First let me start with the fact I do not represent any
organization not TDI (Therapy Dogs International) nor do I represent our local
TDI chapter this article is how I was able to get involved in TDI from start to
finish and is my opinions and experiences only. I am not an expert by any means
in the topics below, I did my best to provide helpful links with additional
information.
TDI, I have
always enjoyed volunteering and I love dogs, once I heard about TDI it seemed
like liked the perfect fit. Volunteering with my dog!
“A Therapy Dog is born,
not made. Yes, one can teach a dog mannerly behavior, but one cannot change a
dog's inherent temperament. When a dog is put under stress, poor or marginal
temperament will surface. Therefore: What are we looking for? A Therapy Dog
must have an outstanding temperament. This means that the dog should be
outgoing and friendly to all people; men, women, and children. The dog should
be tolerant of other dogs (of both genders) and non-aggressive toward other
pets. Before you consider having your dog evaluated, you should ask yourself if
your dog has these qualities.” If the
above qualities describe your dog than TDI might be for you.
(Gracie)
TDI the journey, I
started off taking basic obedience classes as soon as Gracie was old enough. I
knew therapy work was for her as she LOVES everyone and everything. Your dog must be able to sit, stay (with you
leaving your dog), lay down, leave it, heel, come when called and ignore
distractions. Having the basics down is essential before attending TDI manners
class. How did I train my dog? I started with a lot of socialization as soon as
her vaccinations were done, in many different environments and people. I also
had strangers give her treats, which I brought, to get her used to strangers
and making sure it was rewarding for her as a young pup. I also had them say “ let me see” and look in
her ears and mouth from about 4 months on, take this with a grain of salt I am
not a dog trainer and I am not responsible if your dog bites someone….. I use a
lot of positive reinforcement and took classes with Lydia Smith, and I took
classes at our local Sioux Empire Kennel club (SEKC). We practice manners every
chance we get. My dogs always eat after I do, and must “work” for their food.
They have to sit and stay until I tell them they can go to their bowls to eat,
my oldest Gracie eats first and then our puppy does. I also do not free feed my
dogs, and I always make my dogs wait before going out or in a door as humans
have the right of way (this comes in handy on the TDI test). My dogs always
must sit or lay down before I pet them and remain calm, if they get excited I
leave and come back and we try again, I do the same if a stranger wants to pet
them. I also ignore my dogs and expect everyone to, when they come over. Once
the dogs are calm than they can get reinforced for their good behavior and get
attention. My dogs also get plenty of exercise! Two walks a day and we practice
Rally, obedience or conformation (these are things I love doing with my
dogs, very good mental stimulation, and
I do them throughout the day for short periods of time) If your dog has the basics down, we are
fortune that our local chapter offers TDI manners classes before the test. The
classes are an hour long one day a week for four weeks leading up to the test.
For more information on TDI manners class visit: http://www.siouxempirekennelclub.org/hidden-tdi. You do not have to attend Manners class before you test,
although I would recommend it. In TDI
manners class you will safely expose your dog to walkers, canes, crutches,
wheel chairs, noises, IV pumps, leaving your dog with a friendly stranger (3
minutes I believe), leaving treats that are on the ground or in the hands of
the volunteers and learn how to handle your dog properly so he or she is able
to be pet by strangers and not take food. Also, your dog must be at least one
year of age before you can test ( Gracie was not ready at one, she passed when she was two), and allow a
friendly stranger to brush him or her, handle their feet, and look/ touch in
their mouth, ears, tail and body.
Testing, when we tested
this year it was at the same location where we had class. This room was filled with wonderful
volunteers and evaluators, which gave up their Saturday to help us. You will
test with a total of four dog/ handler teams. You must have your dog on a flat collar or
harness with no moving parts, and a 6 foot leash. Our local chapter and their
volunteers are simply put amazing. They help you prepare for the test and help
you remain calm and relaxed throughout the test. In total the test, the
paperwork, and the pictures afterwards, probably took us a total of an hour and
half. When testing you can also
simultaneously test for CGC and CGCA.
CGC and CGCA are the Canine Good Citizen test and the Advanced CGC for
more information about these programs visit: http://www.akc.org/dog-owners/training/canine-good-citizen/http://www.akc.org/dog-owners/training/canine-good-citizen. With these programs you can get a certificate or title for your
dog, as long as you have an AKC number. I did both as I was already there and
thought why not? If your dog is a mix
breed there are alternatives to still get your dog registered with the AKC! http://www.akc.org/dog-owners/canine-partners/ (you can also do various
dog shows with a mix breed if you did not know, just not conformation showing
to my knowledge) If you have a purebred, but did not get papers you can get a
PALS number http://www.akc.org/register/purebred-alternative-listing/. Again you can also do
various AKC dogs shows with a PALS number, not conformation though. The test is
one low fee, however when you send in your paperwork there are additional fees.
For TDI the fee covers you for insurance for the year, ID badge, Bandana for
your dog and educational information. For
the CGC and CGCA this is paid directly to the AKC for your certificates. Once you pass your test the amazing volunteer’s
at our local chapter help you fill out all the needed paperwork and let you
know the steps you need to take to send it in and lastly take your picture with
at least one of the evaluators.
Additionally, there will
be an orientation class put on by our local chapter so you can learn about
visiting and get paired with a mentor for the facility you wish to visit. The
mentorship program is a great way to learn what to do when you visit. Such as
where you can bring your dog to relieve itself, where you sign in and where you
can and cannot go in a facility. Additionally, you learn about the rules and
regulations around TDI.
Maggie Pearson
Sioux Falls, SD
More Helpful Resources:
Sioux Falls TDI: https://www.facebook.com/groups/282189335245223/
TDI: http://tdi-dog.org/
Gracie and her family!
