Meet Luna:
Our New Therapy Puppy In Training!
We are thrilled to introduce Luna, the youngest addition to the AIM Counseling clinical team! Born on March 22, 2026, Luna is currently in training to become a Certified Therapy Dog.
Luna is highly affectionate and enthusiastically approaches people—especially children—seeking pets, love, and playtime. Because Luna is still a young puppy, she is actively learning basic commands such as "sit" and "stay."
Like any puppy, she has a lot of energy and can sometimes become rambunctious, which may include running, jumping, and playing rough. We are so excited for you to be a part of her journey as she learns and grows into her important role here at the AIM.
Luna’s Training Journey
Luna officially started her formal puppy training on September 23! She is working hard every day to master her manners so she can pass her AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test and, ultimately, earn her official Therapy Dog certification.
Luna's Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Test
The American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen program is the gold standard for behavior, and passing this test will be Luna's first major milestone. To pass, Luna will need to successfully complete a 10-step evaluation that demonstrates her good manners and obedience. Some of the specific skills Luna will be tested on include:
- 🐾 Accepting a friendly stranger and sitting politely for petting.
- 🐾 Walking calmly on a loose leash and navigating through a crowd.
- 🐾 Demonstrating her basic commands (sit, down, and stay in place).
- 🐾 Remaining calm when faced with distractions (like loud noises or sudden movements).
- 🐾 Reacting neutrally to other dogs and being comfortable away from her handler for a short period.
Luna's Path to Becoming a Therapy Dog
While passing the CGC test will prove Luna has great manners, in order for Luna to become a Therapy Dog, she will need to take her training a step further. Luna is being specially trained to provide affection, comfort, and support to you in our clinical setting.
To become certified, Luna will undergo advanced training and temperament testing by a recognized therapy dog organization. She will need to prove that she genuinely enjoys interacting with a wide variety of people and can offer a reliable, calm, and grounding presence to our clients during their sessions.
Interacting with Luna:
Our Puppy Rules
To ensure a safe, productive, and therapeutic environment for both you and Luna, we require all clients to read and sign a brief agreement before interacting with her. To help Luna learn good habits and to keep everyone safe, clients (and their accompanying minors) must adhere to the following rules:
1. Always ask for permission first.
You must ask the therapist prior to interacting with the therapy puppy in any way. For example, please ask, "Can I pet the puppy?" or "Can I throw the toy for the puppy?" before initiating contact.
2. Follow the therapist’s guidance.
If the therapist asks you to pause play, give Luna space, or practice a command with her, please comply immediately.
3. Keep four paws on the floor.
Do not pick Luna up or attempt to carry her. Keeping her on the floor ensures her safety and reinforces good habits.
4. Do not feed her.
Please do not offer Luna any human food, outside treats, or share your snacks with her.
5. Respect her boundaries.
A growing puppy needs lots of sleep! If Luna is sleeping in her crate or resting on her mat, please allow her to rest uninterrupted.
6. Help us with her training.
Because she is still learning, if Luna jumps on you, please turn your back or cross your arms until she sits, as directed by your therapist. This teaches her that polite behavior is how she gets attention!
