your definition of a meet and greet.

[rsaarinen]

So i've been reading out all of this meet and greet stuff, however haven't really read if there is a way to go about it. I am leaning towards making Chopper into a therapy dog and wanted to know how I should start have him meeting people.

As of now I am taking him as many places as I can. It's been limited do to the rain and I own a truck with no canopy but I hope to fix that soon. This afternoon I plan on taking him into the local bookstore for a walk.

So whats you def of a good meet and greet?

[dogsbydoug]

First, how old is Chopper? How much training have you done? Does Chopper ride inside the truck, or in the bed?

Regarding meet and greet, make it ALL positive happy experiences, do not coddle the dog if he is unsure or nervous of something that is not a threat - point at the object, laugh, smile, talk to the object, encourage investigation of the object and praise when the dog sniffs it...and then walk away. Don't force introductions, let the dog check out new stuff at his own pace.

Do a search thru your obedience class facility or ask your trainer regarding therpay dog certification. You can also contact TDI or Delta Society directly ('google' the names "Therapy Dogs International" or "Delta Society" and you should be able to get the websites for either organization).

Oh, one more thing, might want to reconsider the dogs name...or give him a nickname...don't know how many folks would be happy to meet a dog named Chopper, even if the most well behaved dog in the world... .

[SonnyRott]

The name Chopper doesn't ring any alarm bells for me....

The name CHOMPER however, might.

[ElsasFamily]

Not to change the subject but...Good Grief. Chopper isn't a threatening name. It makes me think of MASH the TV show. It's not like he named him Hell Boy, or Killer. I like the name.

Anyway, if memory serves Chopper is a few months old now. I think now is a great time to get him out an about. Most people love puppies, and he'll enjoy all the new attention. Like dogsbydoug recommended, if he comes upon something scary don't baby him.

Have you started formal obedience training yet? That is always a good place to start.

Good luck
~Kim

[rsaarinen]

Thanks for the Replies. I haven't had the chance to get him into formal OB training as of yet. I was on a waiting list at a place called Puppy Manners but wasn't lucky to get threw. I was going to enroll him into the canine academy right by my house but when I told them what type of dog I have one lady said " we call them rotton rotts", so I left... He is going on 17 weeks!

In the meantime he has been going to "get along little pupppies". It's basically a class for socialization where he gets to romp around with other dogs. His first time was on last Saturday and he was one of the most behaved dogs there. Let's just say I find it funny when the labs are being placed in time outs and Chopper is playing and getting loved by the other people. I will continue this untill early March when I can get him into the class.

As far as yesterday goes he did well. All of a sudden he wanted to pull on his leash and was all worked up, but I took it as he was excited with his new experiance. We went into the book store and a couple other local shops. I did my best to keep him by my side and had him sit when I stopped. He only had about 4 people ask to pet him and I said yes to all. He loved it and was all worked up to be pet.

One event I was kinda sad about is when a kid probably 12 asked what type of dog he was. When I said he was a rott he said " oh there mean and bite alot". I explained to him that chopper was a doll and he could pet him if he wanted. Let's just say he wasn't liking Chopper giving him a lick on the hand so I moved on. But his mom corrected him saying there nice dogs and actrually came over and loved on him for a while ) he loves his belly rubs). Oh and he rides in the bed of the truck, I can't see myself having Chopper running around in my cab scratching the interior and messing up a 20,000.00 truck!

As for him name Chopper doesn't come across mean at all, actually I have got alot of compliments on his name by strangers. Plus I don't like the idea of strangers calling him by a name he isn't aware of.

[rottielover2004]

Oh and he rides in the bed of the truck" Not safe at all, It is illegal in canada to do this, isn't it in the states too?

[Mavides]

Originally Posted by rsaarinen

Oh and he rides in the bed of the truck, I can't see myself having Chopper running around in my cab scratching the interior and messing up a 20,000.00 truck!

Glad to hear your bookstore visit went well! Keep up the positive socialization and he should do fine.

On another note - if he rides loose in the bed of your truck, you might not have to worry about training him, as he probably won't be with you for long. All it takes is a tiny little fender bender and you will have an injured, if not dead dog. PLEASE, either crate him securely in the bed of the truck or allow him to ride in the cab. Legend has ALWAYS rode in the cab of my truck (even when it was BRAND new) and he doesn't cause any damage. I would NEVER allow him to ride loose in the bed of the truck - nor would I sell a puppy or adopt a rescue to someone that did. Please reconsider and if he doesn't ride well inside yet, train him to.

[rsaarinen]

Originally Posted by Mavides

Glad to hear your bookstore visit went well! Keep up the positive socialization and he should do fine.

On another note - if he rides loose in the bed of your truck, you might not have to worry about training him, as he probably won't be with you for long. All it takes is a tiny little fender bender and you will have an injured, if not dead dog. PLEASE, either crate him securely in the bed of the truck or allow him to ride in the cab. Legend has ALWAYS rode in the cab of my truck (even when it was BRAND new) and he doesn't cause any damage. I would NEVER allow him to ride loose in the bed of the truck - nor would I sell a puppy or adopt a rescue to someone that did. Please reconsider and if he doesn't ride well inside yet, train him to.

Chopper doesn't ride lose in the bed of my truck. I have him tied in up against the cab where he can stand, lay down, and turn around and that's all. I know that a little accident could do damage to him, however if he was in the cab it wouldn't be any better sense I don't have a harness to secure him in and well I just don't see it as an option for me. I have plans on placing his a crate in the bed and tying it down, just have to wait untill I can afford it.

his car trip into town is less than 5 minutes so it's not like he's in the back forever, but I know something could still happen. I would like to get a canopy and when he gets older let him be in the back. I guess I don't see it any different than those who have there dogs in the back of there SUV's caged in. Yeah it's a smaller space, but is it really that different! All my dogs growing up were riding in the bed of my parents truck so i'm just used to it!

[RottsNScotts]

YES it is REALLY that different! The crates keep the dog from becoming a flying missile in the case of a collision or panic stop. I have an acquaintance - not quite a friend! - who was seriously injured and her dog killed when she was involved in an accident - car pulled in front of her - and her dog went through the windshield. Another acquaintance had the same set up as you describe with her Golden Retriever and it ended up dying when she didn't notice when it jumped/fell out and she dragged it.

Sorry to be graphic but those are only 2 examples. A crate also gives you a chance that the dog will not be running panicked and loose in the case of an accident.

[rsaarinen]

I can understand exactly what you are saying. As stated above I plan on getting a crate for him as soon as I can afford another one. the one I use rtight now is getting too small for him and isn't covered. I was saying it's not much different to be tied down ( where he can't jump) against the cab then in the back seat of an SUV.

Don't get me wrong I agree with what most of you are saying. I"m just letting you know where I stand right now!

[Tysonko1]

It might just be me but putting a dog in the bed of a truck ( I own a $40,000 Dodge ram extended cab, leather) would be comparable to putting a child in the back of a truck. I love my dog too much to take the chance of anything happening to him. I have never had an accident however a lot of the morons on the street can cause you to have one at anytime.

Put a blanket down in the truck. You can cover the doors and bring someone with you when you go for rides.

I would rather have a sad dog at home when you run an errand than a dead one or even a damaged hip from a slip.

Good luck

[rsaarinen]

Originally Posted by Tysonko1

It might just be me but putting a dog in the bed of a truck ( I own a $40,000 Dodge ram extended cab, leather) would be comparable to putting a child in the back of a truck. I love my dog too much to take the chance of anything happening to him. I have never had an accident however a lot of the morons on the street can cause you to have one at anytime.

Put a blanket down in the truck. You can cover the doors and bring someone with you when you go for rides.

I would rather have a sad dog at home when you run an errand than a dead one or even a damaged hip from a slip.

Good luck

There is a hige difference between a Dodge Ram and my Toyaota Tacoma. Yeah if I had the extra room I would have no problem at ALL! however he can't fit in the back xtended cab for it's awkward for him and he can't sit or lay down. Yeah there is the front seat, but he won't stay there and he likes to jump on the dash and center consol. I have tried covering it but he's also a distraction while driving sense he's moving around ect.

I can understand where you guys are coming from. And I must admit I agree with alot of it. However if we talked about how to raise children i'm sure alot of us would see certian things different. I will have a plastic crate for him to ride in next week. I don't plan on taking him into town for a couplr days so it's ok everybody!

[Miabella]

Originally Posted by rsaarinen

I was saying it's not much different to be tied down ( where he can't jump) against the cab then in the back seat of an SUV.

I'm sorry, but you are nuts if you really believe this.

And just because your parents did something and you are used to it does not make it a good reason for you to do it. Back when I was a kid, parents thought it was OK to let toddlers sit in the front seat of a car without a seatbelt. My parents did it, so it must be OK, right?

Until you can provide your dog with safe transportation, i.e. a secure Vari Kennel crate in the bed or a seatbelt harness in the interior of the truck, leave him at home. This is really something you should have considered before you acquired a puppy!

[gnwhite]

rsaarinen, glad to hear that chopper is doing well. your doing a great job with him. you should be proud of your progress with him.


but i have to agree with the others, it is very dangerous, as you have stated youself. we have a very expensive truck too, but we always let our guys ride up front with us. starting them out as a puppy, never had a problem with any damage to our truck. of course its your choice, but with all the mental stimulation they get, from the ride there to busy looking around to get into trouble.


the cutest thing thou, when we take them for a ride, like to the corner store which is a great place to start. because your not in there a long time. we look outside while standing in line, and one is in the drivers seat and the other is in the passenger seat. they are just sitting there, waiting for us to come out and go. like were the kids and there the parents. when we do come out of the store they get in the back seat. it's too funny. will have to get some pics.


we do like the name chopper too! again its your choice on the cab issue. but you'll be surprise on how well they can do if given a chance. i would rather leave my guys at home vs putting in back of truck and tieing him there. take care, would love to see some pics of chopper.


norma

[rsaarinen]

Originally Posted by Miabella

I'm sorry, but you are nuts if you really believe this.

And just because your parents did something and you are used to it does not make it a good reason for you to do it. Back when I was a kid, parents thought it was OK to let toddlers sit in the front seat of a car without a seatbelt. My parents did it, so it must be OK, right?

Until you can provide your dog with safe transportation, i.e. a secure Vari Kennel crate in the bed or a seatbelt harness in the interior of the truck, leave him at home. This is really something you should have considered before you acquired a puppy!

Well first off I don't think i'm crazy! If I were crazy I would let him off leash in the back with the tailgate down with a toy hangin off the back. Oh wait maybe that's wreckless

As I have stated in the last post I will be getting him his crate early next week. I will have it secured in the back of the truck and at that point and you all can take a big breath. Also to awnser the post about I think of my dog as my kid, so do I. Hell I used to ride in the back of a truck and even today have taken people in the back of my truck while camping ect. I guess I don't sit down and calcualte the risk before hand. But then again I probably wouldn't be racing motorcycles, scubadiving, or anything else if I did. I don't find life fun if I'm always thinking of "what if".

On the other hand I realize it is my job to protect my dog or child as they can't do it for themselfs. That's why I understand where you guys are coming from and will have it resolved soon.