Breeders Education Program
The aim of this program is to help breeders to improve their knowledge about the various Therapy Dog roles, including what types of challenges they may face. This assists breeders to make better informed decisions when allocating a puppy from their litter to a potential Therapy Dog home.
Customers who are buying from a TDA Educated Breeder will know that the breeder has been provided with the foundation information to understand the Therapy Dog industry - by experts in the field. The information that we have developed for the breeders program is based on over 10 years of experience with hundreds of working (and failed) Therapy Dogs.
We have developed a 3-module short course that is assessed by quizzes to ensure that breeders have received the information provided.
Successful breeders will receive a certificate of completion as well as Therapy Dogs Australia Educated Breeders badges to identify their accomplishment on their websites & socials.
What is included
Industry information
Correct terminology is addressed to assist breeders and their customers to be on the same page when they are talking about Therapy Dogs. Clear information about the variety of working dog roles which could influence allocation to homes.
Ethical Breeding Standards
Current industry expectations, including ENS (or similar) puppy raising programs, and registration with regulatory bodies.
Guardian Dog Programs
The considerations required for putting dogs on guardian contracts in to Therapy Dog homes.
Puppy Temperament Evaluation
Traits that we are looking for Therapy Dogs based on the roles that their new owner would like them to work in.
Ethical Advertising
Ensuring that breeders are aware of communication when selling puppies that have been identified as having Therapy Dog potential. We do not endorse selling 'Therapy Dog Puppies'.
Affiliate Program
Breeders who have successfully completed our training are invited to join our affiliate program, where their puppy buyers will receive a discounted rate to our puppy school.
Therapy Dog Raising
Breeders are provided with information about how to prepare a young puppy for Therapy Dog work - as well as information about how Therapy Dogs Australia recommends our students raise their dogs to unlock the maximum potential possible.
Realistic Expectations
Management of breeder and puppy owner expectations regarding raising Therapy Dogs - not all dogs & handlers will be suitable for a professional Therapy Dog role.