Therapy Dog Training

SamsonsMom · 12-29-2009, 12:21 PM

I found a trainer!!!! A trainer who understands Samson couldn't care less about treats, so food rewards aren't going to work with his training - that has trained therapy and service dogs. AND is a reasonable cost!

She'd like to put Samson through basic training, but along with his basic training, go with me to places like Petsmart and Petco to help build Samson's confidence with new people touching him. Starting out at a slow time at one of the pet shops, and building to busier times. Once he is confident with strangers touching him and he knows basic commands, go more advanced to teaching him how to walk with a wheelchair; deal with distractions, shouting, etc. and introduce him to medical equipment commonly used in a nursing home so that he's not frightened or distracted by it when faced with the real situation.

She mentioned the AKC Good Citizen certification, but that would be after the Delta Society Pet Partners testing and certification. And there's a lot of 'handler' training in there too. To let me know if Samson is stressed, animal/patient safety, etc.

We're set to start in a couple weeks. I hope this works out.

**MaxandMe** · 12-29-2009, 07:22 PM

WOW that is such EXCITING NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! congrats!!! you must keep us update please

**lindamarie** · 12-29-2009, 09:53 PM

VERRRRRRRRY EXCITING!!!
I completely understand how great a feeling this is!! There is such a JOY that comes with this for both handler and dog! I can't even explain how AWESOME it is!!! Keep us posted!!

Jac · 12-30-2009, 12:28 AM

Fantastic news! I hope that you will write a journal of the experience...you might be able to help others when they are going through something similar!
I am so happy for you...and for the people you will be helping!

deepnite10 · 01-09-2010, 01:17 AM

its great news to hear another doodle entering into such a rewarding
career..

and your so fortunate to find a instructor willing to mentor the two of you
as Samson progresses towards doggie college..

**MaxandMe** · 02-03-2010, 05:32 AM

LIZ.......how is the Training going so far??????

12-29-2009, 12:21 PM	#1 (permalink)
SamsonsMom Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 590	Therapy Dog Training I found a trainer!!!! A trainer who understands Samson couldn't care less about treats, so food rewards aren't going to work with his training - that has trained therapy and service dogs. AND is a reasonable cost! She'd like to put Samson through basic training, but along with his basic training, go with me to places like Petsmart and Petco to help build Samson's confidence with new people touching him. Starting out at a slow time at one of the pet shops, and building to busier times. Once he is confident with strangers touching him and he knows basic commands, go more advanced to teaching him how to walk with a wheelchair; deal with distractions, shouting, etc. and introduce him to medical equipment commonly used in a nursing home so that he's not frightened or distracted by it when faced with the real situation. She mentioned the AKC Good Citizen certification, but that would be after the Delta Society Pet Partners testing and certification. And there's a lot of 'handler' training in there too. To let me know if Samson is stressed, animal/patient safety, etc. We're set to start in a couple weeks. I hope this works out. __________________

12-29-2009, 07:22 PM	#2 (permalink)
MaxandMe Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Upstate, NY Posts: 15,103	Re: Therapy Dog Training WOW that is such EXCITING NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! congrats!!! you must keep us update please __________________ *Annmarie, Max,& Peanut* "Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." Anatole France uncondtional love: what a dog always does for us and humans strive to do but can we?

12-29-2009, 09:53 PM	#3 (permalink)
lindamarie Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Birmingham, Michigan Posts: 6,172	Re: Therapy Dog Training VERRRRRRRRY EXCITING!!! I completely understand how great a feeling this is!! There is such a JOY that comes with this for both handler and dog! I can't even explain how AWESOME it is!!! Keep us posted!! __________________ Linda & Bogart Dogs=Unconditional love "We have it all! Just like Bogie & Bacall!"

12-30-2009, 12:28 AM	#4 (permalink)
Jac Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: northern California Posts: 9,243	Re: Therapy Dog Training Fantastic news! I hope that you will write a journal of the experience...you might be able to help others when they are going through something similar! I am so happy for you...and for the people you will be helping!

01-09-2010, 01:17 AM	#5 (permalink)
deepnite10 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Norcal Posts: 1,361	Re: Therapy Dog Training its great news to hear another doodle entering into such a rewarding career.. and your so fortunate to find a instructor willing to mentor the two of you as Samson progresses towards doggie college..

02-03-2010, 05:32 AM	#6 (permalink)
MaxandMe Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Upstate, NY Posts: 15,103	Re: Therapy Dog Training LIZ.......how is the Training going so far?????? __________________ *Annmarie, Max,& Peanut* "Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." Anatole France uncondtional love: what a dog always does for us and humans strive to do but can we?

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