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National Training &
Certification Program |
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HOPE regions typically schedule training
workshops once per year. We do require that interested people
have experience volunteering in animal-assisted
activities/therapy. Dogs are the only animals we accept for
screening and training. |
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There are four elements to the HOPE
certification training program: |
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Overview of the Certification
Program |
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Information Open House: |
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An Open House gives prospective members
a comprehensive overview of HOPE AACR. Prospective members
have an opportunity to meet HOPE members and their dogs.
We recommend you plan on attending an Open House when
available. |
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Screening
Evaluation: |
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Screening evaluations are designed to help
qualify handlers and dogs for
certification training. A screening consists of an
in-depth interview, interactions with HOPE evaluators, obedience
skills test, crate test, and a role-play scenario designed to test for
crisis response
aptitude. |
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Individuals without
dogs go though a similar screening process and are evaluated on
their leadership skills and aptitude for assisting canine crisis
response teams. |
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Certification
Training Workshop: |
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Our 3- day certification training workshop
consists of comprehensive training for essential skills needed
for animal-assisted crisis response. Some of the topics
taught included: |
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History of HOPE AACR and
animal-assisted crisis response.
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The nature and spectrum of disasters;
HOPE’s roles in responses.
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Learn how to communicate effectively in
crisis situations for the purpose of providing comfort to
affected people.
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Learn about emergency responders; types
of responses; how and when we work with responders.
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Field training in emergency response
environments, personnel, & equipment.
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Experience and learn about various
modes of travel.
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Learn about the effects of stress on
people and what to do.
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Learn how dogs learn, and how they can
be effective partners.
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Learn about canine stress, and what to
do when stress happens.
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Learn and practice canine desensitizing
and counter-conditioning.
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Practice skills by role playing in
simulated crises.
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Continuing
Education: |
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Continuing education for our response teams
is vital for maintaining skills and readiness. We strive to: |
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Reinforce and practice AACR skills to
remain response ready.
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Participate in training exercises and
drills with other agencies.
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Build cohesive response groups.
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Augment skills with relevant
conferences, workshops, and courses.
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Maintain canine skills through
participation in events, drills, and training.
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We encourage members to volunteer with
local emergency response/relief organizations, such as
American Red Cross, CERT (Community Emergency Response
Teams), FEMA, Etc.
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Please see our
Calendar page for information about
when
an open house,
screening, and workshop
may be held in your area. |
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