Therapy dog - Page 1

Our Samantha girl just finished her therapy dog program, and now she is certified! I'm so proud of her for being such a good, loving girl. I think I get as much enjoyment out of it as she does at some of these facilities.

Congratulations;  very rewarding and fulfilling for you both and remember that your girl may be the only happy part of someone's day.    Nan

What is involved in the therapy dog program?. Is there a test at the end?

Eldee, we had to go for an initial evaluation. We had to walk slow and fast on loose lease. Then had another dog pass us and Sam had to basically ignore her. Then the tester would pet her all over, touch her ears, feet, tail pretty much everything. Any sign of stress, shyness or aggression would not pass. Then she had to do basic obedience- sit, down, stay kind of thing. After she passed this-she did awesome- we had to go to a facility 3 times. During this the tester again looks for signs of stress, aggression, shyness, those kind of things. I didn't know how she would do because there were well chairs, walkers. oxygen tanks, all these different things she has never seen. If she jumped on someone or their bed, game over. But none of that happened. She went right in and wasn't afraid of anything or anyone. She got lots of petting, and gave an occasional puppy kiss. It was amazing going to these different facilities and how many of the patients grew up with german shepherds, and how many never saw a black one before. If all three visits go well with no problems, she passes. If we put a smile on one persons face, it's worth the effort.

Thank you for the answer.  I would love to go to nursing homes with Maya or schools for challenged children. Like you said, just to see some smiles. Maya is such a love, not an aggressive bone in her body.  However, her manners are something I have to work on.  I need to get her off the farm and into situations where she is around people. I need to walk her in town and have people pet her. She needs to learn to stay better and not be distracted. I will definetly be working on this and thanks for your help! I would be simply beaming as I am walking my beautiful shepherd into a nursing home and everyone wants to pat her and love her and she is so obedient.  Well... I can dream can't I??? 

You should be very proud of your dog.

I have to say it was fun for both of us, and good work for her.

sounds alot like the CD or BH routine?

Say what??