*** Attention Cecil County Residents!  PAWS is looking to continue to expand in Cecil County. We have been adding new places to visit and scheduling several Community Destress Events in Cecil County. PAWS needs volunteers with their own gentle, affectionate pets to help us spread hope and healing throughout our community. Our greatest need is for Cecil County volunteers with weekday availability. If you have been on the fence about becoming a PAWS for People pet therapy team with your pet (dog, cat or bunny), please consider applying and signing up for training.  Thank you!!!  

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Are you and your pet ready to become a therapy team with PAWS for People?

Review the questions below:
Does your pet reliably and consistently SIT?
Does your pet reliably and consistently DOWN?
Does your pet reliably and consistently STAY?
Does your pet reliably and consistently COME WHEN CALLED?

Does your pet reliably and consistently walk well on a leash? (This implies no pulling, crossing sides, etc.  This also means walking well while using a flat collar – no prong collars, harnesses, etc.  Exceptions will be made for dogs with breathing issues.)

Is your pet responsive to you/his or her name, both in public and at home?

Is your pet comfortable in and around new situations and people?  Have you exposed him/her to a variety of different settings and types of people?

Does your pet react appropriately around other animals? (E.g. no pulling, jumping, aggressiveness, fearfulness, extreme excitability)

Did you answer 'YES' to most of our questions? You are most likely ready to be a therapy team! Click here to complete our Membership Application.

Did you answer 'sometimes' or 'maybe' to some of our questions? Sounds like your pet may need to work on 1-2 behaviors.  Please work on these behaviors at home until you can answer YES, or sign up for a Target Training class to focus on these specific behaviors. Click here for information on our Target Training classes!

Did you answer 'no' or 'not reliable' to many of our questions (e.g. more than five)? Don't worry, you'll be ready soon! In the meantime, please work on these behaviors with a trainer or register for PAWS' What Every Therapy Dog Needs to Learn class.