Attend an NCTD Open Floor

Improve Your Team's Visiting Skills!

What is an NCTD Open Floor?

NCTD Open Floors are hands-on, interactive training sessions for new (and experienced) volunteers to learn new skills and brush up on already learned skills. During the Open Floor, you will:

Review core AAA/AAT concepts on how to visit safely and effectively.
Identify the situations and facilities you and your partner will find the most suitable and comfortable.
Share lessons learned.
Role play.
Be exposed to common visit scenarios.
Be able to expose your teammate to common medical equipment.
Meet other NCTD teams.
Meet NCTD Board Members and Facility Coordinators.
Learn more about NCTD.
Practice your skills and teamwork.
Play games.
Win prizes.
HAVE FUN!

Occasionally our training director will bring in outside speakers for specific topics or training. Watch the website, calendar, email, and/or newsletters for dates and pertinent information.

When and Where are Open Floors Held?

They are usually held quarterly at the The Coventry School, Columbia, MD, or the Activity Center at Bohrer Park, Gaithersburg, MD. The sessions are usually Saturday mornings from 9:30am - 1:00pm for new teams and 10:15am - 1:00pm for experienced teams. Please check the NCTD Calendar for the date of the next session.

Who Should Attend an Open Floor?

New volunteers should plan to attend an Open Floor prior to their first visit. (New volunteers are expected to attend an open floor within the first six months after receiving their Delta acceptance letter. If you are unable to attend an upcoming open floor, please let us know so we can make suitable arrangements.) We will send you an NCTD photo ID tag which sports the NCTD logo and contact information as well as the words, "Therapy Dog, Please Touch" after completion of your first open floor.

NCTD requires that all active teams attend at least one Open Floor per calendar year to continue visiting at NCTD facilities. Current volunteers will receive a renewal sticker for their "Please Touch" tag for attending. Volunteers are encouraged to attend as many sessions as possible.

What to Bring

You and your partner's NCTD uniforms. (NCTD gear is available for sale at most NCTD events.)
Comfortable shoes.
A mat or blanket for your partner to lay on.
A crate or ex-pen to safely restrain your partner if they need a break.
Water and dish.
Delta Society approved equipment (leads/collars).
Training treats are permitted.
A chew treat if you need to occupy your teammate during lecture.

Ground Rules

Open floors are open by invitation to any active volunteer with at least one year of experience who is working with a young animal that has not been tested.
Open floors are also open by invitation to any animal that has tried and not passed the Pet Partner screening for reasons other than aggression.
All animals not on a break are to remain in the training room.
The person who will work the animal must accompany it to the open floor.
Only Delta Society approved equipment is to be used during the training session.
If your animal is in season, on antibiotics, or otherwise is not at its best, come another day.
The open floor is accessible for those who have disabilities-please advise the training director if you have special needs.
There will be a designated relief area outside. Please clean up after your partner.
Feed your partner on a schedule that will ensure his/her comfort during the training session.

Pictures From NCTD Open Floors

Dealing with Clients	Practicing Bed Visit Techniques	Showing off some Tricks
Practicing Heeling	Group Photo	Practicing Wheelchair Etiquette
Game of Musical Chairs	Relay Races	The "Target" Game

If you have any questions, contact Michelle Cohen, NCTD's Director of Training.