility separated or away from their pets. Dogs must be at least one year of age to be tested and observed.

Jim will assist you as you begin the process for certification by testing your dog. This test includes a handling portion which tests your dog’s basic good manners and your handling skills. If you and your dog pass, you move to the next step of interacting with residents or strangers on three supervised visits.

To find out more about the Alliance of Therapy Dogs and how to apply, please visit their website Click Here or call Jim Devenny at 859-802-6076 to schedule to be tested and observed

AKC Canine Good Citizen

Jim Devenny is an AKC CGC Approved Evaluator.  Whether you and your dog have been trained by For Paws, another trainer or just practiced at home, when you’re ready Jim can administer the 10 point CGC test.   There are 10 skills that you will be tested on: accepting a friendly stranger, sitting politely for petting, appearance and grooming, walking on a loose lead, walking through a crowd, sit and down on command with  stay in place, coming when called, reaction to another dog, reaction to distraction and supervised separation.

[For Paws students can complete the test during regular group class time.]

To find out more about the AKC Canine Good Citizen Award, please visit the website.  Click here.

https://www.akc.org/products-services/training-programs/canine-good-citizen/