A Personal Journey to TDI (Therapy Dog International) Certification

[BG and Gavin]

I always thought that Gavin had a “gift.”  His temperament is simply awesome, he would not hurt a fly and he has demonstrated the ability to become very calm and really attend to people in need, including a person with a terminal condition, a grieving person and developmentally delayed persons.  However, he is a big robust guy and can be a little independent-minded at times (recall when he has a squirrel treed = 0, spotting another dog while on leash = I’m gonna try and get there!).  I did puppy class, beginner class and intermediate class.  His behaviour in the house was impeccable.  I could certainly get him to behave, but I was not a good trainer (I mean Adina good – systematic, precise, proofing).

Our one time trainer who had also boarded Gavin a couple of times said we were "good to go" and he would have no problem passing the test.  We were scheduled to go in the Fall of 2011.  I was not confident…not at all.  His testing was rescheduled once and when it had to be rescheduled again, I said I was not ready and would contact them when I was.  My idea of what I thought he should be (super calm, total focus on me, and a virtual obedience champion) he was not.  I became intrigued when Charlotte and Paz joined our group.  The work they were doing with child victims of violent crime was right up my alley and fit with my professional training.  Charley also convinced me that a therapy dog does not have to be low energy and an obedience champion, it is more about temperament, basic obedience and the “gift” that I recognized in Gavin. 

But I still needed work.  I needed to boost my confidence and get Gavin reliable on a flat collar.  So I took a demanding outdoor class in the dead of winter with other dogs in very public places.  It met my needs because it was “real life” training, it was fun and I did not have to be too precise.  Was he perfect at the end?  No, but he was pretty good. 

I rescheduled the test for this Spring.  I was very nervous.  Gavin still gets excited when he is in a new place or is around other dogs.  Prior to the test my DH took Gavin for a good run in the park to take a notch of energy out of him.  Charley says she exercises Paz before every visit for the same reason. 

We got to the testing facility early and I walked Gavin all around the grounds to sniff and relax (both of us).  Seems the two other owners testing their dogs had the same idea so Gavin got very excited and wanted to play with the others.  When I went to take him into the facility, he practically walked in on his back legs.  The tester tried to hand me the paper work but I couldn’t take a hand off the leash to accept it.  I recognized her from assisting an earlier training class I was in and she is a dyed in wool poodle lady.  “Oh, it’s a doodle” she said.  The tester’s husband said “just who is walking who?” I was crushed; we had blown it for sure.    

But we were there, so I squared my shoulders, found a chair, put Gavin in a down on a short leash and I took a few deep breaths.  Within 20 seconds Gavin totally relaxed (he even flipped to one hip).  After that, things went perfectly.  We tested last and watching the others, my confidence grew as I knew Gavin could do it better than either of them.   Our turn came to do the obedience stuff and Gavin was stellar.  When it came time for him to “visit” the three people seated in chairs, my heart soared.  He wagged his tail, licked their hands and rested his head in the lap of the tester’s husband while he told him what a nice boy he was.  We had passed!  Afterwards the tester confided that Gavin was a “natural.”  The difference was that he did not merely tolerate being petted but truly and joyfully engaged with the people.  She also said it was ok for him to be excited upon entry and that she was truly impressed with how quickly I got him settled. 

FYI when the tester filled in my paper work, for breed she put “Poodle Mix.”  My "Poodle Mix" will be three years old in August.

For more information about TDI testing requirements follow this link: http://www.tdi-dog.org/images/TestingBrochure.pdf

[GBK]

Congratulations to the both of you, such Great Work and I can understand the struggle to get there.  Buddy passed his testing at one year old, I had pretty much given up hope of Kona passing as she was so reactive as a puppy and young adult.  I bit the bullet last year, she had passed her CGC and earned her Rally Excellent title in the last four years, so without any practice for the test we signed up and we showed up.  She was either going to do it, or not.  Little Monkey passed with flying colors.  I am so glad you stuck with it, I know Gavin is going to bring such joy to people.  Have fun!

[BG and Gavin]

Congrats G!  Getting Kona turned around its truly an accomplishment.   I was lucky to have a pretty balanced dog to begin with.  Rally Excellence must have taken a great deal of discipline.  Love success stories. Thanks for sharing yours.

[Diane, Hurley and Sidney]

That was a touching journey.  Hurley and I are duly impressed.   I believe Hurley has the right temperament so I have an objective of working towards getting service dog trained.   I am not in a rush.  Hurley is just 7 months.   Thank you for sharing Gavin and your journey.  

[BG and Gavin]

Thanks Craig and Diane.  I was three feet off the ground and floated out of the facility.  Hurley will get there, enjoy the journey.

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

First I offer you and Gav my sincere Congratulations. Second, I wanted to tell you that I got goose bumps and actually teary eyed at this very touching story of your love for Gavin and his love for, well everything.

Yet another wonderfully loved and trained doodle due to the great affection you have for your big guy!

Thank goodness we can all share this outstanding accomplishment and strive to do the same and all because of DK!

:0)

[BG and Gavin]

Thanks Lisa - your comment is making me teary.  Loved - yes, so loved...

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Wow :)
I've been somewhat bored lately. You just perked my ears. Loved this post. You know, Gavin is our dog too and we are so proud of you both!

[BG and Gavin]

Thanks Joanne - you and other DKers support, encouragement and willingness to celebrate everyone elses little accomplishments makes the difference!

[Ron Carnes]

What a great story. Zack and I will test with Pet Partners on 8/18. I have the same concerns. We will be isolated in a holding area until our turn. Zack is also 3, Great job to both of you.

[BG and Gavin]

Thanks Ron!  Good luck to you and Zack!

[Carolyn Shusterman]

Well I must say.....'Professor Gavin' looks mighty smart in his new attire.  I loved your story and was smiling all the way through it.  Before we got Hershey I planed on getting her AKC CD degree when she was 11 months old. WRONG.... she was fine on lead but when her lead was removed she was off like a flash to greet everyone she could see (2 legged and 4 legged friends). I have her in a CGC class now and plan on working her off lead next Saturday for our third lesson.  We are in a large room so she can't get too far.  Wish us luck.    Eventually I want to get her therapy certificate.  Hershey is 17 months old now. 

[BG and Gavin]

Carolyn - thanks for your kind comments.  Good luck in your training with Hershey.  She certainly is a looker :)