Therapy Dog Exam Items

1. Accepting a friendly stranger Evaluator approaches and pretends to shake hands with handler (hands 6- 12” apart). Evaluator does not touch dog. 

2. Sitting politely for petting Evaluator pets dog; dog must show no shyness or resentment.

 3. Appearance nd grooming Evaluator inspects dog, combs or brushes lightly, examines ears and each front foot. 

4. Out for a walk Handler takes dog for a short walk including right turn, left turn, about turn and stop.

 5. Walking through a crowd Dog and handler walk close to several people; dog may show causal interest but not jump up. 

6. Sit and down on cue/Staying in place Handler shows that dog can do both sit and down, then chooses a position, leaves dog and goes to the end of a 20 ft. line, and returns immediately. 

7. Coming when called With dog still on 20 ft. line from Test 6, handler walks out 10 ft. and calls the dog.

 8. Reaction to another dog Two handlers and dogs approach, pretend to shake hands (hands 6-12” apart), exchange pleasantries, then move on.

 9. Reaction to distractions Distractions are presented; dog may not panic or show aggression.

 10. Supervised separation Handler goes out of sight for 3-min. Dog is held on a 6-ft. leash by an evaluator.

• Dog is neutral in the present of mobility aids including a cane, wheelchair, walker and mobility scooter.

• Dog can remain calm at the handlers feet while the handler is engaged in conversation.

• Dog can pass novel objects without reacting. Example: a balloon, vacuum, child’s toy that makes noise, etc.

• Dog can go to it’s “place” and stay there for 3 minutes while the handler holds the leash.

• Dog can encounter a sight and sound distraction without reacting. Example: someone opening an umbrella, opening a trash bag, etc.

• Dog is able to “leave it” when walking past a dropped piece of food.