Beginning Therapy Dog Program

[Kate, Mel, Tenley & Harper]

Tenley is 8 months old and will soon start his therapy program. I am going to the handler orientation in a few weeks and after that we will schedule two evaluations, which amount to supervised visits.

Does anyone have any suggestions on things to teach him/work on before that they found difficult or didn't expect when they first started? We are really working on achieving an 100% success rate with our "leave it" and I anticipate will be there soon. He won't go for the items anymore-- whatever they are-- but he still glances their way.

Anything you wish you knew before you started or things you didn't anticipate?!

[Winnie's Dad]

Hi Kate!

This is the unexpected downfall of many therapy dogs:

If Tenley's not too "ball driven" he should be OK with that.   The other things are dependent on the dog's personality (too friendly, too bouncy, etc.), and in your case (as described on FB) he should be fine in that area.

~WD

[Kate, Mel, Tenley & Harper]

Yes that is exactly the type of thing I wouldn't have thought of! I don't thjnk he will have a problem with that.

Tenley's personality is best described as a love of "hanging out", he is friendly but is probably more apt to just sit there and soak up affection. And, usually goes belly up once he knows you will probably give him a belly rub :)

[BG and Gavin]

Our downfall was that I was not prepared that he would be running the test around all the other dogs there.  Gavin loves to play with other dogs and that high level of distraction was just about our undoing.  Luckily they tested us last and we had plenty of time for him to get settled and focus on the test.  Gavin did not, but some of the other dogs had trouble with the three minutes when the handler leaves the room.  Good luck with everything.

[Kate, Mel, Tenley & Harper]

Yes, good point! Thankfully Tenley doesn't care much for other dogs. He likes them but hasn't ever been distracted by them. We will see. Thanks for the advice!

[Cathy, Fozzie & Shaggy]

Here is what I see people having trouble with during the Pet Partner test.....

When you are walking past the treat or toy on the "leave it" part of the test, walk a bit faster and talk to him as you get close to it.  You can use the watch command and say his name, also.  Remember to not slow down as you get closer, that can signal to your pup that it is ok to look at it, check it out and maybe even try to swipe it up.