Therapy dog

Question
Hi!

My puppy (age five months) is very mild mannered, she is zen. Not to say she doesn't trot around but good with people (the vet loves her, she is so docile)

I contacted St John's Ambulance to find out about their therapy dog program

Can you recommend any training in advance of her entering that program at age 1 year? Besides, sit, stay, etc.

I am interested in clicker training (and teaching her a few tricks!)

Answer
Hi Danni,

Great that you're thinking ahead! Make sure your puppy has a good default sit and stays sitting until you release her. This is important so that she doesn't topple anyone should she get too excited in her greeting. Your puppy needs to be able to walk nicely on a loose leash at your side and walk closely in somewhat of a heel through a crowd, so you could practice this now that spring and summer are fast approaching with all kinds of outdoors activities and people moving about and mingling more.

Use every opportunity you can to have your puppy practice sitting to meet and greet people. Make sure she is around children as well as adults.

Your puppy should also tolerate hugs and grooming and rough handling. She should be able to be quiet when left alone with a stranger for a few minutes.

When you test your dog she will need to have a normal startle response to loud noises. If she is socialized, you should not need to practice this and you want to avoid unnecessarily startling her, especially during a fear period, the second of which occurs between 6 and 14 months of age. Being frightened during this time period can have long-lasting effects, so never force your puppy into a situation which she would rather avoid.

Try to expose your puppy to medical equipment such as wheelchairs and walkers if you have the opportunity. You could check with a local nursing center and find out if they will allow you to bring your puppy there to visit, just for the socialization and experience. They will probably require documentation of current vaccination status and perhaps a statement of health from your veterinarian. I probably wouldn't take her to a place where people are ill until she is at least 6 months of age, but check with your veterinarian.

I hope that helps - good luck!

Cindy