The Pet Therapy Society of Northern Alberta offers an orientation and basic training program for individuals and their companion animals. “PAWS For A Visit: An Introduction to Pet Therapy” is a 12-hour program which covers a wide range of topics including Benefits of Pet Therapy, Applications of Pet Therapy, Zoonoses, Infection Control, Communications, Confidentiality and Troubleshooting.

Pre-Requisites to Participation:

• CCGC or equivalent
  Formal obedience training is not required although dogs must have good manners and be easily managed by their handlers. For this reason, the Pet Therapy Society requires that dogs must have a Canadian Good Citizen Certificate, a Canine Good Citizen Certificate issued by the American Kennel Club or United Kennel Club, or a CD (companion dog) title recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club prior to acceptance into the program. For these tests, the individual who is registered for the Pet Education Program and will be participating in any kind of pet therapy activities must handle the dog.
   
• Companion Animal Health Screen
  The Companion Animal Health Screening form completed by a licensed veterinarian must accompany the registration form for all companion animals participating in the Pet Education Program. This includes general health status, proof of rabies vaccination and a fecal test showing no parasites are currently present.
   
• Observed Visit
  Individuals participating in the Pet Education program must attend a mentored visit to see firsthand the interaction between Pet Therapy society volunteers, their companion animals and the people visited.
   
• Photograph and Letter from your companion animal
  A short letter from your companion animal explaining why he/she is interested in participating in an animal-assisted therapy program will help you to consider your participation from your companion animal's perspective.

Future Scheduled Pet Education Program Dates for 2007

June 22, 23, 24
 

Please contact the Pet Education Registrar at (780) 413-4682 for further information.

Both Ends of the Leash with Patricia McConnell
 

On June 11th and 12th, 2005 Patricia McConnell presented an amusing and information packed session that focused on the behaviour of the animals at BOTH ends of the leash. We were shown a mix of training demonstrations, slides and videos. The seminar honed our observational skills, not just in canine behaviour, but in the tiny yet powerful changes we make in our voice and body. All of these changes have a profound effect on our dogs, and the seminar’s goal was to increase our understanding of the interplay between our behaviour and that of our dogs.

Dances With Dogs with Carolyn Scott
 

The Pet Therapy Society was excited to host the workshop, "Dances with Dogs", with Carolyn Scott, May 15th and 16th, 2004. Carolyn has enjoyed training and showing dogs for the past 24 years. She has traveled extensively presenting freestyle seminars and promoting the sport of Canine Freestyle across the U.S., Canada and Japan.

Manners in Minutes with Pat Muller
 

The Pet Therapy Society was pleased to host a seminar, "Manners in Minutes", with Pat Muller May 3rd and 4th, 2003. Pat has bred, raised and trained Airedales and Lakeland Terriers for over 20 years. At her Quansa Kennel and Training Center n South Beloit, Illinois, Pat offers consultation, private "band-aid" sessions and 'criminal rehab' (in house stay) as well as pet manner clinics. As a behavioural consultant for breed rescue groups, shelter, and vets, Pat has been instrumental in solving problems, re-training and re-homing countless rescue dogs.

Dog Gone Good Weekend featuring Bonnie Bergin
 

The Pet Therapy Society of Northern Alberta was delighted to have Bonnie Bergin come to Edmonton on September 28th & 29th, 2002 to share her insights into the canine mind and intellect. Bonnie pioneered the concept of "service dogs", dogs trained as helpers and companions of people with physical disabilities, and founded Canine Companions for Independence. Her work has been featured in Time, Reader's Digest, Life, Smithsonian, and many other publications, as well as on 20/20, 60 Minutes, and she is a recipient of the Oprah Use Your Life Award.

Holistic Health & Nutrition Seminar with Wendy Volhard
 

Dealing with nutrition is an important part of dog ownership. Improper nutrition may affect the behaviour, performance and health of a dog. This seminar on May 4th & 5th, 2002 featuring Wendy Volhard offered practical up-to-date and useable information on recognizing behavior and health problems. Wendy Volhard, celebrated lecturer and founder of Top Dog Training School, is perhaps the most respected holistic health advocate in North America.

Pet Partner Study Group
 

The Pet Therapy Society hosted a study group on October 13, 2001 for individuals who were interested in becoming Pet Partners. The Delta Society ® Pet Partners® program is internationally recognized as the leading certification program for animal assisted therapy and animal assisted activities. Registration requirements include a training course and an open-book written test for prospective volunteers and a companion animal assessment if a companion animal was to be included in the registration.

Cat's Meow
 

On September 15, 2001, the Pet Therapy Society hosted the Cat's Meow. Dr. Natalia Krawetz offered seminar registrants a tremendous insight into the behaviour of our feline friends and Phylis Bauerlien demonstrated T-touch techniques to make our cats more comfortable and healthy.

T-Touch Workshop with Phyllis Bauerlein
 

On June 10th and 11th, 2001 we were treated to a T-Touch workshop with Phyllis Bauerlein at Heart’s Content. Trained as a Physiotherapist for people, Phyllis has many years experience in that field. Because of her lifelong association with animals and concern for their welfare, she has developed physical therapy for horses, dogs, cats and birds. Topics covered included body wraps, and T-Touch for injuries, touch technique and some hands-on practical work with our animals.

On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals - Turid Rugaas
On May 27th & 28th, 2001, the Pet Therapy Society was pleased to provide administrative and site assistance for the Turid Rugaas seminar. With what she calls calming signals based on canine expressive behaviour, Turid introduced dogs trainers and owners to another option to try to improve relationships between humans and their dogs and between dogs and other dogs. The seminar provided invaluable information for trainers, behaviourists, animal health and veterinary professionals, as well as dog owners.