Services

AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy 

Our puppy class should be first on your list when bringing home your new pup. Riley’s Angels offers the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy class, as both trainers are evaluators for the AKC. Per the AKC, “Organized training classes provide an opportunity for your dog to socialize with other dogs. In classes aimed at earning the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy distinction, you’ll be able to get information on all of your puppy-raising questions including house-training, chewing, and the most effective way to teach practical skills such as coming when called.” This is step one for both therapy dogs in training as well as household pets and is typically offered every 8-10 weeks. Our puppy class runs for six weeks and includes the S.T.A.R. Puppy evaluation. 

Focus, Fitness, and Friends

This class was designed to be helpful for dogs of all ages and obedience levels. Our goal is to integrate the advanced dogs with those still learning in order to teach patience and impulse control for the advanced dogs and to get novice dogs around mild mannered, well behaved dogs. Each week will be a different main topic (focus, fitness, socialization, and impulse control). Basic obedience will be worked on during each class.

The demand for this class has increased, and therefore is being offered more regularly. This is step one for new adult dogs in training, and step two for therapy dogs in training and household pets. Focus, Fitness, and Friends (FFF) is a five week course. 

AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC)

Riley’s Angels offers the AKC Canine Good Citizen course, as both trainers are evaluators for the AKC. The class offers a structured training model for clients to pass the CGC in conclusion of the training. It also allows pet owners to evaluate their training to get an idea of their dog’s strengths and weaknesses and focuses on basic obedience and comfortability with other dogs, people, and distractions. “Not only does CGC training create long-lasting trust between you and your pup, but also ensures you’ll be good neighbors and friends to everyone around you,” (AKC, 2020). This class is offered regularly and is great for creating a well-rounded pup. Dogs must take the class AND pass all 10 items on the CGC test to be considered for the next courses (Therapy Dog Prep & TD Cert.). The CGC class is six weeks long and includes the the Canine Good Citizen evaluation.  

Riley's Angels Therapy Dog Prep

Suitability for therapy work requires a combination of learned behaviors and mastery of skills and is at least partially dependent upon many factors, including the dog’s individual temperament, coachability of the handler, and perceived enjoyment of the work. This short prep course provides an introduction to the beginning stages of the TD training requirements including, but not limited to, comfort in the presence of medical equipment, tolerance of both visual and auditory distractions, and an orientation to specific commands inherent in providing therapy. This provides an ongoing evaluation of each team (dog and handler) that, in addition to an individual evaluation and interview, results in a go/no go decision regarding invitation to the comprehensive TD course. Course runs four weeks.

Riley’s Angels Therapy Dog Course

Riley’s Angels Therapy Dog course is unlike other training classes. We focus on experiential learning in this course, as we offer limited classroom training; most classes are held onsite with our community partners. Therapy dogs in training will work alongside certified dogs and trainers while learning the skills they need to be successful working therapy dogs. The class runs 12 weeks and includes' three unique customized formal test evaluations (we use a third party for testing to eliminate bias). This class is available on an invitation only basis. 

Riley’s Angels Therapy Dog Outreach and Community Service 

Riley’s Angels is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit and we would love to be involved with your organization! Select handlers and dogs are invited to work on our specialized therapy dog teams to engage in the community alongside our trainers. Past programs have included elementary reading programs, physical and occupational therapy assistance, nursing home and hospital visitations, regular visits to the Ohio Veterans Home, church events, high school de-stress days, community events and gatherings, college campus assistance, disaster relief, and mental health outreach, to name a few. If you or someone you know is holding an event or is looking for a regularly scheduled program, please reach out to learn about our programming and rates!