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Rosie
Lv 7
Rosie asked in PetsDogs · 7 years ago

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?

Update:

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.

5 Answers

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  • 7 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    All I can say was your dog is good and properly trained.

  • Anonymous
    7 years ago

    As for your mother i can recommend you some great assisted living facilities: http://losangelesassistedlivingfacilities.com/ . It specializes in placement and referral services for seniors and their families into assisted living communities throughout Los Angeles County.

  • 7 years ago

    A Pit Bull therapy dog? HIGHLY doubt any legitimate therapy dog certification program would allow a Pit Bull or bully breed mix. Part of the certification is providing insurance for the pet therapy volunteer and their dog so why would they allow a breed/breed mix that's the #1 dog for bite fatalities with TEN TIMES more deaths than the #2 dog????

    And even in the unlikely instance you found one that would certify him that still doesn't mean the nursing home your grandmother will be at will allow you to visit with him. There's so much negative against these dogs that you would TERRIFY most of the other residents by walking in the door with him. How is that fair to them???

  • Anonymous
    4 years ago

    Find what motivates your dog. Some dogs do anything for food. Some dogs do anything for Toys. Some do anything for a good petting. Some do anything for only one type of food, like cheese, or hotdog. Some only have interest in training for 5 minutes at a time, and others can go for an hour. Figure out what your dog is willing to work for, and then work with her in sessions that are no longer than she can tolerate. Learn how to train your dog properly http://onlinedogtraining.enle.info/?0SwL

    Sign up for a dog obedience training class. It will not train your dog. It will give you training on how you can train your dog. Most people understand the idea of training, but there is a right and a wrong way to do it, and there is good and bad technique. Timing and consistency is very important, and it helps to have feedback of someone watching you who can help you improve your technique to get more efficient results with your dog.

    However, she may be somewhat anxious around other dogs, sort of like the shy kid on the playground. She will benefit from continuing what you are doing as far as asking her to sit before entering, but there are more things along those lines that will help her to calmly go in and out of the dog park. She may also benefit from going in short bursts, or only when fewer dogs are present, or avoiding times when other dogs that make her nervous are present. Maybe she just plays loud - my brother's dog is this way - or maybe she is a dogpark bully - sorry it is possible. But more likely she is just a little anxious around new dogs and she wants to play but just doesn't quite know how to do that and still feel comfortable. Don't be surprised if your dog does not actually like the dog park, and maybe she would get more enjoyment and less stress out of simply going for a good walk somewhere else.

    A wagging tail does not mean that your dog is happy or even comfortable with the situation. It means your dog is emotionally aroused. This could be a happy arousal, or it could be a nervous arousal, or it could be an aggressive arousal. Go youtube it, there are plenty of videos of 'vicious' dogs who are throwing a very aggressive fit of barking and snarling while their tail is wagging vigorously. Even police dogs who are not let off the leash to chase down a suspect can be lunging and barking and snarling, and their tails are still going.

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  • ?
    Lv 5
    7 years ago

    I don't think many people would want a Pit Bull as a therapy dog. Don't get me wrong I love all dogs and don't have anything against any dog breeds.

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