"pick of the litter" information, resources & connections
Therapy Dog Training
I don't know why I'm having so much trouble, but I am not finding much information on local (Portland, Oregon) training places for my dog for Therapy Dog Training. Could anyone give me a, ahem, lead?
She's too young to go yet, (have been told she has to be 2 yrs old) but I'm teaching her basic commands now.
And yes, there will be a photo of Ms. Sugar soon! Having some done today...I can't seem to get any good ones on my own camera!
She's too young to go yet, (have been told she has to be 2 yrs old) but I'm teaching her basic commands now.
And yes, there will be a photo of Ms. Sugar soon! Having some done today...I can't seem to get any good ones on my own camera!
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Jill and Riley on -
I would recomend taking her through a CGC prep class. Depending on how old she is, I would start out with basic Petsmart obedience(unless she knows the basics) then go onto a CGC class. Most therapy groups, such as Dove Lewis, require temperment testing and basically it is the same exact test as the CGC one. I'm thinking of doing therapy work with one of my rescue dogs...I thought about it with my lab but he's just too wiggly! Good luck!
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Permalink Reply by Andrea Schneider on
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DoveLewis has an excellent program and has a staff member dedicated to therapy dog training and certification. I have known many dog owners who have loved the program and been very happy with their participation. I would call them or go online to their website to learn more about their program.
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Permalink Reply by Rose and Alfie on -
Alfie and I are currently doing the therapy dog training through Dove Lewis. Heather Toland is amazing - she is the one who organizes it there. You should email her and tell her you are interested, then she will set up an in person interview with you and your dog. She will let you know if she is ready and if not - she will give you tips on what you can work on before doing the program. Alfie isn't 2 years old yet and she was impressed with him (although we have a couple things to work on), so there is hope for your under 2 year old pup! I think they just require them to be in good health, up to date on all vaccines, and spayed/neutered.
Oregon Humane Society also has a therapy dog training program, but I only have personal experience with the Dove Lewis program. More info is at dovelewis.org :)
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Permalink Reply by Kristina - The Active Canine on -
Hi there! there is something called "Therapy Dog International" and they actually do tests to get your dog TDI certified. You can log onto their website. What you will notice, however, is they have no Oregon listings for tests. However, Dogs Days NW in Vancuver WA offers a Therapy Dog class. There is no age limit, but your dog does have to have there CGC. Dog Days NW does offer a CGC class were you learn what you need to and then take the test at the end. OR, I do know of a lady you can give you the test, its $10, if you do not feel you need to be in a class (i didn't with Skye, we just got ours last week :) ) hope that helps. feel free to email me and i can give you the name of the lady and her work number. Kristina and Skye
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Permalink Reply by SugarsMom on -
Hello Everyone and thank you all for your responses. Lots of good info there.
Since I posted, my life has taken a turn to where I may be leaving the beautiful Portland area, and in fact, the Pacific NW. Yikes! But you go where the good jobs are if you, like me, need to work in your field. I am working with Sugar on the "sit/stay" command. She really is pretty good with commands except this one. She turned 10 months old last week and yes, she is up-to-date on her shots and she was spayed before she was 6 months old (recommended by vets to do it early). She is such a love and I truly hope I can help her become a therapy dog if her temperment is right.
Sugar's Mom
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WOW! Life can change fast. Hope you stay with us...
SugarsMom said:Hello Everyone and thank you all for your responses. Lots of good info there.
Since I posted, my life has taken a turn to where I may be leaving the beautiful Portland area, and in fact, the Pacific NW. Yikes! But you go where the good jobs are if you, like me, need to work in your field. I am working with Sugar on the "sit/stay" command. She really is pretty good with commands except this one. She turned 10 months old last week and yes, she is up-to-date on her shots and she was spayed before she was 6 months old (recommended by vets to do it early). She is such a love and I truly hope I can help her become a therapy dog if her temperment is right.
Sugar's Mom
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