What I start doing now to prepare my puppy

[Debbie V & Daisy]

Daisy is 15 weeks and I'd love to have her as a therapy dog. I realize not all make it and she may not but for those of you who have therapy dogs, should I be doing something now to give her a head start? We will definatley do all of the puppy classes and obidience classes. But what should I do outside of that? Do they just have it or don't? I know service dogs are extra special and much more specific but therapy dogs don't need the same training. For example, when services dogs are in training (and after) people arent' suppose to pet them (unless you ask first) Being my goal is therapy work should I have everybody I can find petting her?

One more side note, she is a little nervous around cars and meeting new dogs for the first time. Is this an indication that she may not make it as a therapy dog or should I just continue to work with her more in that area since she's only 15 weeks old?

Thanks in advance for all of your advice.
Debbie

[Adina P]

Hello Debbie,

I'm going to give you two links that might be helpful to you:

http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/therapy/forum/topics/2065244:Topi...

http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/therapy/forum/topics/2065244:Topi...

These are both discussions we've had in this group and although they may not answer all of your questions, they will give you a start if.

But the most important thing you can do with your pup be right now, in my opinion, is to stick with training and take your puppy to lots of places so it is well socialized and comfortable in many situations. Downtown, farmer's markets, Lowes or Home Depot (check first), and any other places that allow dogs. She should learn to be comfortable with attention and petting, but go slow at her pace...don't overwhelm her if she is more timid. Not only should therapy dogs be okay with attention and petting, they should learn to be polite for petting (not jump on people) even if they are happy and wiggly.

If she's afraid of some things, then gradually get her used to those things by making the puppy think that the scary thing is actually something really good. Your trainer should have good advice on how to do this.

As far as your puppy being afraid of other dogs this is also something the trainer should be able to advise you on. If it's just a little bit unsure around other dogs, and you work with your dog with the advice of the trainer, your puppy should be fine for therapy. As long as it does not turn its fear into aggression, it really isn't a problem because in therapy you work with other people rather than with other dogs. Your dog just has to be able to be calm in the presence of other dogs doing their job. She doesn't need to be friends and PLAY with other dogs...only be calm and trust you in their presence.

[16jmc9ifai30p]

Ditto is newly certified for Therapy Dog visits. We are quite excited! The person doing the certification told us that the they don't use the vests, since those are really for Service Dogs, and they don't want to cause confusion between the two. When do you use the vest?

Lisa and Ditto

[Jaime]

The vests are an option. Some groups use them, others don't. Some people use a vest so that it is more obvious that the dog should be in the hospital, nursing home, etc. Other people at the facility will know that the dog is part of a group and is allowed. I visit with several different groups. One uses the vests and the others don't. However, we did just have a situation at the hospital which did not use vests where someone had brought a non-certified dog into the hospital and visited with it. Now the hospital wants the dogs to wear bandanas so security and others can know which dogs and handlers are allowed.