I encourage anyone who has a dog that loves people, is well mannered to investigate possibility of dog therapy visiting. The nice aspect about this is, dogs do NOT have to be obedience trained, just obedient. Big difference!

A few weeks ago, when I brought my golden to home, one of directors noticed that one of residents was watching dog. The director said why don’t you go over and see what she will do. This lady we were going to see was in one of those high backed chairs that also serves as a bed. She was not able to sit, or move up. But, she was able to move her head sideways, drop her arm, and pet my dog. WOW! She was thrilled. She gently talked to Nikki, and when I asked her a few questions about dogs, she answered me. Now, director came over to me, and told me this lady never speaks to anyone, except to tell them where to…., well you know what, right? This lady was unhappy, and other then telling everyone off, she never talked to anyone conversationally. The director was thrilled to see her react this way. These experiences make visiting worth while. And let me tell you, it IS worth while.

There are many training methods available. You need to find method that will work for you and your dog, (a humane method of training, of course.)

I was thinking about this as I was taking my 3 dogs (one is blind) out for a walk today. Just as we were getting into jeep (I drive to where I walk), a lady pushing a stroller came past my house.

Now, you need to understand, that my now golden retriever, Nikki, seems to think whole world is out to play with her. She is only 1 1/2 years old. I thought to myself...WOW! What if she had decided to take off and play with lady and her stroller? Would she have come back to me instantly when called? Stopped instantly on command? I am not sure. This gave me reason to reflect seriously about obedience training. Now, you may be thinking that because she is a therapy dog, she is a well behaved trained dog. And yes, she is. But even a therapy dog gets their moments when out and running lose. And for some reason, my dogs can be total pests at home, and total angels when visiting seniors.

A dog must, for their own safety and security, and I will repeat myself here, a dog MUST stop and come on demand. This can never be an option. Whether your dog is a therapy dog, like mine, or a house pet same rule applies.

Check your neighborhood for training classes. Also, there are many different types of programs available, including online downloadable programs, which are very,very good.. Check them out. Find one that suits your lifestyle. And, do it. Both you and your dog will be happier!

http://www.mimfreedom.com/dogtherapy.htm

My two passions, health and pets. Doing therapy dog work is one of the most rewarding activities I can do with my dogs. Pet health care is one of my passions. http://www.mimfreedom.com/dogtherapy.htm