[QUOTE=CFrance;468714]Kulare, I am very interested in learning anything that will help our golden become worthy of being a therapy dog, reading dog, whatever good there is out there for him to do. Everyone who has contact with him (doggy day care, groomer, etc.) calls him the "calm one," and yet we have to leash him when someone comes to the door. Not because he's mean, but because he's over-exuberant. He's been through two training classes, a "pawsitive" one and a yank-the-chain one. We sort of use something in between. I had him mostly trained to sit when someone came in. Lately, since he's four, we've slacked off, but I've thought we should go at it again. I'm trying to strike a balance between good behavior and not squashing his happy, friendly demeanor. I really don't want to change his attitude. And I don't want a totally submissive, overly trained dog. QUOTE]
CFrance, I commend you for wanting to have a Therapy dog of your own. I currently have 4 certified Therapy Dogs who also have their Canine Good Citizen certification (
AKC's Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) Program). My dogs participate as Hospice Volunteer Therapy dogs, Reading Assistance Dogs, and as public education informational breed ambassadors (Pet Expo, Canine Learning Experience, dog shows). They are well trained, happy and predictable in all public situations. You do not have to worry about “a totally submissive, overly trained dog” if you train in a positive, loving way. What you will have is a well trained dog that knows what is expected of him in each situation and is appropriately calm when he needs to be while still being lovey and friendly. I am giving you the info on Therapy Dogs Inc which has a very, very simple test to pass and you sound like you could already be ready for it, or at the very least, you could talk to the local tester and get more information.
Lori Stollar Leesburg, FL 34748
(352) 978-8813
lbgflowershop@earthlink.net
Patricia Paulding Wildwood, FL 34785
(352) 330-2252
ppaulding@excite.com
Therapy Dog International is a more difficult test and also a very worthwhile group. I have dogs certified with both currently. You decide which is right for you by checking out their websites.
I wish you much good luck and I would love to hear from you when you pass your test. It is a wonderful thing you are doing and I know you will love it.
Petsmart John Young PKW, Orlando, FL
Orlando, FL
April 22, 2012 - Test Full
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Pre-registration required
For more information please contact TDI Evaluator: CAL ARTER at (570) 660-2417 or
winstonwoof@aol.com
SPCA