Getting started with a therapy dog?

[ninny]

Quote:
Jax is not 8 months old. He's about a week and a half shy of 4 months old. He is neither fearful nor aggressive. He is a normal, happy healthy pup that has already learned the difference between inside the yard and out.

Oops i read the post wrong Sorry!!


Im glad to hear that!

 

[Sierra pachie bars]

I use a Service dog. I too am disable. Feel free to contact me. [email protected]

I had help training my dog but I did do it on my own. (meaning he isn't from a group that puts out Service dogs, I would still be on a waiting list

)
First read laws on your state.
I live in CA so I was covered all thru my training process. While Milo was in his SDit status. Also you can look up ADA laws. I am currently in medation on a ADA issue. I was denyed access due to my service dog.

I must admit , I was scared doing it myself. I read the book Teamwork 1 &2 several times before passing them to my dogs trainer. My doctor when I started wanted up to date progress on my dog

Having a Service dog has turned out to really give me back some of what I had lost. Milo is smaller but he does everything that a larger dog would do. He helps me push the cart while shopping. Now you wouldn't know it by watching us.

Best thing to do is write down what you plan on doing. As a Therapy dog you are not covered the same as a Service dog. Those two are NOT the same. Service dogs can be ANY size and ANY breed.
To quailfy as a Therapy dog you do need your CGC .
So start taking classes now and working with your dog. I actually started my dog at 8 weeks old. I got alot of negative things said to me but if you see my dog out you would be impressed. Most people comment that they didn't even know there was a dog in the store.

I can also direct you to some good places to get your vests.

 

[gritsar]

Thanks Mrs. Smith!

Ninny, an example of Jax's behavior so far:
I have one egg customer that sometimes comes in the yard and rings the bell on the screened door; other times he stays in his truck and honks the horn.
If he gets out of his truck and I go out to meet him, Jax is friendly and glad to see him. If he stays outside the yard, in his truck, and just honks the horn Jax goes to the fence and barks at him. Once I tell Jax it's okay, he stops barking and is fine.
I'm no expert, but I think this is appropriate behavior for a pup his age and I'm glad to see it.
My Charlie Girl was basically the same way. She loved everyone that Mama was happy with. The one time she attacked was after my ex husband raised his fist to punch me a third time. Charlie made sure there was no third time.

 

[ninny]

Quote:
Sounds like you've got a nice pup there!! My lab is like that. Check and see if there are any dog clubs in your area. They will usually have cgc classes and can help you with the therapy training as well. You will also have to check insurance. Its not a matter of if your dog bites but if it looks at someone wrong. Make sure you have the leave it command solid! If you go to a hospital somebody is going to drop food and the dog must ignore it. Also go out of your way so the pup can see people of every color. Some dogs freak when they see a darker colored person for the first time if not done at a early age. Walk around the house with a cane or drag your leg. Anything strange.

Let me know if you need anything else

 

[Bluemoon420]

Everything that other folks mentioned about therapy dogs is right on. Get Jax in puppy classes as soon as possible. Look for training classes that use positive reinforcement. Also, make sure Jax is in a class, and not at home training. You need to socialize, socialize, socialize. People, and other dogs. Most training places have a young puppy training class, and then after the puppy completes this, they will have an advance class. This will set up Jax for the Canine Good Citizen classes/testing. You can go to the AKC website, and look up Canine good Citizen testers on their website for your State.

You can start searching here....

http://www.akc.org/clubs/search/

and here is the info for Canine Good Citizen

http://www.akc.org/events/cgc/index.cfm

My only other suggestion is while looking for training classes, call around. Ask if you can observe a class ( with or without Jax), and have fun doing it

As for the protection thing...Jax won't have to be trained to protect you. He will do it naturally. Trust me on this. I have had german shepherds for well over 20 years now. If bred properly for temperment you will have a very smart, sound dog. He will KNOW the difference between friend and foe. He will protect you with his life no matter what. It will come to him naturally, and he will be your best friend. That's the beauty of a german shepherd.

Bluemoon

 

[Redyre Rotties]

Most/many dogs will put up a nice front with barking, etc, to "defend" their handler.

However, one should NEVER depend on nor expect a dog to protect them from bodily harm or any sort of real attack without careful preparation and training.

Believe me when I say that the vast majority of dogs, when confronted with a serious aggressor, or painful injury will run and leave you to your own devices.

If one wants a PROTECTION DOG it must be trained just like anything else.

Good thing is, a big bark and a show of teeth will back down most people.

 

[ninny]

Quote:
Or just about make them wet their pants.

Just ask my furnace repair man.

 

[Tuffoldhen]

Our local 4-H club use to have service classes you could take with your dog and get certified for hospitals and nursing homes.

I use to take the goldens for obedience training.