AUSTINTOWN, Ohio - The P.A.W.S. Therapy Team certified four new area dogs and their six handlers, Sunday. The group joins a team of 40 dogs and handlers completing re-certification.

It turned out to be a pretty tiring day for the dogs, but well worth it after a weekend of tests leading up to the certification.

"Today and yesterday were about going out to places with elevators, and escalators and restaurants," P.A.W.S. handler trainee Erikka Sampson, said. "Things [my dog] could be exposed to as we go out into the community."

Saturday's tests started with bus training at the WRTA Bus Garage, and then a visit to a mock medical facility where the dogs trained around patients and medical equipment. After that, the dogs were off to Frenchy's Irish Pub & Grill, where they practiced manners with food in public places. 

The dogs also headed over to the Eastwood Field, for training on stairs, elevators, and food avoidance. It was followed up with a trip to the Macy's Department Store in Niles, where the dogs and handlers had more training on escalators, but this time, with crowds.

It culminated Sunday at the Weathersfield Fire Department, where the therapy dogs completed a few final tests.

First, they had to complete a mock airport TSA screening.

"These dogs could get called out anywhere. So, they have to know how to go through airport security," P.A.W.S. lead trainer, Gina Johnston, said. "They have to be on their best behavior. I can't have a loose dog, running through the airport."

The canines were then greeted outside by a firetruck to be exposed to first responders in full gear, sirens, lights and loud engines.

"What we were looking for is how they react to loud noises," Johnston said. "A lot of dogs have aversions to men in ball caps, men in uniform or women in uniform."

All four recruits and six handlers passed certification. The new team members are now able to assist in nursing homes, children's services facilities, recovery centers, mental health centers, and more.