Hiking & Therapy All-In-One?

[John Wang]

Boomer's just graduating from his basic classes next weekend, and we're going to enroll him into advance training by the end of the month.

We really want him to grow up as a hiking dog for the spring/summer (Washington's great for that!) but at the same time, I would like to have him volunteer as a therapy dog at our local hospital.

I'm wondering if owners of therapy dogs can still mix in high-energy/endurance of a hiking dog with the lethargy and passiveness of a therapy dog, or if we should just go one way or the other and stick to it? I'm making a blind guess that the settings can really dictate Boomer's behavior- if he's outside with a hiking pack on he'll recognize it's okay to get excited for the hike, but if he's inside in a hospital he should know to behave and be gentle (not that he shouldn't be gentle all the time..!)

Also questions on certifications- do you know what the average cost is? So far it looks like general classes are $150, certification test is $10... or am I missing something here? It seems far too cheap.

[Sally S Miles]

I don't see any reason at all why a Therapy dog can't go hiking - all of our dogs loved a good hike.  How old is he? I only ask because if he is very young, this warm Spring can set you to itching for a nice hike and puppy can overdo. Start with shorter hikes, can't imagine why he would not want to have fun.  

Therapy dogs, well I can't say for sure on that one, but I wish you all the best in achieving the goal.

[John Wang]

He's only four months old right now. This spring we're only going to take him on shorter walks, nothing with steep inclines (we're out of shape too!). It won't be until next year before we start tackling more difficult mountain trails.

[Sally S Miles]

I hear ya,  it takes me until September to get thawed out. but oh I the hikes up past NorthBend bring back many a smile to me. I used to live in Issaquah - when we first moved to WA - anyway, you no doubt will have him trained and ready long before the warmth sets in.

[Adina P]

I don't think there are any reasons to avoid hiking or any activity really.  As long as he can be generally obedient, is gentle with people, and you both work as a team during therapy visits and you both ENJOY therapy...he'll be fine.  Most dogs are good about knowing when it's time to 'work' and assume the right behavior (if they've been trained and have experience).  What organization are you trying to get registered with for therapy?  $150 is not too cheap.  Rosco was a therapy dog for 5 years (his registration lapsed because I haven't had time to re-take his test with him) and we didn't attend any classes.  We just did our own training and preparation and we paid $75 (?) for the registration test with Delta Society (now Pet Partners).

[Adina P]

I see you're from Issaqua.  I have a SIL & BIL there.  We visited for their wedding last November.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Not all dogs enjoy being a therapy dog, however you should go for it because he can learn to behave differently in different settings. 

[Emily, Bentley, & Maserati]

My 7 year old doodle is a certified Therapy dog. We live in Alaska. He is also an avid hiker, fisher, and camping dog! He puts on his hiking pack and off we go! I've never had problems with him in different settings, but he had to learn early on behavior matters in all settings. Currently, our 6 month old doodle is working on his skills so we will have another CTD and outdoor pal.

We did our own training and paid for the testing and certification. He is certified through Therapy Dogs International.

[BG and Gavin]

We do both.  Gavin hikes every day in the summer and goes boating too.  He is playful and active and has a high prey drive.  He is also as calm as a millpond during out therapy visits.  If I meet his other needs, he performs (and love doing it) during therapy visits.  People say they cannot believe how calm he is and wonder if he is like that all the time.  Well first off there are no squirrels in the facilities that we visit, so that helps.  He knows that indoor behaviour is different from outdoor behaviour.