Frequently Asked Questions
Does Hand in Paw provide service dogs?
No, Hand in Paw is a human-service organization that provides training and evaluations for therapy dogs and their handlers; we do not have any association with service dogs. For more information on service dogs, contact Canine Assistants (www.canineassistants.org).
I have a wonderful dog that I would love to give or loan to your organization so that you can take him to places in the community. How does that work?
Our Therapy Teams are just that – teams. Pets and their handlers work together to improve the health and well-being of the community. If your dog is part of our organization, you would be, too!
What if I’m not available for part of the required training classes during this training term?
If you’re not available for the dates listed, you can wait for an upcoming training session. Our training is intense, and you must be committed and available for all dates listed.
My dog is already well-behaved and knows obedience commands – I taught him. Is that good enough to serve as a formal basic obedience class, one of your pre-requisites for training?
Hand in Paw requires a certificate of completion of a basic obedience class prior to beginning our training sessions, or verification of at least that level of training (for instance, you have self trained, but have also earned competitive obedience titles on your dog.) Working with your dog as a team, as well as obedience, is a major part of the evaluation process!
Where should I take my dog for basic obedience?
Anywhere you’d like! Hand in Paw does not endorse any particular trainers, we only ask that your dog be trained for general obedience: sit, down, stay, come, walk politely on a loose leash, even in a crowded environment with other animals. Visit our “Volunteers” section where you can view both the Hand in Paw Therapy Team Screening, as well as the Delta Evaluation. These will show you exactly what you and your dog will do during both the Screening and the Evaluation.
