Off Leash K9 Training of Spokane logo
CALL TODAY!
(509) 481-9223

Therapy Dog Training in Spokane Valley, WA

Structured Preparation for Therapy Dog Testing and Visits

If you want to prepare your dog to provide comfort and companionship in hospitals, schools, care facilities, or community settings, structured training is an important place to begin. Therapy dogs need foundational skills and the ability to work around the environments and distractions they may encounter during therapy visits.

Off Leash K9 Training of Spokane, LLC offers two therapy dog preparation programs serving Spokane Valley and surrounding communities. Owners can choose between a 12-lesson course and a four-week Therapy Dog Prep Board and Train.

Both programs prepare dogs and handlers for therapy dog testing. Completing a training program does not automatically certify or register the dog. Upon successful completion, owners can register and test with the appropriate or recommended evaluator.

Call (509) 481-9223 for Your Free Consultation
Call (509) 481-9223

Why Spokane Valley Chooses Off Leash K9 Training of Spokane

Dedicated Therapy Dog Preparation Programs

Choose from a 12-lesson therapy dog course or four-week Board and Train based on your dog and goals.

AKC Evaluators on the Training Team

Danna, Erica and Brenna are AKC Evaluators; therapy dog testing and registration remain third-party.

Preparation for Therapy Environments

The four-week program builds basic skills for therapy settings and teaches owners proper techniques.

Owner Turnover and Education

A private turnover reviews commands and handling before guided, hands-on practice with your own dog.

Trainers With Behavior-Modification Education

Danna and Erica have behavior-modification training; report aggression, fear, anxiety or past bites.

Therapy Dog Training Programs Serving Spokane Valley

Off Leash K9 Training of Spokane offers two therapy dog preparation formats. Both are designed to prepare owners and dogs for testing, but neither provides automatic certification.

Third-party requirements can differ. Owners should confirm the eligibility standards, registration process, and testing requirements of the evaluator or organization they plan to use.

4-Week Therapy Dog Prep Board and Train

The 4-Week Therapy Dog Prep Board and Train provides an immersive alternative to the lesson-based program.

Training begins by developing the foundational skills your dog needs. The program then prepares your dog for the environments and distractions they may encounter while working as a therapy dog.

At the completion of training, you will participate in a private two- to three-hour owner turnover and education session. The trainer reviews the commands your dog learned, demonstrates proper handling techniques, and coaches you while you practice with your dog.

Upon successful completion, you can register and test for certification with the recommended evaluator. Certification is not automatically awarded by completing the Board and Train program.

Dog on place cot in therapy dog training Spokane Valley WA
Golden retriever in therapy dog training Spokane Valley WA

Canine Good Citizen and Therapy Dog Preparation

The AKC Canine Good Citizen program uses a 10-skill test focused on good manners and responsible dog ownership. Some therapy dog organizations may require CGC, while others use different evaluation standards.

The Spokane website specifically includes an AKC Canine Good Citizen test with the separate 5 Week Complete Board and Train. It does not state that the CGC test is included with either therapy dog preparation program.

Ask your intended evaluator whether Canine Good Citizen testing is required for your therapy dog goals.

Therapy Dogs and Service Dogs Are Different

Therapy dogs are not the same as service dogs. The U.S. Department of Justice’s service animal guidance defines a service animal as a dog individually trained to perform work or tasks for a person with a disability.

The guidance also explains that therapy, comfort, companion, and emotional support animals are not considered service animals under the ADA when they provide comfort through their presence rather than performing disability-related tasks.

Therapy dogs therefore do not receive the same federal public-access rights as service dogs. Therapy visits depend on the permission and policies of the participating facility or organization.

Owner holds puppy for therapy dog training Spokane Valley WA

Therapy Dog Training in Spokane Valley, WA

Off Leash K9 Training of Spokane, LLC offers structured therapy dog preparation programs for Spokane Valley dogs and their owners. These programs build foundational skills and prepare dogs for the environments, distractions, testing, and certification requirements associated with therapy work.

The published therapy dog training options include:

  • 12-Lesson Therapy Dog Preparation Program
  • Four-Week Therapy Dog Prep Board and Train
  • Development of proper foundational skills
  • Preparation for therapy environments and distractions
  • Training focused on therapy dog testing requirements
  • Owner education and proper handling techniques
  • Command review and maintenance guidance
  • Guided practice with a professional trainer

These programs prepare dogs and handlers for therapy dog testing. Completing training does not automatically certify or register your dog. After successful completion, owners can register and arrange testing with an appropriate evaluator.

The four-week Board and Train includes a private two- to three-hour turnover and education session. During this hands-on lesson, the trainer reviews the commands, demonstrates proper handling, and coaches the owner while they practice directly with their dog.

Black pug at therapy dog training class in Spokane Valley WA

How Therapy Dog Preparation Works

Step 1: Schedule a Free Phone Consultation

Discuss your dog’s behavior, training history, and goals during a free phone consultation. Share any anxiety, fear, reactivity, aggression, or bite history so the staff can determine whether behavior-modification training should come first if needed.

Step 2: Choose a Training Format

Choose the 12-lesson preparation course or a four-week Board and Train. The lesson format prepares you and your dog for testing, while Board and Train builds foundational skills through immersive work around the therapy environments and distractions.

Step 3: Complete the Selected Program

Complete the full curriculum for the program. The four-week Board and Train includes a private turnover session covering commands, handling, and guided practice. Ask about scheduling, participation, and practice expectations for the 12-lesson format.

Step 4: Register and Test With an Evaluator

After successfully completing training, register and arrange testing with an appropriate evaluator. Certification and registration are separate from training, and requirements may vary, so confirm current standards with the evaluator or organization.

Meet Trainers

Meet the Off Leash K9 Spokane & CDA Owners

Danna and Trey - Dog trainers and owner

Danna & Trey, Owner

Found Off Leash K9 Training in 2016 as a client herself. An AKC Evaluator with continuing education in behavior modification (aggression, anxiety, reactivity) and scent detection training.

Meet the Team
What Spokane & ​​CDA Dog Owners Are Saying
"ANYONE who wants a well mannered pup and extremely friendly and professional trainers need to look no farther . Off leash training is the BEST!!"
AriAnna J.Verified Google Review
AriAnna J.
"Thank you Off Leash K9! We love the results so much we are coming back to do Therapy Dog certification."
Hannah K.Verified Google Review
Hannah K.
"I recommend Off Leash K9 to all of my friends and family, and definitely recommend it to you! It’s so worth the money, don’t cheat yourself out of an amazing program, it’s worth every penny!"
Caiti W.Verified Google Review
Caiti W.
Read More Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between therapy dog training and certification?

Therapy dog training prepares the dog and handler for the skills, environments, and testing involved in therapy work. Certification or registration is completed separately through an appropriate third-party evaluator or organization.

How long does therapy dog training take?

Off Leash K9 Training of Spokane offers a 12-lesson Therapy Dog Preparation course and a four-week Therapy Dog Prep Board and Train. The appropriate option depends on your dog’s current skills, behavior, and your preferred training format.

What requirements must a dog meet?

Requirements depend on the evaluator or organization through which you plan to register and test. Confirm age, health, vaccination, temperament, obedience, and evaluation requirements directly with your selected organization.

Is the Canine Good Citizen test included?

The published descriptions for the 12-lesson and four-week therapy dog preparation programs do not list an AKC Canine Good Citizen test as an included feature. The CGC test is specifically included with the separate 5 Week Complete Board and Train.

Start Therapy Dog Training in Spokane Valley

Start Your Dog’s Transformation Today!

Professional therapy dog preparation can help you and your dog build the foundation needed to pursue testing and future therapy work. Off Leash K9 Training of Spokane, LLC offers both lesson-based and immersive Board and Train options for Spokane Valley dog owners.

About Off Leash K9 Training
Dog Trainers Who Are Recognized Around The World!
Nick White, Founder Off Leash K9 Training
Photo: A&E

Nick White is the Owner and Founder of Off Leash K9 Training.  Nick is a former US Marine and former US Secret Service. He currently has over 130+ dog training locations throughout the United States. 

Nick is globally recognized as being one of the top dog trainers in the world.  He has 2 official world records in off leash obedience, named on Wikipedia as one of the top 20 dog trainers in the world, recently named top 10 trainer in the world by bestdogtrainers.org, has been featured in many magazines and shows, and he is regularly requested by the top celebrities and athletes! He has been called upon by people such as actor Ryan Reynolds, WWE’s John Cena, MLB All Star Max Scherzer, UFC World Champion Jon “Bones” Jones, and many more!

You can visit our YouTube Channel and watch over 1500+ before/after videos of Nick and his team’s work!  Off Leash K9 Training has more documented videos than any dog training business in the entire world!