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

[BG and Gavin]

You're welcome Jane.  (Ask and you shall receive! lol) You are truly my role model for training and perseverance.  I bet Guiness brings some smiles when you bring him on visits!

[F, Calla & Luca]

Great description of all that went into having a successful test for that "poodle mix". Gavin is a great doodle and you did a great job, congratulations.

[BG and Gavin]

Thanks F!  If you are gonna be a mix, you might as well be a poodle mix!

[Becka]

Way to go, both of you! I too have sensed in Sadie (and been told by our trainers) that she has the perfect temperament for therapy dog work, and as she gets older and more mature, we will begin the training. You're an inspiration!

[BG and Gavin]

Thanks Becka!  They do seem to take a bit longer to mature than some other dogs, but they get there eventually,

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

BG, I can't tell you how proud I am of Gavin and you. What a big, BIG deal this is and you should be bursting with pride at this accomplishment. I have always enjoyed reading all of your training blogs along the way. Gavin is going to bring such joy to so many people! A huge round of applause is coming your way!!!!

[BG and Gavin]

Aww thanks Laurie!  We will take a virtual bow ;)

[Elizabeth, Bailey & Bruin]

Congratulations handsome boy......you too momma!!!

 

[BG and Gavin]

Thanks Elizabeth!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

BG, I woke up in the middle of the night and for some reason was thinking about Gavin and his testing and wondering if the other two dogs passed their test, too? It might have been on my mind because Vern had a class last night and let's just say, Vern is not Gavin's twin when it comes to class :)

[BG and Gavin]

Yes Laurie, they did pass!  It was actually pretty interesting as they both had alot on the line.  One had travelled 2.5 hours south and the other 3 hours west just to take the test.   I was lucky to have one of the only testers in Ontario in our city!

One of the dogs testing was a very special girl indeed.  She was a 16 month old three legged Golden Retreiver.  Her front leg was amputated at the shoulder due to a birthing incident.  The tester skipped the part of the test where she lifts and handles all four paws.  She though that it would put the dog, whose acutal name was "Special" at a real disadvantage.

Talk about making a great therapy dog.  During the visits she could really relate to the people in need..."you thing you got problems...I am missing a leg!"

p.s. Vern is more the artistic, free spirited type.  Those types can't always follow the rules.  Give him a hug for me.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

LOL about Vern :) How amazing that a three legged dog passed the test and can now do therapy work!! Congratulations again!