|
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.
|
|
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 |
 |
Cindy Lipton and Trooper, winners of the Delta Society 2006 Beyond Limits® Rookie Team of the Year award.
|
For information on ABC's Delta Pet Partners® or to schedule an orientation, please contact Cindy Lipton, Programs Manager.
ABC Delta Pet Partners®
clipton_abc@att.net
602-971-0839 |
 |
The eager dog races after the ball returning it quickly to the boy for another throw. Sydney, and her owner, Pat Welliever, are making a significant difference in a young life at Childhelp USA. Here kids who have been the victims of violent crimes are treated by many caring individuals. Often the visiting Pet Partner team facilitates a breakthrough in therapy or helps get an interview from a reluctant child. Responding to the little dog’s direct gaze and paw on her knee, a slow smile spreads over the teenager’s face. |
Just a few weeks ago she was shy and scared about reading to Diva and her owner. Now, her skills are improving and, maybe more importantly, her self-confidence has increased and she no longer feels so worthless. She came to this place with scars on her arms from suicide attempts, now hope shines in her eyes.
These encouraging scenarios are repeated across the Valley and throughout the year because we are training and equipping people to take their well-mannered, squeaky clean pets to visit hurting and injured people in different health-care facilities.
The Animals Benefit Club Delta Pet Partners® program started in 2000 as an effective way to help 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. There is a proven connection between animal abuse and child abuse. Using Delta Society’s internationally recognized materials we have trained and certified over 260 Pet Partner teams to provide therapeutic alternatives in hospitals, nursing homes, hospice care facilities, special needs schools and behavioral health settings. One hundred Pet Partner teams are currently active in the Phoenix metropolitan area while others serve in their local Arizona communities. |
|
2008 ABC Delta Pet Partners® Schedule
|
Thursday, 01-17-08
Orientation
(prerequisite for Workshop)
7:00-8:30 PM
PLEASE NOTE: the Orientation and Team Training Course are for the Handler only, NO pets.
Saturday, 01-19-08
Evaluation
By appointment,
half hour slots. To set up an appointment,
please email Cindy Lipton
or call her at 602-971-0839.
Friday, 01-25-08
Workshop (part 1 of 2)
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday, 01-26-08
Workshop (part 2 of 2)
9:00 AM - 2:30 PM | Saturday, 02-23-08
Delta Evaluator Practicum
With Delta Approval only.
|
Thursday, 03-06-08
Orientation
(prerequisite for Workshop)
7:00-8:30 PM
PLEASE NOTE: the Orientation and Team Training Course are for the Handler only, NO pets.
Friday, 03-14-08
Workshop (part 1 of 2)
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday, 03-15-08
Workshop (part 2 of 2)
9:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Saturday, 03-29-08
Evaluation
By appointment,
half hour slots. To set up an appointment,
please email Cindy Lipton
or call her at 602-971-0839. |
|
|
|
TBA |
Thursday, 05-29-08
Orientation
(prerequisite for Workshop)
7:00-8:30 PM
PLEASE NOTE: the Orientation and Team Training Course are for the Handler only, NO pets.
|
Friday, 06-06-08
Workshop (part 1 of 2)
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday, 06-07-08
Workshop (part 2 of 2)
9:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Saturday, 06-21-08
Evaluation
By appointment,
half hour slots. To set up an appointment,
please email Cindy Lipton
or call her at 602-971-0839.
|
TBA |
TBA |
TBA |
|
TBA |
TBA |
TBA |
Additional evaluation dates to be announced.
PLEASE NOTE: the Orientation and Team Training Course are for the Handler only, NO pets.
All sessions are held in the Treva Slote Activity Center at ABC. The Center is located at the far west end of the sanctuary parking lot. ABC is located five blocks north of Bell Road on the west side of 32nd Street, at 3111 E. St. John Road, in northeast Phoenix. We are conveniently located near SR-51 and the 101 Loop.
Orientations are open, no pre-registration is required.
Delta Pet Partners® guidelines require 12 hours of training. While you're at the orientation, you may register to attend one of the workshops. A maximum of ten people may sign up for each workshop. Workshops are two days, Friday from 9-4 and Saturday from 9-2:30, with an hour break for lunch each day. |
|
|
 |
Animals Benefit Club Delta Pet Partner Polo Shirts!
Available in a dozen different colors and a variety of sizes, each shirt is embroidered with ABC's logo and "Delta Pet Partners®." A complete list of colors follows below, long sleeve polos are also available.
ABC is excited to bring you these high quality, embroidered, premium long-staple cotton polos that are stylish, mashine washable, comfortable and best of all, support ABC!
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, please email Cindy Lipton (click HERE) or call her at ABC, Monday through Friday between 9:30 AM and 3:30 PM at (602) 971-0839. Please allow up to 12 weeks for delivery, the emroidery plant 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.
|
|
