Advice/tips for a newbie?

[Jessica, Loki and Moose]

Hi guys!

My doodle (Loki) is almost a year old and I would love nothing more than to get home started with a therapy dog program. Since we are coming up on his birthday I figured I should seriously start looking into evaluating him and getting him going. I have called some evaluators in my area and have chatted with them and he seems to be "up to par" with the exception of occasionally tugging on the leash- which we are working on.
All that being said, do you guys have any tips to pass on? Any good recommendations for which organization to go with? (Not sure if that allowed on here, so sorry if it's not!) there are a couple of doodles that play with Loki at the dog park that are therapy dogs and their handlers have nothing but great things to say about the experiences.

Thanks guys, have a great night!

Jess and Loki

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Sheri, thank you for the insight.  That explains a lot about her note/evaluation.  I wished that when I began as a new handler 2 years ago that there was more guidance for new teams in the school program. The hospital has a whole different approach -- one full day of orientation for the handler (1/2 general info and 1/2 on animal therapy teams), one visit with a seasoned therapy dog (without your dog), and 3 working team evaluation visits, each one with a different evaluator. They pay a lot of attention to your interactions, the dog's body language, and any signs of stress, as they move you through different situations -- and they are generous with their knowledge.  

[BG and Gavin]

I just thought of something else to add.  As a puppy we taught Gavin "relax" which is laying on his side.  This has come in very handy during therapy work as children as well as adults like to get down on the floor and give him a belly rub.  He also goes into "relax" when I am speaking to classes (that is the boring part for him).  To teach give the down command and then gently guide him onto his side with "relax." The belly scratch is the only reward needed for this command :)

[Michele & Kallie]

By the way, TDI or therapy dogs incorporated,  is changing its name to Alliance of Therapy dogs.

[Jessica, Loki and Moose]

WE PASSED!!!! Thank you soooo much for all of your help, tips and advise! His test went great this morning and being 3 days shy of 18months he was by far the youngest dog there (insert proud dog mom smile here). When we were walking out of the building the next tester was walking in and lost control of there leash and there dog ran at Loki and thank God he stayed calm and in control. The evaluator was very impressed and surprised he stayed so calm. Loki went through a small leash reactive phase but we worked really hard at it and I just had the biggest smile when he sat on command.

Anyways sorry for the mini rant. Thank you so much again guys! I literally could not have done this without help from all of you here on DK!

attached is a picture of him and I after they signed the paper work saying we passed- and yes we did color coordinate our "outfits"