San Diego Love On A Leash

Certifying Dogs

Dog teams require the following in order to become certified - these items must be completed in the order they are shown:

All required forms may be downloaded or printed from the Forms page of this web site.

1. Completion of basic obedience or evidence of other training that meets the control evaluation criteria.
2. CGC (Canine Good Citizen) certification.  (CGC Test Items: http://www.akc.org/events/cgc/training_testing.cfm)   
3. Completion of the LOAL Control Evaluation Form. 
4. Proof of current vaccinations, including rabies, and health certificate or statement from Vet confirming overall health.
5. Completion of initial visit with our Chapter President, Robin Kaufman and approval to complete remaining hours of supervised visits.
6. Completion of 10 supervised hours (all visits must be logged on the LOAL Visit Record) and a completed LOAL Visit Evaluation Form.
7. Certification from National Association for Pet Assisted Therapy.   (A LOAL Membership Application Form must be completed and submitted.)
   
   

During supervised (and subsequent) visits, the dog should:

1. Be freshly bathed prior to each visit.
2. Nails should be relatively short and smooth, to avoid accidental scratching.
3. Never jump or place paws on anyone without permission.  Small dogs may be taught the "Paws Up" command where front paws are permitted on the couch or bed next to the person so they can reach them for petting. 
4. Never allow paws to be placed directly on the person as this could damage delicate skin.
5. Sit, for petting by strangers.
6. Never touch any food, even if it has been dropped on the floor.
7. Drop any item that the dog could have in its mouth.  Of course, dogs should not be permitted to put any item into their mouths in the first place, but should this happen they would be expected to drop immediately on command.
8. Be comfortable having ears, face, tail, or any other parts touched and petted, or in some cases even grabbed.  At time the behavior of children or seniors can be quite unpredictable and it is important that the dog remains calm.
9.  

Please review all guidelines prior to making your first visit.  All pet teams are expected to follow all National and local chapter guidelines for every visit, including teams-in-training.