Training for Theraphy Dogs

[GoldenBoyz]

Hello Everyone:
I am new to this forum. I am the proud owner of two Golden Retrievers. Rusty is 1 1 /2 years old and Rex his brother is 9 months old. My ultimate goal with the pups is to have them become therapy dogs for which we would volunteer at senior centers and convalescent homes and childrens hospitals.
I was just wondering if there is anyone out there who is completing such training with their dogs, or has completed or who also is looking into this.

Thanks. Look forward to hearing from you and joining in on our discussions. This looks like a great community!
Sue

 

[sourjayne]

I know there is a book on therapy training, I have it on hold at the library. Maybe do a search online or through your local library to see if you can check it out!

 

[cowgurl6254]

I'm doing the same thing with my sheltie. Therapy dogs international has a great website on this.

 

[Lizmo]

I am training a toy poodle pup that is going to be a therapy dog (probably)!!!

And I was looking at http://http://www.tdi-dog.org/whatdo.html this site for Charlie and it looks really good!!!

Good Luck!!

 

[IliamnasQuest]

I just finished a class and testing with one of my chows, Khana, through the Delta Society pet therapy program.

You can check out their website at http://www.deltasociety.org. I really like this group because the testing is more extensive and aimed more at making sure your dog can handle potential problems than most of the other places (like TDI, which is really basic). The dogs being tested had to not only pass some basic obedience exercises, but they had to show a solid temperament when faced with people arguing, gesturing wildly with their arms, petting them roughly, hugging them suddenly into a tight hug, bumping into them, and several people crowding around to pet the dog all at the same time. The scenarios are set up to imitate what could really happen in a nursing home, hospital, etc.

The dogs need to have some obedience training (walking on a loose leash, doing a sit, down and come on command, and a short stay) as well as learning to be calm around hospital equipment and the scenarios I mentioned above.

Therapy work (or pet visitation work, which is more what we're actually doing with our dogs) can be very rewarding but it is also a commitment you make with your dog. I'd encourage anyone who thinks they have a dog that is gentle and of a sound temperament to look into doing some of this, if they feel they can make the commitment.

By the way, Khana passed all the tests with no problems.

Melanie and the gang in Alaska

 

[DanL]

My last trainer is involved with Delta too. She said its very difficult to pass their higher level tests.

We did one of her classes that was at a home for chronically ill people. They loved Gunnar (the class was in their activity room and in the lobby). I didn't realize that the biggest part of doing TDI was the people wanting to talk to you. Not just see the dogs, but have some human companionship. It was very depressing for me, especially some of the real nice older people who didn't have long to live. I don't think Gunnar liked it much either- too much time sitting around and stuff. Maybe my vibe influenced him too, but we enjoy more active activities like agility.

 

[GoldenBoyz]

By the way, Khana passed all the tests with no problems.

Melanie and the gang in Alaska[/QUOTE]

Congrats on Khana passing! I look forward to hearing more about your progress with the pet visiting. Also thank you for the excellent advice on where I and my pups should begin.

 

[GoldenBoyz]

. It was very depressing for me, especially some of the real nice older people who didn't have long to live. I don't think Gunnar liked it much either- too much time sitting around and stuff. Maybe my vibe influenced him too, but we enjoy more active activities like agility.[/QUOTE]

My husband was just telling me this weekend that he is not sure if I would be able to handle the convalescent homes for the reasons you mentioned. And I absolutely think that the pups can sense how we feel in situations.

 

[GoldenBoyz]

I am training a toy poodle pup that is going to be a therapy dog (probably)!!!

Good luck and please let me know how it is going.

 

[GoldenBoyz]

I'm doing the same thing with my sheltie. Therapy dogs international has a great website on this.

Good luck with your sheltie. Please let me know how it is going.

Yes I have checked out their website also. Thanks. Sue

 

[GoldenBoyz]

I know there is a book on therapy training, I have it on hold at the library. Maybe do a search online or through your local library to see if you can check it out!

I did a search of Amazon.com and did find a few excellent books that I will order. Thanks.

 

[uhmanda00]

I have 2 golden retrievers also. This summer, I took Lucy to classes, and we passed both CGC and TDI. I mailed the paperwork a little over 5 weeks ago, and it said it will take 6-8 weeks... I'm still waiting for it to arrive. I'm already apart of a therapy dog group in my area. I went on a visit with them just to see what it was like... we went to an assisted living facility. I loved it, and I'm looking forward to taking Lucy. Yes, there is always the "sad side" about older people, but just think positive... they're happy that you're there, and you become overwhelmed with smiles. At the end, they thanked us so much for coming... I felt very happy to have helped them.

If you have any questions about getting started let me know.

 

[aivzdog]

Hey,
My bichon frise / cocker spaniel mix Princess just got certified to be a therapy dog a month ago. She loves people and is very sweet. In the test I had to do for her she must walk well on your side, sit, stay, come, leave it, be nice with other dogs, and other things.

Here is a wonderful website: http://www.tdi-dog.org/

That is the website I went to find out what she needed to do and gives alot of info about therapy dogs.


Anna

 

[kidsanddogs]

I have done therapy dog work for 17 years. It's very rewarding, but not for everyone. There are many different venues, so explore them before you choose a place to land - everything from libraries to hospitals and hospice. Best thing you can do is socialize your dog as much as possible. My site below has lots of information to help beginners in therapy work. There are also some great email lists on Yahoo! with people of all skill levels doing therapy. The links are on my site as well.

 

[bubbatd]

I started back in the 60s and never regretted a minute , though it can be very emotional for both dog and owner. If they seem depressed after a certain visit , make sure to have an " up " experience afterwards.

 

[GoldenBoyz]

I have 2 golden retrievers also. This summer, I took Lucy to classes, and we passed both CGC and TDI. I mailed the


Congrats on you and Lucy passing all the tests! That is awesome that you have a group in your area. I do not. I think it must be such a rewarding feeling for both the pup and yourself to know you put a smile on someone face. Let me know how you make out when you take Lucy for her first visit!

 

[GoldenBoyz]

Hey,
My bichon frise / cocker spaniel mix Princess just got certified to be a therapy dog a month ago.
Here is a wonderful website: http://www.tdi-dog.org/


Anna: Congrats on you and Princess being certified. Thank you for the Link to the above web site. You are right it has tons of info!

 

[GoldenBoyz]

I have done therapy dog work for 17 years. It's very rewarding, but not for everyone. There are many different venues, so explore them before you choose a place to land - everything from libraries to hospitals and hospice. Best thing you can do is socialize your dog as much as possible. My site below has lots of information to help beginners in therapy work. There are also some great email lists on Yahoo! with people of all skill levels doing therapy. The links are on my site as well.

Dear Jan:

Thank you so much for the links to your sites. They are wonderful with so much valuable information. I never even thought about the schools until I saw it there.

 

[GoldenBoyz]

I started back in the 60s and never regretted a minute , though it can be very emotional for both dog and owner. If they seem depressed after a certain visit , make sure to have an " up " experience afterwards.

Wow you have been doing this wonderful program for a long time! I think this type of volunteering has increased over time. As more and more people, care givers are noticing how much enjoyment and uplifting this is to the people that you visit.

 

[uhmanda00]

Congrats on you and Lucy passing all the tests! That is awesome that you have a group in your area. I do not. I think it must be such a rewarding feeling for both the pup and yourself to know you put a smile on someone face. Let me know how you make out when you take Lucy for her first visit!

THANK YOU! I will let you know!