FAQs
We have answers to your top questions.
Does my dog need to be a certain age to attend class?
What kind of collar or harness should I use?
What kind of leash should I have?
Can my dog attend class while sick or in heat?
Does everyone pass?
Do I need a recommendation to register?
What if my dog is reactive to other dogs or people?
Does my dog need to have the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) award?
What if there isn’t enough people signed up in my city?
Do you provide a refund if I’m unable to attend class?
Can I withdraw from class?
How soon after class can I begin therapy dog visits?
Do I need to renew my membership every year?
Do I need to re-certify every year?
How do I get my questions answered?
Dogs must be at least one (1) year of age at the time class begins.
Handlers and dogs must use a buckle/snap collar during class consistent with AKC and Therapy Dog requirements.
Dogs must have a 4-6 foot leash on at all times during class.
Sick dogs or female dogs in heat (e.g. kennel cough or other respiratory issues, GI issues, transmittable skin conditions, etc) will not be allowed to attend class.
Not everyone passes GO TEAM class on the first attempt. If either you or your dog are unable to meet GO TEAM standards on the first try, we will give you guidance on additional training for you and your dog to prepare for a retest. We allow you to come to another GO TEAM training without payment of additional fees. We work hard to make our training class both fun and educational for you and your dog. Our training class is challenging and we’ve designed it that way. Even after passing GO TEAM training, everyone is expected to continue their dog’s education, reinforcing and practicing obedience and special commands to maintain the highest Standards.
Yes. You and your dog must be endorsed or recommended by a GO TEAM approved evaluator, or other dog training business cleared by the GO TEAM Executive Director. We do contact all evaluators to verify each handler/dog team recommendation.
Dogs CANNOT be reactive towards other dogs, children or adults.
All handler/dog teams MUST show proof they’ve passed AKC CGC testing prior to attending class. Either a certificate from the AKC or the test that was completed within the last 12 months.
In the event a class is canceled for failure to meet the minimum required enrollments, you will automatically be enrolled into the next scheduled class in your city.
If unable to attend class due to unforeseen circumstances, no refund of fees will be made within 60 days of class start date. Registered handlers who miss a scheduled class for any reason may attend the next offered GO TEAM class at no additional cost.
All withdrawals must be made 60 calendar days prior to the start of class, at which time a
$50 administration fee will be deducted from the registration fee for each registrant.
Varies (1 to 4 weeks). Following training you must complete all required paperwork (veterinarian health certificate, fecal / heartworm test test results within the last 6 months) prior to being issued the following:
– One personalized GO TEAM vest (per dog)
– One GO TEAM Membership Identification (ID) Card (per handler-dog team)
– One Graduation Certificate (per handler)
– One year of Liability Insurance (per handler-dog team)
Failing to provide all required paperwork within a timely manner may delay shipment of required items.
Yes. Each member must renew their GO TEAM membership annually and no later than the expiration date shown on his/her identification (ID) card. Insurance coverage stops for failure to renew on time. Renewal fees are $55 for the first handler plus $15 for each combination of additional handler and/or dog in the same household.
Yes. All members must attend at least one portion of a GO TEAM Training annually to certify you still meet standards. If no training session is available in your area within a given year, contact us to discuss alternative recertification methods.
If you have any questions concerning GO TEAM training requirements, or if you are limited (physically/emotionally) in any way, please contact us PRIOR to signing up for class so we can determine if reasonable accommodations can be made.