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Is Your
Dog Ready for Therapy Dog Visits?
There are many examinations
that various associations use to determine if a dog is ready to work as a
therapy dog. Admittedly, not
being ready can have disastrous results. We are categorically, always
responsible for our dog's conduct.
So, how do we know,
when we're ready? You
know Fido or Fifi better than
any trainer or evaluator.
Make your own evaluation!
Take the
following test:
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Is your dog well socialized?
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He's accustomed to many kinds of situations, people
and other dogs.
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Yes, I let him out in the yard everyday and that's as
far as he goes.
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Does your dog jump up on people?
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I don't permit this conduct; I use a sharp correction.
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Only when they ring the bell, meet us in the street,
talk to him or me, etc.
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Are you surprised when your dog puts his/her best paw
forward?
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No, I've worked hard to train him and I expect him to
behave.
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Yeah! You never know (WHAT he'll do...?)
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How does your dog react to rolling shopping carts, roller
blades or skateboards?
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He calmly watches with curiosity as they move past.
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The eyes glaze over, the mouth foams and with curled
up lips he barks and growls furiously.
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How do you and your dog handle the unexpected?
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Appropriately, just like Lassie.
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How does your dog behave at the Vet or Groomer?
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He compliantly agrees to whatever fate awaits him.
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They meet us at the door with a muzzle.
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Have you and your dog had any formal training? How about at home training yourself?
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Yes, we have been through at least beginners and we
still practice at home.
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We're perfect, we don't need no stinkin' training.
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Does your dog have any health problems?
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No, as far as I know he's fine, but I check him
regularly for lumps and sensitive areas.
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He has this interesting case of flatulence. Oh, and
bad breath.
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How does your dog accept a treat?
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He sits and waits until given the signal and then
gently takes it from my hand.
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How many fingers do you have?
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Do people cringe at the sight your dog?
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No, they smile sweetly and pat him fondly.
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Is that what they're doing? Oh.
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What happens when your dog sees another dog?
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He exhibits mild curiosity and wags his tail.
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He growls, snarls, and drags you down the street.
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Does your dog like children?
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Yes, he wags his tail and wants to go play - gently.
He knows not to jump up and scare little ones.
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Yes, baked, broiled or boiled, he doesn't care.
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Does your dog bark incessantly - ever?
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No, not ever. He knows that is unacceptable behavior
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Yes, he's a true watch dog heh, heh. You should see
what happens when the bell rings.
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Does your dog growl at strangers, children, or anyone
for that matter (postman??)?
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No, my dog really likes people.
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Yes, occasionally he just doesn't like someone.
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Does the postman cross the street when he sees your
approach with your dog?
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No, the postman likes to pet my Fido. They've been
good friends since he was a pup (Fido,that is).
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The postman, the UPS man, the meter reader ..They all
run away!
If
you scored mostly A) responses -
congratulations!! You and
Bowser are ready!! The world
is your oyster and you should get tested as soon as possible.
If you
however, scored even one - yes, one .
B). response perhaps you should consider a training course before
venturing out to do Therapy work with your dog.
 

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The Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dogs, Inc. is a non-profit all volunteer organization. We do not accept monetary compensation for our visitation. Testing Fees, Membership Fees, are Donations and are Tax Deductible
Info@Golden-Dogs.org
The Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dogs, Inc.
80 Powder Mill Road, Morris Plains, NJ 07950
Phone: (973)292-3316 Fax: (973)292-9559 Toll-Free (888)PET-5770
Copyright © 1999-2004 Bright
and Beautiful Therapy Dogs
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