Tell me about Therapy dog training

[carolinagirl58]

Quote:
that is an excellent point. right now, he is not on a RAW diet. I do hope to do RAW later, but maybe this is a good reason to delay that. There appear to be 3 therapy groups in my state. The one that is in my area is the one that prohibits RAW. But maybe we can still be members for now and at least get the benefit of training, etc. Then if we decide to stay with this particular group, I'll have to leave him on kibble. There is a breeder who I hoped to get a pup from later on who requires her pups be on RAW so it might mean I can't get a dog from her, which is disappointing. We will cross that bridge when we come to it I suppose.

 

[dainerra]

RAW is an excellent diet for those who are willing to do the work. Once you get started and build up a knowledge base, it's not hard - a couple hours of work every couple of weeks.

I've met several breeders who strongly recommend it, but there is also the fact that, once you get the dog home, the decision is yours. I'd rather see a dog on a good quality kibble (or even a cheap kibble) than an improper RAW diet. I'd rather see a dog in a great home that fed a good kibble and was involved in therapy work than a RAWfed dog that was missing out on having a good job because of his diet.
I'd discuss it with the breeder when the time comes.

 

[Okie Amazon]

Therapy Dogs International allows RAW, Delta Society does not. Might check into TDI if they have any local branches you can join if you want to feed raw.

 

[watchdogps]

I would never sacrifice my dogs health in order for them to be therapy dogs. The anti-raw for therapy dogs is complete BS. A raw fed dog is NO more dangerous than a kibble fed dog. There have been more recalls of kibbles and treats for salmonella than there have been of raw meats.
Delta is the only group who excludes raw fed dogs. I say dont join them and maybe they will get their heads out of their butts when they see they are losing members for it.