Frequently Asked Questions

Who are we?

Riley’s Angels is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. 

What do we do?

Riley’s Angels specializes in dog training and education. Our goal is to train our clients to be able to work with their dog in whatever capacity they desire. We believe in educating people on how to train and work with their dog in order to enhance the human-canine bond and live a long and happy life together. 

Where does the money from training go?

Currently ALL funds and donations are used for supplies, community outreach, and programming. Riley’s Angels’ trainers do not take any pay for group classes, providing all of their training expertise to the organization on a volunteer basis at this time.

What training classes do we offer? 

Riley’s Angels regularly offers the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy class, AKC Canine Good Citizen class, Focus, Fitness, & Friends, and Riley’s Angels unique therapy dog course. Other courses may be offered periodically. 

What sort of community outreach do we do?

Riley’s Angels offers volunteer therapy dog visitations to hospitals, schools, and nursing homes, as well as attends public community events with therapy dogs, assists with school curriculum programs, and works with organizations to design customized programming tailored to their specific goals and desires.  

Are our trainers credentialed? 

Riley’s Angels trainers are Certified Professional Dog Trainers, Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA). This entails over 300 hours of experience with various dogs in a multitude of settings, coursework on training and the canine species, and a comprehensive examination. Additionally, both our trainers have an M.Ed. (Master of Education).

How do you get in touch with us?

You can reach us by phone or email. 

Phone: 419-333-1215 (voice or text)

Email: 

(Stacey) stacey@rileysangels.org

(Lesley) lesley@rileysangels.org 

What age should you enroll your dog in training? 

Training should begin as soon as possible. Ideally, training is lined up for your puppy before you bring them home from the breeder or shelter. Puppies must have at least their first round of vaccinations to begin training.

Do we train dogs that will not ultimately work as therapy dogs?

Yes. Riley’s Angels trains dogs of all community involvement levels (even if that means being your best friend and sofa buddy). 

Do we do behavior modification for severe cases such as dog or human aggression?

Typically, no. Riley’s Angels will help refer you to other trainers if your dog needs serious behavior modification. Our training is primarily in teaching dogs how to work/take commands, educating the handlers, and mild behavior modification. 

Is there an age limit on training?

No. Dogs of all ages and training levels can begin training with us. We specialize in puppy and therapy dog training, but we also offer some basic obedience classes that are well suited for all dogs (including recently adopted adult dogs from the shelter). 

Is there a minimum age for dogs to become certified in therapy work?

Yes. Dogs must be at least one year of age by the time they begin the evaluation process. 

Is there a maximum age for dogs to become certified in therapy work?

No. As long as your dog is healthy, passes their evaluation, and enjoys working, they can become certified. 

You have a 4 year old dog who has had no training, but has the perfect temperament for therapy work. Can you join Riley’s Angels Therapy Dog Class?

No. Ideally, any new adult dog entering our training will take a basic manners class followed by the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) course. All dogs must AT LEAST take the CGC course and pass the evaluation at the end of the class before being considered for the therapy dog course. Dogs without their CGC are not permitted to enroll in the therapy dog course. 

Your dog has obtained their CGC with another trainer. Can you join Riley’s Angels Therapy Dog Class?

No. If our trainers have never worked with you or your dog, you must schedule a free consultation and evaluation with them before proceeding with classes. From there, our trainers will determine how much additional training you and your pup need before joining the therapy dog class. 

Why is so much formal training required before being allowed to join the Therapy Dog class?

We take therapy work very seriously. Our teams will be active in the community and with the public, so we need to be sure that both the dogs and humans are ready for the responsibility. We need to feel certain that our handlers are in tune with their dogs at all times before entering the class. Much of the formal training is for the handlers, ensuring that they are equipped with both the formal regulations of therapy work as well as relationship skills to work their dog in the community.

What makes Riley’s Angels training different than other trainers?

Riley’s Angels is committed to connection, education, and inspiration. Our hope is to enhance the human-canine bond while strengthening the relationship between people and their dogs by providing an educational approach to training. We equip our clients with the knowledge and skills to live a happy, healthy, life with their dog. Finally, we hope to inspire others to become more active in their community to enrich the lives of others mentally, physically, and/or spiritually.