Classes
Our reputable classes uphold the highest standards in the field, advancing excellence across the nationTherapy Dog Training Class
Rainbow’s Therapy Dog Training Class is intended for dog owners interested in volunteering with their dog at Rainbow Animal Assisted Therapy programs. It is not a basic obedience class, rather, it will help prepare you and your dog to serve others and help our program participants reach their goals. We’ll also introduce the games and activities used in our therapy work. You’ll learn new ways to interact with your favorite canine and you’ll both have some fun along the way.
Please note that completion of this course does not qualify the team (dog and handler) for therapy work. Dogs must be registered with a therapy organization, such as Rainbow, in order to be certified to do visitation and/or animal assisted therapy. Learn more on our Volunteer page.
Class Eligibility
Handlers must be 18 years or older.
Dogs must be 12 months or older with a maximum age of 8 years old, and:
- Have lived with the handler in a permanent home for at least 6 months
- Have mastered basic obedience commands (sit, down, stay, etc.)
- Be able to walk on a loose lead
- Be up-to-date on vaccinations and in healthy condition
Ready to get started? Print and email the completed registration form and proof of rabies vaccination to Donna Head at dlh9127@comcast.net or text a picture at (847) 651-6556.
You can also mail your registration to Rainbow at 6042 W Oakton Street, Morton Grove IL, 60053 (Attn: Therapy Dog Training Class)
It All Starts Here
Enrolling in this class is the first step to becoming a Rainbow therapy team with your dog.
Spring 2026 Class Schedule
Morton Grove
SUNDAYS 10:30- 11:45 AM
March 15, 22, 29 and April 12, 19
THURSDAYS 10:30-11:45 AM
March 19, 26 and April 2, 9, 16
TUESDAYS 6:45 – 8:00 PM
April 28 and May 5, 12, 19, 26
MONDAYS 10:30 – 11:45 AM
May 4, 11, 18 and June 1, 8
Class Capacity
8 dog/handler teams at our Morton Grove location
Fee
$125 for one handler
$175 for two handlers
Registration includes 5 classes
If you submitted your registration form and have been notified of class placement, click below to process your payment.
Dog Apprehension Class
Rainbow’s Dog Apprehension Class is geared toward children who have an excessive fear of dogs. The class allows participants to develop skills and confidence in safe interactions with dogs and to learn techniques that enable children to overcome their fears and control the situation.
The purpose of this class is to create an environment where children feel acknowledged and supported so they can develop tools to feel safe in the presence of dogs. This is accomplished by:
- Helping children articulate fears
- Tailoring the therapy to the needs of each child
- Giving opportunity to interact (or not) with a dog
- Teaching children ways to control their fear
Overcoming a fear of dogs is a long learning process which varies in length from participant to participant. Goals often include dealing with the fear of dogs and controlling that fear, not necessarily changing attitudes to liking dogs.
Class Eligibility
This class is designed for children ages 4-13.