| Damp,
I would say that it certainly qualifies as therapy work. :) You've got the interesting perspective of seeing your dog in both lights, in SchH and in therapy.
Some people think that it is easy for a dog to be a therapy dog. They figure all that is needed is a dog that will run up to everyone in sight, giving kisses. I've even had comments that my dog isn't a "real" Rottweiler because she's a therapy dog.
Therapy dogs may not do bite work and tracking, but they have to be very obedient, under control at all times, and be confident around unfamiliar objects, loud noises, different smells and strange people. Maggie has been run over by a crash cart, has had a patient grab her paw and almost wrench it off, has been screamed and cursed at, been cried on, been stepped on, just to name a few of the things she has encountered when visiting. Through all of this, a therapy dog is expected to remain quiet and calm.
I think Rotts that do therapy work qualify as "real" Rotts, don't you. ;) |