Thinking about getting my dog into the TDI program?
My mother is 86 and thinking about entering an assisted living facility. In the past I have thought about getting my dog certified as a therapy dog. Now, I'm thinking more seriously about it.
She is a 9 year old Pit Bull, in excellent healthy, has earned her CGC (3 times, 1st, I thought the evaluator was to easy, 2nd after AKC starting adding it as a title, and 3rd as a donation for Pit Bulls who earn it) She has multiple agility titles and her RN (rally novice) and the only thing that bothers her is another dog yelping (barking doesn't bother her)
She is fine with noises, loves people, (usually) walks great on a leash, has an excellent recalls, she is used to walkers, wheelchairs don't bother her.
Looking over the list of tests, the biggest issue for her will be the 'leave it' with food on the floor. But if I work on that, she shouldn't have any problems with that.
There are no tests in my area until April, at the earliest, so I've got time to get everything in order.
So, any tips, suggestions?
Okay people, first, lets READ the question, it is my MOTHER not GRANDMOTHER. My dog is a female, not 'he'.
I know of several Pit Bulls that are certified therapy dogs.
I have had more positive feedback from older people about my dogs that I have from younger people. Older people grew up before there was all the negativity towards them.
Did you read the part where my dog had already earned her CGC 3 TIMES???? That means she is well mannered, and good around other dogs. She competes in agility, she is around many other dogs on a regular basis, she is off-leash around these dogs.
The TDI test isn't that different from the CGC. The biggest differences I see in the test is the dog has to walk past food on the floor, and be around a wheelchair or someone on crutches.