Pet Therapy

[KattOK]

If this isn't the right forum to be asking this, please feel free to move.

I've been taking Holly to a Good Canine Citizen preparation class. Since there's only about 4 additional items that she would be tested on to be a therapy dog, we've been going through those items too. The test for both will be on November 4.

My question: I've already heard that the person who will be doing the therapy dog testing had her dog mauled by a rottweiler during a test several years back (Shock!!! How did that dog make it through Good Canine Citizen???. What's your opinion, should I try taking Holly through the test hoping that the lady won't hold this against Holly and be more judgemental? Or should I take her someplace else to be tested for Therapy Dog? And if I take her someplace else, how do I find the other sites that are holding tests?

Thanks! :)

[rottmommie]

I would take her someplace else, no use decreasing her chances.....
perhaps it was HER dog that instigated the incident?
Who knows.....i just wouldnt go there!

[2rotties2luv]

Congradulations on wanting to do therapy work with your rottie!

My rotties failed the first time they were tested by a TDI evaluator - she owned boxers and very plainly told me she didn't like rotties - didn't think rotties were friendly enough.

After that I made the aquaintence of a Delta Society evaluator who mentored me through the certification process. She also did not pass my dogs the first time - Sierra had issues with crutches, and Jazz completely blew his recall. However, they both passed with flying colors the next time.

You can find the names of Delta Society and TDI evaluators in your area by checking their websites:

www.deltasociety.org for Delta Society (look under Pet Partners)
www.tdi-dog.org for Therapy Dogs International

Also please check out the following threads under "Working Rotties":

"TDI or Delta" and "Therapy Dog Options"

These discussions contain much information which may be useful to you. Also the two websites mentioned above have lots of helpful information.

Please post or PM me with any additional questions you may have and I'll try to help. Good Luck !!:)

[RottiMomCT]

Ben passed his CGC test when we decided, on a whim, to have him tested at the NERR Spring Stroll this year...I had not prepared him at all. I was not certain he would pass as he's a social butterfly and wans to play with EVERYONE. He passed, and on Sept 22nd, he and I passed our Delta Socity Pet Partners test!

Our Delta Society evaluator had told me of a Rottie that she tested the week prior to our test who tried to bite her during one of the tests!! Ben, of course, during the 'rough handling' part of the test (which is where she almost got bitten) LAID ON THE FLOOR BELLY UP for more attention! Looking at the test scores sheet, she noted that he was the ONLY dog that 'enjoyed' the rough handling/exhuberant petting!!

So, find another evaluator for the CGC test, and you'll be fine. If you current tester has an issue with a certain Rottie, that's fine, but it's not YOUR dog she should fault for it!!

Good Luck!!

[KattOK]

Thanks so much for your help!! :) As you could tell from my first sentence, couldn't figure out which forum to put this in. Will check out the other topics & will also check out the web sites.

I'm sure Holly will pass the CGC test, but we'll wait another time for the TDI test.

Thanks again :)