We're excited you are applying for Therapy Dog Certification training so you and your dog can help people at BronxCare recover from emotional stress associated with their medical condition!  Please read the following in its entirety before completing your application.

This program is for dog owners who live in the Bronx and/or work at BronxCare Health System. If admitted into the program and successfully graduate, you will be expected to donate some time – an hour a week or a month – to visit with BronxCare patients and staff, per the hospital’s needs.

--The Good Dog Foundation welcomes dogs 1 year old and older who have lived with their owners for at least 4 months. Please wait until your dog meets these requirements before completing this application. 

--All applicants/handlers must be 18 years of age or older, and must be legal owners or live with the dog.  

--To be ready for evaluation for Good Dog training, dogs must have a love of greeting and engaging with ALL strangers without hesitation, avoidance, or vocalization. Dogs must also walk politely on a loose leash on a flat collar or harness, and may not jump to greet people. As the human handler, you must demonstrate control over your dog at all times. 

Admission (To Be Determined Strictly By Good Dog)

-For admission to Good Dog Certification Training, dogs must be able to perform basic obedience skills such as Sit, Stay, Down, and Leave It on the first try. Dogs must also walk politely on a loose leash on a flat collar or harness, and may not jump to greet people. 

--For dogs with proper temperament but who are in need of polishing the skills listed above, we offer a Good Dog Manners class at BronxCare. Dogs who successfully pass this class with their handlers will then be invited to join a Therapy Skills class.