WHO BELONGS TO G.L.A.D. ?

Volunteer teams are from throughout the Camden County community and surrounding areas.  Canine membership includes both purebred and missed breed dogs.  All dogs are tested and evaluated for Therapy Dog work by Certified American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Evaluators.  While many dogs provide love and companionship in the home, not all dogs are qualified or have the temperament sited to be a Therapy Dog.  G.L.A.D. standards are extremely high. 

WHAT DO G.L.A.D. DOGS DO?

G.L.A.D. dogs come in all shapes and sizes; real dogs with personalities who we love to share.  Regardless of how people look or feel, the animals are happy to see them.  Those who have contact, immediately respond to tail-wagging greetings and warm paws.  Four-footed therapists give something medical science cannot do.  It has been clinically proven that through petting, touching, and talking with the animals, blood pressure is lowered, stress is relieved and depression is eased.

WHAT IS THE COST?

The G.L.A.D. evaluation test fee is $10.00.  After passing the test, you must register with G.L.A.D.  The registration fee of $35.00 includes G.L.A.D. tag, photo identification and liability insurance.  In order for therapy dogs to maintain the G.L.A.D. title, he/she must make regular recorded visits which are monitored by the organization.

WHAT IS NEEDED FOR THE G.L.A.D. EVALUATION TEST?

Dogs must be bathed and groomed (ears & nails) as they would be for any G.L.A.D. visit.  Owners must provide proof of rabies vaccination and bring dog brush or comb.  Dogs should wear plain buckle collar or harness with a 4-6 foot lead.  Training collars, flexi-leads, training harnesses, halties or any other corrective training devices are not permitted during testing or visiting as a G.L.A.D. registered Therapy Dog. 

WHAT IS A G.L.A.D. EVALUATION TEST?

To standardize the test G.L.A.D. uses the AKC/CGC test. The purpose of the CGC test is to ensure that our favorite companion, the dog, can be a respected member of the community because it is trained and conditioned to act mannerly in the home, in public places and in the presence of other dogs.  This test of your dog’s manners and training is not a competition and does not require you or your dog perform with precision. The owner must demonstrate confidence and control of the dog completing these exercises.  During the exercises, the dog must demonstrate his understanding of the commands:

sit, down, stay and come.  The handler may take a reasonable amount of time and use more than one command if needed.  The dog must allow a stranger to brush, handle and hug him showing no shyness or resentment.

He must allow other dogs to approach him showing no aggression.  He also must permit a stranger to hold him on leash briefly while the handler is out of sight and sound.  The dog should remain confident when faced with distracting situation.  The dog may express a natural curiosity and/or appear startled, but should not panic or show aggression.