The only university hospital around won't allow pets unless they're already registered therapy dogs. I live very close to a large medical university, and just checked their website.
However, that same hospital does have pet therapy twice daily for registered therapy dogs. *IF* we become registered, I will have to fill out a volunteer application, have a general health screen (I think the dog does too), and a criminal background check. Is this normal? I assume it is, since it is a liability. I believe I will call down there and see if I can come observe a therapy dog team next week.
When you take your dogs places (hardware stores, etc) with you, do you call first to see if dogs are allowed, or just show up and hope for the best? Where else, besides hardware stores, would you go?
I have been going through Clyde's "drills" with him. Yesterday I took him outside on his 30' training lead. I had him in a down/stay whilst I wandered the yard, hid behind trees, tripped over myself and made loud noises. He got up once or twice, but a quick "nuh-uh" stopped him.
We also walked on a heel, down/stay & sit/stay from a distance, come, etc. He did wonderfully, but he always does when it's just me & him. If someone else is watching/observing, forget it.
