Paz passed renewal testing for Pet Partners therapy registration with a complex rating

[charlotte bednarsh]

Paz's renewal evaluation for his Pet Partner therapy registration took place this past Tuesday, and he achieved a complex rating.  His prior registration had a predictable rating, so I had not anticipated he would achieve the complex rating because he can be somewhat goofy when he is being tested.   I'm always nervous when we are being tested, because Paz acts like a big goof.....honestly, it can be embarrassing.  When Paz is working, he is the ultimate professional pooch, but when he is being tested, he acts like a teenager who is bored with the whole situation. For instance, I will say "down" and he will stare at me, and very, very slowly, almost like in slow motion, go into the down position...... I was just hoping to pass his renewal testing and was absolutely surprised when the evaluator congratulated us on achieving a complex rating . During the testing, the evaluator commented on how well he responded to being handled, tightly hugged and roughly touched by strangers, which I attribute to his working with young children who are often unpredictable.  

A suggestion for others whose lovable doodles might be reluctant to go into a down position when leashed for a test, is that Paz responds best when I am standing at his side  when issuing the down command, rather leaning over or standing directly in front of him,   Off leash, Paz never gives me a problem when I am in front of him and issue the sit or down command, however, when leashed his response is different.  The trainer said this is not uncommon, since dogs respond very differently to commands on and off leash.  I also changed my tone of voice, so it sounded like we were having fun or playing a game, and enthusiastically praised him, since treats are not allowed on the test.....seriously, Paz would dance if food were involved!

I'd be interested in knowing if anyone else has noted their dog responds differently relative to where they are standing when issuing the commands to their leashed doodles.  

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

Congrats Charlotte and Paz!!! That's a huge accomplishment.

We'll have our renewal early next year. Our last one was March 2014. I went in with an attitude "oh well, it's okay if Monty does not pass." Here is the thing: he is PERFECT when working in the hospital. Anywhere else, he is a complete goof! Anything from leash reactive when we meet a dog he does not like....to overly wiggly and vocal when he meets people he likes. Not your typical therapy dog.

So during our last renewal, he surprised me by being totally fine meeting the neutral dog...yet being too wiggly (and I mean his-red-rocket-showing-wiggly) when meeting the people. Monty's problem is that he does everything, and I mean EVERYTHING with a verve. Patients and hospital staff love him just because he is so animated. I, on the other hand, dread every recertification. We will never be able to move up to complex, even though he is a totally different dog while he is working. I'm just happy he scrapes by.

I guess I'm surprised that Pas has not been rated for complex environments earlier. He does so much great work!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Congrats Charlotte.  So happy that you guys passed as I know you do some amazing things with Pet Therapy.  I was shocked to learn that Paz did not have a complex rating previously.  From what I have learned from testing, taking class with a Therapy evaluator and listening to others talk, is that they are looking at you just as much as the dog.  I'm guessing that your knowing and understanding Paz played a huge role in his getting a complex rating.   You know what you need to do to get the results you need.  Great job.  Now you can go out and continue your good work.   

[charlotte bednarsh]

Wow, I'm reassured that Paz is not the only doodle who acts like he's "over it" when being asked to lie down during a test.  Of course, if I were to show him a treat, he would literally fall all over himself to lie down, so he could get the reward!  Unfortunately, bribing with a treat is not an option during the Pet Partners testing.

[BG and Gavin]

Thumbs up Paz! Your down description sound just like Gav sometimes. I swear if he could talk he would say "oh brother."