« previous next »
Pages: [1]

Author Topic: Therapy dogs  (Read 1399 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline Scarlett

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1837
  • Gender: Female
  • Julie & Scarlett from Greece
Therapy dogs
« on: May 12, 2010, 09:35:07 AM »
Hello everybody!  :D
I am Julie living in Athens & I own Scarlett, a 3.5 month cocker puppy :D
I am very much interested Scarlett to become a therapy dog.
I have read a lot about them...their training, abilities & what they exactly do.

Does anyone of you have or know somebody owning a therapy dog?
 
i would like to share with you experiences, ideas, opinions etc...
In Greece the Therapy Dogs' organisation is new & I know in England your experience is much bigger!

Logged
"Of all the dogs that are so sweet
The Spaniel is the most complete.
Of all the Spaniels, dearest far
The little loving Cockers are."
Ernest Howard Shepard, Mc Obe 1879 - 1976

Offline black taz

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2366
Re: Therapy dogs
« Reply #1 on: May 12, 2010, 12:51:38 PM »
I had a 6 month old Lab (Kira) who i want to get registered as a Pet Therapy dog when she is about 1 year old.  I think she has the ideal temperment. 
Logged

Offline jennyspin

  • Site Member
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 887
  • Gender: Female
  • my gorgeous Boyd & Jitka at Master Groom 2012
Re: Therapy dogs
« Reply #2 on: May 12, 2010, 06:49:07 PM »
Two of our cockers are Pets as Therapy dog, Jessica and Buster. Once we registered both of them had to be assessed by a trained assessor. We went to a lovely lady called Lynne who shows Old English Sheepdogs. They walking on the lead was tested to make sure that they didn't pull, she checked that they weren't scared of loud noise in case one of the people who they visited dropped a walking stick, etc, and she cheked that they temperament was correct by offering them treats and stroking them all over. We have visited elderly people and older people with learning disabilities. It is important to get the correct temperament as Buster has had his ears pulled and his nose sqeezed a couple of times. On one occasion a young man called Nicky squeezed his nose quite hard and you could hear all of the staff hold their breath but Buster took it all in his stride! It's funny because the elderly folks would rather have Jessica as she is quite quiet and mumsy whereas the day care centre folks loved Buster as he is quite a character and always barks when he arrives and runs down the corridor to the sensory room. One of things which I would say is that you can have tears in your eyes sometimes when you go on visits. There was a man at the home with alzheimers and all he did all day was sit in a chair not speaking. After a few weeks of me and Buster visiting him he came to shout "Buster", I did have a weep at that. It is really rewarding and I was defo recommend it. Best wishes
Logged
Sandlauga cockers
Never assume anything...except an occasional air of intelligence! The Sheriff to Guy of Gisbourne (Richard Carpenter, Robin or Sherwood, Rip 27/02/2012, a writing talent who will be missed).

Offline Scarlett

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1837
  • Gender: Female
  • Julie & Scarlett from Greece
Re: Therapy dogs
« Reply #3 on: May 12, 2010, 11:16:06 PM »
Thank you so much!
I really appreciate sharing with me your experience!!
Your dogs are really lovely and I admire the time you offer to the disabled people etc.
God bless you all!!
Logged
"Of all the dogs that are so sweet
The Spaniel is the most complete.
Of all the Spaniels, dearest far
The little loving Cockers are."
Ernest Howard Shepard, Mc Obe 1879 - 1976

Offline Doggiecrazy

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 152
  • Gender: Male
Re: Therapy dogs
« Reply #4 on: May 13, 2010, 12:20:34 AM »
We are going to be booking an assesment soon for Jo our chocolate and white cocker, he is lovely but does bark when you tell him to lay down  :005:  I think this might make him unsuitable but will have to see, fingers crossed he will pass  :D
Logged
One cocker leads to another...

Offline tillydog

  • Site Member
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1395
  • Gender: Female
  • Rommel & Lady
Re: Therapy dogs
« Reply #5 on: May 13, 2010, 02:27:52 AM »
Hi Julie, have a word with Leisl - her dog Muppet is PAT dog.  :D
Logged

Offline Scarlett

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1837
  • Gender: Female
  • Julie & Scarlett from Greece
Re: Therapy dogs
« Reply #6 on: May 13, 2010, 07:26:34 AM »
Quote from: Doggiecrazy on May 13, 2010, 12:20:34 AM
We are going to be booking an assesment soon for Jo our chocolate and white cocker, he is lovely but does bark when you tell him to lay down  :005:  I think this might make him unsuitable but will have to see, fingers crossed he will pass  :D
Ι will also cross my fingers for him! Good luck! :D
Logged
"Of all the dogs that are so sweet
The Spaniel is the most complete.
Of all the Spaniels, dearest far
The little loving Cockers are."
Ernest Howard Shepard, Mc Obe 1879 - 1976

Offline Scarlett

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1837
  • Gender: Female
  • Julie & Scarlett from Greece
Re: Therapy dogs
« Reply #7 on: May 13, 2010, 07:27:04 AM »
Quote from: tillydog on May 13, 2010, 02:27:52 AM
Hi Julie, have a word with Leisl - her dog Muppet is PAT dog.  :D
thanks, I will!!  :D
Logged
"Of all the dogs that are so sweet
The Spaniel is the most complete.
Of all the Spaniels, dearest far
The little loving Cockers are."
Ernest Howard Shepard, Mc Obe 1879 - 1976

Offline Scarlett

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1837
  • Gender: Female
  • Julie & Scarlett from Greece
Re: Therapy dogs
« Reply #8 on: May 13, 2010, 08:02:43 AM »
I read all Muppet's threads!

http://www.cockersonline.co.uk/discuss/index.php?topic=30413.0

She is a special dog so is her mother!!
Logged
"Of all the dogs that are so sweet
The Spaniel is the most complete.
Of all the Spaniels, dearest far
The little loving Cockers are."
Ernest Howard Shepard, Mc Obe 1879 - 1976

Offline Scarlett

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1837
  • Gender: Female
  • Julie & Scarlett from Greece
Re: Therapy dogs
« Reply #9 on: May 13, 2010, 08:40:35 AM »
Just mentioned a PAT thread at General Cocker Spaniel discussion session...maybe his thread should also move there...not sure...
Logged
"Of all the dogs that are so sweet
The Spaniel is the most complete.
Of all the Spaniels, dearest far
The little loving Cockers are."
Ernest Howard Shepard, Mc Obe 1879 - 1976

Offline goldblend90

  • Donator
  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 191
  • Gender: Female
  • Harley Boy looking good !!
Re: Therapy dogs
« Reply #10 on: May 13, 2010, 11:24:38 AM »
Hi there

Harley (my golden boy) is a registered PAT dog, and we have just got back from our weekly session with the local special needs school.  It is a very rewarding job, as it great to see how the children respond to Harley after just a few weeks.  Now that we have some nicer weather, I put a second lead on Harley and the children walk him around the playground, its great to see the sense of achievement on their faces.

Also, we work with one autistic boy, who has to carry something all the time, but over time we have now got him to give up everything for Harley to come in the room, which in turn, means the teachers know the child can give up objects for a greater reward.

Jenny, Harley & Mayhem
Logged

Offline Scarlett

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1837
  • Gender: Female
  • Julie & Scarlett from Greece
Re: Therapy dogs
« Reply #11 on: May 13, 2010, 11:26:50 AM »
Congratulations to Harley & you!!
It's so nice to listen to all these beautiful stories!!
Logged
"Of all the dogs that are so sweet
The Spaniel is the most complete.
Of all the Spaniels, dearest far
The little loving Cockers are."
Ernest Howard Shepard, Mc Obe 1879 - 1976

Offline Scarlett

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1837
  • Gender: Female
  • Julie & Scarlett from Greece
Re: Therapy dogs
« Reply #12 on: May 18, 2010, 12:57:50 PM »
Yesterday on our afternoon walk we visited a children's playground! The kids played with Scarlett who she really enjoyed!
On the way home we met a young woman on a wheal chair!! Oh I was so touched by Scarlett playing with her & the yound lady's smile! She played with her for 10 min. but these were on of the best 10 minutes in my life...
Logged
"Of all the dogs that are so sweet
The Spaniel is the most complete.
Of all the Spaniels, dearest far
The little loving Cockers are."
Ernest Howard Shepard, Mc Obe 1879 - 1976
Pages: [1]
« previous next »