therapy dog questions

[lilybug]

I am not able to do agility with Allie because she has a bad hip. However, I am thinking about doing therapy so she stays active. Does anyone know where I can get info on requirements? I would appreciate any info. Thanks

[2rotties2luv]

Hi and welcome to RDN.

I have a few years experience in doing therapy work with my rotties and other breeds. Some rotties can make wonderful therapy dogs, but they must have a temperment that is the best of the best. It is recommended that for a rescue, you should own and work with the dog for a minimum of six months before considering therapy work. This is because there is a "honeymoon period" when you first adopt an adult dog and any temperment issues the dog has may not become immediately apparent.

You should use this time to get your dog into obedience classes - solid basic obedience commands are required for a therapy dog. Also spend the time socializing the dog with different people - that way you may find out if she is at all fearful.

Also, please have your dog's hip issues evaluated by a vet. It is not recommended for dogs with certain health issues to work as therapy dogs. Chronic pain can cause behavioral issues, also a dog may snap if touched in a painful area.

Before becoming a therapy dog, your dog will be evaluated and tested by a therapy dog organization. The evaluation and testing are difficult, but a well trained and socialized rottie can pass without problems. The two largest national organizations are Delta Society (Pet Partners program) and Therapy Dogs International. Here are the links for the websites:

Delta Society - Improving Human Health through Service and Therapy Animals
Therapy Dogs International, Inc.

I prefer to refer interested people to Delta Society as they have a home-study training program which helps prepare the handler as well as the dog. Good luck, I hope you will continue with this.

[Luvs]

here are the two groups that I am aware of (dont know if there are any more)



Therapy Dogs International, Inc.

Delta Society - Improving Human Health through Service and Therapy Animals

We have had our dogs certified with both. I really prefer TDI since they allow schutzhund dogs to be certified and Delta Society does not.

[lilybug]

thanks for all the info. i am taking her to the vet in 2 weeks to get her hips checked. she does not seem to be in pain, but i notice her favoring the one hip. I am not sure if it is the normal hip probs or where she has been beat. I am getting her into obedience as soon as the next class starts. As for now, I am looking into about 1 yr from now in getting her into the therapy because i want to have the best relationship with her before i take her anywhere.

[targonrotts]

we use therapy dogs,inc and info is on Therapy Dogs, Inc.
i agree with have her evaluated first on severity of hip, if it is hip, or something else on back,knee or injury.
if she is ok, i would start with obedience and try out rally to keep her going and helping with your bonding and socialization.
once all is good, check out which therapy organization has testers in your area and see what works best.
good luck!

[chasetheface]

I agree with the suggestions above. Have you gotten your Canine Good Citizen certificate yet? I believe this is a great preparation step towards Therapy Dog work. Then evaluate the therapy dog evaluation test and work on the areas that you need to, ie practicing around wheel chairs or crowds etc.

If you find a local therapy dog group near you, talk with them and maybe even see if you could shadow one of their visits (without your dog) to see what it is all about.

My rottie and I have done this work for a year and a half now - extremely rewarding and the bonding experience with your dog is unbelievable - who thought it could get deeper but it does.

The link to the Delta Society Pet Partner Program is below and will tell you the steps to testing and registering with them.
Delta Society - Pet Partners Program