Therapy Dog

[Volunteer]

Originally Posted by 2rotties2luv

Delta Society and Therapy Dogs International do not require prospective therapy dogs to have passed the CGC test. However, part of the evaluation testing for those organizations consists of exercises that are the same as - or very similar to - the exercises for the CGC.

Actually, TDI does require a CGC on dogs before they can be tested. From the TDI website:

What are the requirements for joining TDI?
To belong to Therapy Dogs International, Inc., all dogs must be tested and evaluated by a Certified TDI Evaluator. A dog must be a minimum of one (1) year of age and have a sound temperment. Each dog must pass the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen Test (CGC), and a temperment evaluation for suitability to become a Therapy Dog. The test will also demonstrate the evaluation of the dog's behavior around people with the use of some type of service equipment (wheelchairs, crutches, etc.).

My dog is a registered Therapy Dog with TDI and we work at Newport Hospital and a local nursing home here in Portsmouth, RI. There is a CGC and TDI evaluator who lives here on the island. If you want his contact info, feel free to PM me and I will get you in touch with him.

Deb

[LolaLaRue]

My dog is certified through Delta Soceity, she got tested for her therapy certification and her CGC on the same day, the Therapy test was much more involved, there is a bunch of criteria including basic obedience and how they react to different situations such as loud noises like throwing a jar of coins behind her, and 2 people yelling in loud voices, also things like medical equipment, being brushed, hugged and pet roughly, we were both evaluated, me as the handler and her reaction, there are also different degrees of reaction, like her signs of stress and to what degree she was stressed, there were about 20 categories we had to pass, you can buy the delta soceity pet partners book, read it and then when you are ready be evaluted or you can take a prep class, if you take basic obedience I would reccomend buying the book and when you feel you are ready, after your pup is a year old, find an evaluator in you area, the book describes exactly what you need to know. Good luck it is very rewarding to volunteer

[2rotties2luv]

Originally Posted by Volunteer

Actually, TDI does require a CGC on dogs before they can be tested. Deb

Sorry for the misunderstanding. Both of my therapy dogs had already passed their CGC test BEFORE they were tested by both TDI and Delta Society. Both organizations required complete evaluation at the time of the test, which required them to RETAKE the CGC test (TDI) or take a similar test (Delta Society) EVERY TIME THEY WERE EVALUATED AS THERAPY DOGS. Delta Society requires retesting and evaluation every two years. I don't know about TDI, we never completed their testing program as unfortunately the evaluator didn't like rotties (she said so) and said she didn't think they were a suitable breed for therapy dogs.

Volunteering with a therapy dog has been the most rewarding job I have done in my life. Sierra was a Delta Society Pet Partner from age 5 until she passed away at age 9, and Jazz was a Delta Society Pet Partner from age 4 until he passed away at age 11.
I hope someday to own another dog that qualifies as a Pet Partner so that I can continue with this work.

[spoiledbabies3]

Originally Posted by LolaLaRue

there were about 20 categories we had to pass, you can buy the delta soceity pet partners book, read it and then when you are ready be evaluted or you can take a prep class, if you take basic obedience I would reccomend buying the book and when you feel you are ready, after your pup is a year old, find an evaluator in you area,

Also if you check with your local Delta Society they might offer "training" sessions for the pet partners. My trainer (who is a Delta evaluator) periodically offers a class to those interested in pet partners. She discusses with them the exact testing and allows dogs to attend this particular session to help owners prepare the dogs for the meticulous testing. She also works with the owners on any difficult areas the dogs might be having prior to taking the test. She has actually recommended that I start attending these classes with Deja to acclimate her. We are evaluating Deja to determine whether or not this is the right fit for her. She is so calm and laid back and per my trainer, an excellent candidate. But by no means am I pushing her into it, we will take it a step at a time as I do understand she must be an excellent representative...especially as a rottie. But I'm very fortunate because my trainer loves her...rottie and all....she will also be her evaluator for the CGC and Delta testing. So pretty lucky that Deja is comfortable and familiar with her...for her TT, however, we must travel to Houston.