Therapy Dog Inc. Test advice

[Linda Hanson]

My 2 yr old doodle and I are taking the test on Monday. Any advice?

[Linda Hanson]

Well, we failed the first station... or I should say I failed it for him. Anyway, the first station is "meeting a stranger" and he got up out of his "sit". If I had kept my hand on him, he would of stayed. But being the friendly dog that he is and me not being too sure of myself for this test, well... We sailed through the rest of the stations: person using a walker, person rushing by sideways and back, person in a wheelchair, person with a dog. We will test again and hopefully pass. But it is actually good to go through it first thinking its a practice round. Good luck. I only waited until now because I have the time to take him on visits, both my kids are now in school.

[Linda Hanson]

I would think that the tester would allow you to observe. Our group was about 10 dogs, I think. One bit of advice that I got regarding the "meeting" while you and the tester have your dogs.. get your dog to sit first before the tester and her dog get to you. That worked for Hokie, since he ALWAYS has to say hello. I took Hokie for a walk and threw the frisbee for him about an hour before the testing started. We had to wait about 30 minutes before we were tested. He was over that. And they only test one dog at a time. Hokie also does the paw move, does that when I am telling him "down". No biggie, they didn't ask me to have him "down".

[Kathy (Ellie & Oliver)]

I like the way that you're thinking of this try as a practice round. Be proud of yourself and your dog for passing every part except the first one!!! Next time, you will know how to deal with your dog for the first part. Keep practicing and take the test again with confidence. Before long, you and your dog will be making a difference in the lives of others. Good luck! Kathy (Ellie & Oliver)

[Jaime]

Delta does allow testing with a gentle leader but it is marked on your registration and then in theory you must use it on all your visits.

[Kathy (Ellie & Oliver)]

Hi Linda!
I am the coordinator of our local therapy dog group. Our dogs are registered with TDInc. Interested people contact me and I help them connect with a TDInc tester/observer. Before I do that, I ask them to go to the TDInc website and read and look at the skills that he or she will be tested on. The listed skills will give you an idea of what your tester will ask you and your dog to do.

www.therapydogs.com
Left side of the screen-click How to Become a Member
Next screen-click on the right side Tests

I would also suggest that you take your dog for a long walk before the test and make sure that your doodle goes potty and/or poop. I used a martindale color which I felt helped when Oliver became so excited when he saw the other dogs and residents. Jumping up, barking in the facility, or going potty/poop on the visit are not acceptable. I found the more relaxed I was, the better the visits went! Each consecutive visit with the tester/observer went better than the one before! I went into the testing thinking if we didn't pass that was ok. We would just keep practicing and try again. The tester/observer that I had was a warm, caring person that gave out constructive advice when needed.

Good luck to you and your doodle! If I can help you in any other way, please let me know!!
Kathy, Ellie & Oliver

[Linda Hanson]

Thanks, Kathy. The test is taking place at the facility where we took our Obedience class, so hopefully he will remember that experience. He passed that with flying colors. I think I am the nervous one, Hokie should do fine. He has never jumped on anyone, and I mean never, not even when he was a puppy. I got all the paperwork from the website and the tester emailed me her paperwork with the 6 sections that they are testing. I am only worried about the test where the evaluator rushes past us front to back and side to side. Not sure how he will react but we will practice.

[Kathy (Ellie & Oliver)]

Well Linda, it sounds like you and Hokie are well prepared for the upcoming test!! Try and relax! That was difficult for me to do. It helped us taking the CGC test before trying to get registered with TDInc.

Therapy dog work will help create a special bond between both of you! The feeling that you get after a visit is beyond words. I tell everyone I always leave with a happy heart! Oh, and a tired dog! Let us know how you did. Calming thoughts and good luck are being sent your way!! Kathy (Ellie & Oliver)

[Eva]

All the advice so far is dead on. A tired doodle seems to definately do better. And being comfortable in the store or testing area helps. Many advanced trips ahead of time, letting strangers interact with the dog, and being able to do everything on the list. Best of luck and congratulations ahead of time. Eva

[Marianne *OZZY & ZOEY]

Good luck Linda, I had a dog that was a thearpy dog, sadly she died suddenly when she was 4 years old. Ozzy is now in training to continue on with the work that I love to do so much. I agree the best time to take the dog is when well fed and tired. Doodles have energy so burn that off first and I am sure you will past the test. Let us know the outcome..

[Jaime]

Best advice - don't forget that you can talk to your dog, encourage your dog and even touch your dog as you would on a real visit. By touch I mean you can be touching your dog while the tester is pretending to be in a wheel chair, etc. Obviously you can't assist with the down or sit. Good luck.

[Linda Hanson]

See reply to your reply at the top.

[Eva]

Hi Linda,
Sorry about your too happy doodle not making it for first round of testing. Experience and practicing in pet smart having people pet them etc while you have them undercontrol will help. My dog Mali is such a goofball at times you wouldn't place a bet on her being a therapy dog with how goofy and how high she can jump! Somehow when she's in "session" she mellows out and behaves. Hang in there and it will work out and be very rewarding for you and your baby! Eva