Schedule

SCHEDULE OF COURSES:
Update 12/04/04

(Keep checking for what you want as this page is always being updated.
If you don't see a short course you want or need, please email us with your suggestion!)

**** THE 2004 HOME SCHOOLING COURSE ****
STARTING DATES ARE:

MONDAY, August 29, 2004
MONDAY, November 1, 2004

PLEASE E-MAIL US BEFORE SIGNING UP
FOR COMPLETE INFORMATION.

COURSE #1:

The Original HELPERDOGS Home Schooling Course is for seven (7) weeks.
At the first real time chat we will all get to know each other. Please sign up for this course
a couple of weeks in advance so that you will have your course outline and all information
necessary to attend the first chat.

FEE:

$100 for first time students in this course.

$70.00 for all subsequent HOME SCHOOLING COURSE BLOCKS because this is an ongoing course for as long as you need to work through it.

+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+

TWO-WEEK SHORT COURSES - These courses are given individually
and start when requested.

Each course will have three (3) real time chats a week, and emails answered
as necessary each week.

The fee is $50.00 for each course.

* * * *

SHORT COURSE # 2

"Do you really want a Service Dog - And Can You Afford And Care For One?"
- topics will include:
1) How much would it cost to buy and Owner Train your own Service Dog, to receive one through a Service Dog Training Organization, or to have one trained by a private trainer?
2) How much will it cost to maintain a Service Dog on a yearly basis?
3) What can you do and where can you turn if you have emergencies that you can't afford relating to your Service Dog?
4) How to plan for emergencies and develop a support group.
5) How to determine what equipment you will need.

* * * *

SHORT COURSE #3

"What Can a Service Dog Do For You?" - topics will include:
1) Making a wish list.
2) What do you really need a Service Dog to help you with to mitigate your disabilities?
3) How do you prioritize what tasks to teach first?
4) Where can you find out good ideas to help you decide on tasks and task training?
5) How do you know when your Service Dog In Training is a Service Dog?

* * * *

SHORT COURSE #4

"Public Access" - topics will include:
1) How to get started outside your home.
2) Manners and obedience necessary for Service Dogs In Training and for Service Dogs.
3) Obedience versus intelligent disobedience while in public.
4) Developing "Public Access Skills" and what to do if you encounter an access denial or challenge.
5) Educating the public as well as learning how to develop questions and find the answers if you need to stand up for your civil rights according to the ADA and various states' laws.

* * * *

SHORT COURSE #5

"Starting Your Own Puppy as a Potential Service Dog" - topics will include:
1) Are you sure you want to start a puppy?
2) What do you have to look for when buying or adopting a puppy?
3) How do you "house break", "crate train", and make your puppy happy?
4) What are the basics that a puppy needs in veterinary care and puppy obedience?
5) Where do you find answers to your questions, support for your endeavor, and stop from going nuts with a four legged baby running around your house.

* * * *

SHORT COURSE #6

"Traveling with a Service Dog" - topics will include:
1) Finding out the laws where you will be travelling.
2) How to make reservations and enjoy local entertainments, restaurants, etc.
3) How to deal with access challenges and denials.
4) Preparing for your trip.
5) Developing skills to deal with strangers (also known as "the public")

* * * *

SHORT COURSE #7

"Training a Service Dog For Your Disabled Child" - topics will include:
1) Are you sure your child will benefit from a Service Dog, what tasks should the Service Dog In Training be taught, how much help will your child need 'handling' the Service Dog?
2) Will the daily activities of life for your disabled child with a Service Dog be easier or more complicated, how involved should your disabled child be in the training?
3) Dealing with family issues regarding a child's Service Dog.
4) Should you get a young or older puppy, or a rescue, and does breed or size matter?
5) How to get cooperation from your medical providers and educational system.

* * * *

SHORT COURSE #8

"Taking Care Of Your Service Dog - Weather, Grooming & Vet!" - topics will include:
1) Taking care of your Service Dog in various weather conditions and seasons
2) Routine grooming and vet care for a Service Dog
3) Emergency situations
4) Food and supplements
5) Exercise, play, and sleeping arrangements

* * * *

SHORT COURSE #9

"Basic Training for a Service Dog In Training Puppy." - topics will include:
1) Manners and obedience training
2) Problem solving
3) House rules
4) When to start task training and which tasks to start first
5) Taking your Service Dog In Training puppy out with you

* * * *

SHORT COURSE #10

"Service Dog Equipment and How to Use it" - topics will include:
1. Should you "dress" your Service Dog In Training/Service Dog or not?
2. Harnesses - walking and wheel chair pulling.
3. Backpacks and the weight your dog can safely carry.
4. Vests/capes, collars, leashes, coats, clickers, dog whistles, etc.
5. How to start training your Service Dog In Training with the equipment you plan on using.

* * * *

SHORT COURSE #11

"Getting Outside With Your Service Dog In Training" - topics will include:
1. How much obedience or manners does your SDIT need to go out in public?
2. How many tasks does your SDIT need to have before you go out in public?
3. Noise, sights, and other distractions.
4. Where should you go first? And second?
5. Should you 'dress' your SDIT?

Established 1998