For More Information:

Therapy Dog International:

http://www.tdi-dog.org/Default.aspx

AKC Canine Good Citizen:

http://www.akc.org/events/cgc/index.cfm

American Temperament Test Society

http://www.atts.org/

Kings at Work

Therapy Dogs International (TDI)

What is TDI? (from the TDI, Inc)

Therapy Dogs International, Inc. (TDI) is a volunteer organization dedicated to regulating, testing and registration of therapy dogs and their volunteer handlers for the purpose of visiting nursing homes, hospitals, other institutions and wherever else therapy dogs are needed.

When was TDI established?

TDI was founded in 1976 in New Jersey.

What type of dogs are used?

TDI registers all breeds of dogs. Some dogs have pedigrees, while others have been adopted from local shelters or are rescue dogs.

How many dogs are registered?

Year 2008, over 19,000 dog/handler teams are registered with TDI. 

Where do the dogs volunteer?

We have volunteer dogs and their handlers in all 50 States as well as some in Canada.

What are the requirements for joining TDI?

To belong to Therapy Dogs International, Inc., all dogs must be tested and evaluated by a Certified TDI Evaluator. A dog must be a minimum of one (1) year of age and have a sound temperament. Each dog must pass a temperament evaluation for suitability to become a Therapy Dog, which includes the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen Test (CGC). The test will also include the evaluation of the dog’s behavior around people with the use of some type of service equipment (wheelchairs, crutches, etc.).

What are the health requirements?

We require an annual Health Record Form to be completed and signed by a licensed veterinarian.

How is the organization funded?

TDI is a non-profit organization supported through annual membership dues. Donations are welcome.

How is the organization managed?

A Board of Directors governs the organization under the leadership of Ursula A. Kempe, President (volunteer), who is also directing the business office of the organization.

How to obtain more information?

Our mailing address is: 88 Bartley Road, Flanders, New Jersey 07836; Tel: (973) 252-9800; Fax: (973) 252-7171; e-mail: tdi@gti.net

 

AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC)

Welcome to the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) Program. Started in 1989, CGC is a certification program that is designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community. The Canine Good Citizen Program is a two-part program that stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs. All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test may receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club.

Many dog owners choose Canine Good Citizen training as the first step in training their dogs. The Canine Good Citizen Program lays the foundation for other AKC activities such as obedience, agility, tracking, and performance events. As you work with your dog to teach the CGC skills, you'll discover the many benefits and joys of training your dog. Training will enhance the bond between you and your dog. Dogs who have a solid obedience education are a joy to live with-they respond well to household routines, have good manners in the presence of people and other dogs, and they fully enjoy the company of the owner who took the time to provide training, intellectual stimulation, and a high quality life. We sincerely hope that CGC will be only a beginning for you and your dog and that after passing the CGC test, you'll continue training in obedience, agility, tracking, or performance events.

AKC’s Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) Program is one of the most rapidly growing programs in the American Kennel Club. There are many exciting applications of this wonderful, entry level that go beyond the testing and certifying of dogs.

 

American Temperament Test Society, Inc. (ATTS)

The American Temperament Test Society, Inc. (ATTS) is a national not-for-profit organization (registered in the state of Missouri) for the promotion of uniform temperament evaluation of purebred and spayed/neutered mixed-breed dogs.

ATTS was established to:

• Provide for a uniform national program of temperament testing of purebred and spayed/neutered mixed-breed dogs.
• Conduct seminars to disseminate information to dog owners, dog breeders and evaluators (testers) concerning dog psychology, motivation, reaction and other aspects of temperament testing.
• Recognize and award certificates to dogs that pass the requirements of the temperament evaluation.
• Work for the betterment of all breeds of dogs.
• Select, train, prepare and register temperament evaluators.

Our motto says all:

"A SOUND MIND IN A SOUND BODY"

ATTS is the only non-profit organization that gives the TT (Temperament Tested) title for a dog. The TT, our logo and test procedures are copyrighted. The test is for all breeds and it is uniform throughout the country.

ATTS was founded by Alfons Ertel in 1977. The first test was held in September 1977; ATTS has held more than 960 tests as of December 31, 2003. The number of dogs tested as of December 2007 is 28,010 with 22,847 dogs earning a TT title. The average overall pass rate is 81.6 percent; the pass rate may vary for different breeds. The breed's temperament, training, health and age of the dog is taken into account. Minimum age for dogs to take the test is 18 months.

The test takes about 12 minutes to complete. The dog is on a loose six-foot (6') lead and three ATTS trained evaluators score the dog. Majority rules. Failure on any part of the test is recognized when a dog shows panic, strong avoidance without recovery or unprovoked aggression.