Caring Animal Partners is now an AKC Fit Dog! Club and an AKC Therapy Dog Organization.

Fit Dog! Is a program by AKC for dog owners who walk a specified distance with their dogs.  Click on this Link to website for more information.

Fit Dog! Clubs are local groups which meet and accomplish certain fitness goals together with their dogs.

CAP, as a Fit Dog! Club, will conduct fitness walks and other activities like: a clinic for conditioning/fitness/agility and simple tricks.

Members would have the option of earning a Trick Dog title from AKC for their efforts. Click here for more information about AKC Trick Dog Title program. They have many details about the title levels and what constitutes a trick. For example: a novice trick is as simple as obeying a “sit” hand signal. If you have a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certificate or title on record at AKC then you may count the CGC as 5 of the required tricks for the NOVICE Trick Dog Title.

Building community and connecting with our members can only benefit everyone in CAP. Plus, it is fun to get together, chat, pet dogs and exchange ideas. We will send out an e-mail notice to members when we have walks and classes scheduled.

We have established a Fit Dog CAP Committee. We would love to have people with an interest in teaching their dogs conditioning and learning some simple tricks to join this committee. The clinics would include canine conditioning and incorporate some simple tricks to keep everyone motivated and add that something extra that you could use on your therapy visits. We need your help to decide on a date and location that would accommodate the most participation. The committee would only meet 4 times a year, or as needed, and do most of our communication via e-mail to make it convenient to all. We welcome your input and ideas for walks, clinics and other fun activities for our Caring Animal Partners members.

Contact nhcap@tds.net and you will be referred to Nan Large and Anne Soule the committee organizers.

 Fit Dog! details:

In fitness walks and classes, dogs and owners may participate at their own individual skill level.

Owners keep track of their walks with their dogs and, if they wish, can get a free magnet from AKC.

You can order your free magnet from AKC when you and your dog have met one of these fitness goals:

1. Walked at least 30 minutes 5 times per week for a total of at least 150 minutes per week for at least 3 months. For dogs and people in good shape.
2. Walked at least 15 minutes per session at least 10 times per week (e.g., two 15-min walks per day) for at least 3 months. For dogs or people who would benefit from a walk that is a shorter duration, e.g., senior dogs.

How to Get Your Magnet

1. Complete your walks. Keep a record so you will know when you’ve met your goal. You can either keep your own records or use the form AKC has created for you, which can be located here.
2. Complete the Magnet Order Form. It’s that simple! AKC will send you your magnet.

If you are already taking your dog on regular walks, you may count those. Remember that before starting an exercise program for your dog, it is a good idea to consult with your veterinarian.

 

AKC Therapy Dog Program link to website

If you and your dog(s) are current members of CAP, your dog has a current CGC certification and has passed all our evaluation tests then, congrats!, you have a CAP therapy dog which we absolutely love and are very thankful for you and your dog’s service.

Want to take it one step further?

Therapy Dog is an AKC title program which recognizes the necessary therapy work performed by dogs through accepted organizations based on the number of visits.

CAP is recognized as an accepted Therapy Dog organization by AKC.  We have laid the ground work for you to pursue these titles for your dog.

This means that if you and your dog(s) are current members of CAP, your dog has a current CGC certification and has passed all of our evaluation tests and you wish to add a Therapy Dog title to your dog’s name then you can visit the AKC website to learn more about how to gain this title. There are a lot of details and title levels and personal costs involved. Please visit their website.

CAP members can contact Rowena Wilks to get past visitation hours by contacting nhcap@tds.net for her contact information.

AKC Therapy Dog website link

Here is an excerpt from the AKC website:

To earn an AKC Therapy Dog™ title, you and your dog must:

1. Be certified/registered by an AKC recognized therapy dog organization.
2. Perform the required number of visits for the title for which you are applying.

• • 400 visits to earn the AKC Therapy Dog Distinguished (THDD) title.
  • 200 visits to earn the AKC Therapy Dog Excellent (THDX) title.
  • 100 visits to earn the AKC Therapy Dog Advanced (THDA) title.
  • 50 visits to earn the AKC Therapy Dog (THD) title.
  • 10 visits to earn the AKC Therapy Dog Novice (THDN) title.

In order for dogs to receive a title, owners must have a dog number in our records so the titling information can be recorded. See the types of numbers available and which one best fits your situation.

• AKC Registration Number -This number is provided to a dog owner via a registration certificate received from the previous owner or via a puppy registration paper given to the new owner by the breeder.
• Purebred Alternative Listing Number (PAL) -If a dog is purebred but an AKC Registration Number is not possible owners can apply for PAL number.
• Foundation Stock Service® (FSS) Number -This number is used for breeds whose status is currently in the foundational stage of being recorded into our registry and requires a copy of the dog’s pedigree.
• AKC Canine Partners Number -This number is given to either mixed breed dogs or a purebred.

 

Again, this is something that each individual owner must decide and pay for themselves. CAP has laid the groundwork for owners to work with AKC for these titles.