Therapy dog?

Mikey

You know what -don`t bless me -I`m biased-tbh I love kids but I just can`t have them! I`m terrified Id forget to feed them or something!

So yeah, I totally love kids thou I`m not able to have any (irresponsible plus sleep disorder lol I know-my friends kids want me to have kids but....)

YOU just knocked my socks off!! That =well anything with kids is up his alley and sounds great. I`ve taken him in to play with our residents because I can-but kids are his passion. We have a kids and cuddles program but perhaps I can combine our kids (my friends offspring) and my dog and come in.

LinLin

What a helpful bunch of responses. Sounds like we're on track starting with the basic training, trying to work up to TDI standards by the time he's ayear. He's only 5 months now so we've loads of time.

The only other question would be, then, suggestions for where to take him for socializing him. I don't know folks who use walkers or wheelchairs... would an old folks' home even consider letting a non-certified dog in the door just so he could get used to the sights and smells and equipment? He's a sponge right now, and this is the time for it.

Oh -- one more thing I've been noticing. When I'm not interacting with my dog, very often he'll just go in his crate and hang out. Not playing with his toys, just hanging waiting for me to do something interesting.
Part of me wonders if he's becoming over-dependent on me. But then I think if he will be a therapy dog, that attention to humans might be a really good trait to foster. Any thoughts on that?

With loads of thanks -- LinLin

kmes

For socialization, just take him anywhere that will expose him to as many different people as possible.
Go to a busy park, sit in front of a store, go into stores that allow leashed dogs.
In the summer one of my favorite places is our local frozen custard shop. Its a great spot because there are always people of all ages, not to mention that the employees often give our dogs tiny little ice cream cones for free.

Roxy was already exposed to an electric wheelchair (my dad has MS) but she was also exposed to walkers, canes, a scooter,and an IV hook (is that what they are called???) during intermediate obedience. Our trainer knew that 4 out of the 7 dogs in class were going to test as therapy dogs, so she used the first few minutes of each class to have us use the "look" or "watch me" command with these new distractions. It was just an exercise to get the dogs focused and to expose them to new things.

You could find out if there are any trainers in the area who would do something like this in a class. You may even find a trainer who offers therapy dog classes. If not you could always go to Good Will or another local thrift shop to see if you could find a cheap walker and wheel chair and work on training by yourself.

shihtzusandwich

Hi there! Both Payslee & Sawyer are certified Therapy dogs. Payslee is much better at it than Sawyer..lol..They got their CGC and TDI certification at the same time and took it as one big test.

Payslee is at a level 3 which means she is trusted to go into hospitals and rehab centers. She helps the patiens with physical therapy. They practice brushing her and putting her leash on and off so that they are required to open/close their hands. She will also be visiting a bone & Joint hospital coming up where patients have just had surgery..Both Sawyer & Payslee go to the assisted living centers, VA hospitals, & Schools. Its such a rewarding experience! Payslee & Saw took their test when they were 11 months old, so we did have to wait to apply for their credentials..Just depends on what organization you are affiliated with, and how strict they are..but I highly encourage you to do it..Our sweet dog babes bring such joy to those folks!! Good luck!