Delta Training Sessions Info

Orientation meetings are open to everyone and do not require registration. The orientation is a prerequisite to attending the workshops and is part of the Delta-required 12 hours of training. These meetings are held on a scheduled Thursday evening from 7:00 to approximately 8:30 p.m., and are for HANDLERS ONLY, no animals. Workshop sign-up is available and course fees are collected at this time.

Workshops are 2-day training sessions, usually scheduled for Fridays from 9:00-4:00 and the next day, Saturday, from 9:00-2:30 (with an hour for lunch each day). Sessions are for HANDLERS ONLY, no animals. Classes are limited to 8-10 (depending on the season). Sorry, no refunds, but fees can be applied to a future workshop. The cost of the two-day workshop is $225 and includes the evaluation for one animal.
                       
Evaluation (Skills & Aptitude Test) dates are on Saturdays by appointment. The Evaluation is only for those who have previously completed Delta training or for those needing to renew their Delta registration. Both handlers and animals attend the Skills and Aptitude Test.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Basic requirements to qualify for ABC Pet Partners®?
A friendly dog at least one year old who enjoys meeting new people; must accept having ears and tail patted; accept handling of all four feet; no jumping on people; must be comfortable with several people patting at once.

Dogs must understand basic obedience commands and perform them in unfamiliar surroundings: sit; down (lie down); stay; and come. It is essential that your pet enjoy meeting new people. The animal must also be well mannered, of a reliable temperament, and demonstrate a willingness to follow basic obedience training commands. Beyond that, tricks are helpful for engaging the population you want to reach.

Should I bring my dog / cat / rabbit / horse / animal friend to the Orientation?
No. The Orientation is for the handler only, please do not bring any animals to the Orientation.

What kind of training is required for my dog?
Mastery of the basic obedience commands in different environments is essential. The team needs to demonstrate that the dog reliable and under control. During the test he will be observed while walking on a leash and asked to perform sit, down, stay, and come.

Can pets other than dogs become Pet Partners®?
Yes indeed! Any domestic animal can be registered with Delta Society. We have cats, rabbits and a miniature horse as part of our program.

How do I sign up for the orientation?
The orientation is open, no pre-registration or sign up is needed. Just look up the dates on our calendar (above) and mark yours with the session that you would like to attend. Orientation is one and a half hours, and is a prerequisite to attending a workshop.

How do I sign up for the workshops?
You may register for one of the workshops at the orientation. A maximum of ten people may sign up for each workshop, and workshop fees are collected at the time of signup. Workshops are two days, Friday from 9-4 and Saturday from 9-2:30, with an hour break for lunch each day.

What does it cost?
The cost of the two-day workshop is $225. This fee includes Delta educational materials; "Therapy Dogs Today" by Kris Butler; morning coffee, pastries and fruit; a one-year membership to ABC ($35 tax-deductible); the evaluation for one animal; and helps cover the facility overhead.

Who does the training?
The workshop instructor and team evaluators are trained and licensed by Delta Society.

Should I bring my animal?
The Orientation and Workshop are for the handler only and the Orientation is a pre-requisite for the Workshop. The animal is evaluated with the handler at the Skills & Aptitude test.

My dog is really friendly, but he doesn’t know how to stay. What should I do?
We recommend trainers who specialize in positive reinforcement methods of training. If you need some help, sign up for an obedience class or private lesson. The following are some local trainers who can help you train your dog using humane methods:

• Dianne Decker, Waggin Train, 480.510.1148
• Susan Burger, private lessons and classes, locations vary, 602.228.0414
• Shannon Holstein, Kokopelli Dog & Puppy Training, 480.839.3118
• Wendi Faircloth, Free to Run , 602.653.4087
• Carol Mitchell, Sunshine School for Dogs, 602.840.1166

Just a few weeks ago a teenager was shy and scared about reading to her new Pet Partners friend, Diva. Today the girl's skills are improving and, maybe more importantly, her self-confidence has grown. She came to this place with scars on her arms from suicide attempts, now hope shines in her eyes.

Encouraging scenarios like this one are repeated across the valley and throughout the year because the Delta Pet Partners program trains people to take their well-mannered pets to visit hurting and injured people in different health-care facilities.

The ABC Delta Pet Partners program started in 2000 as an effective way to assist people in health care facilities and special needs schools with the therapeutic touch of friendly pets. The more we value the animals in our care, the more we will care for our children, elderly, and infirm.

Using Delta Society’s internationally recognized materials we have trained and registered over 260 Pet Partners teams to provide therapeutic alternatives in hospitals, nursing homes, hospice care facilities, special needs schools, and behavioral health settings. One-hundred Pet Partners teams are currently active in the Phoenix metropolitan area.

Animals Benefit Club Delta Pet Partner Polo Shirts!

Available in different colors and sizes, each shirt is high-quality, premium long-staple cotton, embroidered with ABC's logo and "Delta Pet Partners®." A complete list of colors follows below, long sleeve polos are also available.

Shirts are $35 each. Payment can be made with credit card or check payable to Animals Benefit Club (please mark DPP shirt in memo field on checks). To place an order, email ABC HERE. Please allow up to 12 weeks for delivery, the embroidery facility needs significant lead time and enough orders before going into production. Thanks for your patience.

Women's Polo Shirts
Available in Misses' or Women's fit, XS-XL. Colors subject to availablity.

Men's Polo Shirts
Available in Standard or Tall fit, S-XXL. Colors subject to availablity.