On October 29 2006, 11:55 AM, Lisa wrote:It is a rare dog that would be ideal for all therapy type situations.
Obedience is extremely important.
So is temperament.
It is important to consider many factors of therapy work and how it will affect your dog, before you start visits. Even if you have passed the classes and the tests... including CGC, TT and TDI.
You are responsible for your dogs safety as well as his reaction, should something occur. You need to know what he likes, dislikes, and will tolerate... what his limits are. This way you can be proactive about protecting your dog from "the perfect storm" (just the right set of circumstances that will cause a negative experience)... and its repercussions.
You sound like you are already doing this with Knuckles. Good job.
You have to remember that a really effective therapy dog is not only friendly and likes attention... he must DESIRE this type of attention from STRANGERS (children, elderly, mentally/physically handicapped, maybe all in one). It is the unusual dog that will TOLERATE, much less desire (seek out), attention from all of these types.
Some dogs tolerate attention they did not seek out. But each dogs level of tolerance is their buffer from reactions (fear or aggressive reaction to stimulus). A dogs level of tolerance is much higher when they actually SEEK OUT affection from strangers. Better yet, when they are calmed by the type of attention they receive, and not stimulated by it.
Yes, I mean I test, socialize (increase tolerance for), and train (encourage to like, desire, and be calmed by) possible rough handling, and novel experiences.
These are important topics not covered by most testing methods. I also think these things are important to know about your dog. It affects what you do with him, and how you will do it. Not only whether, or which type of therapy you will do (kids, elderly, or mental/physically handicapped) but what sports you compete in, what training methods best fit that dog, and how much you have to be aware, and in control of... him and his environment.
The results of pressure testing your dog is not to say a dog passes or fails... he is your pet and your responsibility... you should know him that well. A dog can have a "good temperament" and not be a candidate for therapy... certain sports... children... other dogs... in certain arousal states. What does he like, does he tolerate, what arouses him... You need to know.
Even if your dog passes the tests, know your dog.