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K9 Home Schooling has been preparing humans and their canine companions for Therapy Dog work since 1999.   We work with puppies and adult dogs.  

Our specialized program prepares teams for Therapy Dog Work in:  

Animal Assisted Activities (AAA) 
Animal Assisted Interventions (AAI) 
Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) 
Animal Assisted Play Therapy (AAPT). 

We work with clients one-on-one to develop customized training programs.  The process begins with an assessment to review your dogs current level of training and  'goodness of fit' for Therapy Dog work.   For dogs who meet our criteria, we develop an individualized training plan which can include: 

  • community outings (malls, parks, medical facilities) 
  • obedience and skill training
  • integration into the workplace 
  • problem solving and assessment 
  • staff/facility training
  • program development 
We have years of experience developing and coordinating Therapy Dog programs at hospital, schools, nursing homes, libraries and private medical practices.   

We offer a variety Training Packages to meet each students individual needs.   We teach group obedience classes to allow for ongoing training.

Our training programs are not designed nor required to certify dogs, but rather to give both handler and dog the tools to become effective therapy teams and to be better prepared for tests conducted by various Therapy Dog Organizations.   

Our instructor, Michelle McCarthy is a nationally recognized Therapy Dog Consultant and Certified Dog Behavior Consultant with the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. She has years of experience working as a Therapy Dog Handler in the community. Michelle worked with staff members in 2005 to develop and launch a Therapy Dog Program at St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea Hospital called Paws-itive Comfort. She coordinated and launched R.E.A.D. (Reading Education Assistance Dog) Programs at the Ann Arbor and Chelsea District Libraries as well as various Elementary Schools. Michelle works as a Consultant for various organizations who utilize Therapy Dogs.  She works closely with medical professionals and educators who utilize a Therapy Dog at  their work place.  Michelle has trained and placed Therapy Dogs who work in medical facilities and private practices around the US.    

**K9 Home Schooling does not train or certify Service Dogs or Emotional Support Dogs**