Therapy Dog

[Kirstan]

I was wondering how u go about getting a dog certified as a therapy dog and if they had to have a training above and beyond. Harley is 6 1/2 weeks old. I have started teaching him Sit, lie Down, and come. He is doing very well. I just got my Lic. as a nursing ass. and I would like to involve him with my work. I know that I have to start young, but its something that I am very interested in.

[spoiledbabies3]

Have you checked with the local Delta Society? My trainer works with this group and they are the ones that certify local therapy dogs. In fact, she has mentioned that we might look into this for Deja Vu. I am extremely fortunate because she is so very active with agility, flyball and the Delta Society that we will evaluate Deja to see which area she is best suited. Good luck with your search! My daughter is an OT and works in rehab...if Deja gets certified she will be taking her in to meet with patients. Awesome calling for a rottie and it shows them in such a positive atmosphere!

[Kirstan]

Delta? Is there a website that I could go to so that I could get more imformation. I'm really new to the working dog world, but I'm very interested. Thank u for u imput

[Ayoka]

Delta Society

Another therapy dog organisation is Therapy Dogs International

[spoiledbabies3]

Originally Posted by Ayoka

Delta Society

Another therapy dog organisation is Therapy Dogs International

Ayoka...Thanks...sorry I didn't get back in time.

[2rotties2luv]

You can find out lots of informaiton on therapy dogs at these two organizations:
Delta Society Pet Partners program at Delta Society
Therapy Dogs International at tdi-dogs.org

Both organizations will evaluate the dogs at one year of age. However, I always advise puppy owners to wait until their dog is both physically and mentally mature before being evaluated and beginning therapy work. Remember that the rottie matures slowly and will not be mentally mature until sometime between 2-3 yearl of age (can be longer for a male). Therapy work can be much too stressful for an immature dog and what happens is that the dog will want to avoid it rather than enjoy it.

Until your pup is mature, you can spend the time in obedience training. A well trained dog is a tremendous asset as a therapy dog. Through obedience training you and your dog will become a team which is the best for serious therapy work.

[spoiledbabies3]

Originally Posted by 2rotties2luv

Both organizations will evaluate the dogs at one year of age. However, I always advise puppy owners to wait until their dog is both physically and mentally mature before being evaluated and beginning therapy work. Remember that the rottie matures slowly and will not be mentally mature until sometime between 2-3 yearl of age (can be longer for a male). Therapy work can be much too stressful for an immature dog and what happens is that the dog will want to avoid it rather than enjoy it.

This is exactly the advice my trainer offered. During the interim, we have Deja enrolled in a multitude of classes to help her, including, puppy kinder, 2 levels of obedience and CGC. We are also getting in contact with someone to have her temperment tested as we want all of our ducks in a row before making a determination. Good luck on your pup!

[Kirstan]

CGC? Well atleast I know I have plently of time to work with him, by then I will be on my way through Nursing school. He's a very cofident outgoing puppy I know that he'll do well, I just want to make sure that I take the right steps. I've talked to alot of people about Rotties (non rottie luvers) and the views really upset me. I would love to do something possitive for peoples views of my baby. Thanks for ur replys.

[2rotties2luv]

My two rotties that worked as therapy dogs were outstanding dogs and great ambassadors for the breed. Every single time we did a therapy activity, we were "on display". They changed a lot of people's minds by showing them what a real rottie should be. Simply having a well-trained, well-mannered, calm and confident and friendly rottie can do a lot towards changing peoples' minds with regard to the breed.

[GypsysMom]

I dont know much but I know a therapy dog has to have their cgc (canine good citizen) certificate.. and be good natured

[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.

It is not enough for a dog to be friendly and good natured in order to be a therapy dog. A therapy dog must also have a calm and confident manner and must be a dog who is not easily frightened or excitable. The ideal therapy dog is intelligent and can read people well - and is not pushy or a kisser.

As rottie owners we must be aware that our dogs will be held to a higher standard than other therapy dogs - simply because of the awful reputation that has been given to the breed by the media and the ignorant.

Delta Society does not provide certification for their Pet Partners (therapy dogs) - they only register them. However, they do provide liability insurance when the Pet Partner team is registered. This is partly why the evaluation and testing to become a pet partner is so difficult.

[JuneyB]

My boy Duke is a therapy dog working for PALS in Alberta, Canada...which I am told is the largest therapy dog programme in Canada.

We dd have to pass a fairly stiff evaluation process (and Mom needed to get a police security chedk) prior to being allowed to visit seniors; attend special events or visit hospitals.

To date he has been exposed to helicopters landing and taking off; llamas; wheelchairs and crutches; babies to people in their 90's; the Canadian Prime Minister, his 3 bodyguards and a ton of camera people, live music, fire engines, horses, dogs, cats, clowns, doctors and nurses in uniforms....all of which he has taken totally in stride. At the same time he is on a short lead and I am constantly watching him for any body language that might indicate weariness or concern on his part. That is my responsibility as his owner.

But he LOVES it....and it is a little thing I can do to help make others happy. And when that neck banadana gets pulled out of the drawer and the special lead slipped on....he is ready to do his "work". If you are considering therapy work with your dog...I would highly recommend it...a well behaved working therapy rotti does make an awesome impression on those who do not think highly of this breed.

Good luck..keep us posted.

[Kirstan]

I really appriciate the feedback. I really want to do something positive with Harley. He had his first Vet. visit today. He did really well, he wasn't bothered by the other dogs barking. Everyone there loved him. But who doesn't love a puppy, they look like little bears! What characteristics should I be looking for in my puppy. Or can any confident well trained dog become a therapy dog with constant work?

[JuneyB]

I am no expert on getting pups ready for therapy...but in addition to obedience, my recommendation would be to socialize your dog to as many different people; situations; equipment....whatever you can think of...so, in addition to the natural confidence most rottweilers possess, the pup learns to accept most anything as normal and natural. And tho the dogs may still "startle" with any unexpected noise...their recovery is almost immediate and their reactions are not negative.

A large part of what makes good therapy dogs lies in the dogs nature....and characteristics passed on by their breeding or inherent in the type of dog.

For Duke, they tested his reaction to being in small quarters with many dogs and people; being patted by strangers; his responses to children; crutches; cats...how he handled being handled by others; his general excitability.....it was both one on one testing and group testing. And less than 60% of the dogs interviewed passed....and the other breeds ranged from goldens to mutts....large and small. Plus a vet reference was required in addition to proof that his shots were uptodate. Grooming and good health were also expected to be excellent.

[Kirstan]

Well thank you, Harley and I are going to continue our training. I'm sure we will find the right thing for him no matter what it is.