Birdie

It's been on my mind for a while, but I have no idea on how to go about it. I think Desmond would make a wonderful therapy dog (once he gets a bit older and mellows out a little) because his personality is so well-suited for it. Thing is, I've only read a small amount about therapy dogs. I know we have a few on this forum, I'd love to hear some of your thoughts on what makes a therapy dog, how one would go about training one, etc. I've never known a therapy dog or anyone who's done anything like it, so I have very little knowledge on the subject.

I have always been especially fascinated with the READ program, and I think it would be something that Desmond could thoroughly enjoy. He has such a laid back, calm, cuddly temperament that I think he would be pretty well suited for this kind of thing with a little more training and age. What do you think? We wouldn't do it for a long time due to my own circumstances, but it's something I'd like to do in the future. What do I need to know/do to take part in it?

As far as training goes: I plan to get him into official obedience classes shortly to prepare for earning his CGC, but he's already very very good at basic obedience. I have no problem bringing him to pet stores or out in public, and he listens to commands in all places. There are a few areas we need to improve on, but he's incredibly smart and learns/improves quickly.

bigpoodleperson

That would be Great! He Must have a Rock Solid heel on a 4' (or less) leash. Sit and down anywhere, anytime. NO jumping! Needs to be friendly but not pushy. No licking. Try and get him around different equipment like crutches or walkers.

Just go through a few obed. classes and practice everywhere! Get him out and about around as many different people and places as you can. Riley is a therapy dog, and he really enjoys it. A local hospital actually has their own therapy program, and they have tried to recruit us a couple times (i would but i have No time right now). Its very rewarding!

wishpoo

Hey Bigpoodle ,

Where did you get your Riley : ))) , if it is not a secret ?

He must be coming from very temperamentally stable lines !

bigpoodleperson

I guess its not really a secret. I got Riley from Rebelstar kennels 7 1/2 years ago.
Rebelstar Summer Sweet Boy CGC TDInc. TDX
He is the most stable dog i have ever met (and unbiasly i work with dogs everyday). He is just the best dog ever. I can do anything to him, take him anywhere, trust him around anything or anyone. Truly a once in a lifetime dog and a gem.

wishpoo

You are definitely lucky to have him : ))) !!!!

It looks like Rebelstar is really good at producing therapy dogs !!!! I know that they donated some to therapy-dog training organizations - and it seems that even "regular" dogs from her litters are very stable and sweet indeed !!!

Good to know : ))) ! Thanks for sharing !!!

Birdie

I didn't know Riley was a therapy dog!! It's good to hear, I think it's such an amazing thing for dogs to be able to have that affect on people. How long has he been doing it/what age did he start?

We definitely need to work on being pushy, but he only does that at home and he's a bit too curious in stores (a little tugging on the leash, but comes back after being told to). He is SO enthusiastic to have people in our house, hugs on them, wags his tail like crazy, and rubs his face on them. It's adorable, but a little embarrassing... he'll sit if I am firm and hang onto him, and then calms down eventually. We still have a lot of work to do in that department but he improves quickly! (we hardly ever have people over to practice lol) He's never that crazy in public though, just at home. A lot of it is puppy energy, he gets excited easily and then wants to play and stuff, even if he gets lots of exercise haha. He's great at settling/laying down while I'm busy in public though, especially pet stores.

Hopefully the obedience classes and further training can help with those problems. Any suggestions on where I could take him for exposure to new things/people? The only thing I can think of are parks and pet stores, Idk if I'm allowed to go to the middle school while the kids are outside, but I could try that too.

bigpoodleperson

I think Riley was 3ish when we got certified. I too would wait until Desmond calms down a little and gets his whits about him.

As for places to go, home depot and lowes allows dogs now. I think that is a great place to start (esp in the winter). Do kids parks in your area allow dogs inside? I know there are plenty of walking/kid playing parks in my area that we frequent. Many kids run up to us when we pass the playground. I would take him to busy parks. Any friends/family members have crutches or walkers?
My dad had a hip replacement before we started so Riley was already exposed to walkers/crutches (but he was steady and didnt blink at them in the house). Just take him to any busy, noisy, frequented places that allow dogs. Any outside music/events in the warm weather. Work on obedience Everywhere you go so he learns to listen in all places.

Another thing i would work on when out and about. Let him be friendly with people, but dont let him greet everyone he wants. We have had people turn us down at nursing homes for a visit, and the dog needs to be ok with that. They are not allowed to go up to someone until the handler says so. Teach him that not Everyone is there to pet Him! Dont get overwhelmed with all the training! After your obedience class/es take a CGC class to see where you guys stand on a basic level with tests/strangers. Read up on the therapy groups tests you have to pass to know what to work on.

Wishpoo, yes Annette does produce some lovely temperament dogs. I was impressed with her girls when we were down there.

Birdie

I didn't know Home Depot allowed dogs inside... I may take him in there, there's one down the street from me that's fairly well frequented. There's lots of stuff there that he's never seen, I'm sure that would be good for him. (with delicious treats of course!! Those big carts and equipment can be scary for a puppy)

Yup, I never let him go up to someone unless they invite him! I've had a nice lady and her kid stand there and compliment how beautiful and sweet he was so I asked "Do you want to pet him? He's very friendly" but for some reason she didn't want to pet him. Maybe her kid was afraid of dogs? I dunno, but that was when I realized that not everyone wants to love on my dog as much as I do. He always wants to go see people when we're out, but leaves them alone (mostly) if I tell him to. This is the behavior that we work on most when we go to the pet store.

The class we're going into is Basic Obedience, but the next class after that is a preparation class for the CGC test, and then... well the test itself!

Thanks for all the great information and suggestions, Bigpoodleperson!!! I REALLY appreciate the info.

Marian

I want to do that with Teddy too, Birdie. He gets really excited to meet people too, but I think he will calm down in a few months. I guess that's why the Delta Society won't test them until they are at least a year old. Puppies will be puppies!

KPoos

I think fur elite has a puppy in therapy training right now. I'd contact her and see how the owners of that puppy got started.