Therapy Dogs

Presented by Rehab Connections   Reviews

Description

This unique, interactive one-day course will enlighten you on the various uses of Therapy Dogs in multiple settings. Learn benefits of involving Therapy Dogs in physical and occupational therapy, and have some doggone fun at the same time!

This course will combine lecture, demonstration and active participation to allow course attendees to handle Therapy Dogs and incorporate them into their treatment techniques. Learn the differences between Therapy Dogs and other service dogs, where and how Therapy Dogs are commonly used, examples of training Therapy Dogs for patient interaction, and much more!

Instruction level: Basic
CE contact hours 8.0 (IL) *** Duration: 7.0 hours
Intended audience: PTs, PTAs, OTs, OTAs, ATs, LMTs, SLPs, CTRSs

Topics

• Benefits and opportunities of Therapy Dog involvement in rehabilitation
• Choosing the most appropriate population and/or setting for a Therapy Dog
• On-site versus visiting services
• Characteristics of Therapy Dogs: personality, demeanor, obedience, maturity, tolerance, and temperament
• Therapeutic applications: assistance, resistance, balance, cognition, posture, responsiveness, distraction, reading, AROM, breath control, etc.
• Goal setting for Therapy Dog interventions
• Training and maintaining a Therapy Dog: obedience, balancing calmness and friendliness, exposure to different situations, and grooming and immunization requirements
• Testing, registration, certifications and other qualifications

IMPORTANT! 2-3 days prior to the CE event, you will receive your CE materials and Zoom registration link by email. This gives you the opportunity to preview, download or print, save, and refer back to the information at any time. If you do not receive your CE material please contact us before the day of the course or workshop.

Presenters

Sheryl Poremba, PT, CCM

Full Bio

Cruise, Quest, and Trek

Cruise, Quest, and Trek are involved in therapy sessions in many ways. They can provide assistance or resistance for strengthening and balance training. They participate in therapeutic activities that help posture, endurance, and breathing. They often teach US what they can do in physical therapy!

Cruise, Quest, and Trek are learning to work with patients of all ages. They can help patients with pain, weakness, high blood pressure, balance problems, decreased attention span, difficulty walking, and other problems. Many patients and their family members tell us it helps them just to visit the Therapy Dogs. Cruise, Quest, and Trek joined our team at Rehab Connections physical therapy as young puppies.

They work at our Homer Glen clinic 3 days a week. Now 12 years old, Cruise is our pro with the laser beam, retrieving a tennis ball, holding an exercise band, and offering a helpful paw. At 7 years old, Quest’s special talents include happily greeting patients. Trek is 6 years old and helps with balance activities and floor exercises.

Location

Location

Rehab Connections
Physical Therapy
and
Education and Training Center
14901 S. Founders Crossing, Homer Glen, IL 60491
Phone: (708) 301-9933

Registration: 8:00 am - 8:30 am
Course: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

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Click on date to register.

This course is 8.0 CE contact hours (IL). We will have a 1/2 hour lunch and limited breaks.
We recommend that you bring a lunch -- a small refrigerator and microwave will be available at the Education and Training Center in Homer Glen!

Tuition: $216 per attendee

Seating is limited. Please register early!

Rehab Connections reserves the right to modify the content and the scheduled speakers when circumstances are beyond our control.

Rehab Connections is an approved continuing education sponsor through the State of Illinois; PT License No: 216-000101

Cancellations:
Registration fee, less a $50 administration fee per session, is refunded if notice of cancellation is received more than 10 days in advance of the CE event. Cancellations made less than 10 days in advance of the CE event date forfeit the entire tuition fee. Tuition can be transferred to another individual or another CE event, one time only. No transfer, refund or credit will be given for cancellation 3 days or less before the CE event, or when handouts or other CE event materials are available electronically, including but not limited to emailed or downloadable pdf documents.
All unapplied transfers and credits will expire September 26, 2026.

Rehab Connections reserves the right to cancel the CE event up to one week prior to the CE event. Rehab Connections will not be responsible for any charges incurred by the registrant due to the cancellation of the CE event, other than the CE event tuition.

© 2025 Rehab Connections

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