A Webinar with Jane Kopelman & Samantha Schmidt
FROM WAG
TO WORK!
Presented by Jane Kopelman & Samantha Schmidt
Therapy Dog Training for Modern Trainers! It's not just fulfilling, it’s a powerful way to grow your business.
This exclusive webinar teaches you how to select, train, and register therapy dogs, giving you a sought-after specialty that sets you apart.
Live Webinar Wednesday
February 11, 2026
(Or Watch the Recordings Anytime After)
4 CEUs CCPDT/IAABC
WHAT'S IT ABOUT?
Enhance your professional toolkit with the knowledge and confidence to prepare therapy dogs and their handlers for success. In this trainer-focused webinar, you’ll learn how to select the right dogs, teach calm and reliable behavior in challenging environments, and navigate registration with leading therapy dog organizations. Leave with a valuable skillset, practical strategies, and proven methods to guide clients toward rewarding, life-changing work.
Understanding the Role of Therapy Dogs
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Definition: What therapy dogs are (and are not)
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Distinction between therapy dogs, service dogs, and emotional support animals
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Real-world impact of therapy dogs in schools, hospitals, elder care, disaster relief, etc.
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Identifying Dogs Suited for Therapy Work
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Temperament traits to look for:
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Calm, stable, non-reactive
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Social, people-oriented, enjoys physical touch
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Adaptability to new environments and unpredictable stimuli
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Red flags:
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Fearfulness, aggression, resource guarding, high prey drive
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Assessment tools and strategies:
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Observing reactions in varied settings
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Structured behavioral evaluations
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Training for Therapy Work
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Foundation obedience skills: sit, stay, recall, loose-leash walking
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Public manners: greeting politely, ignoring distractions, calm in crowds
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Specialized training for therapy settings:
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Tolerance of medical equipment, wheelchairs, loud noises
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Desensitization to sudden movements, unusual smells, or awkward touches
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Building confidence through positive reinforcement and counterconditioning
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Role of handler consistency and ongoing training refreshers
Communicating Unsuitability with Sensitivity:
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Approach the topic with empathy and professionalism.
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Emphasize that therapy work requires specific traits and this isn’t a reflection of the dog’s value or the owner’s dedication.
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Base feedback on observable behaviors, not personal judgments.
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Offer positive next steps, such as obedience titles or volunteer opportunities in calmer environments.
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Keep the focus on the dog’s well-being and maintaining a positive trainer–client relationship.
Registration Process
Overview of major therapy dog organizations (Pet Partners, Alliance of Therapy Dogs, Therapy Dogs International, etc.)
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Eligibility requirements (age, health, vaccinations, training standards)
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Steps to register:
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Veterinary health clearance
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Skills/aptitude evaluation
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Handler training/requirements
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Insurance and liability considerations for registration teams
Case Studies & Success Stories
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Examples of therapy dogs in action
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Trainer insights: what worked, what didn’t
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Q&A about real-life challenges
Practical Next Steps for Trainers
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How trainers can guide clients interested in therapy work
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Developing a therapy dog prep program within a training business
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Networking with local institutions (schools, hospitals, community centers)
Jane
Kopelman
CCPDT-KA
Jane is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and owner of All About Dogs, with decades of experience in training, behavior counseling, and therapy dog work. She’s a Pet Partners evaluator, AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator, and consultant for Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s therapy dog program.
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Jane founded the Animals for Adoption shelter, directs the national Training Wheels® outreach program, and created a program at Green Chimneys pairing shelter dogs with special-needs children.
A former ASPCA behavior staff member, she has served on New York City’s Animal Care and Control board and the Angel on a Leash board, and has appeared on It’s Me or the Dog with Victoria Stilwell.
Samantha
Schmidt
Samantha is a lifelong animal lover who grew up in New York City surrounded by Great Danes, Boxers, and three sisters. At the Convent of the Sacred Heart, she skipped sports in favor of running a high-school dog-walking business, where she learned what worked, what didn’t, and how to truly “read” the dogs in her care.
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At Tulane—where dog walkers were in short supply—she began studying animal behavior and training dogs on the side. She quickly discovered her ability to strengthen communication between dogs and their families and to help owners set realistic expectations. The work was deeply rewarding, and she’s never stopped.
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Samantha has now spent decades training both dogs and people and still loves it as much as she did on day one. She believes every dog, owner, and household is unique, and she rejects any “one size fits all” approach. She is committed to ongoing learning, new science, and evolving methods.
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Most recently, Samantha joined Jane Kopelman to support the Caring Canines Program, where she enjoys the world of therapy dogs, troubleshooting their training needs, and setting dogs up for meaningful, successful work.
SPEAKERS
Q & A
What time does the webinar start?
The webinar is approximately 4 hours long, with a 30 minute break in-between.
Local start times: 10 AM Pacific / 11 AM Mountain / 12 PM Central / 1 PM Eastern.
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Can I watch the recordings afterwards?
Yes! All sessions are recorded and available for 1 full year, whether you attend live or not. Watch it anytime, anywhere & as often as your like and still earn CEUs.
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Are CEUs available?
Absolutely, 4 CEUs for CCPDT & IAABC, whether you join live, in person, or watch the recordings.​
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What is the cancellation policy?
Cancel anytime prior to the live event for a full refund!
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How will I know where and when to log in for the livestream?
We’ll be using Zoom. You’ll get login instructions by email one week before the event, plus you'll get a reminder the day before the live webinar. Check your spam/junk folder if you don’t see it.
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How can I access the recordings?
Recordings will be available within 48 hours. We’ll email you the link and password separately once the recording is available.
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